Few artists can command a crowd, switch genres, and connect cultures the way DT The Artist does. Hailing from Toronto, he’s become a staple in both the Canadian and international music scenes, with a sound that blends hip hop, soca, and raw storytelling. His chart-topping single “Flashing Lights” put his name on the map, but that was just the beginning. From performing at global festivals to collaborating with legendary artists and becoming a major presence in the Caribbean Carnival circuit, DT’s journey is powered by authenticity, hustle, and heart. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about his music, influences, and what’s coming next.
What inspired your hit single “Flashing Lights,” and how did it feel to see it reach #1 on iTunes Canada?
Originally, I wrote the song referencing a friend of mine who’s a model. I wanted to capture that life — the lights, the pressure, the beauty. When it was done, I reached out to Shannon Green, Mrs. Universe Jamaica 2021, and she became the face of the cover. We shot it during one of my performances — she was in a gold dress with her crown, and it just clicked. When it hit #1 in Canada, I thought I was dreaming. My engineer 4D and I kept checking different chart websites in disbelief. I remember calling Shannon and telling her, “Your face is on a #1 plaque now.” And performing it at fashion shows with Roc the Designer — one time I did it nine times in a row while models walked the runway — was unreal.
Why did you decide to mix Hip Hop and Soca in your new single “Wet”?
Growing up, I was part of this generation of half-Jamaican kids carving our own identity. I got into soca thanks to a friend named Soca Dread, and later through my trips to St. Maarten — experiencing J’ouvert and Carnival made me fall in love with the culture. One day 4D challenged me, like “Bro, show them a real artist can do anything.” So I started rapping to different styles of beats. We pulled up a soca riddim, and as soon as we got going, we knew we had something. That’s how “Wet” was born.
How did your collaboration with Klassik Frescobar come about?
In 2024, I performed at Soca Reggae Fest in Winnipeg, opening for Motto from St. Lucia. He came up to me afterward like, “Bro, I’ve never heard anyone rap on soca like that.” Later, in Toronto, his manager Fross introduced me to DJ Cheem and Klassik Frescobar. I looked up Klassik and saw that he started out rapping and then moved into soca, just like me. I reached out, and we made “Wet” happen. And it was perfect timing — his song “Dansa” was blowing up all over the world. I heard it everywhere I traveled.
What was it like working with artists like Boosie Badazz and Krazy Bone?
Those came through my brothers Half Deezy in Las Vegas and Tha Nazdaq in Toronto. They just called me up like, “DT, we need you on these tracks.” They’d send the references, and I’d hit the studio, lay my verses down. We work fast and clean — and the chemistry’s real.
How did you get involved with the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, and what’s your role?
One of my mentors, Wayne, runs Costume Creators Mas Camp. I met up with him, played him some new music, and told him straight: “I want to MC your truck, perform, and build with you.” He said “done,” right there. Now, I’m the MC for his Carnival truck and all the build-up events, including a J’ouvert with Osocity and Safaree from Love & Hip Hop. I’ll be hosting, performing — just bringing full energy to every event.
You’ve toured in Canada, the U.S., Europe, and the Caribbean — what’s been your favorite place to perform?
I love performing everywhere, but Poland? That was different. The energy, the people — they really wanted to be part of the experience. Even though I didn’t perform on my last trip to Jamaica, it was incredible being around people like Miss Jai from Empire Design, Elaine from Sweat Synergy, and Jacqueline from Meet the Mentors. That whole Mrs. Universe Jamaica experience showed me I’m transitioning to the next level in music and business.
What does being the official host for PDA Canada involve, and how did that opportunity come to you?
PDA Canada is led by Michelle and David — amazing people. I’m their main MC across Canada. I hype the crowd, announce talent, fashion shows, performances — I basically build the vibe. Michelle and I had worked on events before, so when she asked if I’d host and perform, I said “Absolutely.” I’m proud to be part of such a great team.
Can you tell us what to expect from your upcoming EP?
I’ve got a lot of music in the vault right now, so even I’m still deciding what makes the cut. But two songs I know for sure are “Quality Time” and “Jah Bless Me.” “Quality Time” was written about someone special to me. I shot parts of the video in Jamaica with Shannon playing my love interest. It’s about cherishing those little moments together. Then there’s “Jah Bless Me,” produced by JRD Beats. We shot some promo content for that one in Jamaica too. The full EP is coming in September, right after Carnival season — stay locked in.
Follow the journey: @dttheartist
