Today we’d like to introduce you to Dwayne Dickey.
Dwayne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Dwayne “Hi-Lite Real” Dickey Jr, A church kid from Memphis, TN rasied by a single mother and a praying grandmother. My Story is simple, I lived a life as straight as I possibly could most in part due to the fear of God growing up always in a church-like setting. I’ve always been labeled a strange or differently unique kid who some would even say was always a life of the party type of personality or chill quiet and to himself and just fine. Music is the happy place, being a child of God is the birthright. Many pastors and leaders always spoke a specific word in my life about what I was going to be and how I was going to lead a generation. Growing up you try to run away from that and rebel with what you want to be, however when God puts a calling on you, it’s bound to happen in the time it’s meant. I used to feel like I never fit in with anyone or anything, but the rhythms and melodies of music always gave me a comfort zone. I always loved to create something about making something original and from scratch brings a joy which in my mind is likely how God feels about us when we’re created. I never got in trouble or involved in the street life, most in part due to living that church life, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t have humble beginnings coming out of Memphis. Whether it was sleeping on the floors with roaches in a 2 bedroom household, or using false addresses just to go to a decent school in the area, God has and is always good to me and my family members. My journey into music started in a middle school concerts and jazz band.
Over time I honestly had no idea on what I would do or be career-wise in my life, but I knew whatever it would be it would revolve around music and making a difference in my community. 2012 I discovered the ability to write rap verses after having experience as a natural writer and occasional poet. 2013 I connected with some old friends from high school in which we formed a group of unique rappers and singers called Clear Vision Movement where we went around the city of Atlanta, and even outside the city, to minister the gospel through music to the youth, and young adults in the community. Through time we accomplished a lot before eventually going our own separate ways in 2015, where I began to branch off into a solo career as Hi-Lite Real. It was from there that I was blessed to travel across the nation to cities like Las Vegas for the Stellar Awards multiple times and tour cities like Orlando, Miami, Charlotte, Greenville, Dallas, Memphis, and etc with Dove Award Nominee artist Mr. Del. Del gave me the opportunity to grow in my platform and truly understand the ways of commanding the stage when performing across the nation. Over the years I have been more than blessed to go all over the city of Atlanta to minister to festivals, community events, church outreaches, youth services, and much more to give back what has always been given to me.
Currently, while being a minister of music through rap and hip hop music, I currently attend school at Atlanta Institute of Music and Media (AIMM) for music production and audio engineering in hopes to own my own community-based studio production company for urban and troubled youth to grow musically in their craft and have a safe space to stay away from the troubles of the streets. I also have a label in training called Hi Lite Life Music, where “The Blessed Life is the Best Life”, that is always looking to build and develop young up-and-coming talent and platform them to the highest levels that they can achieve. I am humbled and very blessed to be a creative and musically inclined artist. I value those who are like myself looking to take the God-given gifts and talents and truly elevate them to be the best legacy for generations to come.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Not at all lol, the life of an artist is always with its trials. One of the biggest mountains is having the finances to invest in yourself and your future. I think about all the times I had to scrape up every dollar I had to put behind going on my first tour straight out of pocket in hopes that I would make even half of that back in merchandise sales, some tours were really rough where all that might have come out of it was a man you did awesome or a new fan or two from the exposure. The key has always been consistency and of course, if you’re a believer, trusting in God with the knowledge that no matter how it happens, it will work in your favor.
Another common struggle is truly getting the support in what you have going on in the area, when you have a lot of friends, family, and fans who work 9 to 5 jobs sometimes it’s hard with the way life and bills are to get people to come out to your shows, The best advice I received was that when someone truly wants to see you perform they will go out their way to make sure they come to your events. Its easier said than done, but the more you stay consistent, engage and interact, and of course find unique ways to market the people to come, Whether its a couple of people or a couple of hundred people, you appreciate everyone and find ways to let them know you appreciate them for taking time out their day to come see you.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create and write original themes for independent wrestlers, Content creators, and filmakers. I am a Songwriter who writes all of his music one hundred percent.
I am a producer who enjoys making a good musical production to match the lyricism.
What sets me apart from others is my message behind the lyrics that I bring every time I create a song no matter the style or vibe, there is always a hidden message that will change or inspire a life.
My energy on the stage and diverse delivery of flows on the track are also a stand-out factor, the nickname I was given by my mother was the “Prophetic Poet” which to me describes everything about the experience you get with Hi-Lite Real.
I am most proud of my drive and consistency to not stop because there is so much more for me to do and so many people out there that need to hear every bit of the music that I have out and waiting to release. I am also proud of standing my ground with my faith in my music and not watering down myself or my music to please others.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
First and foremost, I want to say thank you to any and everyone who even takes the time to follow and support me for my fans and followers are all family to me and I treat them no less than that.
To my fellow artists and producers, I am always down for collaborations, and you can follow me on social media @HiLiteLife on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram
To anyone looking to help me create the vision of making a local production studio facility for the local youth in Atlanta and beyond, please reach out to me on the socials or email me at BookHiLiteReal@outlook.com.
To anyone looking to listen to my music, Check out Hi-Lite Real on all streaming platforms from Apple Music, Youtube and Youtube music, Spotify, Soundcloud, and more.
Pricing:
- $250 for a feature verse
- $150 for a beat
- $50 for a hook
Contact Info:
- Website: www.HiLiteReal.net
- Instagram: @HiLiteLife
- Facebook: Facebook.com/HiLiteReal
- Twitter: @HiLiteLife
- Youtube: Youtube.com/HiLiteReal
- SoundCloud: Soundcloud.com/HiLiteReal
Image Credits
Hi Lite Real 2022 8am images 2022
