15 Facts You Need To Know About 'Panda' Rapper Desiigner
Everything you need to know about GOOD Music's latest signing.
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1. What is Desiigner's relationship with Kanye West?
Desiigner is signed to Yeezy's GOOD Music label alongside Big Sean, Pusha T, 2 Chainz and more. The 'Panda' rapper was actually stood behind Kanye at the epic premiere of his 'TLOP' album at Madison Square Garden earlier this year. Picture: Instagram
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2. Where is Desiigner from?
Despite sounding like a rapper from Atlanta, Desiigner is actually from Bed-Stuy, New York. The same neighbourhood as The Notorious BIG, Aaliyah and Chris Rock. Picture: Instagram
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3. What is Desiigner's real name?
Desiigner's real name is actually Sidney Royel Selby III. He began rapping under the name Dezolo, before changing to Designer Royel. His sister then convinced him to drop the second half of the name. He added the double 'ii' for effect. Picture: Instagram
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4. Desiigner tried to give 'Panda' to another rapper.
According to the man himself - "I didn't know what to really put to it," he told Genius. "I wanted rhyme to it but I wanted to give it away." Luckily his manager convinced him to finish the track and the rest is history. Picture: Instagram
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5. Was 'Panda' Desiigner's first song?
Contrary to popular belief, 'Panda' wasn't actually Desiigner's first song. The rapper recorded a number of tracks including 'Jackie Chan' and 'Zombie Walk' before his hit single went viral. Picture: Instagram
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6. Desiigner got shot as a teenager.
He told Genius: “I got hit [by a bullet] in my hip. I was in the hospital 10 minutes, 30 minutes — but it was just that moment that really said ‘Yo mind your business.’ When that happened to me, I knew I wasn’t supposed to be there. I always had a voice in my head that said don’t do the bad.” Picture: Instagram
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7. The video for 'Panda' has over 80 million views.
Despite the video initially being a TIDAL exclusive, the YouTube video currently has over 80 million views! The official audio video, which was released first, has over 237 million views.
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8. Desiigner has never been to Atlanta.
Despite famously rapping about his "broads in Atlanta" on 'Panda', Desiigner has actually never been to the US city. He claims the line was inspired by a girl he met on Facebook who was from Atlanta, although he never went there himself. Picture: Instagram
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9. He was involved an 11-label bidding war.
"All of them was going nuts," he told Genius. "Some of them gave it to me and others were like lets see how 'Panda' does.... They lost!" Picture: Instagram
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10. There are rumours that Desiigner is dating Lil Kim.
After their performance at the 2016 BET Awards, she posted on Instagram: "I luh him. Your performance was so dope! I I'm so proud of you baby! So much fun when we're together!! He's a real one." Are the pair more than friends? Picture: Instagram
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11. Desiigner is often compared to Future.
Due to their familiar sound, Desiigner is often compared and critiqued alongside Atlanta rapper Future. Some fans claim that the New York rapper is stealing Future's style however Desiigner shrugs off the criticism: "God gave him a blessing, but he gave me a blessing too. He makes beautiful music," he told Complex.
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12. His performances are show-stopping.
Desiigner knows how to put on a show. From throwing up mid-dab, to picking up a disabled person during a performance, his shows are not to be missed. He calls his energetic moves his "funk". Picture: Instagram
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13. Desiigner keeps breaking records.
Desiigner is the first New York rapper since Jay Z to reach number one in the Billboard Charts. Hov previously had the accolade with 2009's 'Empire State Of Mind' featuring Alicia Keys. Picture: Getty
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14. What is Desiigner's first project called?
Desiigner has only dropped one project so far called 'New English'. The 14-track mixtape, which features 'Panda', is filled with traps hits. Interestingly, the tape only features Pusha T.
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15. When is Desiigner's debut album dropping?
His debut album 'The Life Of Desiigner' doesn't currently have a release date, although the project is expected to drop before the end of the year. Expect features from Kanye West and the rest of his GOOD Music label mates. Picture: Getty
