Introduction
Donald Earle DeGrate, Jr. (born September 29, 1969), better known by his stage name DeVante Swing, is an American record producer, singer, rapper and songwriter.
Career
Swing rose to fame in the 1990s as the founding member of the trendsetting R&B group Jodeci, one of the more popular R&B acts of its time. Swing served as the main songwriter, producer, and leader of Jodeci which also featured his younger brother Dalvin DeGrate. He also acted as a video director for the group, co-directing the videos for "Feenin'" with Hype Williams and "Freek'n You" with Brett Ratner.
Swing went on to form his own record label, Swing Mob, which signed artists and producers such as Ginuwine, Missy Elliott, Playa, Stevie J and Timbaland at the beginning of their careers. Swing produced 2Pac's "No More Pain" on the 1996 album All Eyez on Me which saw somewhat of a departure from what he normally produced for Jodeci. In addition, Swing has produced and written for numerous other artists such as Mary J. Blige, Al Green, Montell Jordan, Ray J, Kurupt, Usher and unreleased material for Michael Jackson's 2001 album Invincible.
Proteges
Swing also mentored Flo Rida and Keyshia Cole in the early stages of their careers.
Discography
- Forever My Lady (1991)
- Diary of a Mad Band (1993)
- The Show, the After Party, the Hotel (1995)
- The Past, The Present, The Future (2015)