Many artists struggle to establish their musical identity, laboriously trying on different musical styles like a piece of clothing, looking to find what fits. But there are others that emerge fully formed, in full command of their craft, their identity and their music. D. Madden fits firmly in the latter category. He is an artist blessed with gifted and significant new talent, one whose music feels familiar in the best possible way, while striking out on its own territory.

A Florida boy who grew up in Crestview, near Pensacola, Madden began teaching himself how to record, mix, master, and produce at the age of 13, but didn’t take music seriously until he was in his early 20’s. He explains, “At first, I just started rapping to be apart of the popularity contest in school between other rappers, freestylists, and producers, but once I realized I was actually good, it took my interest in music to another level. I started learning how to produce my own music, so I could create the ideas I heard in my head, and form in into something tangible. Then I started learning how to make my own instrumentals to make my music more unique and stand out from the rest. Once I realized I was surpassing my peers, I wasn’t interested in anything I was doing other than music.”

Recording on his laptop and playing the songs he produced for his friends to listen to, D. Madden saw their genuinely excited reaction. “My best friend David Perrin saw so much in me, he bought me my first condenser microphone.” Now recording in earnest, D. Madden has been gathering skills as a songwriter, producer, and engineer,

taking his influences, like Jay Z, Cassidy, Ludacris, Dru Hill, Sisqo, Boyz 2 Men and Shai, and using them to shape his own style. “I grew up with a little bit of 60's blues, and a lot of early 90's R&B,” Madden explains, “My mom used to play Boyz 2 Men all the time. I naturally gravitate to that kind of sound; there’s a warmth and timelessness to it that I’ve always loved.”

D. Madden put out countless mixtapes and albums, but considers his current project, "Promise You Its Worth It" to be his first and greatest project ever. “There was a lot of trial and error that went into the album. The songwriting is far more detailed than most, and that was reflected in how I recorded. I recorded over 50 songs for this project, and I've only picked fifteen so far. I spent months on certain songs, refining them until I thought they were just right.”

From the opening notes of “Goodbye,” the album’s first single, one hears that combination of melodic irresistibility and lyrical incisiveness that are becoming Madden’s hallmarks. “The song was accidental. It all started with my best friend's two year old son singing a melody,” D. Madden notes, “But the vibe of it... the song is so strong, it can't help but to speak for itself.”

As his name grew in and around the 850 area, things began to fall into place for D. Madden. He began doing local shows within the area, which earned him some much needed cash and the notoriety to begin playing bigger shows for an ever-increasing local audience. Recording continuously, D. Madden linked up with Lil Wyte (of 3 6 Mafia) and a locally known rap group "NSC" and recorded "Tell Them Boyz I Mean It." He also opened up for artists such as Oj the Juiceman, Project Pat (of 3 6 Mafia), etc. as well as countless amounts of 850's best and brightest local talent.

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