Dante Hillmedo

Give Us Some Background Info As To Who You Are.


My name is Andrew Hillmedo Jr, aka Dante. I’m 23 years old and I was born and raised in The Bronx, NY. My parents are from Jamaica. I’ve always been involved in the arts. I’ve been drawing since I was 8 years old, writing poetry since I was 13. I played the alto saxophone for 3 years, I've been acting for 3 years, as well as dealing with graphic design for over 7 years. I’ve been making beats and writing songs for the past couple of years, but I’ve only started to rap professionally as of late 2010.
What Is The Significance Of Your Name?


I decided to go with “Dante” because that was the name of the first big role I’ve had. I starred as the character "Dante" in the movie “Baby Mama” disributed by Universal Pictures. I’ve been doing a lot of background work and managed to get that role. Therefore, the name “Dante” is a reminder to me that I’m not doing all this work for nothing. I will get my shine if I stay committed.

What Sets You Apart From Other Aspiring Rappers?

I would have to say my style and how I go about my music sets me apart from the competition. A lot of people make music for their hood or their city. I’m trying to make music for the world and music that everyone can enjoy. Some of my songs have a pop feel to it, some have an old school feel to it, some have a mainstream sound, and I even try to tie in some of my Jamaican roots into some of my songs. I’m all about making music that inspires emotion.


What single or project are you currently pushing?


I’m currently pushing “We Get Money” and “Back It Up”. “We Get Money” is a song I created from the ground up. It has gone through many revisions. It’s a song that I wanted to give an old school feel to, like something Run DMC would create. The beat is a definite head nodder and the hook is memorable. It’s the only song so far that I’ve shot a music video for, which is getting great reviews. “Back It Up” is a club banger! It’s a party song almost reminiscent of 2 Live Crew’s “Doo Doo Brown”. It’s one of those songs that when you’re in the club, you know the ladies can get down to and I foresee it getting a lot of club play once more DJs hear it.

What Is The Philosophy By Which You Live By?


My philosophy revolves around the fact that I just live to the best of my ability without letting stress get to me. I’m a very easy going and friendly person. I can honestly say I have no enemies. I don’t get caught up in petty problems or ignorance; I always say if it doesn’t benefit me then it doesn’t concern me. I just like taking it easy, meeting new people, and aiming for the highest level of success I can attain.


Which Artists Have Inspired You?


So many artists have inspired me. I listen to every genre of music except for country. Well sometimes I listen to Garth Brooks but that’s about it LOL. But Basically, I draw inspiration from Kanye West, Berres Hammond, Garnett Silk, Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes (old school), Usher, Linkin Park, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Rick Ross, Vybz Kartel, and Movado among others.

Who Does Your Production?


Up until now, except for 2 songs (“Built For This” and “Back It Up”), I’ve made all of my beats myself. I do the recording, mixing, and mastering for all my songs. I’m still learning but I’ve been able to put out some great tracks.

What Is Your Opinion Of The Current State of the music industry?


It’s not about real Hip Hop right now; it’s about fun songs. What I mean is, hardcore rap isn’t selling now, and people are going for catchy hooks on top of addictive beats. It’s all about singles now more so than an album and it's digital over discs. Things will change surely but I’m confident in my ability to adapt with whatever changes come forward.

What Is Your Opinion Of The Current State of the music industry?


I don’t think that I would change much about it now; I mean people are just having fun; they’re enjoying themselves. If it was a couple of years ago then my thoughts would be different. I’m happy that there’s no where near as much gangster rap on our radios and TVs as there used to be. In my opinion, Gangster Rap played a part in teen violence. So I’m just happy to see that there are less derogatory things becoming mainstream. There are mainly love songs, party songs, and songs about flossing hitting the air waves these days. And that's ok.

Are There Any Singers That You Would Like To Collaborate With In The Future?
Definitely, I want to work with Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Usher, Chris Brown, Chad Kroeger, and Ne-Yo.

What Producer Would You Like To Collaborate With In The Future?


I’m up for collaborating with any and every producer; I’m not picky about that. Johnny Juliano, who produces for Wiz Khalifa, made the beat for “Back It Up”. So I’m looking forward to discovering other producers and hearing what unique sounds they can bring to my music.


What Is Your Favorite Movie - Mi2n

Give Us Some Background Info As To Who You Are.


My name is Andrew Hillmedo Jr, aka Dante. I’m 23 years old and I was born and raised in The Bronx, NY. My parents are from Jamaica. I’ve always been involved in the arts. I’ve been drawing since I was 8 years old, writing poetry since I was 13. I played the alto saxophone for 3 years, I've been acting for 3 years, as well as dealing with graphic design for over 7 years. I’ve been making beats and writing songs for the past couple of years, but I’ve only started to rap professionally as of late 2010.
What Is The Significance Of Your Name?


I decided to go with “Dante” because that was the name of the first big role I’ve had. I starred as the character "Dante" in the movie “Baby Mama” disributed by Universal Pictures. I’ve been doing a lot of background work and managed to get that role. Therefore, the name “Dante” is a reminder to me that I’m not doing all this work for nothing. I will get my shine if I stay committed.

What Sets You Apart From Other Aspiring Rappers?

I would have to say my style and how I go about my music sets me apart from the competition. A lot of people make music for their hood or their city. I’m trying to make music for the world and music that everyone can enjoy. Some of my songs have a pop feel to it, some have an old school feel to it, some have a mainstream sound, and I even try to tie in some of my Jamaican roots into some of my songs. I’m all about making music that inspires emotion.


What single or project are you currently pushing?


I’m currently pushing “We Get Money” and “Back It Up”. “We Get Money” is a song I created from the ground up. It has gone through many revisions. It’s a song that I wanted to give an old school feel to, like something Run DMC would create. The beat is a definite head nodder and the hook is memorable. It’s the only song so far that I’ve shot a music video for, which is getting great reviews. “Back It Up” is a club banger! It’s a party song almost reminiscent of 2 Live Crew’s “Doo Doo Brown”. It’s one of those songs that when you’re in the club, you know the ladies can get down to and I foresee it getting a lot of club play once more DJs hear it.

What Is The Philosophy By Which You Live By?


My philosophy revolves around the fact that I just live to the best of my ability without letting stress get to me. I’m a very easy going and friendly person. I can honestly say I have no enemies. I don’t get caught up in petty problems or ignorance; I always say if it doesn’t benefit me then it doesn’t concern me. I just like taking it easy, meeting new people, and aiming for the highest level of success I can attain.


Which Artists Have Inspired You?


So many artists have inspired me. I listen to every genre of music except for country. Well sometimes I listen to Garth Brooks but that’s about it LOL. But Basically, I draw inspiration from Kanye West, Berres Hammond, Garnett Silk, Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes (old school), Usher, Linkin Park, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Rick Ross, Vybz Kartel, and Movado among others.

Who Does Your Production?


Up until now, except for 2 songs (“Built For This” and “Back It Up”), I’ve made all of my beats myself. I do the recording, mixing, and mastering for all my songs. I’m still learning but I’ve been able to put out some great tracks.

What Is Your Opinion Of The Current State of the music industry?


It’s not about real Hip Hop right now; it’s about fun songs. What I mean is, hardcore rap isn’t selling now, and people are going for catchy hooks on top of addictive beats. It’s all about singles now more so than an album and it's digital over discs. Things will change surely but I’m confident in my ability to adapt with whatever changes come forward.

What Is Your Opinion Of The Current State of the music industry?


I don’t think that I would change much about it now; I mean people are just having fun; they’re enjoying themselves. If it was a couple of years ago then my thoughts would be different. I’m happy that there’s no where near as much gangster rap on our radios and TVs as there used to be. In my opinion, Gangster Rap played a part in teen violence. So I’m just happy to see that there are less derogatory things becoming mainstream. There are mainly love songs, party songs, and songs about flossing hitting the air waves these days. And that's ok.

Are There Any Singers That You Would Like To Collaborate With In The Future?
Definitely, I want to work with Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Usher, Chris Brown, Chad Kroeger, and Ne-Yo.

What Producer Would You Like To Collaborate With In The Future?


I’m up for collaborating with any and every producer; I’m not picky about that. Johnny Juliano, who produces for Wiz Khalifa, made the beat for “Back It Up”. So I’m looking forward to discovering other producers and hearing what unique sounds they can bring to my music.


What Is Your Favorite Movie - Mi2n

If you're looking for the next Ryan Leslie--a person that does it all in the entertainment industry--then, look no further:

Dante (real name: Andrew Hillmedo Jr.) is a 23-year-old rapper from
The Bronx who covers all aspects of his music career. He makes his own beats, and records, mixes and masters his own songs. In an extraordinary effort, Dante saved $10,000 to shoot, direct and produce a music video for his own single titled We Get Money, now featured on World Star Hip Hop
and VladTV. See the video, below:



With the underground success of We Get Money, this multi-tasker had a few more lyrical tricks up his sleeve. Fans can ride along the motivation-driven, bass-pumping sounds of Built For This, synthesize on the autotune-laced Clearer Skies, get cocky on the swagger-themed
Like A Boss, and feel energized on the intense-yet-smooth Hip Hop Hype.

Like any artist, Dante likes to expand his talents to all forms of media.
The name Dante came from the role of his first acting part in Universal Picture's Baby Mama, opposite of SNL alums Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. He has also acted in MTV, VH1 and Verizon commercials.

Dante, however, has not always had success. His mother, from Mandeville, Jamaica, came over to the U.S. in the mid-80s to provide a better life for her son. She had worked multiple, vile and insufficient jobs with no form of aid from Dante's father in the military. His mother fought and fought to gain citizenship, finally attaining it in 2009, but still endures lifelong struggles. It is, hence, no surprise that Dante is such a multi-tasker and credits all motivation to the mother that gave him his start.

For more updates on Dante, including upcoming shows, music and big and small screen appearances, visit his official site at http://thisisdante.com or follow him on Twitter: @DanteHillmedo. - PammiePedia

If you're looking for the next Ryan Leslie--a person that does it all in the entertainment industry--then, look no further:

Dante (real name: Andrew Hillmedo Jr.) is a 23-year-old rapper from
The Bronx who covers all aspects of his music career. He makes his own beats, and records, mixes and masters his own songs. In an extraordinary effort, Dante saved $10,000 to shoot, direct and produce a music video for his own single titled We Get Money, now featured on World Star Hip Hop
and VladTV. See the video, below:



With the underground success of We Get Money, this multi-tasker had a few more lyrical tricks up his sleeve. Fans can ride along the motivation-driven, bass-pumping sounds of Built For This, synthesize on the autotune-laced Clearer Skies, get cocky on the swagger-themed
Like A Boss, and feel energized on the intense-yet-smooth Hip Hop Hype.

Like any artist, Dante likes to expand his talents to all forms of media.
The name Dante came from the role of his first acting part in Universal Picture's Baby Mama, opposite of SNL alums Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. He has also acted in MTV, VH1 and Verizon commercials.

Dante, however, has not always had success. His mother, from Mandeville, Jamaica, came over to the U.S. in the mid-80s to provide a better life for her son. She had worked multiple, vile and insufficient jobs with no form of aid from Dante's father in the military. His mother fought and fought to gain citizenship, finally attaining it in 2009, but still endures lifelong struggles. It is, hence, no surprise that Dante is such a multi-tasker and credits all motivation to the mother that gave him his start.

For more updates on Dante, including upcoming shows, music and big and small screen appearances, visit his official site at http://thisisdante.com or follow him on Twitter: @DanteHillmedo. - PammiePedia

The BlockStarz.Tv Network has debuted the pilot episode of its original comedy web series, “THIS IS DANTE”, which follows the misadventures of a young Jamaican actor from the Bronx as he attempts to break into the music business.
“‘THIS IS DANTE’ is new, it’s different, and it’s entertaining,” says the show’s star and namesake Dante Hillmedo (born Andrew Hillmedo Jr.), who’s appeared in a handful of Hollywood movies, most notably 2008's BABY MAMA starring Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Greg Kinnear. “I believe viewers will laugh, learn, and most of all enjoy the ride as they follow the highs and lows of my journey through the entertainment industry.”
The 25-year-old Hillmedo says the series will detail his career false starts, including an ill-fated collaboration with distant cousin Slick Rick, and missed opportunities, like a nervous audition that lost him a role in the Biggie Smalls biopic Notorious, through a mix of behind-the-scenes footage and funny reenactments.
The comedy/reality-based web series, which was created by Hillmedo’s film/television company Team Elite Productions, premiered as part of The BlockStarz.Tv Network’s sneak peek at its Fall 2013 prime-time lineup and will air Wednesday nights at 9 PM EST with rebroadcasts on Mondays. - Electronic Urban Report

The BlockStarz.Tv Network has debuted the pilot episode of its original comedy web series, “THIS IS DANTE”, which follows the misadventures of a young Jamaican actor from the Bronx as he attempts to break into the music business.
“‘THIS IS DANTE’ is new, it’s different, and it’s entertaining,” says the show’s star and namesake Dante Hillmedo (born Andrew Hillmedo Jr.), who’s appeared in a handful of Hollywood movies, most notably 2008's BABY MAMA starring Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Greg Kinnear. “I believe viewers will laugh, learn, and most of all enjoy the ride as they follow the highs and lows of my journey through the entertainment industry.”
The 25-year-old Hillmedo says the series will detail his career false starts, including an ill-fated collaboration with distant cousin Slick Rick, and missed opportunities, like a nervous audition that lost him a role in the Biggie Smalls biopic Notorious, through a mix of behind-the-scenes footage and funny reenactments.
The comedy/reality-based web series, which was created by Hillmedo’s film/television company Team Elite Productions, premiered as part of The BlockStarz.Tv Network’s sneak peek at its Fall 2013 prime-time lineup and will air Wednesday nights at 9 PM EST with rebroadcasts on Mondays. - Electronic Urban Report

Bronx, NY based rap sensation Andrew Hillmedo, professionally known as
Dante, has created a major buzz in recent months with his hit singles
“We Get Money” and “Back It Up.” These singles have been featured on All
Hip Hop.com and Yo Raps.com.

The track “We Get Money” in particular is garnering accolades and
airplay on college radio stations and mixshows from around the country.
An aggressive online marketing campaign is underway to promote the song
via such popular record pools as Digiwaxx and Coast2Coast.

“The stellar production on ‘We Get Money’ coupled with Dante’s poignant
cadence, delivery and flow results into a dynamic song that is sure to
be a nation wide hit” according to Urban Buzz Factor.com. The video for
“We Get Money” is very creative and it has received a substantial amount
of views on Youtube.

Equally important, Dante is developing a strong and loyal fan base in
NY and beyond. He describes himself as a new strain of Hip Hop. He is a
jack of all trades. He’s an illustrator, graphic designer, computer
specialist, video editor, website designer, music producer, poet and a
rapper. Additionally, Dante is an accomplished actor. He’s been acting
for the past 3 years and got his first big movie role in Universal
Pictures’ “Baby Mama,” with Tina Frey and Greg Kinnear. In addition he
has appeared in some commercials for Verizon, VH1 and MTV.

Dante grew up listening to all types of music such as R&B, Rock,
Reggae, and Rap. Some of his influences are Busta Rhymes, Michael
Jackson, Queen, Ludacris, Eminem, Nickelback, Linkin Park, Ne-Yo and
Beres Hammond. “I hope that my music will make a difference in the lives
of many, even if it is to give them a brief moment of enjoyment or peace
of mind and tranquility,” proclaims Dante.

Moreover, Dante has been ripping up venues with his dynamic stage
presence. His performances are filled with Energy, Confidence & Swagger.
“When you come out to a Dante concert you should expect to be
entertained and electrified,” raves the rapper.

For more info on Dante and to hear their music, Log on to
www.ThisisDante.com [1] And for Booking or Press, Please send inquiries
to Dante@thisisdante.com [2]
- The Source

Bronx, NY based rap sensation Andrew Hillmedo, professionally known as
Dante, has created a major buzz in recent months with his hit singles
“We Get Money” and “Back It Up.” These singles have been featured on All
Hip Hop.com and Yo Raps.com.

The track “We Get Money” in particular is garnering accolades and
airplay on college radio stations and mixshows from around the country.
An aggressive online marketing campaign is underway to promote the song
via such popular record pools as Digiwaxx and Coast2Coast.

“The stellar production on ‘We Get Money’ coupled with Dante’s poignant
cadence, delivery and flow results into a dynamic song that is sure to
be a nation wide hit” according to Urban Buzz Factor.com. The video for
“We Get Money” is very creative and it has received a substantial amount
of views on Youtube.

Equally important, Dante is developing a strong and loyal fan base in
NY and beyond. He describes himself as a new strain of Hip Hop. He is a
jack of all trades. He’s an illustrator, graphic designer, computer
specialist, video editor, website designer, music producer, poet and a
rapper. Additionally, Dante is an accomplished actor. He’s been acting
for the past 3 years and got his first big movie role in Universal
Pictures’ “Baby Mama,” with Tina Frey and Greg Kinnear. In addition he
has appeared in some commercials for Verizon, VH1 and MTV.

Dante grew up listening to all types of music such as R&B, Rock,
Reggae, and Rap. Some of his influences are Busta Rhymes, Michael
Jackson, Queen, Ludacris, Eminem, Nickelback, Linkin Park, Ne-Yo and
Beres Hammond. “I hope that my music will make a difference in the lives
of many, even if it is to give them a brief moment of enjoyment or peace
of mind and tranquility,” proclaims Dante.

Moreover, Dante has been ripping up venues with his dynamic stage
presence. His performances are filled with Energy, Confidence & Swagger.
“When you come out to a Dante concert you should expect to be
entertained and electrified,” raves the rapper.

For more info on Dante and to hear their music, Log on to
www.ThisisDante.com [1] And for Booking or Press, Please send inquiries
to Dante@thisisdante.com [2]
- The Source