Today we’d like to introduce you to Duan “DGainz” Gaines
Duan “DGainz”, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m from the South Side of Chicago, IL. I started making beats when I was 15 and eventually moved into writing music, engineering, and filming music videos around 18 or 19. I launched my YouTube channel in 2008, and from there, I began connecting with artists around the city and building my platform. These artists include names like Lil Durk, Chief Keef, Tink, Katie Got Bandz, King Louie, and many more. To date, I’ve built a following of over 800,000 subscribers and accumulated more than 700 million views. Nowadays, while I still support other artists, my main focus is on my own music—which I record, mix, and produce myself.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being in the music industry definitely comes with its struggles. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of loyalty—relationships can be fleeting, and trust is hard to come by. There’s also the ongoing issue of fair compensation, with many artists and creatives not getting paid what they truly deserve for their work.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an artist, producer, music video director, editor, graphic designer, 3D artist, and A&R—but most people know me for my work behind the camera. My biggest credit to date is directing “Love Sosa” by Chief Keef, a video that helped shape a movement. Still, what I’m most proud of is my own music. Early on, I struggled with the confidence to really put myself out there, but over time, I’ve grown into a fully established artist. What sets me apart is my honesty, vulnerability, and passion—I bring all of that into everything I create, whether it’s a track, a visual, or a vision.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up on the tough South Side of Chicago. I’ve always been a creative kid—naturally drawn to art from a young age. I started with drawing, but over time, my passion expanded into music and film. I used to spend hundreds of hours listening to CDs my grandmother had collected over the years—everything from Barry White to MC Hammer. Eventually, I developed my own taste, getting into artists like Nelly, Eminem, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, and many more. I was just as obsessed with visuals—music videos, movies, and especially how they were made. I’d watch behind-the-scenes footage on DVDs and shows like Access Granted and Making the Video, studying every detail. All those hours of soaking up sound and visuals helped shape the creative skill set I have today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dgainz?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dgainz?si=rHG70-ZNk7B_2RQf
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/xEctHSMUmp3BBAVY9
