ABOUT

I started off as an ambitious kid teaching myself how to make beats. I graduated High School in 2009 and that summer began interning at a local music studio. That experience catapulted my knowledge of audio engineering and producing music.

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I learned from Hot Rod, producer of Yo Gotti’s “5 Star Chick” featuring Gucci Mane, Trina, and Nicki Minaj. I also learned from T-Mack, the audio engineer of Memphis legends 8-Ball & MJG. I had the honor of recording artists like Young Dolph while working there as well. I also sold my first beat there, which received a radio play in San Francisco, CA.

I went on to attend Tennessee State University where I took my music career to the next level. At 19, I produced the radio hit single “HardHead” featuring myself as an artist under the name “2Cent” and fellow Memphis rapper “KVO”.

The success of the record lead to the “HardHead” being featured on BET’s 106 & Park as the “New Joint Of The Day” in August of 2011. I was 19, gracing the same stages as artists like Yo Gotti, Master P, Young Dolph, K. Michelle, Plies, Waka Flocka, Soulja Boy, Travis Porter, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Kia Shine and more. As an artist and producer, I have had numerous records that have been played on the radio. I have also mixed/mastered audio for Project Pat, Young Buck, Roc Nation artist MTG, Epic Records artist Tink, and more. Currently, I am an executive producer and personality on the Immediately Kinfolk Podcast alongside Memphis Legend, Kinfolk Kia Shine.

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Today, I am most known as an artist, music producer, radio personality and audio engineer. I am known by the name “2Cent” as a producer. As an artist, I go by my real name, “DeRone Payne”.

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My latest album “Grown” dropped August 21, 2022. My journey with music has been quite interesting, to say the least. I can still feel the high from when KVO and I premiered the “Hard Head” on BET’s 106 & Park. That one was one of my proudest days. I have matured so much over the years. Becoming a father and husband in 2015 changed my perspective so much. It helped me find my purpose and taught me the true meaning of life.

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I want to share what it means to be an active father, faithful husband, and legit hustler through the words in my music. I want to motivate young people to chase their dreams and stay out of trouble. Stay tuned...