D-Roc

D-Roc, born D’eongelo Holmes, is one half of the renowned Atlanta-based rap duo YingYang Twins, alongside his longtime collaborator Kaine. Their infectious blend of crunk and party-style rap has solidified their status as icons in the hip-hop scene. With a focus on themes ranging from partying and relationships to explicit discussions of sex, the duo’s music resonates with fans who appreciate their unapologetic and energetic approach.

D-Roc’s journey into the world of music began when he met Kaine in East Atlanta at the age of 16. Both faced unique challenges, as D-Roc was born with nubs instead of fingers on his left hand, while Kaine dealt with a birth defect resulting in a limp due to cerebral palsy. Their shared experiences created a deep connection, and they named their group after the Chinese symbols for light and dark, reflecting the duality of their lives.

The duo’s breakthrough came with collaborations like “Get Low” with Lil Jon and the iconic partnership with Britney Spears on her 2003 album, “In the Zone.” Hits like “Salt Shaker,” “Badd,” “Shake,” and “Wait (The Whisper Song)” propelled them into mainstream success, while their anthem “Halftime (Stand Up and Get Crunk)” became a fixture in NFL football stadiums, especially associated with the New Orleans Saints.

Under the guidance of DJ Smurf and a deal with Universal Records, YingYang Twins released their debut album, “Thug Walkin’,” in 2000, featuring the hit “Whistle While You Twurk.” The group’s popularity soared, earning them the Group of the Year award at the 2004 Source Awards. D-Roc, alongside Kaine, remains a dynamic force in hip-hop, continually releasing new music, with their latest offering being 2020’s “Twerkin InThe Mirror.”