Ellis: The Journey of a West Coast Hip-Hop Artist on the Rise

The West Coast has long been a breeding ground for some of the most influential voices in hip-hop, and emerging artist Ellis is no exception. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Ellis has been perfecting his craft for years, blending personal experiences with a unique West Coast sound. His journey has been marked by highs and lows, but his determination to succeed in the music industry is unwavering. Today, Ellis continues to make waves with his music, and his story is one of perseverance, growth, and passion.

Early Life and the Birth of a Lyricist

Ellis' story begins in the heart of Los Angeles, where he first discovered his love for music. He recalls the moment that ignited his passion: "At the age of thirteen, I wrote my first rap, dedicated to my father who passed away in 1998 when I was eight. That was the first time I could put my feelings on paper, and it was liberating."

For Ellis, music became a form of therapy, helping him navigate the pain of losing his father. As he honed his skills over the years, he eventually landed his first record deal with Rowe Records in 2011 after performing in a showcase at The Convention Center. This was a pivotal moment in his career, leading to the release of his first music video, Cali Swag, and later, his debut mixtape in 2018 titled Life is Good, God is Better.

In 2024, Ellis dropped the video for his latest track, Wayne Gretzky, marking a new chapter in his artistic journey.

Overcoming Obstacles: Balancing Music and Fatherhood

Ellis' journey hasn't been without its challenges. As a father of four, he juggles the demands of family life while pursuing his passion for music. "My biggest obstacle has been real life," Ellis admits. "Finding time to work, provide for my kids, and spend time with them, while also chasing my music dreams, is a constant struggle."

As an independent artist, Ellis also faces the unique challenges of marketing himself and his music. "The burden is on me to write songs, find beats, get studio time, and promote everything on my own." However, he remains undeterred and continues to push forward, determined to leave his mark on the industry.

Lessons Learned in the Game

Ellis is a firm believer in the importance of patience and perseverance. "The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that everything takes time. An ‘overnight success’ rarely happens overnight. There’s a lot of sweat, tears, and hard work that go into making your dreams a reality."

Networking, Ellis emphasizes, is another crucial element of success in the music business. "Making oneself available is key. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with Trap LA and his team—the exposure they provide can open doors I might not have been able to access on my own."

The Sound and Vision of Ellis

Ellis describes his music as deeply personal and rooted in his West Coast upbringing. "I listen to a lot of country music and try to emulate the imagery used in that genre. My music paints pictures of my life—my mother, my kids, my family, and my efforts to take care of everyone."

When asked to compare himself to other artists, Ellis cites Nelly, Lil' Wayne, and Mozzy. "I relate to Nelly’s style, Lil' Wayne’s lyrics, and Mozzy’s delivery. These artists have all influenced me in different ways."

Ellis is also selective about the artists he dreams of collaborating with. "If I could work with anyone, I’d choose Nelly, Fridayy, Lil' Wayne, Kane Brown, and Keith Urban. They each bring something different to the table."

What Sets Ellis Apart

Ellis' diverse background, both as an artist and a salesman, gives him a unique edge in the industry. "I think what sets me apart is my age and my experience in sales. With over 20 years in the game, I understand what people need in a product to choose it. I’m good at networking and finding my niche in different crowds."

He also takes pride in the personal connection he has with his music. "My work is an extension of who I am. I live, eat, and breathe my music. I write all my own songs and assist my producer with engineering my sound."

Future Plans and Projects

Looking to the future, Ellis is focused on continuing to grow as an artist and give back to his community. "I always strive to be the best, and one day I want to reach the level of those artists I admire," he says.

Ellis' philanthropic goals also set him apart. "I’m really big on the idea of giving back. I’d love to set up a homeless shelter that offers real resources to help people get back on their feet. I also want to teach the art of sales."

Staying Motivated

For Ellis, family is the ultimate motivator. "My biggest motivation is my mother. She went through a lot but always made sure we were good. When I was 11, my siblings and I were placed in foster care. My mom did everything she could to visit us and stay connected, even when those visits were only 15 minutes long."

That experience, along with his early success as a salesperson—winning an award at 16 for being the "Best Seller" of the Los Angeles Times in Southern California—has shaped Ellis into the determined and hard-working artist he is today.

Defining Success

Ellis looks to motivational speaker Earl Nightingale’s words to define success: "The progressive realization of a worthy ideal." For him, success isn’t just about fame or money—it’s about the constant pursuit of a meaningful goal.

Final Thoughts and What’s Next for Ellis

As Ellis continues to carve out his path in the music industry, he remains dedicated to his craft and focused on what lies ahead. He’s currently working on a new track, Madre, Part II, dedicated to his mother, further solidifying the personal connection that fuels his music.

For those who want to stay connected with Ellis, you can find him on Instagram at @Ellis_gfvisualz or on YouTube at DwayneEllis1990.

Ellis’ journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and staying true to your roots. As he continues to grow as an artist, it’s clear that his story is far from over. The West Coast has a new voice rising, and Ellis is ready to make sure it's heard.