Dorian (rapper)

{{Infobox person

| name = Dorian

| image = Artist Dorian Performing.jpg

| caption = Dorian in 2016

| birth_name = Alton Dorian Clark

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1984|8|2}}

| birth_place = Abilene, Texas, U.S.

| other_names = Dorian, Duck

| alma_mater = Indiana University Bloomington (B.A.)
University of Central Florida (M.A.)

| occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|songwriter|record producer}}

| years_active = 2009–present

| height =

| children = 1

| father = Alton Kevin Clark

| mother = Deborah Lynne Clark

| website = {{URL|group82university.com}}

| module = {{Infobox musical artist

| embed = yes

| genre = Hip hop

| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|percussion}}

| label = Group 82 LLC

| associated_acts = {{hlist|Mark Battles|Joey French|Prodigy}}

}}

Alton Dorian Clark (born August 2, 1984), known mononymously as Dorian, is an American rapper, producer, songwriter, and basketball coach from Indianapolis, Indiana.

Early life

Alton Dorian Clark was born on August 2, 1984, on Dyess Air Force base in Abilene, Texas. His mother named him after actor Dorian Harewood who was from his parents' native town Dayton, Ohio.{{Cite news|url=http://www.crazypellas.net/cms/interview-with-dorian-449/|title=Interview with Dorian (Rapper/Producer)|work=CrazyPellas|access-date=August 7, 2017|language=en}} His father was an airman in the United States Air Force which caused Dorian to move 7 times before he was 10 years old.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sonicbids.com/band/dorian-hip-hop/|title=About Dorian (hip-hop)|website=Sonicbids|language=en|access-date=August 7, 2017}} Dorian's parents grew up during the 1970s funk era and frequently played artists such as The Ohio Players, Lakeside and Bootsy Collins which would later influence Dorian musically. Dorian learned how to read music when he was 9 while playing the trumpet in the elementary school band. In 6th grade, Dorian's family moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where he played the drums in middle school and sang in his Baptist church choir from 8th grade until graduation from North Central High School.{{Cite news|title=Rising Artist: Dorian|last=Cassell|first=Jacqueline|date=February 24, 2015|work=Entertwine|language=en-us}}

Career

=Basketball career=

After graduating from Indiana University Bloomington, Dorian made 800 cold phone calls and sent 1300 cold emails in hopes of landing a basketball coaching job.{{Cite news|url=http://entertwine.net/rising-artist-dorian/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302032425/http://entertwine.net/rising-artist-dorian/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=March 2, 2015|title=Rising Artist: Dorian|last=Cassell|first=Jacqueline|date=February 24, 2015|work=Entertwine|access-date=August 7, 2017|language=en-us}} Dorian would get hired at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina. In 2009, Dorian enrolled in graduate school at the University of Central Florida and coached high school basketball at Montverde Academy under Kevin Sutton.{{Cite news|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2010/02/06/w-park-montverde-roll/|title=W. Park, Montverde roll|last=Collings|first=Buddy|date=February 6, 2010|work=Orlando Sentinel|access-date=August 7, 2017|language=en}}{{Cite web|url=http://miamiherald.typepad.com/fiusports/2011/01/montverde-assistant-de-la-rosa-a-true-center.html|title=Montverde assistant: De La Rosa a 'true center' {{!}} FIU Panthers Prowl|last=Beasley|first=Adam|date=January 14, 2011|website=Miami Herald|access-date=August 7, 2017}} In the offseason, he trained University of Florida basketball player Patric Young.{{Cite news|url=https://www.alligatorarmy.com/2011/5/2/2148282/patric-young-development-goals-relentless-double-double-machine|title=Patric Young On His Development Goals: "Relentless ... Double-Double Machine"|last=Hutchins|first=Andy|date=May 2, 2011|work=SB Nation|access-date=August 7, 2017}} Dorian would also coach at Virginia Commonwealth University under Shaka Smart and Jacksonville University under Cliff Warren.{{Cite news|url=https://hoopdirt.com/daily-dirt-5-26-11/|title=Daily Dirt – 5/26/11 – HoopDirt|date=May 26, 2011|work=HoopDirt|access-date=August 7, 2017|language=en-US}} In 2012, Dorian wrote for ESPN's TrueHoop Network covering the Orlando Magic.{{Cite web|url=http://m.espn.com/nba/notebook?id=8284065&wjb=|title=ESPN NBA 2012 Summer Forecast contributors|date=August 20, 2012|website=ESPN|access-date=August 7, 2017}}

=Musical career=

File:Dorian performing on Prodigy's Tour.png

On Valentine's Day in 2014, Dorian bought Apple's music production software Logic Pro X.{{Cite news|url=http://taxtwerk.com/spotlight-chicago-rapper-producer-dorian/|title=In the Spotlight: Chicago Rapper-Producer Dorian – Tax Twerk|last=Noel|first=Ruth|date=March 2, 2015|work=Tax Twerk©|access-date=August 7, 2017|language=en-US}} He taught himself how to make beats from YouTube tutorials.{{Cite web|url=https://arena.com/article/dorian-becoming-the-master|title=Dorian: Becoming The Master|last=Frazer|first=Bear|date=January 25, 2016|website=Arena.com|language=en|access-date=August 8, 2017|archive-date=August 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808115611/https://arena.com/article/dorian-becoming-the-master|url-status=dead}} In 2015, Dorian signed a digital distribution deal. On Valentine's Day 2015, Dorian released his first project, The D.U.C.K. Tape. Dorian then moved back to Indianapolis and began to work on his second project with music producer Joey French.{{Cite web|url=http://www.stopbeefinradio.com/2015/09/11/wellconnectedwednesdays-interview-joey-french-at-stopbeefinradio-103-7/|title=WellconnectedWednesdays interview Joey French at Stopbeefinradio 103.7|date=September 11, 2015|website=Stop Beefin Radio|access-date=August 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807155452/http://www.stopbeefinradio.com/2015/09/11/wellconnectedwednesdays-interview-joey-french-at-stopbeefinradio-103-7/|archive-date=August 7, 2017|url-status=dead}} Dorian and Joey French met while attending Indiana University. In May 2015, Dorian released “Sunshine” as the lead single to his second album.{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Dorian-rapper-Sunshine/release/9827849|title=Dorian (46) – Sunshine|website=Discogs|language=en|access-date=August 7, 2017}} On October 28, 2015, Dorian released his second full-length LP Every Scar Has A Story.{{Cite web|url=http://www.doriangroup82.com/about|title=About|website=DorianGroup82|language=en-US|access-date=August 7, 2017}} Every Scar Has A Story was co-executive produced by Joey French and featured comedian Rob Sherrell.{{Cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/every-scar-has-a-story/1047035836|title=Every Scar Has a Story by Dorian on Apple Music|website=iTunes|date=October 28, 2015 |access-date=August 7, 2017}} AllMusic editor Paul Simpson says, "his production style and storytelling skills have more in common with 80s and 90s hip-hop (with Warren G and Dr. Dre as a primary influence)…but his sound encompasses more contemporary influences such as trap and Kanye West”.{{Cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/dorian-mn0003480846/biography|title=Dorian {{!}} Biography & History {{!}} AllMusic|last=Simpson|first=Paul|website=AllMusic|access-date=August 7, 2017}}

Upon moving to Los Angeles, California for his music career, Dorian released the single “Don’t Sleep” on YouTube. After the audio version received 60,000 views, Dorian released "Don’t Sleep" to music streaming services Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal in August 2016.{{Citation|title=Don't Sleep – Dorian|date=August 5, 2016|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/30B1hI4APm8YOyqZVZNdkU|language=en|accessdate=August 7, 2017}} Spotify{{Cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dont-sleep-single/id1143202573|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623113159/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dont-sleep-single/id1143202573|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 23, 2018|title=Don't Sleep – Single by Dorian on Apple Music|website=iTunes|access-date=August 7, 2017}} Dorian collaborated with Def Jam signee and Indianapolis rapper Mark Battles for the "Don't Sleep" remix.{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Dorian-rapper-Dont-Sleep-remix-feat-Mark-Battles/release/9827944|title=Dorian (46) – Don't Sleep (Remix) feat Mark Battles|website=Discogs|language=en|access-date=August 7, 2017}} The music video for "Don't Sleep" premiered on iHeartRadio's WZRL Real 98.3 Indianapolis.{{Cite news|url=http://real983.iheart.com/featured/angelina/content/2017-02-24-new-music-video-alert-dont-sleep-by-dorian/|title=New Music Video Alert: 'Don't Sleep' by Dorian {{!}} Angelina {{!}} Real 983|last=Jones|first=Angelina|date=February 28, 2017|work=Real 98.3|access-date=August 7, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=August 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807153720/http://real983.iheart.com/featured/angelina/content/2017-02-24-new-music-video-alert-dont-sleep-by-dorian/|url-status=dead}} In 2017, So You Think You Can Dance Champion Kida The Great choreographed a routine to “Don’t Sleep” that went viral.{{Citation|last=Kida The Great|title=NewGeneration916 dancing to #dontsleep by @doriansucks|date=June 7, 2016|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr9UrFVSsmo|accessdate=August 7, 2017}} YouTube Later that year, comedienne Jessica Vanessa used “Don’t Sleep” to score posts on Instagram.{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BSUjGkxARYH/|title=Instagram post by Jessica Vanessa • Mar 31, 2017 at 11:32pm UTC|website=Instagram|language=en|access-date=August 7, 2017}} In April 2017, Dorian received FM radio play with his single "Even Love Me" debuting on WRIU 90.3 FM.{{Cite web|url=https://www.submithub.com/artist/dorian|title=SubmitHub – Dorian, WRIU 90.3|date=June 28, 2017|website=SubmitHub|access-date=August 7, 2017}} Later that year, Dorian signed a music marketing deal with Journeys shoe store where his music video "Sunshine" was shown in all 1300 locations across North America.

=Business career=

In 2018, Dorian founded the music consulting firm, Group 82. In October 2018, Group 82 received national recognition from the United States Chamber of Commerce for their economic success.{{Cite web|url=https://page.uschamber.com/index.php/email/emailWebview?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWXpFMFlURTNZMll4TlRjeSIsInQiOiJyU2oyb3VubFlOQ0NiM2xYbzZtXC9rd21nRlBpYWt1XC9xWk40TzJ5SEZMSXptUHRpNVJDNkhIV1dkMjZsZk1wckZvMGZYNnpNUG9HXC9TK3BiXC8yRlEzUzFRTWtMUHYzclZ5RkZ3WXlxQjFEVk1kY2JmYUJrSG5sYmtOVmppVnByVGoifQ==|title=United States Chamber of Commerce: Small Biz Of The Week (3 Q's with Dorian Clark: owner Group 82 in Los Angeles, CA)|date=October 2, 2018|website=page.uschamber.com|access-date=October 10, 2018}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

However, customer reviews on Trustpilot have reported issues with Group 82's service, including concerns about communication, fulfillment of services, and refund processes. {{cite web |title=Trustpilot Reviews of Group 82 Music |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.group82music.com |website=Trustpilot |access-date=8 June 2025}}

Influences

Dorian lists Kanye West's The College Dropout, JAY-Z’s The Blueprint, Eminem’s The Eminem Show, Nas’ Stillmatic and Yo Gotti’s Back 2 Da Basics as his favorite rap albums of all time.{{Cite news|url=http://www.noragouma.com/interview-with-rapper-and-producer-dorian/|title=Interview with rapper and producer Dorian -|last=Gouma|first=Nora|date=February 20, 2015|access-date=August 7, 2017|language=en-US}}

Personal life

On June 17, 2019, Dorian announced the birth of his daughter Nova via Instagram.{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/By22b4xnkuW/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/By22b4xnkuW |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=Dorian announces birth of daughter|date=June 17, 2019|website=www.instagram.com}}{{cbignore}}

Discography

=Albums=

class="wikitable" !Title !Album Details
The D.U.C.K. Tape \| Released: February 14, 2015 Label: Self-released Formats: Digital Download
Every Scar Has A Story \| Released: October 28, 2015 Label: Self-released Formats: Digital Download
True Support \| Released: September 11, 2020 Label: Self-released Formats: Digital Download

class="wikitable"

!Title

!Album Details

The D.U.C.K. Tape

Released: February 14, 2015
Label: Self-released
Formats: Digital Download

Every Scar Has A Story

Released: October 28, 2015
Label: Self-released
Formats: Digital Download

True Support

Released: September 11, 2020
Label: Self-released
Formats: Digital Download

=Singles=

class="wikitable" !Title !Year !Album
"Sunshine" \|2015 \|Every Scar Has A Story
"Don't Sleep" \|2016 \|True Support
"No No" \|2016 \|True Support
"Don't Sleep (Remix)" (feat. Mark Battles) \|2016 \|True Support
“Even Love Me” \|2016 \|True Support
“#TooLit” \|2017 \|True Support
“You Scared” \|2017 \|True Support
"Michael Porter" \|2017 \|True Support
"Rotate" \|2018 \|True Support
"Dope" \|2018 \|True Support
"Bout That" \|2018 \|True Support
"Scroll" \|2018 \|True Support
"She Like That" \|2019 \|True Support

class="wikitable"

!Title

!Year

!Album

"Sunshine"

|2015

|Every Scar Has A Story

"Don't Sleep"

|2016

|True Support

"No No"

|2016