Born on the 29th day of September 1969 as Donald Earle DeGrate Jr., Devante Swing is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and founding member of Jodeci – one of the most notable American R&B groups formed in 1989. Devante is moreover also known as the brother of the famous rapper, Dalvin Degrate.
Away from his musical career, the Jodeci member is a father of 2. His kids are Justin Degrate and Dyana Degrate. His son Justin is as well a singer and producer while his daughter has taken a controversial career path that has placed her in the eye of heavy criticism.
Undisclosed Facts about Devante Swing that will Interest You
1. Is He Married?
Although the singer loves to keep his personal life very discreet, sources reveal that he has been married to Miranda Santana and they have 2 children together. Swing’s kids are Justin Degrate and Dyana Degrate. It is however not too clear whether or not the couple is still together. Be that as it may, it has also been reported that Kim Porter and Khadijah Haqq were at a point in time his girlfriends.
Coming back to his kids, Swing’s son Justin is also a music producer, singer, writer, composer, and director. His daughter Dyana on the other hand is reportedly a stripper. Although she has previously been slammed for being a stripper, Dyana said she is not ashamed of her choice of occupation.
2. The Jodeci Member is a Preacher’s Kid and His Music Career Began in the Church
Devante Swing is currently known as a very talented singer and songwriter who was born in Hampton Virginia, U.S. However, his musical talents were actually honed in Christ Tabernacle Church where his father Rev. Donald Degrate was pastoring.
3. His Father was a Gospel Singer
Swing’s father was popularly known in his days as a televangelist with the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). Moreso, Rev. Donald was also a talented gospel singer known for songs like I Wanna Be Ready 1979. Sources have revealed that Devante and his brother used to travel with his father for most of his musical presentations.
4. Devante Swing’s Parents Disapprove of His Music Genre
Though he has evolved to become a star since making his R&B debut in the 80, Devante’s parents disapprove of their son’s music genre. His father has said that he would rather have his sons back to singing in the church rather than singing songs about ‘sexy women’. More so, Rev. Donald does not listen to Devante’s music.
5. He is the Pioneer of Jodeci and Da Basement (Swing Mob)
After leaving the Church Devante went on to form Jodeci in 1989. The group was a quartet formed alongside his brother Dalvin Degrate, K-Ci, and Jojo.
Swing became the leader and major songwriter of the R&B group, leading them to produce their debut album Forever My Lady which was released on the 28th of May 1991. The album received positive reviews and peaked at number 1 on the Top R&B Albums music the first week of its release. It is also certified multiple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. By August 1995, Forever My Lady had sold more than 3 million copies in the U.S alone and over 8 million copies all over the world.
Formation of Swing Mob
Devante also pioneered the Swing Mob otherwise known as Da Basement 1990. Swing Mob became an R&B/Hip hop group consisting of numerous artists and record labels. The vision Devante had for the group was to be able to develop several talented musicians in the U.S and also be able to build a huge music brand.
The group kick-started pretty well with members like Missy Elliot, Timberland, and Playa. It, unfortunately, folded up in 1995 due to irreconcilable differences that existed among the members.
Be that as it may, Devante has proven to be a multitalented entertainer who has discovered great music talents like Stevie J, Timberland, and Elliot. He is also accredited to have mentored Flo Rida in his early career days.
6. Devante Swing’s Discography
As a producer, Devante has worked on a lot of songs for so many artists. However, the works that are closely associated with him are mostly with Jodeci. They are
- The Past, The Present, The Future – 2015
- The Show, the After Party, the Hotel – 1995
- Diary of a Mad Band – 1993
- Forever My Lady – 1991
7. His Brother Dalvin DeGreat Left Jodeci and Started His Own Music Brand
Swing’s brother, Dalvin DeGreat is also a popular musician. He was however the first to break out of the quartet group Jodeci. He notably produced a solo album in 2000 titled Me.A.Mor.Phic. This was due to a quarrel that erupted between him and the quartet group in the 90s.
Although he officially left Jodeci, Dalvin has continued to push the group’s brand. He has said he loves the group and will continue to identify with them.
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8. Swing was Attacked and Left for Death in 1993 During His Brother’s Birthday
The Jodeci member was nearly murdered in the late hours of his younger brother’s birthday on the 23rd of October 1993. The musician was helped by the timely intervention of his brother Dalvin DeDegrate and the other Jodeci members who noticed his absence at the party and decided to check on him.
According to Dalvin, he went to his brother’s house only to discover that he was severely beaten and tied with blood all over him. Swing was however able to bite off the finger of one of the attackers who carted away with about $20,000 worth of jewelry. He was rushed to the hospital and nursed back to health.
9. What’s the Rift Between Devante Swing and Danny Boy?
American R&B singer Danny Boy has alleged that Swing is a horrible person who has often said things to him that are not nice. According to him, Swing always abuses the position he holds and treats people badly.
Danny particularly made reference to how Swing mocks his sexuality. It will be recalled that Danny Boy openly announced that he is gay in 2016. Danny said Swing kept saying nasty things to him simply because he is gay.
10. Devante Swing Hardly Travels by air Because He Sufferers From Anxiety
Dalvin has said that his brother Swing suffers from anxiety and he cannot fly due to this. Dalvin also disclosed that when going to shows, Devante had to take the bus while his other crew members fly in an airplane and this has made him come late or miss a number of his shows.
Speaking of shows, Devante and the Jodici team were able to stage a reunion in 2014 after many years of silence. The show brought back nostalgic memories for Jodici fans. In a recent interview, Dalvin claimed Jodici never broke up and fans made the assumption because the group would usually go many years without releasing any song together.
Swing’s brother said Devante now resides in L. A and there is a possibility Jodici may organize another reunion soon. The quartet group recently performed their 1991 hit single Come and Talk to Me at the 2022 BET Awards held at Microsoft Theatre L.A.
