Dende’s Journey: From Independent Hustle to Def Jam’s Newest R&B Star

By: I'Ja Marie

If you’ve been tapped into iLLANOiZE Radio, you know we’ve been rocking with Dende for a
minute. Feel free to revisit our past interview with Dende that took place back in 2022 below. ​

​The Texas-bred singer, rapper, producer, and multi-instrumentalist has been carving out his own lane in the R&B and hip-hop space, blending neo-soul influences with unfiltered storytelling. From curating a show to bring him to Chicago’s Sub-T to covering the release of his. "Before We Crash EP," we’ve witnessed firsthand ​

The Early Grind
Dende’s artistry has always been about emotion—raw, unfiltered, and deeply introspective. His early projects, like '95 Civic and Before We Crash (both released under CXR), showcased his ability to weave love, heartbreak, and personal growth into sonically rich experiences. Whether crooning over mellow, jazz-infused production or spitting introspective bars, Dende’s sound carried the weight of lived experiences, making him a standout among rising indie artists.

His grind wasn’t just limited to the studio. Dende hit major music markets like Los Angeles, Nashville, and, of course, Chicago, where iLLANOiZE had the honor of curating a show at
Subterranean to introduce him to the city’s vibrant music scene. His live performances captured the same intimacy and vulnerability that his records did—one moment, he’d have the crowd swaying to a soulful ballad, the next, vibing to his hip-hop-infused storytelling.

The Evolution of Sound
Following the success of Before We Crash, Dende continued to level up, dropping projects that further cemented his artistic identity. His ability to sonically evolve while staying true to his core themes—love, pain, and growth kept fans locked in and industry heads paying attention. It was only a matter of time before a major label came calling.

The Def Jam Era Begins
Now, in 2025, Dende has officially joined the legendary Def Jam roster, standing alongside R&B heavyweights like Jhené Aiko, Muni Long, Coco Jones, Fridayy, and Chase Shakur. To celebrate, he wasted no time delivering The Louvre, a new single featuring Swedish GRAMMY-nominated artist LUCIIA. The track, much like his past work, is deeply expressive, layered with silky melodies and heartfelt lyricism that pull listeners into his world.

For those who have followed his journey from the start, this moment feels well-earned. Dende’s rise is a testament to the power of authenticity in an industry that often prioritizes trends over true artistry. From independently grinding his way through the scene to securing a spot at one of the most iconic labels in music, Dende’s story is far from over—it’s just entering its next chapter. And trust, iLLANOiZE will be here for all of it. 

Stream his latest releases below and download the iLLANOiZE Radio app to catch them in rotation and stay updated.

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