Dalvin Ertimus DeGrate, known professionally as Mr. Dalvin, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer born on July 23, 1971, in Hampton, Virginia. He gained fame as a key member of the popular R&B group Jodeci, which dominated the music charts in the 1990s. While not often taking the lead vocal position, Dalvin played a vital role in the group’s production and songwriting efforts.
Dalvin DeGrate Biography
Born to Donald and Mary DeGrate in Hampton, Virginia, Dalvin grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is the younger brother of DeVante Swing (Donald DeGrate Jr.), who is also a notable figure in the music industry as a singer, songwriter, producer, and rapper. While Dalvin stands tall at 6’3″ (191 cm) and weighs approximately 165 lbs (75 kg), limited information exists about his educational background as these details remain private.
Dalvin DeGrate Career
Dalvin’s career reached its peak during his time with Jodeci, one of the most successful R&B groups of the 1990s. The group released three highly acclaimed albums that topped the U.S. R&B charts:
Major Album Releases
- Forever My Lady (1991): This debut album went 3× Platinum and reached #1 on the US R&B chart.
- Diary of a Mad Band (1993): Their sophomore effort achieved 2× Platinum status, topped the US R&B charts, and reached #3 on the Billboard 200.
- The Show, the After Party, the Hotel (1995): This album went Platinum, reached #1 on the US R&B chart, #2 on the Billboard 200, and #4 on the UK charts.
- The Past, The Present, The Future (2015): The group’s comeback album after many years.
Jodeci became known for hit singles like “Forever My Lady,” “Stay,” “Come and Talk to Me,” and “Cry for You.” Dalvin contributed significantly to the production and songwriting aspects of their albums, particularly “Diary of A Mad Band” and “The Show, The After Party, The Hotel.”
Solo Career Ventures
After his success with Jodeci, Dalvin launched his solo career in 2000 with the release of his debut album “Met.A.Mor.Phic,” which included the single “Why Can’t We.” He later signed with Def Jam Recordings to work on his second album, “Met.A.Mor.Phic 2: The Rivalry Of A Singer & A Rapper,” featuring collaborations with Method Man, Ludacris, and Redman.
Unfortunately, disagreements with the label led to the album being shelved, prompting Dalvin to establish his own label, DeGrate Productions. In 2012, he announced an album titled “Egomaniac,” though it was never officially released.
In 2014, Dalvin co-founded Christo Chrome Music with Cassandra Mills and released the single “Vindication (Get Money) feat GOODZ” in 2017. The label also released a song titled “Hashtag Dat” featuring Nessasary. Despite announcements, his expected 2018 album remains unreleased.
Personal Life
Dalvin was in a relationship with American actress and singer Tionne Watkins (T-Boz of TLC) from 1992 to 1998. There is limited public information about his current relationship status, as he maintains privacy in his personal affairs.
Dalvin DeGrate Net Worth
Dalvin DeGrate has an estimated net worth of $4.5 million. He built his wealth through his diverse career as a singer, songwriter, and producer. His fortune primarily stems from:
- Music sales from Jodeci’s platinum and multi-platinum albums
- Royalties from songwriting and production
- Concert tours and performances
- His independent label ventures
- Solo music projects
FAQs About Dalvin DeGrate
Is Dalvin DeGrate still making music?
Yes, Dalvin continues to work in the music industry. Though he hasn’t released a full album recently, he has put out singles through his label and occasionally performs.
What is Dalvin DeGrate famous for?
Dalvin DeGrate is best known as a member of Jodeci, one of the most influential R&B groups of the 90s.
Why did Jodeci break up?
Jodeci never officially announced a breakup but went on hiatus in the late 1990s as members pursued solo projects. They later reunited for their 2015 album “The Past, The Present, The Future.”
What is Dalvin DeGrate’s most famous song?
While Dalvin contributed to many Jodeci hits, his solo single “Why Can’t We” from his album “Met.A.Mor.Phic” gained recognition. With Jodeci, he’s best known for songs like “Forever My Lady” and “Stay.”
Are Dalvin and DeVante Swing still close?
As brothers and former bandmates, Dalvin and DeVante maintain a relationship, though they tend to keep their family dynamics private.
Will there be another Jodeci reunion?
While nothing has been officially announced, fans remain hopeful for future collaborations among the Jodeci members.