Meet DeRone Payne | Artist | Audio Engineer | Music Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with DeRone Payne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DeRone, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The biggest thing I have learned along my journey is to lead with passion. Find out what it is you like to do and lean into whatever that is. Do it because you love it, not because you want to get rich tomorrow. Ask yourself, what is it that you would do every day just because it makes you happy? Don’t lead with money.

Life isn’t about how much money you accumulate. You can become wealthy doing literally anything you put your mind to. Make sure that whatever you put your mind to is for you. Don’t allow many outside opinions to sway your decisions on your vision. Everyone won’t be able to handle conversations about your dreams. Some people just don’t have the capacity to advise you. Someone who hasn’t been exposed to what it is you dream to be will place doubt on you because they themselves aren’t cable of achieving your vision. Block those people’s opinions out.

Don’t count on all of your family and friends to support your vision either. It doesn’t mean that they don’t love you as a person, they just don’t have the same lenses on life as you do and that’s ok. Show them through your actions, not your words. Make them see you so clear that they have no choice but to believe you because you brought it to fruition. Self-education and self-validation are the most critical pieces to your success once you have decided on your passion.

Some days will be filled with motivation and you will be produced easily. Those days when you aren’t motivated and have a bad day will be the days that test you. Passion will help push you through those days. Money will not. Follow your dreams. Always lead with passion.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started off as an ambitious kid teaching myself how to make beats. I graduated High School in 2009 and that summer began interning at a local music studio. That experience catapulted my knowledge of audio engineering and producing music.

I learned from Hot Rod, producer of Yo Gotti’s “5 Star Chick” featuring Gucci Mane, Trina, and Nicki Minaj. I also learned from T-Mack, the audio engineer of Memphis legends 8-Ball & MJG. I had the honor of recording artists like Young Dolph while working there as well. I also sold my first beat there, which received a radio play in San Francisco, CA.

I went on to attend Tennessee State University where I took my music career to the next level. At 19, I produced the radio hit single “HardHead” featuring myself as an artist under the name “2Cent” and fellow Memphis rapper “KVO”.
The success of the record lead to the “HardHead” being featured on BET’s 106 & Park as the “New Joint Of The Day” in August of 2011. I was 19, gracing the same stages as artists like Yo Gotti, Master P, Young Dolph, K. Michelle, Plies, Waka Flocka, Soulja Boy, Travis Porter, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, and more. As an artist and producer, I have had numerous records that have been played on the radio. I have also mixed/mastered audio for Project Pat, Young Buck, Roc Nation artist MTG, Epic Records artist Tink, and more. Currently, I am an audio engineer and music producer at Prescott Studios located in Stone Mountain, GA.

Today, I am most known as an artist, music producer, and audio engineer. I am known by the name “2Cent” as a producer. As an artist, I go by my real name, “DeRone Payne”.

I am currently working on my upcoming album “Grown” dropping August 21, 2022. My journey with music has been quite interesting, to say the least. I can still feel the high from when KVO and I premiered the “Hard Head” on BET’s 106 & Park. That one was one of my proudest days. I have matured so much over the years. Becoming a father and husband in 2015 changed my perspective so much. It helped me find my purpose and taught me the true meaning of life.

I want to share what it means to be an active father, faithful husband, and legit hustler through the words in my music. I want to motivate young people to chase their dreams and stay out of trouble. Stay tuned for the release of “Grown” on August 21st. In the meantime, check out my latest single “A Man’s World” produced by Cody Little, available now on all digital platforms!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My number spot in the city is Prescott Studios! You can always catch me on a vibe at the studio. Really cool spot to create music and enjoy my friends at the same time!

One of my favorite spots for a quick lunch is a Japanese restaurant called Ru San’s in Buckhead. Ru San’s is special to me because my wife and I used to go to Ru San’s in Nashville when we first started dating in college. Plus they also have REALLY good sushi, saki, and Salmon Fried Rice.

My favorite Jamaican spot on the east side is Eat Right Caribbean in Lithonia. When I tell you they have the BEST jerk sauce in the world believe me! They have it all from Oxtails, Stew Chicken, Curry, you name it. Really great spot for some authentic Jamaican food.

Another good lunch spot is Nacho Daddy. They have really good drinks.

I also like Fumi Hibachi Sushi & Bar out in Duluth as a dinner choice. As you can see I love Japanese food lol. They also have amazing sushi!

Check out Sugar Shane’s! It is a great place to take your lady and kids to for a treat. They have the BEST cookies I have ever had in my life!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my wife, DeVonna Payne for always believing and supporting me and shoutout to my daughters, Heaven and Harmony, for giving me the strength to push through my journey.

My father, DeRone L. Payne, is one of my biggest inspirations for music. He played bass guitar and exposed me early on to producing. He would take me to the jam sessions he would have with his friends. His love for music is surely in my DNA. As a producer, I specialize in beats that embrace the grit of Memphis blended with the city’s rich history of the soul. My father gave me that ear for soul for sure so shoutout to my pops!

Lastly, I have to shoutout my good friend, David Prescott. David is the owner of Prescott Studios where I work as an audio engineer and music producer. When I first meet David I had just quit my job of 7 years in corporate with aspirations of working back in music. David didn’t hesitate to give me an opportunity. He has been an amazing mentor giving me not only the tools and education but even the clientele needed to be successful in my journey. He is genuinely an inspiration and I am glad to have him as my friend.

Website: www.deronepayne.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/deronepayne

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deronepayne/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/deronepayne

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeRone.S.Payne

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DeRonePayne

Image Credits
DeVonna Payne David Prescott