“My goal is to touch as many lives as possible via my story.”

Introducing Antoine Dunn, a 23 year old Cleveland, Ohio native who refreshingly prides himself on being an authentic and transparent artist. “What you see is what you get. My brand is not separate from myself as a person.” says Dunn on his artistry.

I had an opportunity to connect with Dunn a day after his performance at New York’s popular SOB Nightclub. “ I remember listening to up and coming artists live at SOB’s and now years later here I am performing at SOBS.” says a very humble and excited Dunn.

Antoine Dunn grew up with an undeniable connection to music, whether it was singing in his middle school choir or singing along to popular films like his personal favorite, Toy Story. “You got a friend in me!” Dunn breaks out singing while speaking on his childhood memory.

When Dunn was asked if he saw the last film, “Toy Story 3”, he chuckled and said he watched it when he was touring in Thailand and despite the film being in Thai he still understood and loved it.

Dunn considers soul singer Anthony Hamilton to be his musical mentor and designated him to be his top choice collaborator. “Coming up in game and listening to his stuff I always felt like this is something I would have written. It’s real and it helps bring people understanding. You may hear a song that helps you get it or helps you accept what you can’t change. We’ve talked about collaborating so hopefully in the near future.” Last year Dunn toured as an opening act for Hamilton. “I love Anthony he’s a good guy and a good friend. I appreciate his support.”

On the death of Whitney Houston:

“She was the real deal and just knowing that she isn’t here to share her story on a stage anymore it hurts. We really need that purity in music and in the world”

On the Grammys and Nicki Minaj:

“I was in rehearsal for the SOBS so I only caught few performances. Adele and Jennifer Hudson were nothing short of amazing. Nicki Minaj’s performance was definitely an eyebrow raiser. (Laughs)” When asked if he would collaborate with Roman he continued to laugh and expressed that he loves some of her music but would love to see the old Nicki Minaj.

When I asked if he would do an electro pop track to get to the top of the Billboard charts like other male R&B singers (see: Usher, Chris Brown) Dunn responded, “I don’t create art with business in mind.”

His smooth and soulful new single “Can’t Forget” was featured as the new joint on BET’s 106 & Park and is available for download on iTunes. You can expect his new album “Truth Of The Matter” to drop on May 22nd, 2012.

#knowitall

Kareem James
@kareemjames on Twitter
everythingYNTK for VIBEVixen.com