D-Shot

From Vallejo to the World

Danell LaShawn Stevens Sr., better known as D-Shot, is a pioneering American rapper and entrepreneur from Vallejo, California. Born on December 12, 1969, he emerged as a founding force in Bay Area hip-hop that would influence generations of artists.

In 1986, D-Shot joined forces with his brother Earl Stevens (E-40), sister Suga-T, and cousin B-Legitto form The Most Valuable Players, later known as The Click. The family group made their mark at a Grambling State University talent show and went on to become one of the most influential collectives in West Coast hip-hop history.

After The Click released their debut album Down and Dirty through E-40's Sick Wid It Records, each member pursued solo careers. D-Shot's debut album, The Shot Calla (1993), showcased his signature mobb music style and featured collaborations with his Click family members. The album charted on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and established him as a formidable solo artist.

In 1995, D-Shot founded his own label, Shot Records, demonstrating the entrepreneurial spirit that runs in the Stevens family. His second album, Six Figures (1997), was released through Shot Records in partnership with Jive Records. The album featured the single "True Worldwide Playa" with Too $hort and Spice 1, and "(I'll Be Yo') Huckleberry" from the Booty Call soundtrack.