Emerging from the city of Pico Rivera, California, rising artist Daahveed is quickly gaining attention for his heartfelt lyricism and authentic storytelling. His journey is one rooted in family, loss, and an unshakable passion for music.
Growing up in a single-parent household, raised by his mother alongside his grandparents and cousins, Daahveed experienced a childhood full of love and support. Although he didn’t start rapping until high school, music was always a major presence in his life. From legendary voices like 2Pac, Nate Dogg, Snoop Dogg, Cypress Hill, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Daahveed absorbed the sounds and messages that would later shape his own musical voice.
However, his greatest inspiration came from someone closer to home — his cousin Ernest Castañon, who he describes more as a brother. Ernest’s tragic passing in 2021 left a lasting impact, becoming one of the main driving forces behind Daahveed’s artistry.
What began as casual freestyle sessions with friends in school soon evolved into something much deeper. With a background in poetry and literature, Daahveed always had a natural gift for self-expression — an ability to turn emotion into art. After graduating high school, he began recording music with his friend Rene Lupian, and the two would spend hours creating together in a home studio.
Tragedy struck again in 2018 when Rene passed away, marking another pivotal turning point in Daahveed’s life. It was at that moment he decided to fully commit to his craft — to chase music not just as a dream, but as a purpose. His mission became clear: to honor the memory of the people who inspired him to start in the first place.
Working closely with his cousin Angel Torres, who handles production and engineering, Daahveed has continued to elevate his sound and refine his message. Together, they’ve built a creative chemistry that allows every song to feel raw, honest, and meaningful.
His latest single, “Shine,” is a perfect example of that — a record that captures his confident delivery, sharp lyricism, and emotional depth. It’s a song about perseverance, reflection, and moving forward despite life’s obstacles — a theme that defines Daahveed’s entire journey.
