In the ever-evolving world of entertainment, few talents manage to bridge the gap between music and film with as much charisma and success as Everton Dennis, famously known as E-Dee. Standing tall at 6’4″, E-Dee’s journey from the humble streets of Toll Gate, Clarendon, Jamaica, to the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, California, is a testament to his resilience, passion, and undeniable talent.
Q: What was growing up in Jamaica like?
E-Dee: Growing up in Toll Gate, Clarendon, was both beautiful and challenging. Being the youngest of eight kids taught me a lot about resilience and sticking together. Life wasn’t always easy, especially after my mom passed when I was young, but that experience pushed me to work hard. Music was everywhere in Jamaica, so it was natural for me to gravitate toward it. I grew up listening to dancehall, reggae, and gospel, and those influences shaped my sound. Even though I left Jamaica, the spirit of my upbringing is in everything I create.
Q: Why did you move to Los Angeles?
E-Dee: After finishing high school, I knew I wanted to do something big with my life. I loved music and acting, and LA seemed like the place to make those dreams come true. But moving to a whole new country wasn’t easy. I didn’t have much—just a belief that I could make it. I enrolled at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood and later studied acting at Theatre of Arts. I spent my early days building relationships, putting out mixtapes, and performing whenever I got the chance. It was a grind, but I stayed focused on my goals.
Q: How did “R U Ready” and your debut album change things for you?
E-Dee: “R U Ready” was my first real break. It gave me confidence as an artist because people started paying attention to my work. My debut album, JA 2 LA 2 DI World, was a turning point too. It sold really well in Japan, which I didn’t expect, but back in Jamaica, it took longer for people to notice. That changed when I did “Revolution” with Irie Love. That song became a hit back home, and suddenly, doors started opening. The same happened when I featured on Ms. Triniti’s “Bongce Along,” which charted on Billboard. Those moments reminded me that persistence pays off.
Q: What inspired Out the Gate?
E-Dee: Out the Gate is very close to my heart because it’s loosely based on my life. It’s about leaving Jamaica, facing struggles, and chasing a dream in a foreign country. Working with icons like Paul Campbell and Oliver Samuels was a dream come true. When the film came out, the reception was amazing, and it even played in theaters across the U.S., Canada, and Jamaica. Now we’re working on turning it into a series, which I think will resonate with even more people.
Q: How do you balance music and acting?
E-Dee: It’s all about time management and passion. For me, music and acting are two sides of the same coin—they’re both ways to tell a story. I use acting to channel emotions and music to connect with people on a deeper level. When I’m in the studio, I’m completely focused on the music, but when I’m on set, I bring that same energy to my performance. Both keep me creatively fulfilled.
Q: Tell us about your latest single, “Zum Zum Zum.”
E-Dee: “Zum Zum Zum” is all about fun and energy. It’s a track that makes people want to dance, and the video adds another layer to the story. It’s inspired by the idea of a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde, and fans seem to love it. The song is doing well on the charts, and it’s exciting to see people from all over vibing to it.
Q: Your music has appeared in big productions. How did that happen?
E-Dee: That was a blessing. Over the years, I’ve built relationships with people in the industry, and they saw something in my music that fit their projects. Tracks like “SummerTime” ended up in movies like I Think I Love My Wife and Like Mike 2: Streetball, and my songs have been featured on shows like Blue Bloods and Bring It! It’s amazing to know that my music is reaching audiences in ways I never imagined.
Q: What did the Grammy consideration for Elevate mean to you?
E-Dee: It was huge. To have my work alongside legends like Wayne Wonder, I-Octane, and Glen Washington recognized at that level felt incredible. As an independent artist, moments like that mean everything because they validate the hard work. It reminded me to keep pushing, no matter the challenges.
Q: What’s next for you?
E-Dee: A lot! The Out the Gate series is in development, and I’m working on new music that I think will surprise my fans. I’m also focused on expanding my presence globally. For me, it’s about continuing to grow and inspire people with my story. There’s so much more I want to do, and I’m just getting started.
E-Dee is proof that with talent, persistence, and a clear vision, you can carve out a place for yourself in any industry. From hit singles to standout acting roles, his journey is an inspiration to dreamers everywhere.
