
Acting,performing stunt work in various motion pictures and motivational speaking seem to not be enough for Derrick Simmons, aka Derrick Dee. Derrick is now adding Rapper/Producer to an already impressive resume.
“Wizard of Large/Do You Love Me,” the debut single on Derrick’s own independent label, Phat Tune Recordings, use a unique but haunting metamorphosis of the film, Wizard of Oz. Just imagine Dorothy as a drug dealer, the Wizard as kingpin, the munchins being his workers and the police appropiately representing a hurricane sweeping the streets. “Do You Love Me” with its humorous but common storyline, uses the late 70’s jam “Funky Sensation” as it’s backdrop and the features newcomer Gabrielle Jones on vocals.
Reaping a hardcore/street edge, “Wizard of Large” is a reflection of Dee’s days growning up in Woodside, Queens, and knowing people who turned to the way of the fast life. “This is based on friends who have live the life. So I’m able to wirte about it and understand what’s going on.” says Derrick. A track Dee wrote and produced, Wizard…..” offers a deep yet positive message. Peep the chorus and you’ll find words of common sense and reality.
Fast cash in the city streets, packin the chrome. Chose the fast life, to each as own. When youre locked down, youre all alone. Tappin your feet there’s no place like home.
The ability to effectively get his point across and covey a strong message without the use of profanity is one of the things that will make this newcomer to the rap game stand out. Doing so without sacrificing street credibility where his sound would be silly” for listeners is another distinction to his credit. “Everything I make I’m proud of and I can play it anywhere,” says Dee. ” I dont have to worry about getting bleeped out because I can get my point across with it (cursing).
For Dee, creative freedom and complete control over his music was the main reason for releasing “Wizard…..” under his own indie label. Currently negotiating Phat Tune’s distribution with a major label (unknown at press time), Dee is very excited about the label’s future. “There’s less stress knowing I have control over my own destiny. Unfazed by the obstacles he might face with Phat Tune he says, “There’s politics on every level. I have to deal with it anyway. But if I went to another record company and they were to sign me, I would have to deal with the same politics with less freedom and control.
Derrick, who has been pursuing a career in music for a long time, names The Treacherous Three, LL Cool J, Kool G Rap, Rakim, KRS-One and Kool Moe Dee as his musical influences growing up. “Kool Moe Dee was my first idol and I always thought he was a great lyricists,” he says fondly. Nowadays, Dee listens to Jay-Z, DMX, Nas, Redman.
Putting finishing touches on his debut CD single, slated for an early January release. Dee still continues a successful career as an Actor/Stuntman. Besides starring as Billie Keane on HBO’s griity prison drama “OZ”. Derrick has also appeared in feature films such as, The Preacher’s Wife, A Bronxtale, Booty Call, Copland, Sleepers as well as critically acclaimed television programs, New York Undercover, Homicide and Law and Order. Future films to watch out for, Kevin Smiths upcoming film “Dogma”, where he stunted doubled for comedian Chris Rock.” The Sterling Chase” and “LowLife” released in 99 and Silence of the Lambs Part Two being released in 2000 .
Blessed with a wide range of talents and a winning personality. With hard work and dedication, Dee strives to be recognized as one of the entertainment industry’s most versatile innovators. If his past achievments in the world of entertainment are any indication, Derrick Simmons will have no problem fulfilling his true destiny… Stardom.



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A Bronx Tale(HBO/SAVOY) ) 1993
OZ ) 1998 Home Box Office, a Division of Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P. All Rights Reserved. . Home Box Office and HBO are registered service marks of Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P.
BOOTY CALL 1997 Copyright ) Columbia Pictures (Sony) All rights reserved.