Dante Bacote

The tri-state area's own Dante Bacote is living his dreams of being an entertainer and is making a name for himself. The 24-year-old actor, model, rapper and producer has now relocated to Atlanta, GA with hopes of going even further.

“I like to bring joy to people's lives,” he said in an interview with the AmNews. “Even if its just for a moment in whatever art form.”

This spring Bacote released his debut single “Hello” with platinum recording artist Nicole Wray and starred in the 2012 Warner Bros. and Marvel film “The Prodigies.”

Born in San Diego and raised in Connecticut, Bacote began his road to stardom when he started playing the snare drum. When his father asked him if he wanted to take music to the “next level” and bought him a MPC Yamaha drum machine.

Bacote started producing beats and put them together with poetry he had written. He created his own CD with positive feedback from friends and family.

His acting and modeling career began as a model for Unionbay. Becote has also modeled for GMI Clothing, Soul Source and Zanity Clothing and during New York Fashion Week for Dwight Eubanks. His ealy acting gigs include a pilot for Nickelodeon and a part in the Lincoln Center Production “Shakespeare Get a Clue” which had a two-month run.

“That's what inspired me to go into acting,” he said. “People enjoyed it and it sparked a fire in me that pushed me to want to do this.”

Bacote's acting credits include “The Soprano's,” “One Life To Live,” and the music video for Pharaoh Monch's “Push.”

His biggest accomplishment, he said, is his starring role in the feature film “The Prodigies.” Produced in Paris and Luxemburg the movie tells the story about five geniuses and how they deal with the world.

“It was incredible and a blessing. I had the star treatment. It was a great experience being around so many people excited about what you are doing,” he said.

Right now, though, Bacote is focusing on his music. His collaborations include Wiz Khalifa, Tony Sway and Qool. He's performed on the collegiate circuit along with venues in New York. His talent has caught the attention of R&B singer Tyresse and Sony.

He also has gotten endorsements from Coast 2 Coast Mixtape from his CD “Rise of the Phoenix” which he released this year.

Giving back is also important to Bacote as he reaches the top. In 2012 he did a compilation CD that featured conscious songs. Proceeds from the record went to build a village in Haiti which is still recovering from the 2012 earthquake.

“I want to give back when I get into a position of power,” he said. “Unity is key to progress on positivity. You can attain anything if you are willing to work for it.” - Cyril Josh Barker

Dante Bacote, professionally known as “Dante” is a multi-faceted recording artist and all around entertainer. His ability and many accolades as a rapper, producer, singer, writer, actor, and model, make him an incredibly well rounded artist in the music industry. Born in San Diego, CA, raised in Connecticut is Dante is one of the hottest rising musical artists. Dante recently Starred in a Warner Bros. & Marvel film titled “The Prodigies” which included his own original music in the soundtrack; casted by the same person who contributed to “American Gangster” & “Incredible Hulk”, the outstanding ‘Avy Kaufman’. The film was released globally in March 2012. “You have great acting ability and camera presence, and you will be a Star very soon.” says Frank Vincent of the HBO series “The Sopranos” after he saw Dante play a role in their Series Finale.

In his career, Dante has had the opportunity to work with Pharaoh Monch, during the filming of his music video “Push” where he was casted for multiple roles and most notably his contribution to the dramatic ending of the video music where he portrayed the image of hope for the song. Dante also was casted for a role on the iconic ABC series “One Life to Live”. He is also a spokes model for an international fashion ad-campaign, representing Rizumu which reaches the U.S., Japan, & the U.K. Also a spokes model for “8 & 9 Clothing” whom also endorses (A-List) acts such as “Chris Brown”, “Sway”, & “Freeway”.

His fan base continues to grow daily, due to his honest character, hard work, and outgoing persona, and immaculate music. While promoting unity in the industry, his character along with great talent will take him to the top of any and all industries he applies himself to. Dante has been featured in several magazines for his musical, modeling and acting talent and has performed at all major CT colleges and cities in CT including the world famous “Toad’s Place” in New Haven, CT, MD, Paris, France, Luxembourg, NYC, and FL. During his shows he brings amazing energy and allows for his fans to become part of the song while he plays. Dante is simultaneously capitalizing on being the front runner for all forms of entertainment, by constantly producing for other artist while furthering his solo career as an artist & actor, while still obtaining a degree in (Business/Communication) to support every aspect of his career.

“Dante is a determined and focused individual. He is very responsible and dependable. His work comes out an outstanding result. I would recommend him any time, to any people that have his interest best at heart! He is on his way to superstar on the FAST road, skipping the lights.” -TNV ENT, CEO/Pres., TNV Entertainment



IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What city and state are you from?

DANTE BACOTE: I was born in San Diego, CA and I was raised in Meriden, CT (Tri-State Area).

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What is your music background?

DANTE BACOTE: At a young age I took piano lessons and also gravitated towards the snare drum in middle school. My father noticed my love and appreciation for music and purchased me my first MPC “Yamaha RS7000” and said if this is what I wanted read the manual and master it so I began as a producer. Made over 300+ instrumentals initially with no lyrics then family and friends encouraged me to apply poetry to the tracks and one thing led to another. I also took chorus while attending “Central Connecticut State University”. I was raised on all genres from Coldplay, Rolling Stones, Curtis Mayfield, Michael Jackson, to KRS-One which is how I established my appreciation for music listening to the greats.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What are your songs about?

DANTE BACOTE: My songs are about my dreams, feelings about life, and where I hope to see the world reach one day. I speak on what’s morally incorrect as well as love and scenarios that arise from relationships from friends to family. Make feel good music.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What is your favorite song to perform and why?

DANTE BACOTE: My favorite song to perform is “The Real” because it is just that. Real Hip Hop no gimmicks straight bars and has a classic nod your head vibe with production that will resonate with any person. When I wrote it I was just being myself and not catering to a trend just what the music made me feel “Real” and that’s what I want to deliver to all of my audiences, authenticity.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What has surprised you the most in the pursuit of a career in music?

DANTE BACOTE: What has surprised me the most is how phony some of these people that claim to be in the “industry” can be. They will try and sell you dreams, claim to want to help, followed up by empty promises just to get them in a better light or financial situation. It lacks honesty at times from the business to the music. Another surprise was the significance of not only making great music but having your documentation in order for legal purposes as well as how important your network is to your net worth.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: Who are your musical influences?

DANTE BACOTE: My music influences range from wide variety of artists and genres. Like Michael Jackson who’s always pushed the message of love in his music and wanting to change the world for the better and giving his all in each song. The creative genius of Kanye West whom to this day is one of my all-time Hip Hop idol’s I’m looking forward to working with in the near future and lyrical ability of Talib Kweli & Mos Def as “Black star”. KRS-One who has been the epitome of Hip Hop from day 1 and the abstract and incredible writing and production of Outkast I remember they were one of the artist I actually wanted to go out and buy their album just to hear the innovation they’d bring. Tupac being a voice of the people and Notorious having a good upbringing but still being able to capture story telling in a form all can relate to. Nas for his wordplay and lyricism, Coldplay for embodying emotion through instrument and voice almost having a galactic appeal, and Eminem who gives you that I don’t care what you say about what I’m going to say but I’ll say it anyway because it’s feeling; its art and its hip hop with incredible delivery.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: How would you describe your music to people?

DANTE BACOTE: Infectious, substance filled, and unique, but playfully delivered at times so you’re not oversaturated with trying to understand instead of just listening and enjoying the inspiration. My music can get you through any kind of situation good or bad. It’s my life in art form to be consumed for the masses I’m making myself completely vulnerable to not only open up myself but the rest of the world in the process.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What makes you stand out from other artists?

DANTE BACOTE: Fearlessness: Unlike many other artists I am unafraid to challenge the “Box we’ve all been put in. I’m not inspired by trends, although I am sometimes entertained by them. I stand out because I make music that *I* want to hear, not because I think it will be popular, but because it moves me as a music fan. Staying true to your imagination is a big part of being successful I believe, it’s the only way to remain relevant, and in tune

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What would you like to see changed in today’s music industry?

DANTE BACOTE: I would like to see a change in what artist speak on in their music. I’m always down for a good time and having fun but I feel like people need more than instructions on how get wasted or hurt other people. What happened to a day in the life, or even what happens in a good day? What about aspiring to be more than a drug dealer, bad b*^ch, or gangster boss. Bring it back to Kings and Queens and making your dreams real or instead of what the ‘struggle’ has been how to maneuver through it etc. and above all honesty & realness.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What are some upcoming projects that you are currently working on?

DANTE BACOTE: Working on my next (Album/Mixtape/Body of work) titled, “God’s Poetry” want to get to at least 30 songs before getting it down to a solid 12-15. Also have big show coming up I’ll be part of Atlanta’s Biggest Hip Hop Festival of the year and I’ll be performing live at “A3C Festival” on October 10th compliments of being endorsed by Independent Radio Station “NGA Radio”.

IAA INDUSTRY NEWS: What are your career goals? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

DANTE BACOTE: My career goals are; to be one of the most influential, globally respected, artist/entertainers to ever live. I’ll have my hands in multiple businesses to support all facets of life. In 10 years I see myself continuing to make great music that impacts positive change or effect on all that listen. I’ll be touring across the world. I’ll have multiple charities for those in need and or offering alternate routes for those who have dreams and giving them the tools and information to make them real if they don’t have access to the correct ways. - Industry All Access