Rapper/Singer/Songwriter

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Name: Daniel Gray

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Stage Name: Daniel Gray

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Born: Last century in Iceland

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Life: A girlfriend

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Daniel Gray grew up in the 111 district of Reykjavík, Iceland. Fellaskóli was the school, Leiknir was the football club and the raw sound of punk music permeated the atmosphere. The red “A” for anarchy was spray-painted across the neighborhood, and politics fueled countless conversations. On a dare from a friend, a young Daniel decided to try his hand at writing a rap lyric. Skeptical of his ability, he took the challenge anyway—and quickly became obsessed. Soon, he was sketching logos, crafting concepts, and finding new ways to challenge people to wake up. The streets buzzed with life—basketball and football games never stopped, and the energy in the air was palpable. Even as Daniel’s sound evolved, the punk influence never left him. It’s present in every lyric, every turn the music takes, giving it a sharp edge. Growing up in Iceland, surrounded by harsh natural elements and a unique cultural history, it's no surprise those sharp edges emerged in his work. The unforgiving landscape shaped a creative atmosphere unlike any other, and Iceland’s literary heritage deeply influenced both the nation and Daniel’s family. In college, his notebook became a constant companion, filling up with 4–5 new lyrics each day. Sets of three sixteen-bar verses materialized regularly, as every opportunity was seized to hone his craft. Discovering the C chord on the piano unlocked a whole new dimension for Daniel, and from that moment on, beat-making became a lifelong pursuit. Raised in a religious household, Daniel first got on stage performing at church. From there, he branched out—rapping with rock bands, performing over his own backing tracks, and even collaborating with a gospel choir on a few occasions. His journey from the punk-saturated streets of Reykjavík to the world of music has been shaped by a blend of raw energy, sharp intellect, and relentless creativity.

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