Russell “D-Pryde” LLantino is an 18-year-old Canadian rapper/singer/songwriter with a fan base that extends to over 250,000 with over 46.5 million YouTube views to prove it. The Toronto Filipino rapper/singer released a series of wildly popular “freeverses”, covers, and originals building his fanbase along the way.

With one successful mixtape released in 2011, his label, Mars Music Group is preparing to release his second mixtape, Flagship (June 3, 2012) as well as his debut commercial EP this summer. Often compared to a cross between Drake and Eminem, D-Pryde is the next superstar to come out of Canada and take on the music world.

Signed to Mars Music Group in 2010, D-Pryde likes to refer to his music as “Hip-Pop” for his infectious singing melodies intertwined with his clever lyrical delivery. D-Pryde has turned into a YouTube phenomenon being the # 8 most viewed artist in Canada (April 2012) and the # 43 most viewed artists worldwide (April 2012). He also maintains steady visibility thru social media including over 81,000 Twitter followers and 160,000 Facebook fans. Being from Filipino descent D-Pryde represents a huge worldwide population that is ready to call hip-hop as their own.

With the release of his critically acclaimed mixtape Mars in 2011, D-Pryde was asked to join J Cole on his Canadian leg of the tour. This is where he really refined his performance skills to sold out shows nightly. With his busy touring and recording schedule he continues to be grounded to his family in Toronto but is on a mission to get his music heard. “This new album is basically a story of how my life changed since signing my deal” said D-Pryde. “I was a kid that grew up too fast; so with all I learned, I flushed all that knowledge and struggle into these songs. Flagship is for my fans who continue to grow with me.”

D-Pryde and Mars Music Group partnered up with leading hip-hop and pop producers to help define the D-Pryde sound. Featured producers include Reefa (The Game, Fabolous, Rick Ross), August Rigo (Justin Bieber, Musiq Soulchild), and talented newcomer Den-Z for this new album. Once you listen to Flagship you’ll be hooked. Once you hear songs like “Mistress”, “Bottom Dollar” and “Hometown” you’ll be addicted to his flow, pop sensibility and witty lyrical play. Stay tuned to witness the birth of a superstar.