Every so often, an artist emerges who refuses to fit the mold—who creates not for trends, but from the depths of personal experience, raw emotion, and unapologetic authenticity. DuaineVsThem is exactly that kind of artist. Born in Germany, raised in North London, and carrying the cultural influences of his Ghanaian and Bajan heritage, DuaineVsThem is on a mission to carve out his own lane in the industry. His sound is a fearless fusion of rock, R&B, and hip-hop, but it’s his honesty, energy, and vision that truly set him apart.
The Moment It All Clicked
For many artists, the decision to take music seriously comes in a defining moment. For DuaineVsThem, that moment came in college when he dropped his first-ever track, Babyface.
“I had already been making music for myself, but when I released that song, the reception from people at my college was so positive. That’s when I realized this wasn’t just for me anymore—it was something real.”
Since then, he’s been building momentum, crafting music that resonates on a deeper level, not just sonically but spiritually.
The Power of Experience: Inspiration in Every Layer of Life
DuaineVsThem doesn’t just make music—he translates life’s highs and lows into sound. He doesn’t pull from just one source of inspiration but rather the multi-layered experiences that shape us all.
“A lot of times, people and how they made me feel come up in a song. Or the environment I’m in can influence me strongly. Everything gets woven into the music somehow.”
His ability to channel authentic emotion has already made a serious impact. One listener even reached out to tell him that his track Impulsive helped them through suicidal thoughts.
“That was probably the most surprising reaction I’ve ever gotten to my music—just knowing that something I made could have that kind of effect on someone.”
A Voice That Stands Alone
The UK music scene is packed with talent, but what makes DuaineVsThem different? Simple: he’s not trying to be anyone else.
“My biggest superpower is being myself. My authenticity sets me apart from most of these guys.”
And that authenticity extends to every part of his art, from his lyricism to his delivery. He’s not afraid to throw in slang from his North London upbringing, embrace his cultural roots, or take sonic risks that others wouldn’t dare attempt.
Icons That Shape a Vision
Like all great artists, DuaineVsThem has his mentors in sound—those who have shaped his perspective on what’s possible in music. His list is eclectic, boundary-pushing, and fearless:
• XXXTentacion – for his genre-blending and raw emotion
• Skepta – for his grit and authenticity in the UK scene
• Kanye West – for his creative fearlessness
• Andre 3000 – for his unpredictability and artistic genius
Given the chance to collaborate with anyone, dead or alive, his top pick is clear:
“XXXTentacion—because I think we have similar views on life, which would result in an exquisite blend of music.”
That said, he’d love to work with Andre 3000 just to hear him “rap again,” and even NAFE Smallz and Travis Scott, despite admitting that people constantly compare him to the latter.
The Bigger Picture: A Legacy in the Making
While music is the passion, inspiration is the mission. DuaineVsThem isn’t just here to create hits—he wants to change the way people see themselves.
“My ultimate goal is to inspire people around me to be themselves and to make timeless music.”
In five years, he’s got no doubt about where he’ll be:
“DuaineVsThem will be a household name.”
What’s Next?
For those waiting on new music, you won’t have to wait much longer. DuaineVsThem is currently working on his album, a project that promises to showcase his unique fusion of rock, R&B, and hip-hop in a way the UK scene hasn’t heard before.
And if you’re an aspiring artist looking to follow in his footsteps? His advice is simple:
“Please yourself before you try to please everybody.”
Join the Movement
DuaineVsThem isn’t just an artist—you could say he’s a movement. A reminder that authenticity wins, that genre boundaries are meant to be broken, and that success starts with believing in yourself.
Want to keep up with his journey? Follow him on Instagram: @prettyboifetti.
And for more underground UK talent, check out Beyond London’s Underground on Instagram, TikTok, and our Spotify playlist—your new go-to source for the freshest UK artists breaking through.
This is just the beginning.