Exclusive Interview: Rising Artist D’Vo The Codex

1. What is your name and what city do you rep?

My name is D’Vo and this is The Codex:
D’Vo The Codex, and I represent Houston, Texas.

2. Tell us about your latest releases, what inspired you to create them?

My latest release, The Codex: Droppin Dimes, is deeply rooted in the challenges and dynamics of family relationships, especially during difficult times. It’s about navigating through life’s struggles while staying grounded and finding strength in those moments. I aimed to channel these raw emotions into music, blending experimental hip-hop with storytelling. Each track captures the perseverance, love, and resilience that define these experiences, creating something authentic and relatable for listeners from all walks of life.

3. What is unique about you and your music?

What sets me apart is the way I combine experimental soundscapes with powerful themes rooted in faith, soul, and the gospel. My music isn’t just about creating a vibe; it’s about telling stories that connect with people on a deeper level. I draw from real-world experiences, personal struggles, dreams, and reflections, weaving them into lyrics that inspire and uplift. My work reflects the chaos and beauty of an ever-changing world while staying grounded in purpose and truth. It’s this mix of innovation, authenticity, and spirituality that makes my sound stand out.

4. What shaped your music?

My music is shaped by my faith, my life experiences, and the rich culture of Houston, where I grew up surrounded by soul, gospel, and hip-hop. The city’s diverse sounds and storytelling traditions taught me the power of music to heal, inspire, and connect. My faith drives me to create songs that speak to real-life struggles and victories, blending gospel rap with soulful melodies and experimental hip-hop. It’s about staying true to my roots while sharing messages of hope, resilience, and truth that anyone can relate to.

5. When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?

I was called by the Big Man upstairs in September 2019 to create music selflessly, and I wholeheartedly obliged. At the time, I was working in finance and in college, but I took a leap of faith, quit my job, and invested in an Apollo Twin and a Bluebird mic to start learning this new craft from scratch. That same month, I released my first song, Life That Won’t Stop, which marked the beginning of my journey. Shortly after, I completed The Codex: Volume 1, solidifying my purpose and commitment to making music that uplifts and inspires.

6. What type of music do you listen to?

I listen to a mix of artists, from mainstream to experimental hip-hop, with some of the biggest names right now like Gunna, Lil Baby, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake. While I can appreciate their creativity and unique styles, I personally prefer music with spiritual depth rather than songs focused on worldly things. Artists who incorporate meaningful messages resonate with me more. I also think some artists, like Childish Gambino, are underrated for their ability to push boundaries and blend genres while delivering thought-provoking content.

7. What inspires you to write music?

Life inspires me to write music every moment has the potential to spark a new idea. Whether it’s something I see in the world, a dream I have, or a feeling I can’t shake, these experiences fuel my creativity. In my songs, I often include references and double entendres that point to our deeper purpose in life: getting to heaven. That overarching theme inspires me the most, but I also find inspiration in everyday moments that remind me of God’s presence and the beauty of the journey.

8. What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) that you are passionate about?

When I’m not creating music, I’m usually working on the larger vision of The Codex, crafting the script that tells the story of D’Vo and his unwavering determination to be a leader in the Kingdom of God. This includes developing the narrative, characters, and themes that align with my faith and purpose. It’s a creative outlet that allows me to expand the message beyond music, inspiring others through storytelling and the deeper meaning behind The Codex.

9. Happiness to you is…

Happiness, to me, is waking up each day with peace in my heart, knowing God is in control. It’s those moments when I feel His presence, whether I’m creating music, spending time with loved ones, or just reflecting on how far He’s brought me. It’s about giving Him His flowers for all the blessings, big and small, and trusting His plan, even when life gets tough. Happiness is knowing I’m not alone on this journey and feeling His love guide me every step of the way.

10. What do you wish you were told when you first started making music that you think would help artists just starting out?

I wish someone had told me that making music is a long journey and there’s no rush to get it all perfect right away. Trust the process, be patient with yourself, and don’t compare your path to anyone else’s. Focus on staying true to your unique sound and message because that’s what will make you stand out. It’s okay if your work isn’t perfect at first—what matters is putting it out there and letting it grow. A famous comedian once said, “Don’t judge me by the joke that bombed in the club; judge me by the Netflix special where that same joke brought people to tears with laughter.” The same goes for music—keep refining, and your impact will follow.

11. Tell us about your upcoming projects…

I’m focusing on refining The Codex Comic Story into something more immersive and impactful. The comic is evolving into an anime-style series, transforming D’Vo’s journey into a dynamic experience that goes beyond the pages. This evolution isn’t just about adding animation it’s about creating a deeply engaging world with vibrant visuals, intricate character development, and storylines that resonate spiritually and emotionally.

The long-term goal is to establish The Codex as a full-fledged anime series. I envision a world where the story of D’Vo unfolds through a powerful combination of music and visual storytelling. The anime will delve deeper into the themes of faith, perseverance, and leadership within the Kingdom of God, all while maintaining a connection to the hip-hop culture that defines the project.

This journey is about creating a multi-dimensional experience that allows fans to engage with the story in new and meaningful ways. The anime will give The Codex a broader platform to inspire audiences globally, blending the artistic elements of music, animation, and faith-based storytelling into one cohesive vision.

12. Where do we find your music / music projects?

You can find my music on all major streaming platforms like YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. You can also check out my website www.dvothecodex.com for exclusive releases and updates.

13. Any last words for the readers?

Thank you for your love and support. Stay creative and keep pushing the boundaries of what you believe is possible whether it’s in music, art, or life. Remember, there’s always a perfect time for everyone’s journey, so stay patient and true to yourself. And most importantly, always put God first in everything you do. Blessings, fam!