GMO: Who is Dejuan Turrentine?
Dejuan: I am a young single father who has grown and learned to be more sufficient in everything I do and say because of the angel God blessed me with. I was born and raised in Pasadena, Calif., and grew up watching and helping my mother raise three kids on her own without a complaint. I live positively. I live with a sincere heart and a mind for change.
GMO: How did you get started in the music business?
Dejuan: My brother was in a group called Quo, the first group and artists Michael Jackson signed to his record label MJJ. At that time, I had been singing all my life, but being more around the business, I was then involved with a group called Melodic and started performing all through LA county.
GMO: Do you play any instruments?
Dejuan: Yes I play the keys; I’ve been playing all my life, but became more focused on it the last two years. I also play bass, which I’ve been playing for a year now and a little on the drums.
GMO: How did you end up hooking up with Wyclef Jean?
Dejuan: I met Wyclef actually through a Canadian friend of mine named Keith. They played my music for Clef back in Canada and called while they were playing it, and at that time, Clef got on the phone and made it clear he was interested.
GMO: You’re a singer, songwriter, producer and actor. How do you balance all of it? Which is your true passion?
Dejuan: It’s simple—they’re all gifts God blessed me with, so it comes naturally, but singing is my first love. A voice transcends and God gave me this voice to do just that.
GMO: Who are some artists you have worked with and have written songs for?
Dejuan: Snoop Dogg, Wyclef Jean, Mary J. Blige and Christina Aguilera.
GMO: What are some films you were in?
Dejuan: I starred in a film called ‘Way Past Cool’ and a movie called ‘A Good Man is Hard to Find,’ starring Golden Brooks, Darrien Henson and others.
To learn more about DeJuan, check out his website at www.dejuanturrentine.com.
