DU graduating senior Rantz Davis made his recording debut with the single “Hey” at No. 22 on Billboard magazine’s “Bubbling Under” R&B and Hip-Hop singles charts on April 10.
Davis, 21, a graduating senior in mass communication and performing arts from New Orleans, said his single “Hey” from his debut album is available on iTunes and will be available at Best Buy. The song is among 16 on the “Love Train” album.
Kevin McLin, mass communication co-chair, explained that the “Bubbling Under” category lists new singles that are ranked just under the top 100. In effect, McLin said, that makes Davis’ song No. 122.
Davis, who grew up in 17th Hollygrove area, said he was inspired to sing at age 4 by Michael Jackson. The student, who refers to himself as the “Playboy of R&B,” also called R. Kelly a major inspiration.
A 2005 graduate of St. Augustine High School, Davis was a member of the St. Augustine Marching 100 Band and winner of St. Augustine Talent Show two consecutive years.
Of his song’s initial success, Davis said, “I felt as if all my hard work paid off, and people are recognizing my talent on a national level.”
(Catelyn Williams contributed to this report.)
