Dekarian Ashley’s musical journey began in the heart of Northwest Louisiana, where the cities of Shreveport and Minden shaped the early chapters of his life. At just 12 years old, Dekarian discovered his passion for music—writing his own songs armed with nothing but a karaoke machine and a single microphone. Influenced by Louisiana legends like Lil Boosie, Webbie, and Lil Wayne, as well as West Coast icon Tupac Shakur and Texas greats UGK, Dekarian’s sound reflects a rich tapestry of Southern hip-hop culture.

Growing up amid violence and personal hardships, music quickly became more than just a hobby for Dekarian—it became his safe haven and his voice. In 2009, his family relocated to Houston, Texas, marking the start of a new chapter. While pursuing a degree in Automotive Technology—under the mentorship of his grandfather—Dekarian didn’t lose sight of his musical dreams. Balancing automotive jobs with his passion, he stepped boldly onto the Houston music scene, performing at networking events and artist spotlights.

Over the past decade, Dekarian, known to his fans as Killa D, has built meaningful connections with DJs, producers, videographers, and fellow artists across the United States. In 2016, he launched his own brand, Chasing Money Not Fame, where he serves as CEO—a testament to his independent spirit and commitment to authenticity.

His hard work has paid off with performances at major events like SXSW in Austin, Texas—a renowned platform showcasing emerging talents. His dedication has earned him Artist of the Year awards not only in Houston but also in other cities. Through his music and story, Dekarian hopes to inspire young people to realize that there are options beyond the streets.

Since 2014, Killa D has released numerous singles that have reached audiences in over five global markets. Notable tracks include “Don’t Be Afraid (Wurk!)” featuring TheazyStaccs, “Bout Dat” featuring Jus Kno Mac, and his hit “Pop It” featuring Louisiana Cash and 9th Ward Judy. His energetic performance style closed out 2020 at LoudFestHTx, where he rocked the stage alongside DJ Crowd Pleaser and MixxGang DJs.

The momentum continued in 2021 when “Pop It!” caught the attention of Madd Hatta at the Loud Press Junket and landed on rotation at Texas Southern University’s KTSU 90.9FM. That year, Killa D opened for Big Fella, further expanding his reach.

2022 marked a breakthrough year:

• “Pop It!” received the award for most radio spins and was played across multiple Louisiana cities, including Alexandria, Lake Charles, and Shreveport.
• Dekarian was nominated for Artist of the Year.
• He performed in front of the Denver Dynasty Women’s Semi-Pro Basketball Team in Arkansas and Texas.
• Recognized as a Top 100 artist nationally, he shared the stage at Loud Fest with legends like Zro, Lil Flip, and Lil Ke Ke.
• He performed at Texas Fleet Week’s Music Conference and was interviewed by Dallas’s popular outlet “This Or That.”
• “Pop It!” also gained heavy airplay in Houston, including spins by legendary DJ Michael Watts and on Shreveport’s 99.7 KMJJ.

Looking ahead, Dekarian Ashley is not just focused on music—he’s expanding into movies, documentaries, and more projects that reflect his story and vision. Through it all, his brand Chasing Money Not Fame embodies the hustle, resilience, and authenticity that define his journey.

If you want to keep up with Killa D’s music and projects, be sure to follow his journey. His story is a powerful reminder that no matter where you come from, passion and perseverance can open doors to incredible opportunities.