Deric Angelettie

Deric Michael Angelettie (born July 31, 1968), also known as D-Dot, Papa Dot, and The Madd Rapper, is indeed a prominent American record producer.

Deric Michael Angelettie, alongside Ron"Amen-Ra" Lawrence, formed the conscious hip hop duo while attending Howard University in the late 1980's. Their debut album, "From Pyramids to Projects" (1991), marked their entry into the music scene under RCA Records.

Angelettie later gained widespread recognition as a producer, contributing to albums by iconic artists such as The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and 50 Cent.

He played a pivotal role as the "Captain" of Bad Boy Records' production team, The Hitmen.

During his time at Howard University from 1986 to 1989, Deric Michael Angelettie, along with his friend Ron "Amen-Ra" Lawrence formed the conscious rap Two Kings in a Cipher.

He graduated from Samuel J Tilden High School in 1986 and then later attended Howard University in Washington, D.C.

, but dropped out in 1989 to pursue his music career.

He is married to author Lisa Angelettie and is a father to four daughters.

In 1990, they secured a recording deal with RCA/Bahia, debuting their first single "Movin 'On 'Em" that same year.

D-Dot's journey within Bad Boy Entertainment, from intern to captain of The Hitmen Production team, in just five years exemplifies his rapid rise and remarkable career trajectory during the mid-1990s.

His evolution from behind-the-scenes work to prominent roles such as VP of Bad Boy's A&R department showcases his versatility and talent within the music industry.

Their debut album, "From Pyramids to Projects," was released in 1991 and garnered critical acclaim.

However, despite the album's positive reception, the duo was dropped from RCA in 1993.

Angelettie work with Craig Mack, the Notorious B.I.G., and managing R&B diva Mary J. Blige from 1994-1996 highlights his diverse skills and contributions to the success of Bad Boy Entertainment during that era.

D-Dot's prolific career as a producer and songwriter is indeed legendary, having crafted multi-platinum hits for iconic artists like Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Outkast, and Eminem, among others.

His production and songwriting credits include mega hits such as Diddy's "It's All About the Benjamins" and the Notorious B.I.G's "Hypnotize".

With over 30 million records sold in various roles including producer, executive producer, songwriter, and artist, D-Dot's impact on the music industry is undeniable.

Angelettie's influence in the music industry is evident through his executive-production of multi-platinum albums for iconic artists like the Notorious B.I.G., Puff Daddy, Mase, Faith Evans, the Lox, Black Rob, and Da Band.

Additionally, his production credits span across renowned artists such as Lil' Kim, Nas, Nicki Minaj, and Busta Rhymes.

Beyond production, Angelettie managerial prowess is showcased through his work with artists like Kanye West, further solidifying his significant impact on the music landscape.

His contributions, including executive producer and A&R work on notable albums like No Way Out (1997) by Puff Daddy & The Family, have earned him recognition, including Grammy Awards and the BMI Urban Award in 2001.

Additionally, Angelettie showcased his talents as a recording artist through his character The Madd Rapper, who debuted on B.I.G.'s album, Life After Death (1997) and later released his album, "Tell Em Why U Madd" (1999) through Columbia Records, featuring then-emerging rappers like 50 Cent (How to Rob) and Kanye West, whom Angelettie managed at the time.

Deric Michael Angelettie has extended his creative endeavours beyond music, founding Crazy Cat Catalogue and Crazy Cat Cinemas.

The Madd Rapper persona debuted on a skit on the Notorious B.I.G.'s "Life After Death" in 1997.

On November 19, 1998, Angelettie was charged with participating in the assault of Blaze Magazine editor Jesse Washington.

Washington claimed that the assault occurred because he published a photograph, taken with Angelettie's consent, revealing the Madd Rapper's identity, which had been concealed from the general public but widely known in the music industry.

The editor and Angelettie settled out of court.

Angelettie has a diverse portfolio in the entertainment industry.

His debut album, "Tell 'Em Why U Madd", was released on Crazy Cat Catalogue Label in 1999, featuring notable guest appearances and introducing talents like 50 Cents and Kanye West.

Angelettie's Crazy Cat Catalogue Label also featured artists such as Puff Daddy, Eminem, Busta Rhymes, Raekwon, Jermaine Dupri, and Lil' Cease.

In 2000 due to legal issues with MADD, the name was changed to the stage name Mad Rapper.

He's also been involved in television, appearing on and producing the theme song for MTV's reality show "Making The Band 1 & 2" co-hosting the series "Hip-Hop Hold 'Em" on UPN, and serving as a "music consultant" for the 2009 film "Notorious," leveraging his connection with the film's subject.

He appeared on MTVʼs reality show Making the Band 1 & 2, co-hosted "Hip-Hop Hold 'Em" on UPN, and served as the "Music Consultant" for the "Notorious" movie on Fox/Searchlight Pictures in 2009.

Additionally, he owns Connect the Dots, a management and strategy company with clients such as multi-platinum producer Stevie J from VH1's Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta and screenwriter Eddie Harris.

Angelettie's screenwriting credits included "House of Bodies" in 2014, and he served as a producer on the film "Steps" in 2015.

He also executive produced the documentary "Rules To This $hit", distributed through Complex Networks.

Angelettie's background includes being born and raised an only child in Brooklyn, New York, to an African-American father Eric Angelettie and a Puerto Rican mother, Dr. Noemi Angelettie-Wallace.

Additionally, Angelettie worked as an associate producer for the 2018 film "Steps-The Movie," which was executive produced by Shaquille O'Neal.