In the vibrant landscape of New York’s drill music scene, few young artists have captured attention quite like DD Osama, and many fans are curious about DD Osama’s age and his remarkable journey to stardom. Born David DeShaun Reyes on November 29, 2006, DD Osama is currently 18 years old as of 2025. Despite his youth, this Harlem-based rapper has already made significant waves in the hip-hop industry, building a massive following and collaborating with established artists while navigating personal tragedy that has deeply influenced his musical journey.
Early Life and Family Background
DD Osama was born and raised in Harlem, New York City, to parents Eddie Reyes, a businessman, and Crimsley Martinez, a former real estate agent. Growing up in one of hip-hop’s most culturally rich neighborhoods, the young artist was surrounded by music from an early age. His ethnicity is Mixed (Dominican-Puerto Rican-Afro-American), reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of his Harlem community.
David De’Shaun Reyes was born in a family of five children, with his mother Crimsley Martinez having a significant influence on his life and career. His siblings include his brothers JayKlickin and JStar Balla, who are also involved in music, and his sister Melz. The family environment fostered creativity and musical expression, setting the stage for DD Osama’s future career.
The young rapper has spoken publicly about his mother’s sacrifices and her role in shaping his character. In interviews, he has expressed deep gratitude for her unwavering support, acknowledging that she worked tirelessly to provide for the family while maintaining a constant presence in their lives. This strong family foundation would prove crucial during the most challenging period of his life and career.
The Beginning of a Musical Journey
In 2021, Reyes released his first song “Aftermath” alongside his brother Notti Osama, and fellow rapper Blockwork. This collaboration marked the official beginning of DD Osama’s recording career, though he had been immersed in hip-hop culture for years before that. The partnership with his younger brother Notti was particularly significant, as the two shared a deep bond and creative chemistry that resonated with listeners.
At DD Osama’s age of just 14 or 15 when he started releasing music, his technical skills and emotional depth were already evident. The brothers worked together in a home studio, crafting tracks that reflected their experiences growing up in Harlem and navigating the complexities of street life. Their early collaborations showcased raw talent and authentic storytelling that would become hallmarks of DD Osama’s style.
Reyes began receiving recognition around June 2022, as his music started gaining traction on social media platforms. Videos of his performances and tracks circulated widely on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, introducing him to a broader audience. His aggressive drill beats, combined with emotionally charged lyrics, struck a chord with young listeners who related to his experiences and perspective.
Tragedy and Transformation
The trajectory of DD Osama’s career changed dramatically in July 2022 when personal tragedy struck. His brother, Ethan Reyes, alias Notti Osama, passed away on July 9, 2022, reportedly stabbed to death during a fight at a Manhattan subway station at only 14 years old. This devastating loss occurred just one day before the release of “Dead Opps,” a collaborative track the brothers had created together.
The death of Notti Osama sent shockwaves through the drill community and thrust DD Osama into an unwanted spotlight. Rather than retreating from music, however, the young artist channeled his grief into his art. The posthumous release of “Dead Opps” became a viral hit, with millions of listeners connecting with the raw emotion embedded in the track.
On November 1, 2022, he released “Letter 2 Notti,” a tribute song to his brother. This deeply personal track showcased a different side of DD Osama, displaying vulnerability and pain that resonated with fans far beyond the drill music community. Other tribute songs like “E4N” (Everything 4 Notti) and “Without You” further demonstrated his ability to transform personal tragedy into powerful musical statements.
In reflecting on his brother’s death, DD Osama has been candid about the profound impact it had on both his life and career. The loss forced him to mature quickly, and at DD Osama’s age of just 15 and 16 during this period, he was navigating grief, trauma, and sudden fame simultaneously. His music became a form of therapy, allowing him to process his emotions while connecting with others who had experienced similar losses.
Career Breakthrough and Collaborations
Following the viral success of his tribute songs, DD Osama’s career accelerated rapidly. His track “40s N 9s,” featuring fellow New York rapper Sugarhill Ddot, became a massive hit, accumulating millions of views on YouTube within weeks of its release. The song’s success demonstrated that DD Osama was more than a one-hit wonder; he was a legitimate talent with staying power.
In his career, David De’Shaun Reyes has collaborated with rappers like Sugarhill Ddot, Dudeylo, Roscoe G and Jstar Balla. These collaborations helped establish his credibility within the drill scene while showcasing his versatility as an artist. He has also worked with artists outside the drill genre, including collaborations with Coi Leray on “Up Now” and a popular track called “Throw” with Lil Mabu.
One of the most significant milestones in DD Osama’s young career came in August 2023. In August 2023, Reyes went on the tour “Sorry for the Drought” with Lil Durk, one of Chicago’s most prominent drill rappers. This opportunity to tour with an established artist provided invaluable experience and exposure, introducing DD Osama to audiences across the country. For an artist at DD Osama’s age, sharing stages with industry veterans represented a major validation of his talent and potential.
His collaborations have continued to expand his reach and demonstrate his artistic range. Working with NLE Choppa added another dimension to his growing catalog, while his partnership with Coi Leray showed his ability to blend drill aesthetics with more mainstream hip-hop sounds. Each collaboration has helped DD Osama refine his craft while maintaining the authenticity that initially attracted fans to his music.
Social Media Presence and Fan Engagement
In today’s music industry, social media presence is nearly as important as musical talent, and DD Osama has mastered the art of digital engagement. His popularity has extended to social media, with over 1.6 million Instagram followers and his YouTube channel reaching over 1.42 million subscribers and over 321 million views. These impressive numbers reflect not just his musical success but his ability to connect with fans on a personal level.
His content strategy includes behind-the-scenes footage, studio sessions, and personal moments that give fans insight into his life beyond the music. This transparency has helped build a dedicated fanbase that feels personally invested in his journey. His TikTok presence has been particularly important for reaching younger audiences, with his songs frequently featured in viral videos and dance challenges.
The engagement isn’t one-sided either. DD Osama regularly interacts with fans through comments, live sessions, and Q&A formats, maintaining the accessibility that helped build his following in the first place. This direct connection with his audience has created a community around his music, with fans supporting not just his artistic output but his personal growth and healing journey.
Personal Life and Relationships
Despite his public profile, DD Osama has maintained a relatively private personal life. There have been rumors and speculation about his romantic relationships, including reported connections with TikTok personality Aniyah and Alabama Barker, daughter of musician Travis Barker. However, the young artist has consistently chosen to keep relationship details private, focusing public attention on his music and artistic development.
This discretion is perhaps understandable given DD Osama’s age and the intense scrutiny that comes with fame. At 18 years old, he’s still navigating the complexities of young adulthood while managing a burgeoning career and processing significant trauma. His choice to maintain boundaries between his public persona and private life demonstrates maturity beyond his years.
Musical Style and Influence
DD Osama’s musical style is firmly rooted in New York drill, a subgenre characterized by aggressive beats, sliding bass lines, and often confrontational lyrics. However, his music incorporates emotional depth that sets him apart from many drill artists. His willingness to be vulnerable, particularly in tracks dealing with loss and grief, has broadened his appeal beyond traditional drill audiences.
His vocal delivery combines the raw energy typical of drill music with melodic elements that make his tracks more accessible to mainstream listeners. This balance between authenticity and commercial appeal has been key to his success. Songs like “Without You” showcase his ability to craft emotionally resonant hooks while maintaining the edge that drill fans expect.
The influence of his Harlem upbringing is evident throughout his music, from references to specific neighborhoods and local culture to the incorporation of New York’s distinctive drill sound. At the same time, his music transcends regional boundaries, speaking to universal themes of loss, ambition, loyalty, and survival that resonate with listeners nationwide.
Looking Forward
As DD Osama continues to evolve as an artist, the future looks promising. On October 24, 2024, DD Osama performed at Hoops Fest, to celebrate the opening of John Glaser Arena at La Salle University in Philadelphia, demonstrating his continued growth as a live performer. These high-profile performances indicate increasing mainstream recognition and opportunities.
At DD Osama’s age of 18, he stands at a pivotal point in his career. He has already achieved more than many artists accomplish in a lifetime, yet he’s just beginning to tap into his potential. Industry observers are watching closely to see how he develops his sound, whether he maintains his drill roots or continues incorporating diverse influences.
The challenges ahead are significant. Maintaining relevance in the fast-moving world of hip-hop requires constant innovation and adaptation. Managing the pressures of fame while continuing to grow as a person and artist will be crucial. However, DD Osama has already demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, suggesting he has the strength and determination to navigate whatever comes next.
Conclusion
DD Osama’s journey from a young kid making music with his brother in Harlem to a nationally recognized artist with millions of fans is remarkable, especially considering his age. At just 18 years old, he has experienced triumphs and tragedies that have shaped both his music and his character. His ability to channel personal pain into artistic expression has created a powerful connection with fans who see their own struggles reflected in his music.
The story of DD Osama is still being written, with many chapters yet to come. What’s clear already is that he represents more than just another drill artist—he’s a voice for a generation navigating loss, ambition, and the search for meaning in a complex world. As he continues to mature as an artist and individual, the hip-hop community will be watching to see how this young talent from Harlem continues to evolve and what he’ll accomplish in the years ahead.