DMV platinum artist, songwriter, and producer DB Bantino unveils his anticipated new project Purple Star via Perfect Storm.
Produced entirely by DB Bantino and mixed by Grammy-winning engineer Bobby Campbell, Purple Star builds its own sonic world, drifting between sultry R&B, trap-infused pop, afrobeats, and the high-energy pulse of Baltimore club. The project was first introduced through the singles “Strip Down” and “Wait Til Later,” two records that offered an early glimpse into its sonic palette. While “Strip Down” settles into a smooth, late-night groove built for dim lights and intimate spaces, “Wait Til Later” moves with sharper urgency, pairing a catchy hook with forward momentum. Together, the tracks establish the mood, confidence, and after-hours energy that run throughout Purple Star.
The third single, “Grip,” draws directly from the bounce of Baltimore club music, a sound that left a lasting imprint on DB during his college years at Baltimore’s Morgan State University, one of the nation’s leading historically Black institutions and a cornerstone of the city’s culture. The rhythm-driven record adds another dimension to the project, revealing a different side of DB while still fitting seamlessly within its broader sound. Across Purple Star, Bantino focuses on music built to resonate beyond the moment. Rather than what he calls “potato chip music,” the project reflects years of experience and careful attention to craft, delivering records listeners can connect with rather than simply pass through.
Over the years, DB Bantino has built a reputation for polished, forward-thinking production, writing and producing alongside artists including Chris Brown, YG, T-Pain, Future, Bryce Vine, Zoey Dollaz, Offset, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Tory Lanez, and Syd. With Purple Star, he steps further into his own lane, bringing that same level of craftsmanship to a sound and perspective that’s entirely his.
Beyond the studio, Bantino serves as co-founder and CEO of Neverlanding, a community-driven organization supporting artists, small businesses, and youth across the DMV through entertainment, entrepreneurship, and education. Writing and producing his own music without compromise, he embodies the independent spirit at the heart of Perfect Storm, continuing to shape his sound and impact on his own terms.
