Debanaire (pronounced Deb-a-nair) is a Brooklyn-born MC raised in Fort Greene, known for his suave presence, razor-sharp lyricism, and cinematic delivery. Born Shakeem Howard, he started rapping at a young age, but truly began honing his craft in 2008—sharpening his pen in cyphers and demos that earned him early recognition in New York's underground scene.

With a deep respect for hip-hop’s golden era and a sound built for today, Debanaire’s catalog bridges classic grit with elevated production. His foundational projects—It’s My Turn, The Wicked Pen, Love, Life and Other Things, and Dopamine—highlight his conceptual depth and lyrical agility.

In 2021, Debanaire signed with Denver-based label Pure Artist Music, stepping into a new era of artistic growth and brand development. Since then, his presence has surged: from being featured on platforms like Hot 97, Shade 45, and This Is 50 to walking the runway at New York Fashion Week with Hip Hop Closet. He’s also earned co-signs from legends such as TERMANOLOGY, with whom he collaborated on the 2024 standout single “Compound Interest” off his latest album Alchemy.

Crowned Freestyle of the Year winner by The Bankai Hour (BBOX Radio) and featured in Validated Magazine, Debanaire is more than a rapper—he’s a movement. Known to many as The Black Bruce Wayne, his music fuses authenticity, ambition, and storytelling with a visual brand that stands apart from the noise.

Whether on stage, on camera, or in the community organizing youth-centered events, Debanaire remains rooted in purpose—and is steadily defining his legacy one bar at a time.