David Anthony Burke, known professionally as d4vd (pronounced “David”), was born March 28, 2005 in Queens, New York. He is an American singer and songwriter. His family later moved to Houston, Texas, where he grew up. As a child and through his early teens, he listened almost exclusively to gospel music. Around age 13, after hearing Lil Pump’s “Gucci Gang,” he began exploring other genres via a school laptop, discovering artists such as XXXTentacion and listening to indie music. He was homeschooled after finishing 7th grade. His musical interest was sparked in a slightly unusual way: he used to make Fortnite montage videos for YouTube. To avoid copyright strikes from using other people’s music in those videos, his mother suggested he make his own music. From that suggestion came recording in homes (even his sister’s closet) using apps on his phone and platforms like BandLab. Over time, he uploaded tracks to SoundCloud (songs like “You and I,” “Take Me to the Sun,” etc.). Religiously, he identifies as Christian. Aside from music, he had interests in video games (Fortnite), anime, etc., which influenced his early content and style. There isn’t much verified public information about close family relationships, romantic relationships (outside of what is alleged in the controversies), or private life beyond what emerges in interviews and music. Much is still either unproven or speculative.
Four: Run Away
“Run Away” was the first song ever released by D4vd in 2021, marking the humble beginning of his music journey. Created entirely on his phone using the BandLab app and recorded in his sister’s closet, the song reflects his early experimentation with sound and emotion before fame found him. “Run Away” carries a raw, lo-fi feel — it’s intimate, vulnerable, and drenched in that homemade energy that later became a signature part of his identity. It has garnered over 456K views on YouTube. The lyrics explore a deep sense of escape, heartbreak, and emotional isolation, with D4vd reflecting on wanting to run away from pain, love, or even himself. It showcases the kind of poetic melancholy that would soon define his later hits like “Romantic Homicide.” The vocals are gentle and echoey, layered over soft guitar chords that create a somber, dreamy atmosphere. While it didn’t gain massive attention upon release, “Run Away” is often viewed by fans as the emotional seed of his artistry — a song that captures where it all started: just a kid with a phone, a voice, and a lot of feelings to pour into sound.
FYI
- Over time, touring with artists like SZA and building real-world connections allowed him to infuse more personal, “evolved” maturity into his work, as he reflected in a 2025 interview with People.
Three: Here With Me
“Here With Me” is one of D4vd’s most beloved songs, released in 2022, and it beautifully captures his ability to mix deep emotion with haunting simplicity. Written and produced by D4vd himself, the song is essentially a love letter to presence and memory — a bittersweet reflection on holding on to someone even when they’re not physically there. It has garnered over 1.6B streams on spotify and over 225M views on it’s Official Music Video on YouTube. Lyrically, it explores themes of longing, loss, and timeless connection, with D4vd expressing a quiet desire to freeze a moment with someone he loves, to stay “here with me” forever. His vocals are soft and soulful, layered with emotion that feels almost whispered, giving the song an intimate, nostalgic pull. The song became a viral hit on TikTok, sound tracking countless romantic and melancholic videos that resonated with listeners around the world. Fans were drawn not only to its emotional vulnerability but also to how cinematic it felt — like a love story unfolding in slow motion. “Here With Me” went on to chart globally, cementing D4vd’s reputation as a master of emotional storytelling through minimal yet powerful soundscapes. It’s a song that makes listeners feel both comforted and heartbroken at once — the kind of track that lingers long after it ends, much like the person it’s about.
Two: Locked and Loaded (Official Fortnite Anthem)
Released on the 5th of September 2025 and currently standing as D4vd’s latest single is the song called Locked and Loaded (Official Fortnite Anthem). This release represents a full-circle moment: D4vd actually started out making Fortnite montage videos on YouTube before shifting into music, so creating an official Fortnite anthem hits emotionally and symbolically. It has garnered over 1.9M views on it’s Official Music Video on YouTube. It carries cinematic, high-energy production suited for gaming and competition settings, blending alt-pop and electronic elements to match the vibe of a gaming anthem. The song also serves as the soundtrack for the 2025 Fortnite Global Championship (FNCS), making its in-game debut as part of a Jam Track and being featured in the Fortnite Shop. Visually, the official music video mixes animation, Fortnite gameplay, and competitive footage, tying D4vd’s musical identity back to his gaming roots. In releasing “Locked & Loaded,” D4vd said that Fortnite “gave me a space to be creative and connect with people all over the world,” and making the anthem was his way of giving back to something that shaped his story.
Awards/Nominations
- He was nominated in 2023 for the Streamy Awards in the category Rolling Stone Sound of the Year for “Here With Me.” Also in 2023, “Romantic Homicide” was nominated at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards for Best Music Video (Independent).
- He won BMI Pop Awards in 2024 for two of his songs: “Here With Me” and “Romantic Homicide.”
- Most recently, in 2025, he got a nomination from the Guild of Music Supervisors Awards for “Feel It” as Best Song Written and/or Recorded for Television. Additionally, he was nominated for Kids’ Choice Awards 2025 as Favorite Male Breakout Artist.
Discography
- Withered (2025)
Controversy
- In September 2025, a major controversy erupted when human remains were discovered in the trunk of a Tesla registered to D4vd. The body was identified as Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a teenage girl who had been missing since April 2024. The LAPD opened an investigation but has not charged D4vd or publicly named him as a suspect.
- Online, fans noticed that Celeste reportedly had a matching tattoo with D4vd, and old messages and song lyrics circulating online hinted at a possible connection between them. This fueled rumors of an inappropriate relationship and grooming allegations, though none of these claims have been confirmed.
- At present, the case remains under investigation — the cause of death hasn’t been determined, and there’s no verified evidence linking D4vd directly to the crime. He’s reportedly cooperating with authorities while public opinion remains divided, with many urging caution against jumping to conclusions.
One: Romantic Homicide
“Romantic Homicide” was released on July 20, 2022 through DistroKid, and later re-released via Darkroom and Interscope. It’s part of his debut EP Petals to Thorns. The song was recorded in his sister’s closet, using minimal gear, which contributes to its raw, emotional atmosphere. The lyrics explore themes of unrequited love, emotional numbness, and the pain of letting go. It has garnered over 1.7B streams on spotify and over 190M views on it’s Official Music Video on YouTube. Commercially, “Romantic Homicide” was d4vd’s breakthrough: it went viral on TikTok in September 2022, becoming massively popular there. The song charted on multiple international charts, including the US Billboard Hot 100 (his first entry there), Hot Alternative Songs, global charts, etc. Although not his most recent single “Romantic Homicide” remains his biggest hit in terms of impact, streaming, virality, and recognition. Critics have generally praised “Romantic Homicide” as a breakthrough track for D4vd, highlighting its emotional intensity, sparse yet powerful production, and its ability to tap into Gen-Z heartbreak and vulnerability. It’s often described as a confessional song—his struggle with emotional detachment, heartbreak, and letting go resonates because the delivery feels intimate and unguarded.