By the late 2010s, the world of R&B was shifting fast. Instead of loud, party-driven hits, a new wave of slow, emotional stories about love and vulnerability began to take centre stage. That’s when Dvsn — a duo from Toronto — emerged, capturing global attention with music that felt like a late-night conversation about love, mistakes, and second chances.
Behind the name Dvsn (pronounced “division”) are two artists: vocalist Daniel Daley and producer Nineteen85, best known for his collaborations with Drake. Together, they craft intimate, atmospheric songs that are instantly recognizable. They started as a mysterious project — no faces, no interviews, just music — and quickly signed with Drake’s label, OVO Sound. Their debut album, Sept. 5th, became the launchpad for their unique sound and global recognition. More on toronto-trend.
The Beginning of Dvsn
The story of Dvsn began in Toronto, a city that had already given the world artists like Drake and The Weeknd. It’s where vocalist Daniel Daley and producer Nineteen85 (real name Anthony Paul Jefferies) crossed paths. By that time, Nineteen85 was already well-respected in the industry, having produced Drake’s hits Hold On, We’re Going Home and Hotline Bling. Daley, meanwhile, was still finding his artistic voice — writing songs and honing his style, but not yet known to the public.
When they started collaborating, it was clear their chemistry could bring something fresh to R&B. Daley’s rich, emotional vocals blended perfectly with Nineteen85’s refined, cinematic production. Dvsn debuted in 2015 as a mysterious project — no photos, no press, just sound. That air of mystery worked. Listeners were hooked.
Breaking Through
In 2016, Dvsn officially signed with OVO Sound and stepped into the spotlight. Early singles like The Line, With Me, and Too Deep — one of the most celebrated slow jams of 2016 — quickly caught the attention of fans and critics alike. Within months, the duo joined Drake’s Summer Sixteen Tour as opening acts, marking their true breakthrough into the mainstream R&B scene.
What Makes Their Music Stand Out?
Even as their career gained momentum, Dvsn stayed true to their essence: emotional honesty and soulful depth. Their music fuses classic R&B warmth with modern, minimalistic production, creating the feeling that every song is a personal story you’re stepping into. Nineteen85’s touch is delicate — clean sound, smooth transitions, and no unnecessary layers. Every beat serves a purpose, giving space for Daley’s voice to carry the emotion.
The heart of Dvsn’s art is relationships — but not in a clichéd way. Their songs are raw and sincere, exploring love with all its doubts, regrets, and second chances. They embrace vulnerability, making listeners feel seen. Their sound often channels the slow jam aesthetic of the ’90s and early 2000s, yet still feels forward-thinking thanks to Nineteen85’s innovative production.
Signature Minimalism
Minimalism is another hallmark of their style. Every sound, chord, and pause carries weight. Sometimes just a few notes, a light beat, and Daley’s voice can create more tension and intimacy than an entire orchestra. That’s the quiet power of Dvsn.
Collaborations and Evolution
Over time, Dvsn’s sound expanded through experimentation and collaborations. Each album reflects a different phase of their journey. It all began with Sept. 5th (2016), a debut that made waves in the R&B scene and has since earned over 300 million streams on Spotify. Their follow-up, Morning After (2017), was even more polished — cinematic, emotional, and deeply personal. Then came A Muse in Her Feelings (2020), a turning point where they blended Afrobeat and trap influences, featuring guest artists like Future, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Snoh Aalegra, and Summer Walker. It proved Dvsn could evolve without losing authenticity.
In 2021, they teamed up with Ty Dolla $ign for the joint project Cheers to the Best Memories — a lighter, more playful record that expanded their sound and audience. The 2022 album Working on My Karma marked another evolution, filled with introspective themes, spiritual reflection, and bold sonic choices.
Staying Authentic in a Changing R&B World
The modern R&B landscape changes faster than ever — new artists, new trends, social media, and algorithms constantly reshape the game. Yet Dvsn stand out by staying grounded in their truth. Their sound has inspired a new wave of artists who strive to merge honest storytelling with refined, emotional soundscapes.
While the pressure of commercial success can push many artists away from their roots, Dvsn show that it’s possible to stay authentic in an era of constant change. They don’t chase trends or viral fame — their music remains about emotion, honesty, and connection.
The Legacy of Modern Canadian R&B
Dvsn represent the “second generation” of Canadian R&B — following global icons like Drake and The Weeknd, they showcase a more intimate yet equally powerful side of Toronto’s music scene. Today, the duo are exploring new contracts, tours, and collaborations that promise fresh horizons. Whether it’s genre-bending experiments or deeper lyrical journeys, Dvsn continue to evolve — all while staying true to who they are.
Sources:
- https://schonmagazine.com/interview-dvsn
- https://www.gq.com/story/dvsn-working-on-my-karma-interview
- https://www.essence.com/feature/dvsn-muse-in-her-feelings
- https://aestheticmagazinetoronto.com/2021/01/04/interview-dvsn-on-their-creative-process-staying-inspired-mentoring-emerging-canadian-artists-with-first-up-with-rbcxmusic
