The Humble Reign Of King Dorian

By Alisha Proffitt

Photos By Antonio Pantoja

Wholesome and humble are probably not the adjectives you would expect to be unpacked when describing someone with a brand name like King Dorian. But I assure you, Dorian Washington embodies both of those words. Dorian was born in Macon, GA, a small city on the outskirts of Atlanta. Around the age of 11 or 12, he moved to Atlanta to live with his brother in College Park, where he got his introduction to the music business. “Moving there put me closer to my dream, because everybody in my neighborhood was somehow entwined in the music business,” says Washington. 

And he’s not exaggerating. Washington shared a neighborhood with some really big players in the industry.This put him in the orbit of So So Def Recordings, which has signed artists like Da Brat, Bow Wow, Kris Kross, Xscape, Dem Franchize Boyz, Anthony Hamilton, Jagged Edge, INOJ, J-Kwon, and the Ghost Town DJ’s. “I was able to help facilitate my dreams by learning from some of these people and being around some of these people,” Washington said of the time he spent in Atlanta.

Now, with over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Washington has a lot of notches under his belt and has worn a lot of hats. A two-time Music Executive of the Year winner, he has worked in A&R, film production, and musical direction. He has earned three Grammys with Static Major and achieved 350 platinum plaques working with huge names like Jay-Z, Lil Baby, and Migos. He even partnered with Spike Lee on a film called Home Invaders. He will be receiving the esteemed Jam Master Jay Legend Honoree Award in Los Angeles on June 27th. 

“People ask me how I balance my life, how I balance all of these roles. Outside of all of those things, I’m a husband, a father, and a grandfather. So, those come first,” says Washington. “The music stuff, it’s so natural to me, that anything in the entertainment world (because I manage athletes and things like that too) that’s so easy to me. Once you’re established, it’s not as hard as people think it is.”

Washington has dabbled in pretty much every kind of major branch of entertainment you can think of, even managing athletes like Troy Hudson, who went on to become the second highest paid undrafted player in history, according to Washington. “That led me to working with other players because of my efficiency with Hudson,” he explains. 

While a lot has changed in the industry since he started, Washington has had the wisdom to change his approach to stay in the game. Decades of experience has given him a unique perspective and understanding that allows him to empower and guide his clients through an industry that often exploits artists, and point them in the most beneficial and lucrative direction. It is with that knowledge and expertise that he aids his clients and new emerging talent so they too can achieve their dreams. His advice? “Don’t be afraid of change, don’t be afraid to try new things and don’t burn bridges you might have to cross again.” 

Looking ahead, Washington is excited about upcoming projects like both YG Marley and Busta Rhymes news albums, as well as Flippa T, a new artist he is working with that does motivational rap. 

But for him personally, he has his sights set on an Oscar. “A personal goal for me is to win an Oscar,” he shares. 

Dorian doesn’t define success through a career, though. “How do I define success? Is my wife happy? Is my kids happy? Is my grandkids happy? Those are the only 3 entities that I need to make happy. Those are the only 3 entities that I care about they opinion,” Washington says. “The world will turn on you so fast, you could work 30 years and be successful, somebody says one thing about you- that might not even be true- everybody will automatically turn on you. I live a very modest lifestyle, I dont have a 20 million dollar mansion, I dont have 100 cars. So, if it ends for me tomorrow, as long as my wife and kids and grandkids is happy, I’m cool.” 

Rather than get his kicks through flashy displays of excess, Dorian finds joy in more meaningful ways. Him and his wife regularly dish out random acts of kindness in the community, even going viral back during the holidays for gifting a kid with a PS5. They help kids pay for college and get the resources they need for school, feed the homeless every night when they’re in LA, they even helped a man get his final wish to meet Tech N9ne in 2017. “We really just want to help people, and any way we can help people-that’s what we want to do.” 

It should come as no surprise that as of this year February 12th has been declared “Dorian Washington Day” here in Louisville. In a world where ego often overshadows integrity, Dorian Washington is proof that success and humility can coexist. With a résumé that reads like a highlight reel and a heart that beats for his family and community, he’s building more than just a career, he’s building a legacy. 

King Dorian wears his crown not with arrogance, but with purpose.