Kevin Demetri Wiley was born on June 23, 1996, on the west side of Chicago, Illinois. He is the son of Melissa Demetrius Jackson and Kelvin Anderson Wiley. Music has played a significant role in Demetri's life since his early years. During childhood, he taught himself to sing and rap and often credits Michael Jackson for inspiring him. Demetri's musical talent became apparent when he started perfo
rming in his middle school choir at Marconi Elementary Community Academy and various school talent shows. His friend, Keontay Epting, recognized his vocal talent when Demetri mimicked a Frankie Lymon performance of "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" and alerted their third-grade teacher, who cast him as Michael Jackson in the upcoming Christmas assembly. Following this, Demetri's mother assisted him in seeking musical opportunities, but to no avail. After graduating from George Westinghouse College Prep in 2014, he pursued music again. Following his high school graduation, Demetri collaborated with a former schoolmate, Khalid Reed, to create music. Together, they formed a rap duo known as SevenSevenThree, which gained popularity within the Chicago music scene. However, they encountered challenges in achieving widespread recognition. Despite their partnership's dissolution, Demetri continued pursuing his passion for music. His first solo release, "You," was inspired by the popular Netflix television series of the same name. Demetri sharpened his musical talent with the release of his second project, More4Less, Vol. 2. The project dispelled doubts about his abilities in the music industry, proving that music was his calling. In between these releases, Demetri faced a constant battle with depression and his mental health. These issues became so disturbing that Demetri attempted to take his own life on October 29, 2021; his parents found him after being alerted by a family friend. Demetri found solace in More4Less, Vol. 2, which helped him embark on a path to recovery. Through his struggles, the artist created works such as "Broken Prayers," "To My Best Friend," and "Lost Loverboy," which have since gained widespread recognition. These songs have resonated with audiences worldwide, showcasing the artist's ability to turn personal pain into relatable and impactful art. Demetri made healing his top priority, and he achieved this through various methods, including self-care, solitary reflection, journaling, and creating. His child, Logan Anderson Wiley, was crucial in helping Demetri learn to love and accept himself. Demetri's ideas and musings on life, love, and the art of healing garnered him a significant following, which eventually became a defining aspect of his persona. He recognized the transformative power of his words and how they could help alleviate the emotional burdens of millions. Consequently, he founded the "Lost Loverboy Podcast" to impart his insights to a broader audience. He has made a substantial investment in Brick House Cine, a production company he co-founded with Justice Hunt, Charles Hinds, and Richard Oriji, all of whom are his long-time friends. This investment aimed to achieve self-sufficiency. Demetri Wiley remains an independent artist, entirely self-funded, with enormous untapped potential to attain greater heights.
