DFW Creative Expands his Ambitions

Donell Allen, professionally known as “Stoop,” has built his reputation through his talents, having been credited for his ability to create and expand the vision of different artists throughout  Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas. Most recently, Allen has launched his own companies, So Stoop Entertainment along with Stoop Productionz. 

Allen spent most of his childhood in Texas, but because his parents weren’t together, he had to adjust to co-parenting arrangements which required him to relocate often.

"Because my parents were split up I went to school everywhere in Detroit, Ohio, Dallas and Arlington,” Allen mentioned. In his teen years, Allen became a father and found himself adjusting to life as a young parent. Rather than going to college to pursue his interest in film and fine arts, Allen joined the workforce. "I've worked many different kinds of jobs to provide for myself and my family, but I've always been an entrepreneur”, he said, “Now that I'm in my early 30s, my muse is my children and focusing on my next creation."  

Allen began his career in entertainment as a rapper in the early 2000s. While at Sam Houston High school in Arlington,Texas, Allen was known as Yung Duce, but after developing his other talents, he changed his stage name to Hotboy Stoop. As a rap artist, his music offers edgy storytelling that often includes dramatic flare. For example, in his 2017 single, "Crazy", Allen integrates rational ideas with his extreme lyrical depictions by using props such as straight jackets and a psych ward themed setting. His newest single and album is titled, "Kolldlife,"and he plans to launch a clothing line of the same name.

Allen’s talents have developed in the field of visual arts as well, as he became involved with photography, cinematography, and film production at 18 years old. At age 19, he began to promote himself as a rapper, shooting his first music video and promoting his music. As he became more engaged with photography and film, he began to study the work of Ice Cube and Cubevision. Allen also admires the works of Tyler Perry and Mario Van Peebles. In 2009, Allen's music video and single were featured in the movie, "Streets of Blood," which starred Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson III and Val Kilmer. 

In the following years, Allen continued to study visual arts and began directing more of his creativity towards graphic design and film. Currently, under his company Stoop Productions, Allen creates toonheads, graphic designs, music videos, commercials, skits, and short films. When it comes to his drive, there's nothing that motivates him more than his family

"I'm a Daddy first, so I continue to invest in my business because the goal is to leave a legacy for them," he said. There are dozens of businesses in the Dallas-Ft.Worth metroplex that feature logos which were created by Stoop Productions. Da Kandy Shop Tattoo Studio based in Arlington has used Allen’s expertise for several of their commercials as well as for their podcast, Rap and Tat.

Allen's advice for visual artists is to simply continue dreaming, and working towards your vision.

"I always thought I had to get a job to pursue what I wanted to do in life,” he explained. “I worked odd jobs thinking that was the only way, but it wasn't the only way. Find out what your passion is, what you love to do then do what you love and it will never feel like just work."