Dooney Opens Up on iHeart About His Journey From Alabama to Abu Dhabi

From grinding on BandLab after football practice to rocking international stages, Dooney's rise is proof that hunger plus consistency really travels. In his recent iHeart podcast interview with Quia Morgan Hill on 90s Girl Boss, the Phenix City, Alabama native opened up about his journey from recording music on his phone to building a global presence that now stretches all the way to Abu Dhabi.

Born LeDarion Heath, Dooney explained how music started as an outlet before turning into a mission. What set him apart early was his work ethic—taking his craft seriously long before the industry paid attention. Influenced by Southern street legends like Young Dolph, Money Man, Larry June, and Johnny Cinco, Dooney's sound blends raw realism with versatility, delivering multiple flows while keeping his stories rooted in real life.

Now based overseas, Dooney represents a rare narrative in hip hop—an artist who expanded his vision beyond borders without losing his foundation. Filming his first official music video, "Kid That Did," in Abu Dhabi marked a major milestone and symbolized how far he's come creatively. He's also shared stages with hip-hop heavyweights like the Ying Yang Twins and Twista, proving his presence translates live.

Throughout the iHeart interview, Dooney made one thing clear: this isn't overnight success—it's years of quiet grinding. With recent projects like The Kid That Did and I Am Art, he continues to sharpen his voice and elevate his brand.

As his momentum builds, Dooney is carving his own lane—and showing the world that authenticity has no borders.