Duke Dennis labeled the photo Drake posted of him on Instagram as the “worst picture of all time” while discussing the post on social media. The Toronto rapper originally uploaded a photo of the AMP member with the caption: “I’m not aware of my picture or mirror face. It’s a curse from birth and I’m influenced by what I see.” At first, Dennis hopped into the comments section to have a back-and-forth with Drake.
“Fendi head wrap having someone else take the pic in the mirror is wild, you a wild boy Duke,” Drake wrote, to which Dennis replied” “You got a few pictures that give off the same vibe.” Drake then added: “I accept my contributions to the mirror face members… We are akin to one another.” Dennis also addressed the photo while livestreaming. He explained that his phone was blowing up afterward. “I hate that picture so much… I go look at it, he used the worst picture of all time,” he joked.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 16: Rapper, songwriter, and icon Drake attends a game between the Houston Rockets and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Toyota Center on March 16, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Elsewhere in his post, Drake shared a picture of Joe Budden that has also served as an inspiration. The post comes after the Toronto rapper recently made headlines on social media for teasing a “Game 2,” which fans interpreted as referring to his battle with Kendrick Lamar. Budden had reacted to that post during a recent episode of his podcast. “I don’t think this has sat well with him. I think he’s doing a decent job now in post-battle recovery,” he claimed. “If you’re going to do it, I don’t want to hear, ‘We’re going to win game two.’ I don’t want to hear you promote s**t to [DJ Akademiks]. I just want you [to go] in your cave with your team and do it.”
Duke Dennis Addresses Drake’s Instagram Post
He eventually deleted the “Game 2” post. Check out Dennis and Drake’s interaction on Instagram below. Be on the lookout for further updates on Drake on HotNewHipHop.
There are few YouTubers whose charisma has mesmerized a generation like Duke Dennis. The YouTuber’s quick wit, magnetic personality, and undeniable “rizz” have made him a generational icon. Duke’s ascended to the forefront of YouTube and Twitch, garnering millions of followers of young viewers who’ve witnessed his impeccable rise. He’s grown his channel significantly from NBA 2K gameplay to a bonafide influencer whose on-camera presence has created some amazing content.
This week, Dennis garnered newfound attention after Rolling Stone named him at #5 on their list of the 25 Most Influential Creators list – a feat that came after years of grinding. Then a few days later, Drakeposted the South Carolina native in a series of photos on Instagram where he jokingly referred to Duke as his selfie influence. Evidently, Duke’s impact extends well beyond the streaming world.
Duke Dennis, born Dontavious Tony Dennis on February 26, 1994, in Greenville, South Carolina, came from modest beginnings in the DeeBlock neighborhood of the City Heights’ apartment complex. Growing up, Duke faced the challenges of life in a small town, where opportunities were limited, and the dream of making it big seemed far-fetched. A self-described nerd who was into anime, Despite these challenges, Duke found solace and escape in video games, particularly in NBA 2K and began sharing gaming videos on YouTube.
However, before YouTube, Duke had a stint in the U.S. Army, where he served for a brief period. His time in the military instilled in him a sense of discipline and work ethic that would later become crucial in his YouTube career. After leaving the army, Duke returned to his passion for gaming, this time with a plan to turn it into something more than just a hobby.
Rise To Fame On YouTube
Duke Dennis’s rise to fame began with his NBA 2Kgameplay videos. He launched his gamer channel in 2013, though once he began sharing NBA 2K content, he garnered more subscribers. Like many gamers, his early videos showcased his skills in the game. However, he distinguished himself from other gamers on YouTube through his engaging commentary and relatable personality. Eventually, his blend of knowledge and his ability to entertain became the launching pad for his career.
As his channel grew, Duke expanded his content to include more than just gameplay. He began sharing personal stories, reacting to viral content, vlogs, and collaborating with other YouTubers. His versatility and willingness to adapt helped him build a loyal fanbase. By 2020, Duke had solidified his place in the YouTube community, with his videos regularly attracting millions of views.
Though not as prolific of a streamer as Kai Cenat or Agent 00, Duke Dennis has garnered quite the following on Twitch. There, he brings his gaming content to the fore along with his Story Time series while also engaging with his vast fanbase. He’s also welcomed several celebrities on his platform, too, such as Rich Homie Quan and his ex-girlfriend, Kaliii.
Joining AMP: The Collective That Changed the Game
Kai Cenat, Agent 00, Duke Dennis and Chrisnxtdoor of AMP at The 2023 Streamy Awards held at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel on August 27, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images)
In 2020, Duke Dennis’s career took a significant leap forward when he became a member of the AMP (Any Means Possible) Collective. AMP is a group of content creators known for their dynamic and entertaining videos that blend gaming, challenges, vlogs, and comedy. Given his charisma and gaming expertise, Duke’s inclusion in AMP was a natural fit.
At the time, AMP consisted of Duke Dennis, Fanum, Agent 00, and Davis. However, the collective has since expanded with the inclusion of ChrisNxtDoor, who was previously a video editor for AMP, and Kai Cenat, who is undoubtedly the reigning king of Twitch right now. Together, they blended gaming, skits, and real-life challenges that turned them into one of the most entertaining YouTube conglomerates online. The group currently lives in a mansion together in Georgia where they stream and create content. Oftentimes, the lore behind their streams overlaps with one another, making it feel closer to a reality show than it does a live stream.
The Power of “Rizz”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 09: Duke Dennis returns an interception for a touchdown during a celebrity flag football game at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on February 09, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
So, what is it about Duke Dennis that has mesmerized a generation? The answer lies in his “rizz.” In today’s social media-driven world, “rizz” refers to a person’s charisma, charm, and ability to attract others effortlessly. Duke Dennis embodies this concept perfectly. His laid-back demeanor, confident yet approachable nature and sense of humor make him a magnetic presence on screen.
Duke’s natural charm with women has become a significant factor in his popularity and sometimes, has been a sore spot among his fellow AMP members. He often excels in AMP challenge videos, whether those that allow his athletic talents to shine or see the collective competing for a date with one woman. However, even videos such as his recent trips to Paris and Toronto showcase his pull outside of America.
As his brand grew, Duke Dennis’s contributions to YouTube and streaming haven’t gone unnoticed. His content earned recognition on Rolling Stone’s Top 25 Influential Creators of 2024 list. Recognized for his 2K content and IRL streams, the publication wrote, “Dennis, 30, has his biggest following on TikTok, where his charm with the ladies has made him an almost mythic figure for teenage boys. He still has millions of subscribers on YouTube, though, where he posts videos of IRL street games in New York and hanging out behind the scenes at the Super Bowl.”
While Duke’s only beginning to get his rightful credit these days, we suspect that this will be the beginning of a major career moment. As AMP leaves New York City and returns to Atlanta, it seems like Duke and the rest of his groupmates have major plans for the year to come.
If you are someone who watches a lot of Twitch, or pays attention to streaming in general, you certainly know who Fanum is. He is part of the AMP crew which also includes creators like Kai Cenat, Agent, and even Duke Dennis. Overall, fans mostly know him for the infamous internet phrase “Fanum Tax.” For those who don’t know, the “Fanum Tax” is when you go up to someone and take a bit of their food. It’s more of an unspoken rule, and it has always led to humorous moments on Cenat’s streams.
Today, Fanum delivered some shocking news about his health. Taking to Twitter, the content creator noted that he actually had a heart attack a few days ago. Although he didn’t go into the specifics of what happened, he revealed that it was so bad he thought he was going to die. That said, he is planning on streaming tomorrow, and he hopes to do so for over 10 hours. Ultimately, it’s an impressive feat considering what he just went through.
had a heart attack/scare 2 days ago and ngl… i thought i was outta here chat, another reminder that health is wealth! i will be streaming tomorrow 100%
“had a heart attack/scare 2 days ago and ngl… i thought i was outta here chat, another reminder that health is wealth! i will be streaming tomorrow 100%,” he wrote. Hopefully, Fanum isn’t working himself too hard. Going through a cardiac arrest is extremely scary and something to take seriously. Fanum has received an outpouring of support, and we’re sure his stream on Saturday will be one of his biggest.
Let us know what you think of this news, in the comments section down below. Are you a fan of Fanum? What do you make of someone so young having a heart attack? Do you think the pressures of streaming and the nature of the job could have contributed to this? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the entertainment world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite personalities and their upcoming projects.
Nicki Minaj brought out Kai Cenat as well as AMP member Fanum at her recent concert. The move came a few days after Minaj joined Cenat for a wild livestream on his channel. Minaj was loving the chaotic vibes and wealth of attention. At one point, Minaj sent chat wild by furiously twerking at the camera. Minaj is coming off the success of her new album, Pink Friday 2. The project, her first in five years, is expected to shoot to the top of the Billboard Album Chart this week.
Furthermore, the pair broke Cenat’s single-stream viewership record. According to Stream Charts, the stream peaked at 348,593 viewers. Cenat typically averages around 34K for a regular stream. His previous record was just over 306,000 viewers. Did you catch the stream? What did you think? Who do you want to see Cenat stream with next? Let us know in the comments below.
Elsewhere on the stream, Minaj got some playful jabs in. At one point, she told the popular content creator that he was shorter than she expected. Of course, in classic Kai fashion, Cenat over-reacted his heart out, pushing his chair away from Nicki and acting mortally offended. Nicki is 5″2 while Cenat is reportedly 5″9. In the past, Cenat’s stream antics have included wearing height boosters. Furthermore, his larger-than-life personality likely add a few metaphorical inches.
However, things got weird after Minaj left. One of the streamer’s friends took a moment to smell the chair that Minaj had been sitting on. While Cenat and his crew found it hilarious, most commenters online thought it was weird and childish. “N-ggas is weird, I swear they been doing this since middle school,” one person summarized on Instagram. Increasingly so, especially as his stock continues to rise, many people are beginning to tire with Cenat’s immature antics, especially when he is considered a role model by so many young people.
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