King Wes | Makin' It Magazine

King Wes

King Wes's picture
King Wes
@KingWes
Austin
Core
ProducerA&RConsultantEngineerSoul / Neo-SoulHip-Hop / RapR&BGospel / InspirationalCountryRock / Alternative

About

Dusten Wes, aka King Wes, is an Austin-based alternative hip-hop artist, producer, and founder of Dirtyrugged Music LLC. Originally from LA, he blends soulful production with reflective storytelling, delivering authentic, independent music rooted in growth, culture, and real-life experience.

Skills

ProducerA&RConsultantEngineerSoul / Neo-SoulHip-Hop / RapR&BGospel / InspirationalCountryRock / Alternative

Find me on

2 updates · since April 2026 — a record built one month at a time

June 2026
OUT NOW! GROWN MAN!
SongOUT NOW! GROWN MAN!№ 2 · Jun 11, 2026
February 2026
Joined Makin' It

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Full Bio

Dusten Wes (King Wes) is a Texas-based artist, producer, songwriter, and audio engineer

originally from Los Angeles. His sound, which he calls adult contemporary hip-hop, brings

together West Coast influence, hip-hop, R&B, soul, gospel touches, and cinematic

production. With a mature point of view and a storyteller's ear, he writes about love,

family, personal growth, resilience, faith, and legacy. His records connect the foundation

of hip-hop with the depth and musicianship of grown-folk music.

Wes is the founder of DIRTYRUGGED MUSIC LLC and DIRTYRUGGED PUBLISHING,

independent platforms built around creative ownership, artist development,

collaboration, and meaningful music. He is studying audio production at The Recording

Conservatory of Austin (TRCOA) and is working toward membership in GRAMMY U.

Alongside his education, he is focused on building the company. His work through the

label centers on original releases, production, songwriting, publishing, collaborations, and

artist development.

His releases include the single “Grown Man,” which introduced the GROWN FOLK MUSIK

project. The single “City I Love” is planned for January 2027, followed by the album SON

OF THE GOSPEL SINGER AND PIANO PLAYER, targeted for the second quarter of 2027.

Onstage, he has performed across the United States and internationally, including

opening for Talib Kweli in Houston.

Whether recording his own music or collaborating with other artists, Dusten Wes brings

an independent spirit, soulful production, and lived-in perspective to every project. His

work continues to grow from the same purpose: make honest music that honors where

he comes from and speaks to where life can lead.

MUSICAL IDENTITY

Adult contemporary hip-hop | R&B | Soul | Gospel influence | Cinematic storytelling