Christopher La'Don Davis

He was born in Dallas, TX to Sharon Denise Davis and Lester Charles Johnson on August 16, 1975.

Chris graduated from Lincoln High School in 1993. It was during his time at Lincoln as the school mascot that everyone began to know him as “Smooth Criminal DOI”, a local rapper with quick witted skills to spit out a freestyle at the drop of a dime. He was proud of his Dallas roots and was often seen doting a ballcap with “Dallas” or “Southside” referring to his stomping grounds of South Dallas and Pleasant Grove.

Chris performed with the group As One. In 1993 he appeared in the magazine Rap Pages as an upcoming rapper after which he worked with producer Willie Fresh to release a 6-song album.

Eventually he changed his rap name to U.P.T.I.G.H.T (Using Paragraphs To Influence Growth, Hustle and Togetherness). In the early 90’s Chris was a member of the A.S.O.N.E. Crew. While with this group, he performed as the opening act with such likes as Cypress Hill, Tim Dog, N2Deep and Leaders of the New School.

In 1996 he performed with the group The Budda Klan in which their listening party was at the home of NBA legend and Dallas native Spud Webb.

Chris caught the ear of legendary Dallas rapper D.O.C. of the group NWA and D.O.C. became a mentor to the rapper now known as “U.P.T.I.G.H.T.”. Chris helped write for D.O.C’s 2003 album Duece, this collaboration allowed him to perform in Detroit at Eminem’s Hip Hop Summit. In addition, Chris co-created “Big Ego’s on the Chronic 2001 album which went 6x’s platinum.

Between the years 1997-1999, Chris found himself in California working with such likes as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Warren G & Nate Dogg.

Chris worked closely with the Texas Summer Music conference and Source Magazine for music festivals. Other projects he worked on were Welcome to Slumpville 2005 and Bromitzvah 2006.

As Chris began to grow his family, he became an advisor at DeVry University and later found his calling in insurance and medical equipment sales. He discovered a passion for life insurance through his late father-in-law, Oliver G. Penelton. Chris excelled in this field, becoming a licensed agent in multiple states, and representing a variety of insurance companies. He was a licensed life insurance agent for 12 years, and his dedication and expertise in life insurance were evident in his successful career. Chris spent the last 7 years working at Inogen, a leading medical equipment company specializing in innovative respiratory products. Chris truly enjoyed sales, and all who knew him could unanimously say that he never missed an opportunity to discuss insurance with someone.

While attending New Hope Baptist Church, Chris was actively involved in the men’s chorus, the audio-visual department, bible study and volunteering with the homeless. Chris was a hardworking man that loved his family & friends.

Chris is preceded in death by his father Lester Johnson, paternal grandmother Nell and maternal grandmother Rosie Lee Davis. He leaves behind his loving wife Derheta Davis, daughters Christen and Amyah Davis, mother Sharon Davis & brothers Darryl Watts, Keith Swanson and Derrick Johnson.

Chris never met a stranger and his charismatic, larger than life personality and infectious smile will be forever missed. #lifegame