When you grow up with a mom who basically defined the aesthetic of the 1980s, people expect a lot. Or they expect nothing. It’s a weird middle ground to walk. Declyn Wallace Lauper—who most fans know simply as Dex Lauper—has spent the last decade trying to carve out a lane that looks nothing like the neon-colored pop world of his mother, Cyndi Lauper.
Honestly, if you’re looking for "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" part two, you aren’t going to find it here. Dex didn’t go for the pop hooks. He went for the 808s.
The Music Career: Underground Beats and Major Collabs
Declyn has been active in the hip-hop scene for years, but he’s never been one for the mainstream radio polish. He operates in what his mom calls the "underground." Since around 2017, he’s been dropping tracks on SoundCloud and YouTube that lean heavily into the alt-hip-hop and emo-rap subgenres.
You’ve probably seen his name pop up next to some surprisingly big industry players. We aren’t talking about local openers; we’re talking about G-Eazy and Trippie Redd. He appeared on G-Eazy’s Scary Nights project, which wasn't just a "nepotism" favor—he actually held his own with a raspy, brooding flow that feels more like Brooklyn pavement than Hollywood glitter.
Some of his better-known solo tracks include:
- "Wavy"
- "Moods"
- "Loyalty"
- "Special Vibe"
He’s even got a few unreleased tracks with Cyndi herself. He told TMZ a while back that he only collaborated with her once he felt he’d earned her respect as a standalone artist. That's a big deal. It shows a kid who is hyper-aware of the "nepo baby" label and is trying—maybe a bit desperately—to outrun it.
A Recent String of Legal and Personal Hurdles
It hasn't been all studio sessions and red carpets. In fact, the last few years have been rough for Declyn. If you’ve seen him in the news recently, it was likely for a courtroom appearance rather than a concert.
In early 2024, things took a serious turn. He was arrested in Harlem on felony gun possession charges. According to police reports, he was found near the scene of a shooting with a loaded firearm and some controlled substances. His father, actor David Thornton, ended up bailing him out for $20,000. It was a messy situation that followed a 2022 incident where he was caught in a stolen Mercedes-Benz during a vigil for a friend.
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Then there’s the civil side of things. As of early 2025, Dex was facing a $2 million lawsuit from a home health nurse alleging verbal threats. This was followed closely by a sexual assault lawsuit filed by an ex-girlfriend.
Just days before a scheduled mediation for that assault case in February 2025, Declyn filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This basically froze the civil proceedings. His lawyers argued it was a necessary financial move, while the opposing counsel called the timing "convenient." It’s the kind of complicated, gritty reality that rarely makes it into the glossy "where are they now" segments.
Growing Up in the "Technicolor" Shadow
Cyndi Lauper has been pretty open about the fact that her fame wasn't easy on her only son. In interviews with The Guardian and Vanity Fair, she’s mentioned how Declyn felt the pressure of her identity from a young age.
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There's a famous story she tells about him being a toddler. Someone approached her on the street, and Declyn asked, "Who are you?" She said, "I'm a mommy." He shot back: "No, you're not—you're Cyndi Lauper!"
That’s a lot for a kid to process.
Why Declyn Lauper Stays in the News
- Rap Career: He continues to record under the name Dex Lauper, focusing on trap and melodic rap.
- Legal Battles: Ongoing court dates for the 2024 gun charges and the 2025 civil suits.
- Fashion & Identity: He’s a frequent fixture at New York Fashion Week and the VMAs, often sporting a style that mixes high fashion with streetwear.
- Entrepreneurship: He’s dabbled in the cannabis industry, notably promoting his "F*** You Gumbo" brand in recent years.
What Most People Get Wrong
People assume he’s just a rich kid playing at being a rapper. And sure, the privilege is there—you can’t deny that having David Thornton and Cyndi Lauper as parents opens doors. But if you listen to the lyrics in songs like "Moods," there's a genuine sense of isolation.
He isn't trying to be a pop star. He’s trying to be a "wild card." Whether he’s successfully doing that or just spiraling is a matter of perspective, but he’s certainly not "doing nothing."
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Basically, Declyn is living his life in public, mistakes and all. He’s a rapper, a defendant, a son, and an artist all rolled into one very chaotic package.
If you want to keep tabs on his actual work, checking his SoundCloud or his Instagram (@dexlauper) is the only way to see what he’s releasing. Don't expect a press release; he tends to just drop things when the mood strikes. For the legal updates, New York court records are the only place for the cold, hard facts. Keep an eye on the outcome of his Chapter 7 filing, as that will dictate whether those civil cases move forward this year.
Next Steps for You: If you’re interested in the music, go listen to "Kids" featuring G-Eazy. It’s the best representation of his actual talent level before the legal drama started overshadowing the work. If you're following the legal side, look for updates regarding his Manhattan court dates, which have been rolling through the schedule since late 2024.