How Did Morehouse College Dropout Bag Halle Berry? 15 Things to Know About Van Hunt

Van Hunt, the 55-year-old musician dating Academy Award winner Halle Berry, revealed in June that he has proposed marriage but remains waiting for an answer. The Grammy-winning artist has been in a relationship with Berry since 2020, following an introduction through his brother during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are key facts and factors about Hunt and his relationship with the actress:

Musical Foundation

Hunt was born March 8, 1970, in Dayton, Ohio, and raised by a single mother. He began playing drums at age 7, influenced by his father’s friendship with Ohio Players drummer Jimmy Williams. Hunt subsequently learned saxophone, bass, keyboards, and guitar, with the latter becoming his final instrument to master.

Educational Background

After relocating to Atlanta in 1996, Hunt enrolled at Morehouse College to study English but left before graduating to pursue music professionally. He later told Essence magazine he considered himself a poor student and might have pursued mathematics or astrophysics if music had not succeeded.

Early Career Development

Hunt supported himself by producing hip-hop demonstration recordings for Atlanta-area rappers, connecting him with prominent producers including Dallas Austin and Jermaine Dupri, as well as the group TLC. These relationships proved instrumental in his subsequent career advancement.

Breakthrough Collaborations

His first significant success came through writing and co-producing “Hopeless” for former Arrested Development member Dionne Farris. The track appeared on the 1997 “Love Jones” soundtrack. Hunt also collaborated with artists including Rahsaan Patterson and Cree Summer on various projects.

Management Connection

Through Farris, Hunt met Randy Jackson, who later gained fame as an American Idol judge. Jackson became Hunt’s manager in 2002, though Hunt admitted in interviews he never watched Jackson’s television appearances, preferring personal conversations.

Recording Career Launch

Hunt signed with Capitol Records in 2001 after producer Dallas Austin presented his recordings to the label. His self-titled debut album was released in February 2004, featuring singles “Down Here in Hell (With You)” and “Dust,” with the latter earning a Grammy nomination.

Grammy Recognition

In 2007, Hunt won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals alongside John Legend and Joss Stone for covering Sly & the Family Stone’s “Family Affair.” The recording appeared on the tribute album “Different Strokes by Different Folks.”

Label Challenges

Hunt’s third album “Popular” was completed for Blue Note Records in 2008 but shelved when the label decided against release. The album remained unreleased for nine years until appearing on digital platforms in 2017. Hunt described the experience as devastating to his career momentum.

Touring Experience

Throughout his career, Hunt has performed with notable artists including Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, The Roots, Coldplay, and Dave Matthews Band. His versatility has allowed him to cross multiple genres from neo-soul to rock.

Recent Musical Output

Hunt’s latest release, the EP “A Heart Full of Questions,” appeared in May 2025. His discography includes eight full-length albums and multiple EPs spanning more than two decades of recording.

Fatherhood

Hunt has a son named Drake from a previous relationship. Drake performs under the stage name Dali Rose and released his debut EP “Heaven” in April 2025, earning public support from his father on social media.

Relationship Timeline with Berry

Hunt and Berry were introduced by his brother and spent four months communicating by phone during pandemic lockdowns before meeting in person. Berry made their relationship public in September 2020 by posting a photograph wearing a shirt bearing Hunt’s name.

Public Appearances

The couple has appeared together at high-profile events including the Academy Awards and Met Gala. In December 2021, Berry publicly called Hunt the “love of her life” during an awards ceremony acceptance speech.

Marriage Prank

In January 2022, Hunt and Berry posted photographs suggesting they had married, generating widespread media coverage before clarifying the images were part of a New Year’s Day prank they termed “January Fool’s Day.”

Current Engagement Status

During a June 2025 interview with Today.com, Hunt revealed he had proposed to Berry but she had not yet accepted. Berry, previously married three times, stated they do not feel obligated to marry to validate their relationship but indicated they would likely wed “soon.” She described Hunt as “the person I should have married” among her previous partners.