In 2007, D.O.E. gained prominence for his feature on the hit "The Way I Are​" with Keri Hilson from Timbaland Presents Shock Value. Despite setbacks with his label, he released his 5th mixtape "The Fall of John Doe...The Rise of D.O.E" in 2008 and made a guest appearance on ABC's One Life to Live. In 2009, D.O.E. transitioned to songwriting in L.A., contributing to Timbaland's Shock Value 2 and writing for artists like Flo-Rida and Trey Songz. After a hiatus, he returned with the release of "Friendly Reminder."

D.O.E.'s move to L.A. in 2009 marked the beginning of his songwriting career, collaborating on hits like “The Morning After Dark” and “Say Something.” After a successful partnership with Atlantic Records, D.O.E. took a break to address personal matters before resuming his music career with "Friendly Reminder."