Dee Davis, a Christian Rap artist from London, UK, has released his new single 'Can't Break Free'. Louder Than The Music spoke with Dee about the song, written, recorded and produced himself, to hear how it was inspired by a difficult time in his past. Read on to find out more about this innovative artist.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I was born in Nottingham and have also lived in Cardiff, Lyme Regis in Dorset and finally London. I am 39 years... Read MoreDee Davis, a Christian Rap artist from London, UK, has released his new single 'Can't Break Free'. Louder Than The Music spoke with Dee about the song, written, recorded and produced himself, to hear how it was inspired by a difficult time in his past. Read on to find out more about this innovative artist.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I was born in Nottingham and have also lived in Cardiff, Lyme Regis in Dorset and finally London. I am 39 years old and married with 3 children. The first time I attempted to write lyrics to a song was when I was 15 years old. However, I began to take it seriously when I was about 20 years.
I listened to lots of different genres when I was younger but Hip Hop was the one that really stuck with me. I got saved when I was 24, at the church I now go to called Victory Outreach London City Church. I began playing keyboards, drums and singing on the worship team and that’s when God began to really develop the musical gift within me. I got opportunities to rap about my faith at evangelistic rallies which helped to develop my style. I have since completed both a college and University course in Songwriting and Music Production, gaining a First-Class Honours in the latter.
Tell us about your new single 'Can't Break Free' and what the inspiration behind it was?
I went through a difficult period in Nottingham in my early twenties and I got caught up taking drugs from which I ‘couldn’t break free’. It was actually part of a concept album detailing my experience from when it all started to go wrong to the point that God came in and rescued me. This was the best song to put out as the others weren’t quite ready.
God was calling me to him, through my struggles but at the time I didn’t have a clue what was going on. I got to the point where I gave up. Just as I did, within a week, I moved from Nottingham and began on my journey towards a new life in Christ. Thank God for his grace.
I wrote the first verse as if I was still in chaos so listeners could get a better picture of what I went through. The last verse focuses on a consequence of the lifestyle I lived. There are minimal references to God in the song because at that time I didn’t have a relationship with him.
Do you have plans to release more new music in the near future?
I am currently working on the follow up to this song. It’s about how God saved and rescued me from the madness. It’s also about what it means to live for God. I would like to start work on an EP next year as well.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
That to live in this world without God is to live without hope and that’s how I felt at one time in my life. However, when we are united with Christ Jesus, those who were once far away from God have now been brought near to him. My message is for people to take a step of faith and trust Jesus in the midst of your situation regardless how bad it seems because he will save you, turn your life around and give you hope again.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
My style of music is Christian Hip Hop and I am a Christian Rap Artist. My influences are Da Truth, Guvna B, Lecrae, Eshon Burgundy, Andy Mineo and Jered Sanders. Mainstream rappers such as Common, Mos Def, Biggie, Jehst, Wretch 32 and Dave. I also listen to lots of other music from various genres.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Da Truth. From a Christian Rapper perspective, he was the first rapper I listened too.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Being able to support my family first of all. Being able to help support my local church and be a blessing when I can. To be able to look back with no regrets and all of this whilst keeping God at the centre of it all.
What is your favourite album of all time?
Illmatic by Nas. It’s mainstream but it’s what I grew up on.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
My latest release, whatever that is. Lol!
What does the next year hold for you?
I would like to start work on an EP and collaborate with other artists. To move house with my family. To help our church to continue to grow and be effective in and throughout the city of London, reaching the lost, making disciples and developing leaders.
London, UK, based Dee Davis has released his new single 'Can't Break Free'. The song, written, recorded and produced himself, is a reflection, portrayed through deep lyrical imagery, of a difficult time in his past. "God used the…
