Louder Than The Music

Deraj - Goodish

Artist:

Deraj

Title:

Goodish

Type:

Album

Released:

15 Sep 2017

LTTM Rating:

Your Rating:

Review

Orlando-based rapper and performer Deraj has just released his third EP 'Goodish'. Hip hop, sonic trends dictate the course of popular music, so it’s always refreshing when an artist emerges with his own distinct style and point of view. The multitalented Deraj has played by his own rules, offering his listeners a diverse musical palette that unabashedly spans alternative, hip hop, trap, pop and future bass. His empowering messages and passionate delivery are consistently relatable as they tackle everyday struggles, faith and triumph.

"I always want people to be able to feel encouraged that they are not the only...
Read More Orlando-based rapper and performer Deraj has just released his third EP 'Goodish'. Hip hop, sonic trends dictate the course of popular music, so it’s always refreshing when an artist emerges with his own distinct style and point of view. The multitalented Deraj has played by his own rules, offering his listeners a diverse musical palette that unabashedly spans alternative, hip hop, trap, pop and future bass. His empowering messages and passionate delivery are consistently relatable as they tackle everyday struggles, faith and triumph.

"I always want people to be able to feel encouraged that they are not the only ones that may be dealing with the internal dialogue about life struggles,” he says. “I want people to feel like my story is their story.” Deraj’s personal style and artwork compliment his music, driven by his background as a graphic designer. It was actually his arts background that landed him a job as art director for Reflection Music Group.

Soulful and distinctive vocals are the starter for the wonderful first track 'Goodish'. A fantastic tune that was pushed back onto repeat once I heard it. The main course of the opening track is a rap that is soulful but clean in delivery that fits the relaxed sound that we have here. And for dessert we have, for me, a fantastic opening track to what is a stunning EP.

The modern and chilled sounds continue with the track 'Unperfect'. The sound created here, and indeed on the whole EP, is very modern. I'm really impressed. Please don't mistake the word 'chilled', these songs still pack a kick, just in very different ways.

This album is all about style and message. It's actually really enjoyable to listen to an album that feels so smooth that you get lost in what is going on and the music. You only have to hear songs like 'I Need You' and 'Hold You Down' to really appreciate the quality of this release. The only track that has a slightly less relaxed side has to be the closing track 'Go Off'.

Deraj has made an album here with so much quality I want to tell everyone about it. This honest and well thought out album is simply brilliant. If only this was long enough to be a full album. Yet for now we can enjoy these songs that are a real triumph.

Review by Jono Davies

LTTM Rating 4.5 Out of 5 Stars
Standout Tracks
Goodish
Lose It All

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Deraj - Goodish

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Deraj Releases Third EP 'Goodish'