In the heart of North Philadelphia, a new voice is emerging from the famed streets that have already given the world some of its most influential artists.
Dej’ha, known to her growing fanbase as Big Dej, is poised to add her name to the list of legends who have walked the same paths. At just 18 years old, Dej’s journey is the prime example of steadfastly following your heart.
Born into a city with a rich musical legacy, Dej was raised in an environment where the rhymes of Freeway, the soulful melodies of Jill Scott, and the elite lyrics of Eve were the soundtrack to her childhood. It was in this cultural melting pot that Dej first discovered her own love for music—a love that quickly grew from a casual interest into a full-blown calling. For Dej, music was more than just a hobby; it was a lifeline. Writing music became a therapeutic outlet, a way to process emotions that words alone couldn’t capture. Each lyric, each verse, is a piece of her soul laid bare, a raw and unfiltered expression of her experiences.
The struggle to balance school assignments, prepare for rap battles, freestyles, and maintain a personal life would be intimidating for anyone, let alone a teenager. Yet, Dej has adapted, driven by a determination that refuses to let her dreams be forgotten. Her perseverance is evident, and it’s clear that she’s here to go the distance.
In an industry that remains male-dominated, Dej is aware of the challenges she faces as a young woman.
The phrase “because she’s a girl” is one she hears all too often, but rather than letting it discourage her, Dej uses it as fuel. Her mission is not just to be recognized as a good female rapper, but as a great rapper, period. Her influences span across genres, creating a unique sound that defies easy categorization. This diversity is reflected in her music, which is as extensive as it is powerful.
Dej’s creative process is deeply intuitive. Starting with a chorus, she senses the direction a song will take, and then she dives into the booth, often freestyling her verses. This organic approach to music-making allows her to capture the raw emotion she wants to convey. Her goal is to create music that is not only relatable but also comforting.
“I never want anyone to feel like I’m talking at them in any song,” Dej explains. “I want people to know that they aren’t the only one going through a certain situation, and that everything will be okay.” It’s this commitment to making her listeners feel seen and understood that sets Dej apart from her peers.
Her rise to fame began with her fiery rap battles on The Takeover Files, where she quickly became a fan favorite under the mentorship of Lito. She turned heads with her performance on DJ Cosmic Kev’s Come Up Show with her 8-minute freestyle and has since opened for rising star Scar Lip at the legendary SOBs in New York. With over 200k followers on TikTok and 100k on Instagram, Dej is already making her mark as a social media influencer. Her singles “Dej’s Story” and “Too Easy Freestyle” have further solidified her status as an artist to watch.
Dej’s rap style is a reflection of her multifaceted personality—intense, passionate, witty, introspective, precise, and deliberate. She is not just a rapper; she is a storyteller, a poet, and an artist who wears her heart on her sleeve. In an industry that often prioritizes image over substance, Dej is a breath of fresh air—a young woman who is as real as they come.
As she looks to the future, Dej is focused on one thing: taking the world by storm. With her undeniable talent, unshakeable determination there is no doubt that she is on the path to greatness.
Philadelphia has a new star, and her name is Dej.
© 2024, Siani Leigh. All rights reserved.
