Exclusive Interview: Getting to Know Alternative Hip Hop Artist Deraj

Deraj has been striving to push the bar of creativity with everything he puts his hands to. As an Orlando-based alternative hip hop artist, producer and multimedia designer, he's known for his eclectic taste, thoughtful & candid lyricism, and unique musical approach exploring through genres including HipHop, Pop, Rock, as well as Indie/Alternative. He showcases a level of humanity, honesty, diversity and creativity not commonly seen in the hip-hop culture today. With each song tailored with its own unique personality, Deraj is bringing forth a new sound into the hip hop community. His recent debut EP release "Mirrors & Medicine" has charted #6 on the iTunes Christian and Gospel charts.

If you were to ask him to describe himself he would say, "I'm an average guy with an above average passion for songwriting & visual arts. I love being creative. I love to create things you can 'see' and 'hear'. This is a part of who I am and shows in what I do." 

Hallels:  Deraj, thank you so for your time.  In your bio, you said you have a passion for visual arts where you love "to create things you can 'see' and 'hear.'"  How did you first discover this unique gift in you? And how did you cultivate this gift?

Deraj: Growing up I always excelled when it came to art. I would sketch a lot in school and at home, drawing whatever I could. In addition to visual arts, I began rapping at an early age around 9. I did this on and off but it wasn't until I was 17 I started writing and performing more consistently. In that time, I also picked up producing and I play a bit of bass guitar.

Hallels:  How would you describe your own style of music?

Deraj: I would say alternative hiphop. I typically try to aim for a progressive sound. 

Hallels:  Congratulations on the release of your EP "Mirrors and Medicine."  It has such an intriguing title, why did you call it "mirrors and medicine"?

Deraj:Thank you! The concept of the EP comes from the idea that we all need a healthy dose of reality to about bring change in our life. We need mirrors to reveal and medicine to heal. Mirrors show us who we are, the good bad and the ugly. Medicine is a healing agent that strengthens us when we're weak. 

Hallels:  On this EP you have worked with many guest artists, tell us some of your experiences working with them?

Deraj: The collaborations were so encouraging and organic I felt. The first track Egypt features my fiance, YSMN, who put so much soul in the track with her vocal performance. I was also able to work with Je'kob which was an honor as he was one of the first artists I listened to about 12 years ago when I first became christian. My label-mate Canon hopped on "What You Say" which got placed on ESPN's First Take, which was really amazing to see happen.

Hallels:  You have a new single and video out "Forgive You Much."  It has a much needed to hear message, can you tell our readers more about what this song is about?

Deraj: Forgive You Much gives a candid view of how important it is to forgive. We often hear messages of being forgiven but its not common to hear the otherside. It is vital for the offender to release the offender for true liberty to come. The video was directed by DeMarco Films and written by myself, and we wanted to portray a domestic abuse situation that happen to a woman by her father as a young girl. This event haunted her for her entire life affecting every relationship she encountered until she was able to forgive and experience the freedom she always sought after her whole life. 

Hallels:  Are you currently working on a full length album?

Deraj: Yes but before that be looking out for a special project expected to release this year. Thats all I'll say for now, but we've been working hard. 

Hallels:  For our readers who would like to find out more about you and/or purchase your new EP, where can they go?

Deraj: You can find Mirrors & Medicine on iTunes and all major digital retailers. Also keep up with me on IG, Twitter (@JustDeraj), Facebook (DerajMusic) and JustDeraj.com for upcoming music, videos and shows!

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