Virginia and the entire DMV (D.C., Maryland and Virginia) area has produced some of the most renowned R&B stars in music. Dez seeks to follow the path of great artists and put his own stamp on music by telling his story through song.
With release of his new mixtape “REAL TALK,” Dez is taking the first step to achieving his goal. He recently spoke with rolling out about his new mixtape and being the next artist to hail from Virginia.
When did you realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
Coming from a small town, I knew that I would have to dream big to make it out. I was a freshman in high school and it was around the time Chris Brown and Ne-Yo were coming out. Especially with Chris Brown being from Virginia, that inspired me to reach for my dreams.
At what point did you decide to leave and live in L.A.?
I was 16. I told my mom that I would move out in one year. When I was 17, I moved out to L.A. with $200 and I made it happen. When I first came out, there were people who were not about their business. I met with The Movement and they connected me with different people.
How did the production team, The Movement, change your life?
I love those dudes. The Movement is my core and we built a sound together. My goal is to continue to create together and keep it going.
Why name the mixtape “REAL TALK?”
The mixtape is about real life, real love and real pain. It’s so many different emotions. My ex-girlfriends maybe crying. It’s influenced by all of my favorite artists from the ’70s and ’80s. —amir shaw
