Dez is a US rapper and R&B vocalist, also known as Dez of Hellborn. He is based around the Los Angeles music scene in the material provided, and his work is presented as rooted in contemporary R&B with an emphasis on songwriting about relationships and personal experience.

Background

Dezmond Armstead grows up in Virginia, where he attends high school and makes the varsity basketball team as a freshman. He initially hopes sport will help him get noticed, but turns instead to singing. While singing Usher’s “Nice & Slow” in a school corridor, he attracts attention from classmates, which encourages him to develop his music further. He says he prefers the R&B of the 1980s and early 1990s, and cites Bobby Brown and Usher as important influences.

Recording career

After high school, Dez moves to Los Angeles and meets the production duo The Movement. They begin writing and recording together, sharing an interest in R&B that deals with real relationships and everyday struggles. The Movement are described as producers behind breakout hits such as Justin Bieber’s “One Time” and Jesse McCartney’s “Leavin’”.

Their work with Dez starts with “We Ride”, which they identify as the first song they make together. Dez’s debut mixtape is titled Real Talk, a name that reflects his intention to tell stories about trying to meet people in high school, dealing with setbacks, finding success and navigating the wider experiences of young people looking for love.

Release and reception

While recording the mixtape, Dez also records a cover of Beyoncé’s “I Miss You”, a song written by Frank Ocean. His version draws online attention, accumulating more than 56,000 YouTube views, along with substantial interest on social media.

Style

Dez is presented as an R&B artist focused on meaning and narrative rather than generic dance-pop or overly slow balladry. His material emphasises “realness”, with songs about dating, self-presentation and the emotional ups and downs of young relationships.