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The Midwest has another star in the making, and her name is Dej Loaf. The Detroit native has been a student of the rap game since she was a child, honing her skills each day after school. “I used to write other people’s lyrics down as a kid and catch flow and melody,” said Dej Loaf. “Then I started to create my own sound.”

The hard work paid off as Dej has one of the hottest singles in hip-hop right now titled “Try Me.” The song has grabbed the attention of everyone, as Wiz Khalifa, E-40, The L.O.X., and Lil Durk dropped their own versions with guest verses. OVO general Drake recently hopped on his IG and commented on a post with lyrics from the catchy song. Get to know Dej Loaf in The Break.—Christian Mordi

Name: Dej Loaf

Age: Early 20s

Hometown: Detroit, MI

I grew up listening to: My dad used to play a lot of E-40, Tupac. My mom used to listen to Mary J. Blige, Anita Baker, Jay Z. Anything I could get my hands on I would listen to. I just wanted to soak in as much music as possible.

Most people don’t know I: I am actually a pretty quiet person. I come out of my shell when I perform, but I am a pretty chill person. People also think I am mean but I am a cool person to be around.

My style’s been compared to: I get it all. Sometimes people think I dress like a guy, but really I wear whatever is comfortable. I really like streetwear but I like some high fashion stuff too. In regards to skills, I think I am my own blend. If rap were to start today I would sound the same. I developed my own sound and approach to my music.

My standout records and/or moments to date have been: I have some pretty cool moments in the past year or so. My new single “Try Me” has grabbed the attention of a lot of people right now. We have had Wiz and The L.O.X. drop their own remixes to it. We have even seen Drake jump on IG and tweet out lyrics from the song. I always tell people to go back to my Just Do It mixtape because that was very personal. I really broke down my life story on that project. No features, it was all me.

I always wanted to work with E-40 and I have a track with him so that was a big thing for me. I would like to work with Charlie Wilson, I like Dom Kennedy and Lil Durk as well. In regards to producers I would like to work with Swizz Beatz. Those are people I like but I am not boxed in, I like experiencing new sounds and working with new artists.

My goal in Hip-Hop is: I want to be one of the best to ever do it. I’m not here for any other reason.

I’m gonna be the next: Dej Loaf. The next person to not be afraid to try new things in hip-hop.

To check out more of my music go to: Follow me on Twitter (@dejloaf) and Instagram.

Standout: "Try Me / We Good"

Also check out: "College"

And: "Hollow Past"

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