Alternative Hip Hop artist Deema drops new EP “DOG WITH A £” featuring Bawo, Blaze YL, and David Armada
Deema - DOG WITH A £
Play / Download “DOG WITH A £” here
On 28th November, Peckham-born rapper Deema drops his highly anticipated 10-track EP, ‘DOG WITH A £’ his first full-length project since 2020. This body of work pays homage to his roots in Lewisham and South London, featuring notable collaborations with Elf Kid, who sets the tone for the project with an impactful speech alongside BlazeYL, Bawo, and David Armada. The rap-heavy project delves into Deema's journey, exploring the challenges of balancing his aspirations in music with the harsh realities of everyday life. On ‘FACT SHAMING’ he displays the penmanship and sense of humour that has created his unwavering fan base within the rap scene, venting “I need my money so big you can fat shame it”. Other stand-out singles include ‘LFW’ featuring another rising alternative star David Armada and ‘WAP,’ featuring House Of Pharaohs member and fellow 10K signee, BlazeYL. ‘WAP’ is a vibrant alternative rap anthem, exploring the complexities of being an artist, weaving introspective lyrics with infectious energy. ‘DOG WITH A £’ was produced by a list of top-tier producers and collaborators who have fused various styles to create a unique body of work. Dom Valentino, Cotton, Micha Cooper, Parkland, Sammo, and Grant Lapointe have all showcased the ability to craft a versatile canvas, allowing Deema to cross genres and experiment with various sounds seamlessly.
Deema’s musical journey began with his dad’s iPod, exposing him to artists like Skepta, Arctic Monkeys, Dizzee Rascal, and Jamie T, which heavily influenced his sound. During his school years, Deema played drums and met his producer, Dom Valentino. Passionate about grime, Deema and his friends would write lyrics and freestyle, eventually catching the attention of Blakie, who invited him to perform on a radio show with his Lewisham-based grime collective, The Square. This pivotal radio performance launched Deema’s career, leading to gigs on Rinse FM, performances alongside BBK, and at Wiley’s Eskimo Dance and Reading Festival. Deema’s solo career took off with the release of "Chew Your Food" in 2020, featuring the fan-favourite track "Hash Brown," showcasing his lyricism and dynamic flow. His 2021 EP "Rainbow," produced by Grammy Award winner Venna and Dom Valentino, further cemented his reputation. In 2023, Deema released three more EPs, supported US rappers The Underachievers at The Garage in Highbury and Islington, and maintained a regular show at Balamii radio.
Deema is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most compelling voices in UK rap, celebrated for his charismatic fusion of humour and swagger. Dazed and Confused aptly describes him as "perhaps the happiest rapper you’ll ever hear," reflecting his infectious energy and ever-evolving artistry. With support from influential tastemakers like NME, Complex, Clash, COLORS, and Notion, Deema has been on an impressive streak, releasing standout singles and videos for tracks such as 'BERRYGRAPE,' 'LIL RED WHIP,' and 'UK SYNTH.' The latter, featuring Bawo, marked a major milestone in his career as he achieved his highest first-week streaming numbers and earned placements on multiple editorial playlists. Now, Deema caps off an incredible year by unveiling his highly anticipated 10-track project, 'DOG WITH A £,' accompanied by another dynamic visual release. This project is more than a collection of songs—it's a bold statement of intent from an artist whose star continues to rise. Deema's creativity, versatility, and distinct sound position him as a true force in the music scene, he is celebrating the release of ‘DOG WITH A £’ by throwing a free launch party for his fans at The Queen Of The South in South London.
