Photo Credit: Berm
South-London’s Deema came onto our radars back in 2018 with his double-single drop ‘The Debut’, flexing both his versatile lyricism and delivery. After spending last year dropping even further, eclectically-minded singles such as the optimistic ‘Through It All’ and a collaboration project with 237 Leader KISH! on ‘Maddie & Blame’, the ever-evolving rapper is back with his debut EP, ‘CHEW YOUR FOOD’. Exclusively produced by long-term collaborator, Dom Valentino, the seven-track project spans a multitude of genres and styles and puts Deema’s artistry on full display.
Opening with the tongue-in-cheek ‘HASH BROWN’, featuring a verse from David Armada, the track comes as the perfect opener for the project. Keeping it light-hearted and intriguing with its use of auto-tune over the spaced-out instrumental, holding heavy, bouncy drums and playful production. Dropping alongside a bright and light-hearted visual, Deema keeps it creative in this greasy-spoon set video. Perfectly unfolding into the next track, ‘SE4’ opts for a darker, grittier sound, whilst he pays tribute to the area he calls home. The production from Valentino remains distinctive with video game samples and well-placed details, throughout.
Switching it up in Deema fashion, ‘DUNGEON’ brings jazz-horn samples as the rapper glides over the instrumental with ease. Weaving in between the evolving production with his perfectly-placed delivery, this track comes as a break before heading into the relentless ‘RAT RACE’. Released as his first single of the year, this track takes a haunting and heavily percussive instrumental, whilst the lyricist chants the gritty hook, yet again taking the experimental production in his stride.
Continuing to keep it experimental ‘DEAD WEIGHT’ brings an array of sounds, never sticking to one genre. With it’s screeching soundscape and Hip-Hop drums, Deema places his fast-paced verse effortlessly over the top. As always, keeping us on our toes, the track evolves into a vapour-wave esque breakdown before heading into an industrial-inspired sound, ending with a short interlude of Deema singing a ‘CHEW YOUR FOOD’ theme tune.
Heading into the second to last track ‘ALL I SEE’, keeps the energy levels up with it’s bass-heavy, relentlessly-percussive production whilst the artist plays with his lyricism and melodies, throughout. Ending this vivid EP with ‘STRANGER’ alongside Hackney Wick band Indian Queens, the track brings in dusty, guitar solos and experimental percussion whilst Deema signs off his debut with his imagery-flooded, lyrical ability. This project comes as a breath of fresh air, displaying Deema’s ability to work with any sound and make it his own.
