When people bring up that cliché "it" factor, they are usually talking about a larger-than-life charisma so loud and colorful that it's impossible to ignore. Deem Spencer doesn't have that.
The Queens rapper is 21 or 22 years old but looks much younger. When he performed at No Ceilings in April, his long arms dangled at his side and he moved quietly, aside from the unpredictable outburst of energy. When he wasn't looking at the ground, he stared off into the distance like he was second-guessing his decision to get on stage in the first place. The level of standoffishness bordered on confrontational.
It was uncomfortable at points, but it was one of the most compelling performances I've seen in a long time. Deem Spencer doesn't have the typical superstar charisma. His "it" factor is harder to pinpoint, but it's there. In his music, like his performance, there are layers to peel away—clues that hint at something deeper going on, drawn out flows that meander and then reconnect, poetic lyricism that can be severe and beautiful. It's all packaged with restraint but delivered with grace and soul and something that feels very real, even when it's not comfortable.
On his new song "eve's titties," Deem explains, "I was having a terrible day when we made it. I wanted to cancel the session but Pip and Zach told me they'd already made something for me. When I got to the studio, my energy sucked but we vibed and I wrote and recorded the first verse, then left. Later on, Pip let Gabe play with it and it became something totally different. When I was finishing the tape, I added the second verse, which comes from a song I wrote while taking care of my grandfather called 'Juliet.'"
Listen to Deem Spencer's "eve's titties"—produced by Pip, Jachary, and Gabe Niles—and look out for his forthcoming EP we think we alone.
