I'm every woman, it's all in me
If you haven't noticed, the Philadelphia Hip Hop scene is in desperate need of female representatives. There are many female emcees. Anyone can spit a few lines and transform it into a song. It's deeper than that, it's about being true, being you and putting the pieces of a woman's world into your lyrics. Desiree aka Dez is an emcee that has been holding it down for the ladies since the adolescent age of twelve. Dez was raised in North Philadelphia, where she was one of five children. She recalls on how before and during her education at Franklin Learning Center high school, she performed and wrote rhymes constantly, "I just wanted to make my craft better." Dez knew this is what she wanted to do with her life. Flowing was calling her in the spiritual, physical, and mental state. She answered all three, and they led to brief encounters with a group called Deadly Venoms in the early 90's (not the group on Tommy Boy Records). We all know how being in a group can be beneficial, but it also limits the individual creative ability that is anxious to be released. Dez realized that she wanted to be and stay solo, for the sake of not sacrificing her ideas, her music or herself. Currently, Danielle from Pit Bull Management is managing her. Dez describes Danielle as aggressive and someone you definitely want to have in your corner. Armed with an independent attitude and an ocean full of talent, she has opened for Jadakiss, collaborated with Cee Knowledge, Supreem Da Regulata and many more. About six years ago, she found an open window to showcase her talent, when she met and spit for Method Man. Meth was impressed, and decided to look deeper into her talents. Dez trooped up to New York with a positive outlook and a sense of hope. She was taken to the studio where she spit for the WuTang clique and some of their guests. Some girls have all the luck! Although The Wu was feeling Dez, there were a few "issues" with a few "people". Quoting the late, great Aaliyah, "If at first you don't succeed, dust yourself off and try again." When I asked her about the encounter, Dez casually responds, "It was a learning experience where I made friends and met people." Since then, Dez has never looked back; matter of fact, the future has never looked more promising. Are you ready for this?

The revolution is not between my thighs
That quote is from a spoken word piece by Ms. Sarah Jones, but also a reflection of Dez's career. She describes the struggle of women in this Hip Hop world, "This is a male dominated business, and it gets discouraging because females are led to believe they have to do something degrading to be down or feel accepted." Unfortunately, that not only applies to females in the music industry, but in life. I won't go on a feminist rant, but you know what I mean, don't you? Don't get me wrong; I love men, but sometimes...! Although Dez has respect for female emcees, she doesn't want to be classified or branded as someone who "sounds like" or "looks like" anyone. She is not all about sex, and neither are her rhymes. Although they can dip onto the raw level, she strongly states, "I'm classy and demand respect, so please don't come at me otherwise." Trying to do what she has to do and what she wants to do is an inner struggle, "I'm proud of myself for not giving up and living out what I love, but there is a lot of sacrificing." As a Gemini, she admits that her personality can switch from sweet to edgy quickly, but that is what makes her a unique individual. Added to her strength as a person, she has the desire and dedication as an artist, which is shown by her being a hype female that can write. She insists on writing her material herself to stay true to the elements that she began with. Her older sister is a main source of inspiration. She speaks of her very genuinely, "She is very independent and strong. I look at all she has accomplished, and that gives me power to keep going." She likes to keep it in the family by also convincing her cousin to be her hype girl. Let me not forget to mention her flare for fashion. Like any other woman (except me), she loves shopping and keeping up with the latest trends without getting trashy. Dez is just confident and comfortable with her body, so she reflects that in her image. During this interview, I even coaxed her into going dress shopping with me, cause you know I try to be ladylike, but sometimes I need a little help. Look out for my fashion debut on the catwalk. Yeah, right!

Armed & Dangerous
Most of us know Dez as the counterpart on Supreem Da Regulata's Do That Shyt , even though at first Dez didn't know if she wanted to participate in the song. Obviously, she decided on helping Supreem out. Although, Dez is proud of the song and the opportunities it has brought, it's not a shadow she wants to stay under. Her full length is due out later this year, as well as her performance at the Tampax Total You Tour that touches down at the Philadelphia Convention Center on August 3, 2002.
Dez describes her musical style as, "versatile, includes fun club stuff, classics, and everyday issues." She's not an underground artist, just an artist. Dez is optimistic about the Philadelphia Hip Hop scene, "I think the door is wide open for us. There are a lot of people moving on and doing their thing right now, and I'm proud of that." Philadelphia will always be Dez's home, but if an opportunity presents itself outside our brotherly perimeters, she's going to follow it. She gives props to Beanie, Freeway, EVE, and Major Figgas for reaching the level they are on. Dez has underground and mainstream collaborations sprouting up in the future. She has come along way from the person that used to write with Dutch, and create with Carvin from Jazzy Jeff's A Touch of Jazz studio.
She stays focused, and doesn't let anything or anyone block her vision of the destination, which she has set for her career and more importantly for herself. Her advice to female emcees is simple, "Have confidence in your abilities. Don't get discouraged, you can do it yourself." Dez lives as she speaks, and often practices as she preaches. She has stresses and problems like rest of us, but her pencil is her weapon and her paper is her target, don't stand in the way.

Article by Deesha
July, 2002