Rapper/producer Deuce Ellis is an anomaly, plain and simple. While he was born in Buffalo and raised in Brooklyn, he sounds nothing like what you might expect from either area. Instead of hardcore bars about street life and throwback beats, he’s delivering insightful poetry and his own distinct brand of production. He is more about good vibes and opening his third eye, than he is about criminal activity and misogynistic anecdotes. When other emcees are making their way to Atlanta or LA to try to increase the chances of being discovered, Ellis relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii for a few years to broaden his horizons.
Even though his name might not ring bells for the public at large, the artist born Dellian Sharp has been releasing music and establishing his Cult Classics label since the mid-naughts. In fact, he has over a dozen albums under his belt, including the well-received BLVCK XMAS, which was released with an companion book of poetry. And I’d be remiss not to mention his several instrumental LPs that put his abstract and often experimental soundbeds on display.
Having toured with Das EFX and Aloe Blacc, and worked with industry vets like Rockness (BCC, Heltah Skeltah) and Popa Wu, this Brooklynite has built a solid fanbase across the US and Canada that are always eager to bump anything new from the talented dread. He has also spread his Cult Classic brand with the The Head & The Heart line of t-shirts and hoodies, which have become a must-have for the fashion-forward.
Although he credits modern masters like J Dilla, RZA, and Pharrell Williams with being his major production influences, he is quick to assert that soul god Marvin Gaye and groove genius Quincy Jones inspired him before he ever touched a piece of equipment. Interestingly enough, he was gifted RZA’s old Korg Triton by Popa Wu, which has been the main motivation to record his upcoming album, Dawless, using strictly classic equipment and live instruments.
If the shallow sentiments of Trap and the bleak diatribes of Reality Rap are not exciting you anymore, look no further than left field offerings of Deuce Ellis.
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