Draft:Damez

Damez, born Damién Denzel Ross Henderson on 27 April 1994, in Jackson, Mississippi, is an American musician.

Early life

Damez, born Damién Denzel Ross Henderson on April 27, 1994, in Jackson, Mississippi, is an American musician. From his early years, he had been described as having a passion for music, commonly engaging in songwriting and performances for his family. At age six, Damez moved with his family to Atlanta, Georgia, where he began exploring and refining his song production during his formative years and early adulthood.

The divorce of Damez's parents, the passing of close family members, and the murder of his brother at the age of 17 heavily influenced his music and his attitudes towards his creative process. He has described being black and a member of the LGBT community as other influential factors.

Artistic career

During his college years, Damez delved into independent music production and live performances, releasing his debut project on SoundCloud in December 2014. Since then, he has built a diverse catalog of self-penned songs, incorporating rap, hip-hop, and R&B elements, showcasing his versatility as an artist. His performances, known for their choreography-heavy visuals, have captivated audiences globally.

Damez graduated from Georgia Southern University in May 2017, earning a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Communications/Journalism. His academic background has undoubtedly contributed to his multifaceted approach to his artistic endeavors.’

His most recent project, Hell Now, Heaven Later marks Damez's 4th full-length studio album and 6th project overall. Initiated in August 2020, the album reflects a transformative journey through a dark period in the artist's life, encompassing heartbreak, loss, health challenges, and self-discovery.

While previous projects exhibited sonic and lyrical versatility, this album represents a deliberate shift. Balancing the expected upbeat and confident sound, Damez expands his musical palette, experimenting with Trap, Boom bap, Conscious Rap, and Emo Rap. The album dives into real-life storytelling, chronicling childhood, upbringing, mental health struggles, and love life. R&B records feature prominently, showcasing Damez's singing abilities with saxophone and piano-heavy arrangements.

The title, Hell Now, Heaven Later, encapsulates a poignant acknowledgment of present challenges and a hopeful anticipation of a brighter future. Serving as a therapeutic outlet for Damez, the album's honesty and vulnerability aim to resonate with listeners, offering a shared space for healing.

Recognition and achievements

In 2022, MTV News recognized Damez as a rising star ready to claim the throne in the music industry. His prominence extended to notable magazine covers, including Out Magazine's June 2020 Pride Issue and the October 2020 issue of Atlanta Magazine. Billboard featured him twice on their 'Billboard Pride' playlist for his 2019 singles "Pull Up" and "Big Mood."

Damez has graced numerous stages, including performances at Atlanta's Black Pride Festival in 2019, 2021, and 2022, as well as other music festivals and events, such as the Human Rights Campaign's HBCU Summit in 2019. Notably, he opened for the original Dreamgirl Jennifer Holliday during NAESM's 2020 Leadership Conference.

In 2023, he was featured in USA TODAY’s coverage of the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop alongside Big Daddy Kane and Melle Mel. BuzzFeed coined Damez “iconic” after a video of him and Lil Nas X attending Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour went viral online.

Advocacy

Beyond his musical achievements, Damez actively participates in campaigns for organizations such as the CDC and PrEP. In 2022, he joined a campaign alongside Tina Knowles-Lawson for ViiV Healthcare, aiming to end HIV stigma and raise awareness about preventive medication.