Dereos Roads from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is an artist with an extensive back catalogue going back to 2007 also releasing music under the name “Proceed”.
The track chosen for the MEANS Compilation Volume 1 is “Worlds Apart”, taken from the 2023 album of the same name, and features Kevin Nolan on bass, chorus vocals and those gorgeous harmonies. Apparently Kevin is a school bus mechanic who enjoys the outdoors and nature, I thought that was worth mentioning as that fact makes me very happy!
“Worlds Apart” has elements of sophisticated laid-back soul, lyrically intelligent hip-hop delivered with perfect precision. This track flows beautifully Dereos complimenting the slightly pacier trip-hop beat, space ages keys, piano, lush guitars courtesy of Dereos Fathers Ensenada CG-105 classical guitar.
The track boasts impressive production with silky smooth overtones, akin to your favourite “go to” blend of freshly ground coffee, a sound that makes you want to explore his other releases and dig into that extensive back catalogue (I would definitely check out “Stop the Stress” featuring Soulman IT).
The album was released on “Surface Level Records”, co-founded by Dereos in 2012, an outlet that specialises in sample-based production that takes a nod to the heady days of 1980’s and early 90’s Hip-Hop.
Latest album:
https://dereosroads.bandcamp.com/album/worlds-apart
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dereosroads
Website: https://www.dereosroads.com
Michael Conboy
MEANS 