“Contrary to norm, but I weather the storm / God must’ve panicked on the day I was born.”
Out gay rapper Damez has just dropped a new single, “Contrary to Norm,” which is certainly one of his most personal songs to date. Throughout the song, Damez explores his upbringing, his relationship with his parents, as well as the legacy he wants to leave behind.
“It’s a really personal and vulnerable record that I want to put out as a way to showcase my musicality outside of club or ‘feel good’ records,” Damez wrote in a release. “It’s dedicated to my parents and my late brother who was killed when I was 17.”
You can listen to “Contrary to Norm” and watch Damez’s brand-new music video below.
Damez provided more context for the song in a statement, writing: “I am Black. I am gay. My brother was murdered when I was 17. People like me, where I come from – we aren’t supposed to win. Despite all the tragedy, I somehow managed to graduate high school, go to college, and earn a degree in Journalism. I still work a day job, I still struggle with mental health issues and day-to-day life like everybody else. When I wrote this song, I actually had just lost my job! I am a one-man team. But I have a story, and I feel like it needs to be heard.”
Over the years, Damez has been best known for songs like “On the Run,” “Up Down,” and “Disaster,” as well as more recent releases such as “Agenda” and “Coverboy.” So far in his career, Damez has released four albums: 2017’s The Art of Extravagance, 2018’s Boy Meets World, 2020’s D Money, and 2021’s COVERBOY.
We stan LGBTQ+ artists being their authentic selves and sharing their personal experiences through music!
