Interview: Dez & The Movement Strive To Define R&B

The world seems like it’s in the mood for R&B. Perhaps with all the turmoil surrounding the economy and other global happenings, people are retreating from the frustrating public world and returning to their personal worlds. In these worlds of relationships and emotion, R&B is the perfect soundtrack. With recent critically acclaimed albums from the likes of Chris Brown, Miguel, Frank Ocean and The Weeknd, there are a lot of options to choose from. Dez and his production team The Movement are trying to add to the menu.

In New York City, we meet at La Columbe, a cozy coffee spot next to the Supreme store. As we sipped tea and watched people slip in and out of Supreme, we talked about Dez’s breakout performance the night before. Dez lit up the crowd with renditions of Usher and set a front row of curly-haired cuties on fire. But making the ladies melt is the standard for R&B singers. What sets Dez apart? Follow along and find out.

So, what are you guys hoping to stir up with this project, Real Talk. What are you trying to tell the people?

That all love isn’t a beautiful thing. Sometimes you go through some dark times.

How do you guys feel about the current template of male R&B? How do you feel about The Weeknd and Frank Ocean?

I think it’s different but it doesn’t really feel like what I feel to be true r&b to me. Pardon me, but I haven’t seen an artist in a while except Chris Brown. He’s a nigga that’ll come on stage and every woman in the room knows he would fuck the shit out of them. I feel like I’m trying to define what R&B really is.

So what part of R&B is missing? Just the thrill of it all?

Just that youth back. Not something that has to be so eclectic. Something that’s fun and you can just dance too it. Something that you can make love to. All of those things

James Bunton (The Movement): I think R&B needs more diversity, because I appreciate all the artists out now. If I can believe that’s you. It’s just that’s who he is and the game is lacking that Bobby Brown and a person that connects with the women like that. I feel bad for a lot of artists because their label is using the mold for the next Beyonce and Jay-z. We’re independent, so now all we have to do is get his name out there.

What perspective did you guys write from on Real Talk? What’s the meaning of the track “Halfway Nigga?”

Dez: *Sings lyrics aloud.

James Bunton (The Movement) : It’s from the perspective of when a girl has you they want the whole thing. It’s confusing sometimes because once you give them the whole thing, they don’t want it no more. I like writing with Dez because we write like a Seinfeld episode, just pulling from real life.

Corron Cole (The Movement):Real Talk is just Dez’s life and our story connected.

Dez, you’re a pretty chiseled dude. Were you into sports prior?

Dez: I played basketball, but I haven’t played in a while I broke my ankle last year.

What happened?

Dez: No, I didn’t get crossed over. (laughs) I was playing and got hurt. It’s kind of a depressing time when you can’t do all the things you want to do.

Your parents were there last night? Are they proud of what’s happening?

Dez: Man, they surprised me last night. My dad walked towards me, and I just looked and lost it like I can’t believe he surprised me. And then I went on stage. This was my second time performing. My second show in New York City. I had to put on a show. They’ve definitely supported me from the beginning.

What are some things you’re learning about women now?

Dez: I’m understanding patience and trying to listen and understand what they’re saying. I’m really just trying to learn something from all the women I’m talking too. ( Laughs)What kind of women do you want to listen to the music?

Who are Dev & The Movement speaking too?

Dez: Beautiful Women. Short tall, medium, small. I’m in that place where you just appreciate the little things about them. The hard working ones and the ones that are the ones I’m speaking too. I’m speaking to both and some women that might need a reality check. Guys too.

Do you feel like this R&B is for men too? There’s a fine line of music that guys just won’t listen to.

Dez: Back in the days, guys would ride around and listen to Jodeci and it was fine. I’m trying to bring that back. I have a large group of men fans that listen to my music and play it with their girl and they relate to it too.