Jay Deru has been writing for a long time. Before rap, before recording sessions, and before performing in front of crowds, there was poetry. He started putting words on paper in the third grade, eventually finding another outlet for that writing through choir and, later, rap during high school.
Those early experiences may seem separate, but they have all become part of the way Deru approaches music today. After finishing school, he began recording in professional studios and spent years performing at open mics in different cities, gradually turning a childhood interest in writing into a sound of his own.
That progression can be heard throughout his latest album, Skyscrapers.
Rather than locking itself into one particular style, the project moves comfortably between rap, melody, soulful production and more reflective songwriting. There is a laid-back quality running through much of the album, but it never feels like Deru is simply coasting. His writing keeps the songs moving, while his delivery gives the music a sense of personality and purpose.
The production plays an important role in creating that balance. Warm basslines, keyboards, guitar and percussion give the album plenty of atmosphere without competing with Deru. There is enough detail to make each track feel full, but enough space for his vocals and lyrics to remain the focus.
“Cashout humor” establishes that approach early on. Built around smooth strings, airy percussion and a deep bassline, the track has an understated groove that gives Deru plenty of room to settle into his flow. His verses carry some of the rhythm and detail of his earlier poetry, but they come through with the confidence of someone who has spent years performing them.
From there, Skyscrapers opens up on “Sunbathe.” The track feels brighter and more expansive, driven by immersive keys and a steady rhythm. Deru moves between singing and rapping naturally, never treating the change as a showcase of what he can do. Instead, both sides of his voice simply become part of the song.
The album takes a harder turn with “Heavy Tinted Civic,” featuring Dontay Jacob. The relaxed atmosphere gives way to heavier bass and rougher instrumentation, creating one of the project’s more energetic moments. Deru responds with a more forceful delivery, while Dontay Jacob adds another layer to the track’s intensity.
Those shifts are what keep the album interesting. Deru clearly has an affinity for smooth, soulful sounds, but he doesn’t let that become a limitation. Skyscrapers can be warm and easygoing one moment before introducing something grittier or more urgent the next.
By the time “Hurt Nobody” arrives, the mood becomes more introspective. The production leaves more breathing room, with watery keys and nimble bass sitting underneath Deru’s vocals. Without relying on a dramatic change in sound, the track feels more personal, allowing his writing to take center stage. As the closing song, it gives the album a sense of resolution without making the ending feel overly neat.
What makes Skyscrapers work is the sense that all of these different influences belong to the same artist. Deru’s background as a poet shows up in his writing, his experience with choir informs his relationship with melody, and years of rapping and performing have shaped the confidence behind his delivery. None of those pieces feel disconnected.
Instead, they have gradually grown into the same musical identity.
For Jay Deru, Skyscrapers reflects years of experimenting, performing and learning how to bring different sides of himself into one place. The album is relaxed without being passive, soulful without losing its edge, and personal without becoming overly heavy.
Most importantly, it sounds like an artist who has stopped worrying about which part of his background should define him. He can rap, sing, write, reflect and simply let the music breathe.
And after starting with poetry as a kid, Deru has clearly come a long way from the classroom notebook.
Listen to Skyscrapers here now:
