Every stylish woman has their signature look. For some it’s an ultra feminine flair while for others it’s centered around masculine elements. DeJ Loaf, the 25-year-old rapper from Detroit, manages to capture both of these varying aesthetics with ease.
Stopping by to chat with ESSENCE, the soft-spoken star opened up about her new project All Jokes Aside, how growing up changed her look and where she really gets her sense fashion sense.
When talking about her look, she expresses a sentiment that most young women who are coming into their own can relate to – finally being able to do what you want. “Everything that I wear now, my style in general, everything that I’m doing now is what I always wanted to do,” she explained.
When DeJ first hit the scene with mega hit ‘Try Me’ in 2014 she was known for her gritty lyrics and tomboy aesthetic. She says that as time goes on, her style changes with her. “I’m growing up, I’ve always had a sense of style so I just keep trying new stuff.”
Her new project, which kicked off with a video for ‘In Living Color (Oh Na Na)’ definitely gives fans a glimpse at her evolution.
Watching her, it’s hard not to notice faint Mary J. Blige vibes, even if she very much has her own presence. The comparison is much more about the seamless mesh of hard and soft, paired with the ability to not only try but pull off pretty much anything — an innate quality that Blige also has. “I grew up listening to Mary J and watching her so she’s definitely someone whose style I love,” she shared.
Still, when it comes to where her fashion sense really stems from, DeJ gives all props to her parents.
“My parents were stylish, it always stood out to me. I look back at pictures of my dad now and he’s just…stylish.
It was just different,” she said. “My dad, he was comfortable wearing high shorts and long socks up to here and my mom always had that Mary J type of flow, so I followed in their footsteps. It was kind of passed down.”
With front row fashion week appearances and powerful political statements made through clothing, it’s evident that DeJ will be one to watch.
To see her latest work head to dejember.com and to get a better glimpse at her evolving style follow her on Instagram at @dejloaf.