Jay Deru Brings Soul, Versatility and Personality to ‘Skyscrapers’
Jay Deru’s Skyscrapers feels like the kind of album that doesn’t need to rush to make its point. The rapper and singer brings together years of writing, performing, and finding his voice into a project that feels relaxed but intentional. His creative roots go back to writing poetry in the third grade, followed by choir and eventually rap in high school. After graduating, Deru continued developing his craft in professional studios and through open-mic performances, experiences that helped shape the confident and natural delivery heard throughout the album. Rather than leaning too heavily on one style, Skyscrapers gives him space to move between rapping, melody, and more personal writing while keeping a consistent sense of who he is.
The album’s sound is warm and soulful, but there’s enough variation to keep things moving. “Cashout humor” opens with smooth strings, airy percussion, and a deep bass presence, immediately introducing Deru’s laid-back approach. From there, “Sunbathe” brings a brighter energy through spacious keys and a punchier rhythm, while “Heavy Tinted Civic,” featuring Dontay Jacob, adds some grit with heavier production and a more aggressive performance. Each track brings a slightly different side of Deru without pulling the album away from its overall atmosphere. His voice remains the anchor, whether he’s delivering a measured verse or leaning further into melody.
By the time Skyscrapers reaches “Hurt Nobody,” the album settles into a more reflective space. Fluid bass lines and open keyboards give Deru room to get more personal, making the closing track feel like a natural comedown rather than simply an ending. That balance is what makes the project stand out: there’s confidence without excess, and versatility without the feeling that Deru is trying to prove something. After years of writing and performing, Skyscrapers sounds like an artist who has become comfortable trusting his own instincts. It’s a soulful, easygoing listen, but beneath that calm surface is a clear sense of growth and personality.
Listen to Skyscrapers here now:
