NEW ARTIST: Deon Young

Deon Young

Twitter: @DeonForever

It’s rare to find a young songwriter who can successfully transition from behind-the-scenes player to major label headliner, but with the release of R&B newcomer Deon’s impressive 2011 mixtape, For the Love, the 19-year-old rapper-turned-singer-songwriter proved he has the goods to command the spotlight. For the Love is a seductive collection of midtempo R&B/hip-hop jams, including the popular underground favorite, “Just Another Love Song.” Earlier this year Amanda Berkowitz, director of A&R for music industry veteran Sylvia Rhone’s new joint venture label with Epic Records, played For the Love for Rhone, who was blown away by what she heard. “Sylvia brought me in for a meeting at a time when I was on the verge of signing with another label,” Deon reveals. “But she told me, ‘Hold off on the other deal for just a second.’ Three days later, I did a showcase for her and [Epic chairman] L.A. Reid at the Sony offices in New York, and she offered me a deal on the spot.” Deon is now in the studio working on his full-length debut album, which will contain a handful of songs from his mixtape including “Just Another Love Song,” “On Top of the World” and “Dream Girl,” plus new bangers such as “313” and “Party Life.” “I want it to be pandemonium and chaos when my album drops,” says Deon. “I put all my emotions into it and now I’m ready for this dude from Harlem to affect the world.”

Mixtape: Forever Young

Deon Young - Nobodys Perfect (J.Cole Cover)