Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Demrick
View on WikipediaThis article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
Key Information
Demerick Ferm, better known by his stage name Demrick, formerly known as Young De, is a rapper from Spokane, Washington, now living in Los Angeles. He has collaborated with Xzibit, Kurupt, Snoop Dogg, Too $hort, B-Real and Cypress Hill. He is a protege of B-Real of Cypress Hill and Xzibit with whom he formed Serial Killers.
Life and career
[edit]2005-2010: Audio Hustlaz, Vol. 1, and Smoke N Mirrors
[edit]His career started in 2005 when he met Kurupt in Philadelphia, who urged him and his group Tangled Thoughts to move to California. They did, and released an album with Kurupt, Philly 2 Cali, in 2007.[citation needed]
In 2008, Demrick released his solo debut mixtape, Audio Hustlaz, Vol. 1, which was presented by DJ Skee. B-Real contributed to the mixtape as a producer and featured on several tracks. Later that year, Demrick released the Homeland Security mixtape, a collaboration with Shady/Interscope's artist Cashis. Homeland Security was hosted by DJ Whoo Kid and featured tracks with Royce da 5'9", Crooked I and Freeway, among others.[citation needed]
Demrick was featured on B-Real's first solo debut album, Smoke N Mirrors (2009), appearing on 5 of the 15 songs, including the single "Don't Ya Dare Laugh", and toured overseas with B-Real. In the middle of 2009, Demrick appeared on DJ Muggs' Soul Assassins: Intermission album, and the success of that song led him to spend two years touring with Xzibit.[citation needed]
In 2010 Cypress Hill released Rise Up, their eighth studio album. Demrick was featured on the single "It Ain't Nothin" and went on tour with Cypress, performing at festivals like Rock Am Ring and Rockin Rio. At the end of the year Demrick teamed up with DJ Fingaz for another mixtape, De Is for Demrick.
2011-present: Urban Ammo, #HeadsUP, All The Wrong Things & Serial Killers
[edit]In 2011, Xzibit and Demrick released two digital singles, "Man on the Moon" and "What It Is". Videos were shot by director Matt Alonzo and led to rotation on MTV.[citation needed] In mid-2011, Demrick released an EP, Neva Look Back, produced by Scoop DeVille.[citation needed]
Demrick released his fourth mixtape, #Heads Up, in 2011. It included the singles "Money & Weed" and "Burn Out" (produced by Jim Jonsin).[1][2][3][4]
In October 2013 Demrick released an album with the hip hop group Serial Killers, alongside Xzibit and B-Real.
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]- Losing Focus (with Cali Cleve) (2015)
- Collect Call (2016)
- Came a Long Way (2018)
- No Wasting Time (2019)
- The Plot (2020)
- Payday (2021)
Collaborative albums
[edit]- Stoney Point (with DJ Hoppa and Cali Cleve) (2015)
- Loud Pack: Extracts (with Scoop Deville) (2015)
- One Week Notice (with Dizzy Wright, Audio Push, Jarren Benton, Emilio Rojas, Reezy, DJ Hoppa, and Kato) (2018)
- Stoney Point 2 (with DJ Hoppa) (2018)
- Stoney Point 3 (with DJ Hoppa) (2021)
Mixtapes
[edit]- "tangledthoughts/" (Tangled Thoughts - T.H.O. (Tha Free Mixtape))
- Audio Hustlaz, Vol. 1" (Presented by DJ Skee)
- "Homeland Security" (with Cashis) (2008)
- "De Is for Demrick" (with DJ Fingaz, produced by 21 the Producer)
- " Neva LOOK Back" [1](Produced entirely by Scoop DeVille)
- "#HeadsUP" [2](Features by Brevi and Xzibit)
- "All The Wrong Things" (produced by The Makerz)(2012)
- All the Wrong Things 2 (2013)
- Serial Killers, Vol. 1 (with Xzibit & B-Real as Serial Killers) (2013)
- WingsUP - EP (2013)
- The Murder Show (with Xzibit & B-Real as Serial Killers) (2015)
- Blaze With Us (with Dizzy Wright) (2016)
- Day of the Dead (with Xzibit & B-Real as Serial Killers) (2018)
- Blaze With Us 2 (with Dizzy Wright) (2020)
- Summer of Sam (with Xzibit & B-Real as Serial Killers) (2020)
- Championship Rounds - EP (with Mike & Keys) (2021)
- First & Jefferson EP (with Jake One) (2025)
Featured singles
[edit]- "It Ain't Nothin'" (with Cypress Hill)
- "Blaze of Glory"
- "Man on the Moon" (with Xzibit)
- "What It Is" (with Xzibit)
Guest appearances
[edit]| Year | Song | Artist(s) | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | "Don't You Dare Laugh" | B-Real, Xzibit | Smoke N Mirrors |
| "6 Minutes" | B-Real, Tekneek | ||
| "10 Steps Behind" | |||
| "Dr. Hyphenstein" | B-Real, Snoop Dogg, Trace Midas | ||
| "Figure It Out" | Soul Assassins | Soul Assassins: Intermission (Presented by DJ Muggs) | |
| 2010 | "It Ain't Nothin'" (Writers credits) |
Cypress Hill | Rise Up (Via Capitol Records) |
| 2011 | "What It Is"[5] | Xzibit | Urban Ammo 2 Xtreme Music/Sony Singles |
| 2011 | "Man on the Moon" | ||
| 2012 | "Medicated" | Cypress Hill, Rusko | Cypress X Rusko |
| 2012 | "Movies" | Xzibit, The Game, Crooked I, Slim The Mobster | Napalm |
| "Killer's Remorse" | Xzibit, B-Real, Bishop Lamont | ||
| "Crazy" | Xzibit, B-Real, Jelly Roll | ||
| 2013 | "The Pain" | Cashis, Sara Shine | The County Hound 2 |
| 2014-2015-2016 | "Xanax and Patron" | B-Real, Berner | Prohibition |
| "Why Not" | Cashis, Kurupt, Freeway | Euthansia | |
| "Leave No Witness" | DJ Hoppa, SwizZz | Hoppa & Friends | |
| "Break It Down" | DJ Hoppa | ||
| "Marijuana" | B-Real, B-Legit, Berner | Prohibition, Pt. 3 | |
| "Mental" | Madchild | Silver Tongue Devil | |
| "Triple Threat" | Madchild, Slaine | ||
| "Slayer" | Madchild | ||
| 2017 | "Make Moves Wit Me" | Dizzy Wright | The Golden Age 2 |
| "Sativa" | Chris Webby, B-Real, Zacari | Webster's Laboratory II | |
| "Gold and Silver Circles" | Dizzy Wright, Audio Push | State of Mind 2 | |
| "The One" | Jarren Benton | The Mink Coat Killa | |
| 2018 | "Brothers" | Sammy Adams | Nice Manor Volume 2 |
| 2019 | "More And More" | Dizzy Wright | Nobody Care's, Work Harder |
| 2020 | "New Year, New Me" | Ramaj Eroc | N/a |
In popular culture
[edit]In December 2023, Demrick's single, "Lights", was broadcast from radio stations in Fortnite during the video game's first season of its fifth chapter.[6][7][better source needed]
References
[edit]- ^ "Ice Cube, Xzibit, Others To Perform In Amsterdam For First West Coast Hip Hop Festival". Baller Status. 9 March 2009. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
- ^ "Xzibit Euro Dollar Tour". Planet Urban. Archived from the original on 2013-10-22. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
- ^ "Serial Killaz [Xzibit/B Real/Young De". HipHop DX. 2009-12-02. Archived from the original on 2009-12-23. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
- ^ "Demrick - Who Am I". Hot New Hip Hop. Archived from the original on 2013-05-12. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
- ^ "Xzibit & Extreme Music Lock 'N' Load a Full Clip of High Caliber Surface-to-Ear Urban Ammo". Reuters. 2011-04-12. Archived from the original on 2011-10-20. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
- ^ "Instagram".
- ^ "Demrick - Lights (Fortnite) [prod. Joshua Welton & Donut]". YouTube.
External links
[edit]Demrick
View on GrokipediaEarly life and background
Childhood and upbringing
Demrick, born Demerick Ferm on March 7, 1981, in Spokane, Washington, was raised primarily by his single mother in a working-class environment marked by financial hardship, as the family relied on welfare support.[6] His father was incarcerated early in his life, leaving a significant absence that contributed to a challenging household dynamic.[4] As a biracial individual growing up in rough neighborhoods, Demrick navigated socioeconomic struggles that shaped his resilient worldview, with his mother frequently relocating the family in search of stability.[6][10] Much of his early years were spent in Spokane, where he experienced a modest, industrial backdrop that contrasted with more urban settings later on, fostering an initial sense of isolation amid limited opportunities.[4] During his youth, after frequent moves from Spokane, the family eventually settled in North Philadelphia's projects, including a brief period in New York following Demrick leaving home at age 14, exposing him to denser, crime-ridden urban environments that intensified the working-class realities of his upbringing.[10][4] These transitions honed his adaptability, as he adjusted from Spokane's quieter, community-oriented life to Philadelphia's high-stakes street culture. Demrick's first encounters with hip-hop occurred in Spokane's local scenes during his school years, where he began rapping as an emotional outlet to cope with personal difficulties, influenced by a cousin who was an active emcee.[4][10] This early immersion in regional underground gatherings provided a foundational connection to the genre, though his exposure deepened upon arriving in Philadelphia's vibrant, project-based hip-hop community.[4] In 2005, at age 24, Demrick and Tangled Thoughts relocated to Los Angeles, California, drawn by emerging music connections advised by Kurupt, marking a pivotal shift to the fast-paced West Coast urban landscape.[11] Adapting to LA's competitive, entertainment-driven environment required him to leverage the grit from his earlier years, transitioning from East Coast roots to a new hub of hip-hop opportunity.[6]Entry into music
Demrick, born Demerick Ferm on March 7, 1981, in Spokane, Washington, began his musical journey influenced by a challenging upbringing that motivated him to pursue rapping as an outlet. After his family moved to North Philadelphia during his youth, he started honing his skills in the local hip-hop scene during his teenage years, initially performing under the stage name Young De. This moniker reflected his youthful entry into the craft, where he drew inspiration from Philly's vibrant rap culture to escape the hardships of street life.[10] In the early 2000s, while living in Philadelphia, Ferm formed the group Tangled Thoughts with local collaborators, serving as the frontman and focusing on raw, introspective lyricism. The group built a grassroots following through weekly performances that attracted 100 to 150 attendees and secured some radio airplay, marking his initial forays into structured rapping beyond casual freestyles. Tangled Thoughts represented a pivotal pre-fame activity, blending East Coast grit with emerging ambitions in hip-hop.[10][4] Demrick's first significant encounters with the West Coast hip-hop scene occurred in 2005 when Tangled Thoughts met Dogg Pound member Kurupt during a performance in Philadelphia. Impressed by their potential, Kurupt advised the group to relocate to Los Angeles to access better opportunities in the industry, leading to their move to California shortly thereafter. This relocation introduced him to key West Coast figures, including Kurupt, who became a mentor and collaborator, solidifying his transition from regional performer to aspiring professional artist.[12] Although he began as Young De, Ferm officially changed his stage name to Demrick in 2011 to better align with his evolving artistic identity and solo endeavors. This shift occurred as he sought to establish a more personal brand amid growing collaborations, distinguishing his work from earlier group efforts.[12]Career
2005–2010: Early releases and initial collaborations
During this period, Demrick, then performing under the stage name Young De, began establishing his presence in the hip-hop scene after relocating from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. His early professional endeavors were marked by collaborative projects that bridged East Coast roots with West Coast influences, reflecting his transition to the California rap landscape.[4] In 2007, Young De joined the rap group Tangled Thoughts and released the album Philly 2 Cali, presented by Kurupt, which served as a conceptual bridge highlighting his cross-country move and stylistic fusion. The project featured production and guidance from Kurupt, helping to introduce Young De to broader West Coast networks.[4][13] Young De's solo debut came in 2008 with the mixtape Audio Hustlaz, Vol. 1, presented by DJ Skee and executive produced by B-Real and Damizza, with Kurupt serving as host. The release featured B-Real on tracks like "Audio Hustle" and showcased collaborations with artists such as Kurupt, Obie Trice, and Cahis on the mixtape Homeland Security, hosted by DJ Whoo Kid, which explored themes of regional pride and industry survival through shared verses and beats. These projects solidified his growing ties to established figures in rap.[14][15][16] By 2009, Young De contributed features to five tracks on B-Real's solo album Smoke N Mirrors, including "When We're F*****G" alongside Kurupt and Too $hort, marking deeper involvement with Cypress Hill affiliates. This era also saw the beginnings of his mentorship under Kurupt, Xzibit, and B-Real of Cypress Hill, who provided guidance on lyricism and performance while integrating him into their circles. As part of this support, Young De joined early tours as a hype man for B-Real, performing for audiences of up to 30,000 and gaining exposure through global shows with Cypress Hill-related acts.[4][17][18][6]2011–2015: Mixtapes, Serial Killers formation, and breakthrough
In 2011, Demrick released the EP Neva Look Back, a seven-track project entirely produced by Scoop DeVille that featured guest appearances from Brevi and Kurupt.[19] The EP, distributed for free during his tour as opening act and hype man for Xzibit, emphasized gritty West Coast production and themes of perseverance, with singles including "What's Good?!" and "Ready 2 Go".[20] Later that year, building on the momentum from his late-2010 mixtape De Is for Demrick hosted by DJ Fingaz—which included features from B-Real and Xzibit—Demrick dropped the 17-track mixtape #Heads Up.[21] This release highlighted his evolving style with singles like "Money & Weed" featuring Brevi and "Burn Out" produced by Jim Jonsin, focusing on high-energy anthems about hustle and indulgence.[22] That same year, Demrick collaborated with Xzibit on the Urban Ammo music catalog for Extreme Music under Sony/ATV, contributing to a 40-track library of hip-hop instrumentals and vocals designed for sync licensing in media.[23] Tracks from the project, such as "What It Is" featuring Demrick, were released as digital singles and underscored his growing ties to established West Coast artists, stemming from early mentorships with B-Real and Xzibit. In 2012, he partnered with production team The Makerz for the mixtape All the Wrong Things, a raw collection exploring street life and personal struggles, followed by its sequel All the Wrong Things 2 in 2013, which expanded on those themes with more polished beats and features.[24] These releases demonstrated Demrick's ability to blend solo vision with collaborative energy, gaining traction in underground hip-hop circles. A pivotal breakthrough occurred in 2013 when Demrick co-founded the supergroup Serial Killers with B-Real of Cypress Hill and Xzibit, uniting their veteran lyricism for a darker, cinematic West Coast sound.[25] The trio self-released their debut mixtape Serial Killers Vol. 1 on October 31 via LiveMixtapes, comprising 14 tracks produced by DJ Muggs, The Alchemist, and Ill Bill, with standouts like "Wanted" and "The First 48" earning praise for their aggressive flows and thematic depth on crime and survival. The project marked Demrick's elevation to mainstream recognition, bolstered by festival appearances at Rock the Bells and Lollapalooza, as well as ongoing tours with Xzibit and the group.[6] His earlier feature on Cypress Hill's 2010 track "It Ain't Nothin'" from Rise Up—which charted in the top 20 on urban radio—continued to resonate, providing foundational exposure that amplified these mid-career achievements.2016–present: Solo albums, ongoing collaborations, and recent projects
In 2016, Demrick released his debut solo album Collect Call, a project that showcased his lyrical prowess over introspective beats, marking a shift toward more personal storytelling in his discography. The album featured contributions from producers like DJ Khalil and included tracks reflecting on his come-up in the rap game. Following this, Losing Focus, a collaborative effort with producer Cali Cleve initially dropped in late 2015 but gained significant traction through 2016 promotions and features, blending hazy, atmospheric production with Demrick's raw delivery.[26] Demrick continued his solo trajectory with Came a Long Way in 2018, an album that delved into themes of perseverance and growth, produced by a mix of West Coast talents including DJ Hoppa. This was followed by No Wasting Time in 2019, emphasizing efficient, hard-hitting bars over trap-influenced beats, and The Plot in 2020, which explored narrative-driven concepts amid the pandemic era. Payday arrived in 2021, focusing on financial independence and street wisdom with features from frequent collaborators. His most recent solo effort, Ooowee, released on September 26, 2025, and entirely produced by The Undefeated, highlights Demrick's matured flow with 14 tracks blending conscious hip-hop and melodic elements.[8] Throughout this period, Demrick maintained his role in the hip-hop supergroup Serial Killers alongside Xzibit and B-Real, releasing the mixtape The Murder Show in 2015. The group issued Day of the Dead in 2018, an EP with gritty, politically charged content, and Serial Killers Presents: Summer of Sam in 2020, featuring high-profile guests like Snoop Dogg on the track "Triggered."[27] Activity resumed in 2025 with the single "SK Anthem," produced by Scoop DeVille, signaling an upcoming full album slated for 2026.[28] Demrick's collaborative series with Dizzy Wright, Blaze With Us, became a staple, starting with the 2016 original that captured their laid-back, weed-infused chemistry. Blaze With Us 2 dropped in 2020, expanding on thematic continuity, while Blaze With Us 3, released November 22, 2024, and co-produced by Mike & Keys, delivered 12 tracks of reflective lyricism and West Coast vibes.[29] Recent projects underscored Demrick's prolific output, including Stoney Point 4 with DJ Hoppa on July 12, 2024, the fourth installment in their instrumental-rap series emphasizing boom-bap roots and features from artists like K.A.A.N.[30] Championship Rounds 2, a sequel with Mike & Keys released August 30, 2024, featured 12 songs of motivational anthems and sharp wordplay.[31] Additionally, Black Canvas with Jarren Benton, out October 11, 2024, compiled their joint singles with five new tracks, produced by a collective including Termanology and Slaine, focusing on raw, unfiltered narratives.[32] Notable singles from this era include "Lights," produced by Joshua Welton and Donut, which debuted in Fortnite's in-game radio during Chapter 5 Season 1 in December 2023, exposing Demrick to a broader gaming audience.[33] In 2025, "Tonya Harding" featuring Coyote and Alexcis, produced by The Undefeated, dropped August 22 as a lead single for Ooowee, blending aggressive flows with knockout punchlines.[34] Demrick's ongoing ties to West Coast legends persisted through features like Snoop Dogg on Serial Killers' 2020 track "Triggered," reinforcing his place in broader hip-hop circles.[35] Recent updates include appearances on B-Real and Psycho Les' 2024 album Real Psycho, which also featured Too $hort, highlighting Demrick's continued integration into veteran-led projects.[36] Earlier nods to Royce da 5'9" from mixtape eras underscore his enduring network, though no new joint releases surfaced in 2024-2025.[37]Musical style and influences
Key influences
Demrick's primary influences stem from key figures and groups within the West Coast rap scene, particularly those who served as mentors during his early career. He has credited Cypress Hill, especially B-Real, as a foundational influence, having joined their studio sessions and earned guest features on the group's 2009 album Smoke N Mirrors before becoming B-Real's hype man on global tours.[4] Kurupt played a pivotal role by discovering Demrick in Philadelphia, signing his group Tangled Thoughts to a deal, and releasing their 2007 project Kurupt Presents Tangled Thoughts: Philly 2 Cali, while emphasizing authenticity and timing in rap.[10] Xzibit also mentored him, providing opportunities as a hype man and later collaborating in the group Serial Killers formed in 2013, demonstrating longevity and professionalism in the industry.[10] These connections to [West Coast](/page/West Coast) gangsta rap shaped his approach, mirroring the raw energy and street-oriented narratives of the genre.[6] Beyond these direct mentors, Demrick draws broader inspiration from icons of 1990s hip-hop, including Snoop Dogg and Too $hort, whose laid-back flows and cultural impact from the West Coast scene influenced his immersion in the lifestyle upon relocating to Los Angeles.[10] He has described being drawn to the era's artists and the vibrant Philly rap culture during his formative years, including artists like Black Thought of The Roots, which fueled his initial drive to rap as an escape from personal hardships.[4][10] The mentorship from these figures profoundly impacted Demrick's lyrical themes, infusing his work with reflections on street life and resilience drawn from his own transitions between Spokane, Philadelphia, and LA. As he noted, "All the wrong things make you who you are," highlighting how guidance from veterans like Kurupt and B-Real helped channel experiences of hustling and loss into authentic storytelling about perseverance.[10] This influence is evident in his emphasis on longevity, stating, "Longevity is the shit… I mirror myself after that," in reference to his mentors' enduring careers.[10]Artistic evolution
Demrick's early artistic style emerged in the late 2000s through his debut mixtape Audio Hustlaz Vol. 1 (2008), characterized by raw, soulful underground rap that drew heavily from hardcore influences and real-life hustler narratives.[38][3] As a self-described raw and soulful rapper, he focused on lyrics rooted in personal experiences, relationships, and urban struggles, reflecting his transition from Spokane to Philadelphia and eventual Los Angeles scene.[38] This period established his foundation in energetic, street-oriented bars, often infused with West Coast production elements from collaborators like B-Real.[3] In his mid-career phase around 2011–2015, Demrick's style evolved toward more collaborative and introspective vibes, particularly through the formation of the supergroup Serial Killers with B-Real and Xzibit in 2013. Projects like the mixtape #Heads Up (2011) and Serial Killers' Vol. 1 (2013) showcased high-energy, bar-for-bar exchanges that balanced aggressive delivery with deeper reflections on perseverance and industry grind, marking a shift from solo hustler tales to group dynamics emphasizing lyrical precision and shared West Coast heritage.[39][4] This era highlighted his chameleon-like versatility, struggle bars while exploring themes of personal growth amid collaborative settings.[7] By the 2020s, Demrick's sound had polished into a more introspective and lyrically layered approach, evident in albums like Ooowee (2025), which blends trap-infused production with classic West Coast elements for a refined, minimalistic aesthetic. Produced entirely by The Undefeated, the project prioritizes raw storytelling over flashy beats, delving into themes of urban life, relationships, and resilience with beat switches and interludes that underscore emotional depth.[7] Demrick described this evolution as a deliberate move toward content-driven bars: "I wanted minimalistic beats and just bars—just lyrics and content," aiming to connect personally with listeners on perseverance and growth.[7] This maturation reflects his journey from hype man to solo frontman, channeling early raw energy into mature, community-oriented narratives.[4]Discography
Studio albums
Demrick's solo studio albums represent his primary full-length releases, showcasing his evolution as a West Coast rapper with introspective lyrics and collaborations with producers like Scoop DeVille and The Undefeated. These projects highlight his independent approach, often distributed through small labels or digital platforms.[40][41]| Album Title | Release Date | Label/Distributor |
|---|---|---|
| Collect Call | June 24, 2016 | 10 Stripe Records |
| Came a Long Way | July 13, 2018 | Self-released |
| No Wasting Time | February 8, 2019 | Self-released |
| The Plot | July 31, 2020 | DEM Records |
| Payday | February 19, 2021 | DEM Records |
| Ooowee | September 26, 2025 | Ineffable Music Group |
Collaborative albums
Demrick has engaged in numerous collaborative albums throughout his career, often teaming up with fellow rappers and producers to blend his laid-back West Coast style with diverse influences in hip-hop. These projects highlight his versatility, frequently incorporating themes of street life, introspection, and cannabis culture, while featuring guest appearances from notable artists.| Title | Collaborator(s) | Release Year | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serial Killers Vol. 1 | B-Real, Xzibit | 2013 | Vigilant Promotions |
| Losing Focus | Cali Cleve | 2015 | Battle Axe Records |
| Blaze With Us | Dizzy Wright | 2016 | Still Movin |
| Blaze With Us 2 | Dizzy Wright | 2020 | The Smokers Club |
| Black Canvas | Jarren Benton | 2024 | Yamaoka |
| Championship Rounds 2 | Mike & Keys | 2024 | Independent |
| Stoney Point 4 | DJ Hoppa | 2024 | Broken Complex |
| Blaze With Us 3 | Dizzy Wright, Mike & Keys | 2024 | EMPIRE |
