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De’Wayne Jackson spent his formative years in a small suburb outside of Houston, im- mersed in a city that was fast becoming known for its burgeoning hip-hop and lean cul- ture. Now, 21 years old and not satis ed with the prospect of a suburban life, De’Wayne made the move to Los Angeles shortly after graduating high school and was exposed to an existence that was worlds away from his life in Spring, Texas.

“Ever since I was younger, I always knew I was a bit of an outsider, but it never really scared me from making my own type of music,” he proclaims. “I just kind of embraced it,” he adds, reminiscing on his musical tastes at the time, which consisted of listening to “a lot of J. Cole and Kendrick” in between singing in his church gospel choir.

Don’t Be Afraid is a staggering declaration from the young musical prodigy – a call to arms to outsiders and a soundtrack for anyone who ever yearned for a life less ordinary. In the opening track “Old Steps” we’re greeted with the stunning juxtaposition of an r&b beat stacked against the bluesy guitars. The EP is made up of surprise moments, from the minimal beat of “Watchin” to the inspirational “Do What We Want To,” De’Wayne spits his story with vigor. Within quieter moments, like love struck “Truth Is” and the gorgeously somber “Coming Back Home,” Don’t Be Afraid is, at it’s core, stunningly self- aware debut from a young artist.