“A paramount, intimate look into an astonishing human being.”
-OkayPlayer.com
“Absolutely brilliant.”
-Crossfire.com (London)
"Dessa is a fluent lyricist...She recalls an old-fashioned high-quality singer-songwriter like Joni Mitchell or Rosanne Cash...but because she's a hip-hopper she's also not above bragging a little. She's got a right."
-NPR, Robert Christgau
4 stars from Urb Magazine
“Can Dessa do wrong? As of yet, there is no evidence that she can.”
-Twin Cities Daily Planet
“Intellectual velocity…verbal prowess…poignant insights… and maybe most important: emotional honesty.”
-Chris, Roberts, Minnesota Public Radio
“Your new favorite rapper. What’s most remarkable throughout the record...is the consistent and dumbfounding effortlessness of it all. How does anyone deliver bar after bar of perfect poetry over drum breaks in rap today?
-New University (California)
“Code does not disappoint…Dessa stands alone in her brand of music ”
-HipHopDX
“Poetic intelligence and hip-hop wit.”
–Missoula Independent
“Taking the genre to a whole new dimension.”
-Coloradodaily.com
“Smart, finely honed, and fearless approach to music”
-Austin, TX Onion
“Dessa succeeds because she delivers equal parts elegance and grit and refuses to compromise her refreshingly intense artistic identity.”
-Wears the Trousers Magazine (UK)
Dessa has earned praise for her range as a thoughtful songwriter, a fierce emcee, and a singer with an expressive alto voice. As a member of Doomtree, her work has attracted a ferociously dedicated fan base, held the 1 spot with CMJ, and appeared on Billboard’s Heatseeker’s charts. A Badly Broken Code is Dessa’s eagerly anticipated full-length album.
Doomtree producers Paper Tiger, MK Larada, Cecil Otter, and Lazerbeak all contribute beats to the album. “The Chaconne” is pensive and beautiful, with piano, violin, and guest vocals by Grammy-nominated Matthew Santos. “Dixon’s Girl” sounds like a French cabaret, with shuffling drums and sultry refrains.
“The Crow” (on which P.O.S sings back-up vocals) is comprised of aggressive drums, distant organ melodies, and punctuated by haunting sung choruses. “Poor Atlas,” an entirely a cappella arrangement, layers old-world harmonies to tell the story of a woman who attempts to improve upon the human design, building a body from balsa and ash.
The varied sound pallet of A Badly Broken Code is unified by Dessa’s inimitable style as a lyricist. Tenderness, wit, and poetic sensibility define her songwriting and every track on her full length reaffirms her position as one of the most capable lyricists in underground hip hop.
You amaze me. So proud we share Minneapolis roots. I can't stop listening to "Mineshaft II", it is so powerful... and "Matches to Paper dolls" is incredibly catchy. the whole album is pleasureful, deep, and devastating.
thank you for the show at the bowery! Everyone was amazing it was one of those nights to re-live before you die (meant in the least melancholy way possible)
..You are an angel. If more women were like you this world would be a better place! I cannot wait to see you with steph on march 20th, i pray i get to meet you!!!
I don't remember the last time I actually bought a physical CD but I ordered yours immediately after seeing you with P.O.S. last night in Boston. Absolutely amazing.
Hey dessa, last night was amazing, and I Dare say the best show ive ever gone to,lol Which is saying alot.lol I didnt think POS was going to do like 6 encores so I missed the last train to get to my car So I was stuck in Boston for what seemed like forever, but I took a cab paid $60 and finally got to my car, But It was All Worth it. It was my B-Day yesterday to, So thanks for the great present. I hope the rest of the East Coast is great as well, because I would love to see you up here more often. Oh yeah and thanks for signing my spiral bond,Im reading it right now. all I can do is give you two thumbs up.lol
Yo Dessa... I'm in love with your super poetry... and amazing Voice I've been sellin tickets to your Detroit stop, I contacted the promoter about opening and I've never been more geeked about a show in my life... We got a Crew assembled and I Got a " Bustin Nutin " Shirt with your name on it ! I Love Everything you Do Your Stuff is Killer !!!
You were absolutely amazing tonight in DC. I only wish I had brought my camera inside so I could've snapped some pictures... and I wish I had not been too shy to ask for an autograph. But still, Thank you for what you do... make music.
Btw I saw you in tally with P.O.S. I really wanted to walk up to you and tell you that you were amazing and by far one of the most intellectual and awe inspiring musicians ive had the pleasure of enjoying. hope tours treating you well. :)
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keep doing what you do, the world needs more Dessa!
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