Out of the misty mountains of Nelson, British Columbia, rises DEFIED, the striking collaboration between vocalist JJ Watts and rapper-songwriter Vs. Their union is equal parts unpredictability and precision, grounded in a shared love for sonic experimentation and lyrical finesse. Their latest single “Divine” is a genre-defiant piece that anchors their arrival on the scene with unapologetic confidence and unmistakable artistry.
“Divine” is a track that doesn’t just flirt with boundaries—it obliterates them. Mixed and mastered by the seasoned Roger Swan (whose resume includes heavyweights like Swollen Members and K-os), the track weaves dancehall rhythms with hip-hop swagger and R&B allure. Its heartbeat pulses with thick low-end, laced with shimmering synth textures that feel like neon in fog. The beat, produced by JJ herself, leans into her experimental instincts, offering a canvas that is both smooth and subversive. Vs. paints across it with his signature lyrical dexterity, bending syllables and weaving sharp wordplay into a narrative that hits as hard as it flows.
This duality defines DEFIED—the fluidity of JJ’s melodic delivery paired with Vs.’s razor-sharp bars creates a dynamic that is as cerebral as it is vibey. Think of the genre-less emotionality of James Blake collided with the murky atmosphere of Clams Casino, all driven by the rhythmic urgency of bass-heavy electronic music. Yet somehow, even with so many moving pieces, “Divine” never feels overstuffed. Every moment is deliberate, every sound curated with intention.
Already performed live on The FriendShip, “Divine” is earning its sea legs as a crowd-mover and attention-grabber. DEFIED is set to showcase the track live at this summer’s Shambhala Music Festival, and with a full-length music video on the way, the duo is positioning themselves not just as sonic experimenters, but as visual storytellers as well.
This is a group that doesn’t fit in a box—and that’s the point. DEFIED isn’t chasing trends; they’re building a new lane entirely, one where genre is less important than impact. “Divine” is a bold first offering that proves one thing clearly: they’ve only just begun to show us what’s possible.
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Website: https://defied.ca/