Atlanta rapper Derez De’Shon returns with his fifth studio album, I’m Not OK But…, a deeply personal project that finds one of the pioneers of Atlanta’s “pain music” movement opening up about mental health, fatherhood, faith and healing.
Featuring guest appearances from Young Blifford, Morray, T-Rell, Sy Ari Da Kid, Raysean, BHM Pezzy, and Luh DJ, the album delivers some of his most vulnerable songwriting to date.
Check out the album stream and the official press release below. The album is available on Apple Music, Spotify, and various other digital streaming platforms.
Atlanta Rapper and Pain Music Pioneer Derez De’Shon Releases Fifth Studio Album, I’m Not OK But…
Atlanta rapper Derez De’Shon returns today with I’m Not OK But…, his deeply personal new album available now via Cinq Music Group, a GoDigital Music company.
Long regarded as one of the defining voices of Atlanta’s “pain music” movement, De’Shon delivers his most vulnerable work to date, trading bravado for brutal honesty as he reflects on fatherhood, faith, mental health, and the ongoing pursuit of healing.
Built from lived experience rather than polished narratives, I’m Not OK But… embraces the reality that growth is rarely linear. Throughout the album, De’Shon confronts betrayal, depression, self-doubt, and spiritual transformation, offering listeners an unfiltered look at what it means to rebuild while still carrying the weight of the past.
Rather than presenting healing as a destination, the project finds power in simply choosing to keep moving forward. The phrase “I’m not OK” becomes less a declaration of defeat, but rather a turning point toward healing.
“I’ve always made music from real life, and this album is no different. Every record comes from something I’ve lived or felt, whether it’s pain, healing, family, or faith.”
Derez shares, “I called it ‘I’m Not Ok But…’ because the story doesn’t stop at not being Ok. We all have something we’re fighting through, and we all have our own ending to that sentence.”
The album’s focus track, “Beefin With God,” dives into internal battles with identity, faith, and self-worth, confronting the complicated relationship between pain and purpose.
Elsewhere, “Me vs Me” captures the ongoing fight within, while “Like You” serves as one of the album’s emotional centrepieces, with Derez reflecting on suicidal thoughts, his commitment to becoming a better father for his son, and the reminder that everyone is fighting battles that often go unseen.
Together, the album paints a portrait of a man balancing success with self-examination, recognizing that some victories happen long before anyone else can see them.
Since his breakout anthem “Hardaway” catapulted him from homelessness to national recognition, De’Shon has amassed more than one billion streams across platforms while becoming one of Atlanta’s most respected storytellers.
His signature ability to transform personal hardship into universally relatable music has made him a defining voice for listeners navigating struggles of their own.
That authenticity has continued to shape De’Shon’s career beyond the studio. Earlier this year, he performed “Southside God” at the Georgia State Capitol during Clayco Day, honouring both his Atlanta roots and his spiritual journey. He also partnered with Church’s Chicken around the release of “What You On,” further cementing his deep connection to the city that has shaped his story.
Beyond the music, De’Shon continues to invest in the Atlanta community that shaped him.
On August 1, he hosted a free Back-to-School Community Day at Steady Hands Barber Shop in Hampton, Georgia, providing local families with free school supplies, haircuts and family-friendly activities ahead of the new school year. The event was supported by Ray Daniels and theCut App, whose platform has become known for spotlighting artists through intimate barbershop performances.
Following today’s release, De’Shon will bring I’m Not OK But… to the stage for Derez De’Shon & Friends Live on September 19 and 20 at Grant Park in Atlanta, celebrating the album alongside the community that has supported him throughout every chapter of his career.
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