Lil Derik’s story is rooted in rhythm, discipline, and a deep love for performance that started long before he ever stepped into a booth. Born and raised on the South Side of St. Louis, Missouri, his upbringing was steeped in creativity. From third grade through high school, he attended performing arts schools, balancing football and basketball while steadily falling in love with music, movement, and the art of expression. That early exposure didn’t box him in—it opened him up. Hip-hop, R&B, neo-soul, gospel, jazz, alternative rock—everything found its way into his world, shaping an artist who moves comfortably across sounds and moods.
Lil Derik first started experimenting with writing and freestyling around eight or nine years old, but it wasn’t until he was 14 that music became serious. Linking up with older peers in a rap group called Take Off Ent., he began recording and learning the foundations of collaboration, discipline, and identity. That chapter eventually led him to become one of the founding members of More Than Music, a St. Louis–based artist collective that reflects his belief that music should inspire, uplift, and move people beyond surface-level moments.
The influence behind his sound runs deep. Nas was the first artist to give him chills, with “I Can” planting the seed that dreams were worth chasing. As a late-’90s baby, his musical diet expanded quickly—2Pac, Jay-Z, Eminem, Kanye West, T.I., and Lil Wayne formed the foundation, while artists like J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Wale, Drake, Wiz Khalifa, Curren$y, Dom Kennedy, and Nipsey Hussle helped sharpen his perspective during his teenage years. From each influence, Lil Derik absorbed something different: storytelling, hunger, introspection, confidence, and purpose.
Today, he describes his sound as smooth, conscious, stoner-motivational rap—music made for cruising through the city, lighting one up, vibing with your partner, or locking in and really listening. His records can be enjoyed on the surface, but for those who lean in, there’s intention beneath the haze. Inspiration, reflection, and knowledge are always part of the experience.
Over the last few years, Lil Derik has shifted fully into independence, recording nearly all of his music from his bedroom—what he calls Ground Zero for the More Than Music recording studio. That DIY approach hasn’t limited him; it’s sharpened his control and confidence. The result is a catalog that feels personal, unfiltered, and honest.
Growing up, his days were spent at familiar St. Louis staples—Skate King, The Delmar Loop, The Galleria Mall, Union Station—or simply mobbing around the city and staying late after school. Those memories, those streets, and that sense of movement still echo through his music.
His most recent project, Red Dragon EP, fully produced by Brey10, captures his current creative stride—focused, relaxed, and intentional. It’s the opening chapter in a larger vision. Up next is Blue Dragon, the second release in a series of EPs that will eventually lead into the Enter The Dragon Deluxe Edition, signaling a carefully planned run rather than a rush for attention.
Throughout the journey, Lil Derik credits his family and friends for unwavering support—pulling up to shows, buying merch, and sharing his work. He also shouts out the producers who’ve believed in him and helped shape his sound, including Dope Sean, Skip The Kid, Leek Hunchoo, Ryllo, Callabeats, Masta Lee, AreDoubleYou, Jawwaad Spann, D. Ferg, and Brey10. And with this upcoming run of releases, he’s just getting started.
