DEZ (Deston Stephens) is one of the original members of the Athens, Ga based Jawga Boyz, and with his new EP Away from It All he continues his journey as a solo artist. This is following up his 2014 release Tailgate Music by the Jawga Boyz & DEZ, which debuted at number 155 on the Billboard 200, number 22 on the Country Albums chart and number 17 on the Rap Albums chart. Steve Leggett of AllMusic gave Tailgate Music a favorable review, writing that it "keeps the fun and quality up, showing once again what this Dirty South hip-hop country rock thing is all about, and doing it all with engaging energy and intensity.". It featured artists such as Bubba Sparxx and earlier notable collaborations with the likes of D Thrash (Derek Thrasher) and Demun Jones. In 2019 teaming up with producer Chad Mcilvenna, he carries on his tradition of Southern, Country-Rap and embarks on a bold new take on the genre, bending and morphing those Southern sounds while incorporating anthemic, party-worthy hooks and infectious melodies combining them with the flow he is known for. For all of the Jawga Boyz fans out there anxiously awaiting a new release, the "Away from It All" EP is sure to satisfy and wet the appetite for upcoming Jawga Boyz releases. DEZ credits longtime collaborator, and Jawga Boyz band member D Thrash, for keeping him focused on creating new music that will continue to connect with fans both old and new.