Trap/hip hop/r&b star Deja Trimble (born April 8, 1991), got the nickname “Loaf” in high school due to her propensity to wear loafers. The rapper/singer/songwriter is now known by her stage name, Dej Loaf (stylized as DeJ Loaf).

Tragedy struck the Detroit, Michigan native early: her father was killed when she was just 4 years old. As she grew up, Dej escaped from her troubles and her shyness by writing in her diary. Dej studied nursing in college for three semesters but quit to pursue a music career, supporting herself by working as a janitor.

She released her first mixtape in 2012 and rose to fame in 2014 when her single “Try Me”, went viral after rap superstar Drake gave the song a shoutout. She has since appeared on other chart-hitting songs, such as “Detroit Vs. Everybody” and “Be Real.” She was also named one of XXL’s 2015 Freshmen.