The DeGrate family name is familiar to fans of both Gospel music and of R&B.

Don DeGrate & Strong Tower was one of the essential Gospel groups of the seventies, and later morphed into the Southern styled group, Don DeGrate & the DeGrate Delegation.

On the other side of the spectrum, brothers DeVante and Dalvin DeGrate are known for their membership in the R&B group, Jodeci, along with K-Ci and JoJo Hailey.

Enter Derek DeGrate, the so-called “other brother”. After several years of touring with his father’s group, has stepped into the solo scene with his Gospel debut.

Independently released on his own Duff Stuff Records, the album The Other Brother is a 11-song find that showcases Derek’s flair for laidback soul, sweetened with fine production and distinguished by great songs and an obvious inlay of passion for the music. The vibe is something between Jon Gibson and Howard Hewett.

DeGrate’s soulful vocals are the focus of every song on the project. Self-produced, he avoids the pitfall of letting the track get in the way of the message. With a distinctive vocal color and a penchant for frequent inflection and tight vibrato on the high end of tenor, the project commands attention from the opening of the very first track.

That song is “Blessed With Life”, a mid-tempo ode of thanks, possesses a gentle hook and a smooth-riding rhythm, combined with the best of that early 80’s vibe.

Interview with Derek DeGrate

The idea for a solo album came to me a little after my father slowed down the pace on the road. Many people know that I was a part of my father's Gospel group in the mid 90's. However it took a few years for me to actually get the project in motion... See full interview.

Singing of forgiveness on the ballad “Love, Trust & Us”, Derek addresses his song to Jesus and testifies of how He continual forgives, and never gives up on him. Gentle acoustic drum and guitar accompany the cut.

The mellow “Just An Ounce” (referring to the fact that even ‘an ounce’ of God’s love in times of need is awesome), brings in female vocalist Keelie, and features guitar from Derek.

On a slightly more urban tip is “Achieve”, co-written by brother DeVante (who also drops in for the track, which relies on a harmonica effect). With studio-stacked harmonies, Derek sings that we can only achieve in life if we believe in Jesus.

There‘s also “I Need A Miracle”, a cut heavy on synths, with vocalist Annessa Vee injecting between Derek’s lead vocal, and don wuan pushing his relaxed rap flow mid-song.

Derek DeGrate pours out his heart and soul on his solo debut, making The Other Brother a album worthy of anyone’s collection.