Dagenham born Devlin is one of the world’s hottest MCs right now, and he’s also fully hot. Full stop.
Author and MC of the critically acclaimed album Bud, Sweat and Beers, 21-year-old James prefers to go by his last name, Devlin. Discovered by mate and mentor Dogzilla, Devlin blew up working within infamous grime collective the O.T. Crew. Supported by fellow pack artists Syer Barz, Deeperman and Ratchet, the emerald-eyed musician was part of a unit. Growing in confidence and establishing his own technique, Devlin released debut single ‘Brainwashed’ late last year and the crowd went wild. Keeping his shaved head down and grafting night and day alongside producer Lewi White in a recording booth in Stoke Newington, Devlin went on to release his twelve track debut album. Instantaneously receiving the recognition his raw talent so readily deserved, prestigious underground radio station Rinse FM went all out in support of the solo MC, meanwhile Adidas appointed him as the face of their ‘We Are London’ advertising campaign.
Delivering his vocals with conviction, channelling aggression and passion with irrepressible energy through his infectious flow, the effortless sense of rhythm in Devlin’s music is pure genius. Commenting on the darker parts of society that he has had to combat in order to reach the top, the frank and honest subject matter Devlin chats is provocative and important.
i-D Online went down to Devlin’s studio to chat about his forthcoming second album and hear what will be coming at us from him in the future. Watch this space.
Devlin’s Top 5 MCs to mack on:
1. Griminal
2. Dogzilla
3. Beats Unique
4. Rawzartilla
5. Giggs
