Dev is a lyrical-based musician from Campbellsville, Kentucky, currently residing in Bowling Green. He is a rare Southern rapper who seems to be genuinely in it for the art and the craft, rather than fame or money. His passion for rap music is deeply rooted in the art of storytelling, and he takes pride in producing his own beats and artwork. Dev’s style is different from other southern rap contemporaries, with a strong influence from the sophisticated rap or “champagne rap” style of artists like Pusha T. He enjoys combining life events, religion, political issues, and street culture in his music, creating a sound that is both unique and thought provoking.
Dev’s music is almost conceptual, with semi-cinematic beats that show he knows there is something bigger than hip-hop behind his music. He is an artist who makes himself feel more essential than his raps or beats, which is one of the hardest achievements to pull off. It’s tough to find artists who can sound vital in their craft, regardless of which songs they’re putting out, but Dev manages to do just that.
One of the things that sets Dev apart is his honesty. Many of his tracks feel like soul-searching, truth-seeking exercises, with lyrics that delve deep into his subject matter. Dev’s music is honest and raw, with a sense of integrity that is hard to come by in today’s hip-hop landscape. This honesty is what makes his music so compelling, and it’s a big part of what makes “Lucifer” such a standout track.
“Lucifer” is a mission statement so direct, forceful, and poignant that you can’t help but feel the same satisfaction with the end product that Dev must have felt as he finished the final cut. Two things are immediately clear on “Lucifer”. First, there’s no doubt that Dev is an amazing producer. His production talents seem to know no bounds, as he can flit between all styles of the format with ease and come out with a beat that will always feel flawless. Second, as an emcee, he’s not only technically proficient but has a way of delivering bars and hooks in such a way that they entrench themselves into your soul.
Technically, Dev can rap and sing, showing off his artistic dexterity in one fell swoop on “Lucifer”. His flow is smooth and easy-on-the-ear, while his soulful croon is custom-built for his tracks. Lyrically, Dev is top of the class, with thoughtful rhymes, sharp wordplay, and profound messaging.
Dev’s commitment to his craft is evident in every aspect of his music. He is a musician who is always pushing himself to be better, to evolve, and to take risks. In addition to his music, Dev is also passionate about videography and artwork, which gives him a unique perspective on the creative process. He is constantly looking for new ways to incorporate different influences into his work, whether it’s R&B, jazz, rock, 80s music, bluegrass, or blues.
With tracks like “Lucifer” and a constantly evolving sound, Dev is an artist who is sure to make a lasting impact on the hip-hop genre. He is a rapper who is driven by his passion for music and his desire to create something meaningful. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to producing honest and thought-provoking music make him a standout in the hip-hop world.
In a landscape where many rappers are focused on the materialistic aspects of their craft, Dev stands out as an artist who is focused on the art itself. His music is a breath of fresh air in an industry that can sometimes feel stagnant, and his willingness to take risks and push boundaries is what makes him so exciting to listen to.
OFFICIAL LINKS:
https://soundcloud.com/shondeveron-shears
https://twitter.com/hello_im_dev?s=21&t=XRkj9L5NIn5DzfbYjZCEvg
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1683493946?ls=1&app=itunes