Devlin

Emerging from the grime underground in London much like Dizzee Rascal, Tinchy Strider, and Tinie Tempah before him, Devlin transitioned into mainstream recognition. James Devlin, born in Dagenham, Essex in 1989, absorbed the sounds of Bruce Springsteen, Bob Marley, and the Supremes during his formative years yet cultivated a passion for hip-hop upon purchasing Nas’ It Was Written. At thirteen he started MC’ing across multiple pirate radio stations, eventually drawing the attention of the influential grime artist Dogzilla, who invited him into the O.T. Crew. His first mixtape, Songs from the Crypt, appeared in 2006; two years afterward, worldwide notice arrived when Kanye West shared footage of Devlin freestyling on his blog. Placement on the prestigious BBC Sound of 2010 shortlist led Devlin to sign with Island/Universal Records, where he commenced recording his debut album, Bud, Sweat and Beers. After serving as support on Chase and Status’ U.K. tour, he issued the singles “Shot Music” and “Brainwashed”—the latter marking his first hit by reaching number 31—and earned a nomination for Best Newcomer at the MOBO Awards. The 2013 follow-up A Moving Picture incorporated production and vocal contributions from prominent pop figures such as Labrinth, Naughty Boy, Katy B, and Ed Sheeran, as Devlin navigated the divide between street credibility and mainstream appeal while largely staying on the credible side. His third studio LP, Devil In, arrived in 2017 after the preceding singles “50 Grand,” “Bitches,” and “Castella.”