Devon “Devi Dev” Anjelica, a Los Angeles native, has always had a knack for people and speaking. As a child she was constantly getting written up for “talking too much” in class and at night while her mom thought she was sleeping, Dev was under the covers with her mini pink boombox listening to late night hip hop shows. While most kids are drawn to the TV, Devi had an affinity for the radio. “I always thought the people on the radio were intriguing and different. Not only did they have to sound good, they had to be able to capture so many different types of people’s attention—and the only tool they had was their voice. That’s awesome to me.” Growing up listening to Rick Dees on KIIS, Theo and Julio G on The Beat, and Big Boy on Power, Dev dreamt of the day she would be able to broadcast her voice on the airwaves.
That opportunity finally came in college when she joined the radio world as co-creator and host of Zombie Radio where she showcased popular local artists such as Crooked I, Strong Arm Steady, and Jay Rock. Feeling that she found her calling and ready to take her hustle to the next level, she headed over to Universal Music interning under then-VP of Urban Promotions, Big Paul and Los Angeles’ 93.5 K-DAY to work with Tha Goodfellas.
Eventually, Dev joined the K-DAY family wearing a multitude of hats that included Music Director, On-Air Personality, Community Actions Director and Assistant Program Director during her 4 years with the station. While at K-Day, Dev strengthened her connection to Los Angeles by partnering with the city on charity related events, and maintaining strong bonds with her listeners. Dev was instrumental to the sound and vibe of K-DAY and came to be known as the face and voice of the station. Always championing the indie artist, Devi teamed up with renowned DJ, DJ Eque, and together they created “TheLEFTeffect”, an online series which allowed listeners early access to artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Freddie Gibbs and Dom Kennedy.
After conquering LA radio at one of the most respected hip-hop stations in the country, Devi Dev took her talents South and joined Radio One’s leading Hip-Hop station, Houston, TX’s 97.9 The Box (KBXX). With a #1 rated mid-day show, Dev was able to once again take her skills to the next level. When asked about her time in Houston, Dev says, “(Houston) was incredible! Being raised on westcoast music I loved being able to learn a new side of the Hip Hop culture and being able to connect with the people.”
After a whirlwhind year down South, the next step in Dev’s career was to head East. That opportunity arose when Hip-Hop news legend Sway Calloway tapped Dev as his co-host on Sway in the Morning on Shade 45. When asked about Devi Dev joining the morning show, Sway states, “I am very thrilled to have Devi as a part of “Sway In The Morning” on Shade 45. She is the missing link to my vision. Devi Dev is one of the most charismatic young personalities I’ve come across in years. She has a proven track record, seasoned but not typical. She is well on her way to becoming one of the “Great Ones”.
Soon after her move to N.Y Devi was able to make the transition to television when In March 2012, MTV announced the debut of their new late-night music and talk performance show, “MTV’s Hip-Hop POV” featuring Devi Dev as one of their hosts. Airing Wednesday’s at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, the weekly half-hour episode incorporates a panel of music industry experts who “draw from their individual experiences and profound entertainment knowledge to form a unique voice of authority in the world of hip-hop.”
Not just a pretty face with one of radio’s freshest and most distinct voices, she is also highly requested for mixtapes, events and concert hostings; and is an on-camera host for Hard Knock TV. She’s had the opportunity to interview and work with some of the biggest names in entertainment which have led to features on CNN, TMZ, Entertainment Tonight, and Good Morning America as well as exclusive interviews with Kanye West, Dr. Dre, T.I., John Singleton, Quincy Jones, Angela Bassett and more. In 2011 she released “The SEX ep” with Terrace Martin, a follow-up to their 2010 “Here, My Dear” project which was ranked in XXL’s top mixtapes of 2010 list.
When she isn’t working, Dev enjoys watching Laker and Texans games, volunteering, stumbling upon new eateries with friends and concert hopping. Devi Dev’s infectious voice can be heard Mon-Fri 8am-12pm EST on Sirius XM’s, Shade 45 and she can be seen weekly on MTV’s Hip Hop POV.
Favorites
Artists: 2Pac, Raphael Saadiq, Ms. Dynamite
Food: Thai Food
Concert: Maxwell & Common at The Hollywood Bowl ’09
Quote: “You are younger today then you will ever be again, make use of it for the sake of tomorrow” -Unknown
