Tupac Shakur changed my life.
That’s a big statement but I meant every word.
Everyone in this industry has a moment where they realized they loved music. For me, that moment was hearing the album “All eyez on me.”
Granted this was not his first album, or even the first time I’d heard hip hop. However this was the first time that I found myself moved by music. Pac has been called a lot of things. And his legacy leaves a lot of questions and debates. But for me, Tupac represented humanity in its purist state. Yes, he was a walking contradiction. But in his contradictory songs he showed me that it was okay to be flawed. His music represented every emotion we go through: Happiness, sadness, jealousy, anger, hatred, hurt, joy, love, sorrow, remorse, revenge, understanding, inspiration. EVERYTHING. And while its debatable depending on your region of upbringing and personal preference; Tupac Shakur, in my life, is the greatest artist of all time, and I am eternally grateful for the influence his music has had on my life.
Happy Birthday Pac.
You are appreciated.
DOWNLOAD: “How Long will they mourn me”
xoxo,
Devi
Meet Skeme. One of the newer cats to hit the scene here in LA. While many artist’s feel they can only fit into one group, skeme walks the fine line between gang banger, hipster and backpacker offering a whole new level of enthusiasm and energy to the task of reviving of the Westcoast. Check him out, dude is dope.
Download his mixtape “All Rap’d Up” HERE
xoxo,
Devi
I have to take a MAJOR late pass on this one.
Apparently I am the last to know how lyrically incredible this Gary Indiana bread Emcee is.
Although my boy DJ Skee has been working with him from jump I recently got hip to him via the new XXL cover. After hearing track his tracks on the DJ Whoo Kidd mixtape I immedietely downloaded more. Take a listen to a track off the newest project and make sure you download his past stuff.
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This dude is DOPE.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of the most talented people to ever do it! DJ Muthafckn QUIK!
Quik is probably one of the first people I met when I got into radio. I think I was 19 or so at the time, and I damn near passed out when he walked in the room. If you grew up in L.A like I did, especially around the Era of 92.3 The Beat, at a young age it was essential that you learn every word to not only every quik song, but also every “Theo Drop” that hit the airwaves. Thought id share my favorite “Quik’s Groove” with yall.
Happy Birthday friend 
Here’s the new Vid from my Homie Problem Ft. Kurupt: Im Burnt
If you dont know him yet…get your life togther! Problem is one of the hottest emerging artist’s on the West Coast, who has collab’d and written for countless legends. Download his newest mixtape and live with it for a while
CLICK HERE to download his “Take That” mixtape
FOLLOW Problem
xoxo,
Devi
Tiron is one of the hottest new artists on the West Coast.
Big statement right? *I’m Serious.*
I’ve had the chance to catch him in action a couple of times and im impressed (shouts to Tsmif!)
Tiron dropped his project “Ketchup” not too long ago and its generated a buzz that rivals some people’s major album’s. I recommend you download it and live it for a while
CLICK HERE to check out the preview of the “Throwing my Money” Video (Thanks Quddus!)
CLICK HERE to download Tiron’s Ketchup Mixtape
FOLLOW Tiron
BTW you can check the premere of the video and Tiron, Blu, and Pac Div TONIGHT at The Echo on sunset!
xoxo,
Devi
Meet Young Life.
A 20 year-old rapper from the streets of Compton who like many found his refuge in music while growen up in an environment encouraged violence. Although starting out as a protege of Compton’s own The Game and joing Black Wall Street at 15, Young life is now striking out on his own with a new deal at Far West Entertainment/Bungalo Records/Universal Music Group.
Young Life has a story to tell. And im Rollen.
Check his track “Nothing I can do” Ft. Juice and Krys Ivory
03 Nothing I Can Do Feat Juice & Krys Ivory
xoxo,
Devi
Wow. Has it really been 8 years since the beautiful Aaliyah left us? I’ll never forget…I was in the car on the way to the Ontario Airport listening to 100.3 The Beat and was so excited when “Rock the Boat” came on. I thought the jock was about to do a traditional “new music from Aaliyah” talk break but instead reported that the plane she was on had crashed. The news of someone so beautiful and young passing left me and my friends dumbfounded. Aaliyah provided us with our teenage love and breakup soundtracks. She gave us that extra little bit of swag…Loc’s on…baggy jeans…she OWNED that.
Today i’m sitting here wondering what the past 8 years could have brought her in life. Who wouldnt have been in the game, and what other Aaliyah relationship anthems I would have have known by heart.
REST IN POWER Aaliyah Dana Haughton.
January 16th, 1979-August 25th, 2001
One of my Fav’s:
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xoxo,
Devi
Meet XO. This 23 year old veteran of the D.C. underground hip hop scene is well regarded amongst his peers. He hosts a weekly open mic, never missing a show and always willing to please the crowd with a line or two. He has linked up with some of the best DC has to offer; notably, his group Diamond District with Oddisee and YU with their album, “In the Ruff”, his collaboration with Interscope artist Wale on his mixtape, “The Takeover Part 2”, and his joint mixtape, “Timeless” with notable producer Judah. X.O. was signed to Studio 43 by Kenny Burns April 2009. In June, Studio 43 presented one of X.O.’s biggest projects to date, partnered and produced by AB The Producer, titled “Monumental” and it sure lived up to the name. Within one week, “Monumental” had over 8,000 downloads. When asked, Studio 43’s Founder Kenny Burns states that “In a time where music is lacking HONESTY & REALITY, X.O. provides a Heavy dosage of both. His preacher like quality allows him to capture your curiosity and his powerful lyrics sit on your soul. He is Necessary!” X.O. easily stands out as one of the best and most diverse artists in the Washington, D.C. area, so if you find yourself still asking when is his time going to be? Well, his time is now. So sit back, relax and let X.O. take you on his personal journey of being the revival of hip hop.
For more info on XO CLICK HERE
Follow XO
xoxo,
Devi
This week i’m spotlighting an amazing R&B singer found right here on the West Coast. Recently signed to Ryan Leslie’s “Next Selection” imprint, Krys has already experienced success with her song “Next to ya” that got picked up by radio stations across the country. Not just a beautiful face with an amazing voice, Krys is also a Cancer Survivor who just recently finished up Chemo and headed right back into the studio. To say she is a Hustler would be an understatement! I got the chance to see her open up for Drake and Ryan Leslie at there Cal-State L.A show last month, being there gave me chills and trust the video will too. So excited for her journey!
Krys Ivory: Get on this hype! Myspace, Twitter, Website
For some reason I couldn’t post it on here but CLICK HERE to watch her performance of ”next to ya” with Ryan Leslie
xoxo,
Devi
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