Conversations with Devine Evans

Today we’d like to introduce you to Devine Evans.

Hi Devine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My life story is one of resilience, passion, and triumph. As a music producer, my journey began at the tender age of 6 when I picked up the guitar and later expanded my repertoire to include keyboards in my late teenage years. Throughout my life, I have been consumed by an obsession with crafting songs that carry the perfect words, melodies, and emotions.

Born and raised in West Texas, the same city as the legendary Buddy Holly, I recently received a poignant reminder from a family friend that I am the most successful musician to ever emerge from Lubbock, Texas. However, my path to success was far from easy. Growing up in a city plagued by racism and limited resources for the Black community, I faced numerous obstacles as a child of mixed race with a Black father and a White mother.

From an early age, I experienced the ugly face of hate and bigotry. I vividly recall the hateful stares and disdainful looks my brothers and I would receive when we walked into a grocery store as a multiracial family. The constant cloud of hate cast upon us took a toll on my emotional well-being, leaving me grappling with deep-seated trauma. Racism extended beyond the public eye, as I encountered harassment from racist police officers and school staff members throughout my formative years.

Despite these challenges, I found strength within myself to rise above the adversity. It was thanks to my musical mentor, Michael “Kash” Thompson, that I found an escape as a teenager. Moving to Atlanta, Georgia, proved to be a turning point in my career. With my first placements alongside R&B singers Sammie and Lloyd, my musical journey skyrocketed.

Music became my refuge and salvation, allowing me to find strength and faith in my identity. It saved me from feeling inadequate and unsure of my place in the world. Even in the face of peril, such as surviving a carjacking at gunpoint and enduring illegal searches by the police, I persisted. The lyrics of Biggie Smalls resonated deeply as I witnessed my belongings being tossed onto the street, echoing the sentiment, “throwing my clothes out the window, so when the wind blows, I see my polos and timbos.”

Throughout my struggles, the unwavering love of my mother and the strength of my father guided me toward a brighter future. Together, they helped me navigate a path away from the harsh realities of my hometown and into a life filled with possibilities.

Despite becoming the most decorated musician in the city’s history, the local newspaper failed to acknowledge my achievements. Even so, I have emerged stronger and more determined than ever. My story is one of resilience and overcoming immense obstacles. I have fought through hate, discrimination, and uncertainty to rise to the top of my field. And through it all, I stand tall, a testament to the power of determination, love, and the healing force of music.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey in the music industry has been filled with obstacles that have tested my resilience and determination. At one point, I found myself homeless, facing the harsh reality of not having a place to sleep. Despite the challenges, I relied on my resourcefulness and found clever ways to spend nights at the Atlanta airport or seek shelter in a non-air-conditioned office building in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Each day, I woke up with unwavering determination, pushing forward with my passion for music.

During this challenging time, I was fortunate to have the guidance and support of my mentor, Debra Clark, and her CANAAN Kids arts program. Together, we embarked on a project that would become iconic—the creation of an album titled “The What About Us? Project.” This project involved working with a group of inner-city kids who poured their hearts and souls into the music. Despite the hardships we faced, their talent and dedication shone through, creating a powerful and inspiring body of work.

Through sheer perseverance, I caught a break in the music industry when I landed my first opportunity working with Lisa “Lefteye” Lopes, Ron Lopes, and Eric Arnold. This experience marked a turning point in my career, as I was able to learn from and collaborate with industry professionals who believed in my potential. It was a stepping stone that fueled my determination to keep pushing forward, despite the obstacles I had faced.

Looking back, I realize that these challenges and difficult moments were the catalysts that shaped my journey and strengthened my resolve. They taught me the value of resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment to my dreams. Each obstacle I overcame became a stepping stone, propelling me towards greater opportunities and achievements in the music industry.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have been blessed and given God’s favor in many areas of my life and career. From working on 5 GRAMMY® winning projects to winning an NAACP Image award as a composer, my journey has been filled with incredible achievements. Producing musical arrangements on 3 Super Bowls and collaborating with some of the world’s most iconic artists such as Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Eminem, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, and Usher has been a dream come true. Moreover, being involved in 4 of the 96 albums in the history of the world to go Diamond has been a testament to my dedication and hard work.

However, one of the most recent blessings I experienced was being the hands that executed and created the 65th annual GRAMMY® Awards Hip Hop 50 performance alongside the musical mastermind Questlove. The performance, curated by Questlove, was a testament to the rich history and impact of hip-hop. It featured a staggering lineup of 27 artists, spanning across generations and regions, performing hits and cult classics that defined the genre. As LL COOL J introduced the performance, the atmosphere in the Crypto.com arena was electric, with the entire audience on their feet.

Questlove described it as a “family reunion,” and with the Roots backing up the performers and Black Thought narrating the lineup, it truly felt like a gathering of legends. The first act showcased hip-hop pioneers such as Grandmaster Flash and Run DMC, causing the arena to erupt with excitement. The energy continued to soar as Chuck D & Flavor Flav joined the stage for “Rebel Without a Pause,” and even Lizzo and Adele were moved to sway together.

The performance transitioned seamlessly into the late ’80s and ’90s, with LL and Black Thought guiding the audience through a nostalgic journey. De La Soul, Geto Boys’ Scarface, and Ice-T graced the stage, and Jay-Z even joined Method Man from his seat in the audience for an unforgettable moment. The crowd exploded with applause as Busta Rhymes flawlessly recreated his lightning-fast flow from “Look at Me Now,” and the tribute concluded with Missy Elliott’s electrifying medley of hits, accompanied by a full dance crew.

Finally, the performance entered the 2000s and beyond, with Nelly heating up the arena with “Hot In Herre” and rising star GloRilla injecting more adrenaline with his nominated hit “F.N.F. (Let’s Go).” As LL COOL J stood surrounded by artists from different eras, the entire arena roared in celebration of the incredible 50 years of hip-hop, leaving no doubt that the next 50 years would be even stronger.

This experience was truly humbling and filled me with gratitude. Working with Questlove and the GRAMMY producers was a joy, and I am deeply inspired by the opportunity to bring together such an iconic group of artists. This special moment will forever hold a cherished place in my heart, and I am excited to see how hip-hop continues to evolve and thrive in the years to come.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
My journey with music began in my formative years where I fell deeply in love with the art form. Inspired by legendary artists such as Rick James, Michael Jackson, Sade, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, and Kool G Rap, I knew that music was my calling. Growing up in circumstances that limited my access to books, I found solace in the dictionary, poring over its pages to expand my vocabulary and fuel my dreams of becoming a skilled songwriter like my idols.

As a young talent, I participated in local talent shows and dance contests, showcasing my skills and emerging victorious. At the age of 16, I took a job at Popeyes, dedicating every paycheck to fund my dream. I saved diligently to afford six precious hours of studio time every two weeks, determined to bring my musical vision to life. Though it took nearly a year, I persevered in creating a full-length project. Unfortunately, financial constraints prevented me from completing the project, but the experience provided invaluable insights into the world of music production. I am forever grateful for the knowledge and growth that emerged from this process.

Even as a child, I exhibited a resourceful and creative spirit. I recall fashioning my own makeshift guitar using scraps of wood, rubber bands for strings, and nails for guitar pegs. To make it visually striking, I added a touch of glitter and glue to transform the plain white paint I found. My inspiration stemmed from Rick James’ iconic bass guitar, and I longed to possess an instrument as visually captivating as his.

These early experiences and my unyielding passion for music have shaped me into the artist and producer I am today. Each step of my journey, from reading the dictionary to competing in talent shows, from saving my earnings for studio time to crafting my own guitar, has propelled me forward on the path to success. And as I continue to create and inspire through my music, I carry the lessons and determination forged during those formative years.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://devineevans.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devineevans/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devineevans/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/devineevans
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elle_e.d
• Other: https://elleed.com

Image Credits
Personal Main Photo: Devine Evans at Clearlake Recording Studio in North Hollywood, Ca (Photo by Kenneth Brayden Matthews) Photo 1: Devine Evans and Quest Love at SIR Studios in Hollywood, Ca preparing the GRAMMY® Hip Hop 50 performance. Photo 2: Devine Evans, Quest Love, Rev Run, Dj Jazzy Jeff, Dj Flah, Raheim at SIR Studios in Hollywood, Ca preparing the GRAMMY® Hip Hop 50 performance. Photo 3: Devine Evans, Black Thought, Dj Jazzy Jeff, James Poyser of the Roots back stage at the 65th annual GRAMMY® Awards. Photo 4: Devine Evans and Recording Artist Elle E.D. at the Peppermint Club in Los Angeles, Ca Photo 5: Devine Evans and Shaun Martin at the Federal Bar in North Hollywood, Ca Photo 6: Devine Evans and Ray Angry of the Roots after Performing at a Super Bowl pre party with Artist Leslie Odom Jr. Photo 7: Devine Evans and Recording Artist Brandy Photo 8: Devine Evans, Day’nah Evans and Music Producer Larrance Dobson of the production team 1500. All photos by Dana Sol