Devin Malik: TDE Affiliate and Grammy Nominated Producer speaks on his journey and future

by Matthew Becerra

Devin Malik’s music reflects a journey defined by persistence, adaptability, and raw creativity. As a rapper and producer affiliated with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), Devin has not only carved out a unique space for himself in the music industry but also established a reputation as a multifaceted artist. With five placements and two features on Schoolboy Q’s Blue Lips and his debut project Deadstock, he’s proving he’s more than just “on the radar”—he’s here to stay.

Rooted in Music: A Producer's Beginning

Raised in an environment where creativity was nurtured, Devin’s first exposure to music came from local hip-hop artists who welcomed him into their studios. “They let me go to their home studio and just see how music was made,” he said. Captivated by the process, he dived headfirst into producing, dedicating himself to creating beats long before considering himself an artist.

Becoming a rapper wasn’t part of the original plan. “The artist stuff was like, new,” he admitted. His pivot came in late 2021 when logistical challenges surrounding a producer project led him to the realization that he could bring his beats to life himself. “Clearing songs is not easy,” he explained. “So I was just like, ‘F*** it, I’m gonna just start dishing out my own songs.’” From there, he began hitting the studio consistently, honing his craft as a lyricist and performer.

The TDE Connection: A Relationship Years in the Making

Devin’s partnership with TDE was the result of patience and persistence. Since the age of 16, he had been emailing beats to Matt Miller, Isaiah Rashad’s manager. After four years of steady effort, Miller finally invited him to meet in person. “He was like, ‘Yo, just pull up to my crib in downtown,’” Devin recounted. 

Shortly afterward, Devin joined TDE’s “lockout camp,” a month-long studio session with their roster of artists. As a producer, he spent the time quietly waiting for moments to showcase his beats. That patience paid off, leading to five placements and two features on Schoolboy Q’s Blue Lips. “When we started making the album, I wasn’t even rapping yet,” Devin said. But his natural inclination to freestyle during studio sessions led to a pivotal moment: “For ‘Lovebirds,’ I laid down a scratch, and Q was like, ‘If you finish that, I’ll keep you on it.’”

Navigating the Dual Role: Producer and Artist

Balancing his roles as a producer and artist has become a defining aspect of Devin’s career. Songs like “Back in Love” on Blue Lips came about organically, with Devin sending tracks to Q to see if they resonated. “It was supposed to be on Deadstock, but Q was like, ‘Let me have this on my album; it’ll give you a bigger look.’” This collaboration led to Devin’s two biggest songs and exposed him to a mainstream audience.

Collaborations and Inspirations

Devin’s journey has been shaped by working with both established and emerging artists. Early collaborations during the SoundCloud era with artists like Ken Carson and D Savage taught him the nuances of studio sessions and artist relationships. “It definitely shaped me,” he said “those days taught me how to maneuver in the industry and, how studio sessions work, or how artist relationships work and all that little type of stuff, like it, it literally adds up into all this.”

His collaborations have extended to TDE’s Doechii, whose “Alligator Bites Never Heals” earned a Grammy nomination. Reflecting on the milestone, Devin said, “When we work on stuff, you know things are possible, but it doesn’t really hit until it happens.”

Being in the studio with Kendrick Lamar was another career-defining moment. A self-proclaimed fan, Devin described Kendrick as “such a normal dude, hella chill, and real funny.” Kendrick’s feedback, even when casual, left a lasting impression: “He was like, ‘Yo, keep working, doing your thing.’ That was enough for me.”

“Deadstock”: A Personal Statement

Devin’s debut project, “Deadstock”, showcases his versatility and emotional depth. “I know I’m not the most lyrical,” he said. “I just wanted to make songs people could feel.” From the melancholic tones of “PDA” to the high-energy vibe of “Link Ducker,” the album spans a spectrum of moods, reflecting different facets of Devin’s personality. “I always try to sprinkle in jokes or little bits of my personality,” he said.

The deluxe version of Deadstock, set to release soon, promises even more for fans eager to see where he’ll take his sound next. “I won’t be an artist that waits three years to drop music,” Devin assured.

What’s Next?

Devin is determined to maintain his momentum. With his deluxe album dropping and plans for high-profile collaborations in the works, he’s focused on making his mark. “My big three has always been Travis, Tyler, and Kendrick,” he said. “Collabing with any of them would change my life musically.”

For now, Devin sums up his career in one phrase: “on the radar.” It’s a fitting description for an artist whose talent and drive have propelled him into the spotlight. But if his track record is any indication, Devin Malik won’t stay “on the radar” for long—he’s destined to be front and center