Devin Malik Is Producing, Selling and Delivering

As a fan, I am absolutely blown away by the incredible journey and talent of Devin Malik. His discography is nothing short of phenomenal, yet his debut album “DEADSTOCK” truly cements him as an unstoppable force in the music industry.

TopMob is engaging in a sequence of talks with music producers to delve deeper into the lesser-known musicians who work behind the mixing boards.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been jamming to Devin Malik’s tunes for quite some time now, and it feels like his discography has been dropping bangers that should have catapulted him into every household long before his debut album DEADSTOCK.

Approximately a year prior to the LP’s summer release in 2024, Malik shifted his focus from just producing tracks to utilizing his rapping skills. His debut studio single “LINK DUCKER” was released on streaming platforms in August of 2023, a catchy two-and-a-half-minute track that Malik claims was one of the first 25 songs he had ever composed.

As a budding beatmaker, I’ve been consistently cashing in on my grooves since the release of my debut album – a fact that doesn’t surprise me given its success. At just 25, I find myself rubbing shoulders with the A-list of Top Dawg Entertainment, having earned a string of production credits.

Initially, it felt a bit strange and uncomfortable since I was always present without any prior acquaintance, he chuckles, “But with time, my presence became recognizable.

It may not be widely known, but Malik was actually the creator of many of the melodies for some well-known rap songs. For instance, he contributed to several tracks on Rashad’s album “The House Is Burning,” REASON’s “New Beginnings,” and most recently, ScHoolboy Q’s “BLUE LIPS.

Malik’s musical stardom became official when his debut project was launched, as he also joined Top Dawg Entertainment as a signed artist. This significant step for the rising, versatile musician – who felt his career had reached its pinnacle following an endorsement from Kendrick Lamar earlier this year – has him continuing to push forward and planning his second album.

When did you first start producing music?

Since the age of five, music has held a strong pull over me, and I’ve often found myself moving to its rhythm. My initial foray into creating music occurred around the age of ten, when I began searching for “beat machine” apps on the App Store and using beats from iTunes. At sixteen, my interest in music production escalated significantly; it was then that I started collaborating with local SoundCloud artists and selling my beats to members within our community.

Who were some of the early artists you were tapping in with?

Following my initial significant collaboration with D. Savage during high school, I spent considerable time working in close proximity to Ken Carson. Subsequently, I ventured off to college, marking the beginning of sending my beats to individuals at Top Dawg Entertainment, including Matt Miller, who was Isaiah Rashad’s manager then. It took a couple of years, but eventually, he appreciated them, saying “These are good.” Soon after that compliment, he facilitated my studio sessions with several TDE artists. Initially, it felt strange and awkward due to my frequent visits, but over time, I became more recognized.

Do you have any favorite tracks from your early days?

Together with Ken, I created numerous hidden gems that have become cult classics. Among those, “Ridin” and “No Smoke” by D. Savage stand out as my personal favorites.

You also worked closely with Isaiah Rashad super early on. What was that like?

Collaborating with Isaiah was incredibly smooth. Each session in the studio where we crafted beats felt effortless. The entire process was remarkably straightforward.

What about working with ScHoolboy Q?

Among all the individuals I’ve collaborated with, he stands out as one of the most exceptional. His work ethic is unparalleled within this industry, consistently putting in long hours at the studio without any exceptions. He not only mentored me in the art of rapping but also shared his skills and knowledge as a rapper, even when I was primarily focused on producing. During our time together, I absorbed an immense amount of learning and developed numerous abilities.

When did you pivot from solely producing to rapping?

I didn’t start seriously rapping until 2023. “LINK DUCKER” was one of my first 25 songs ever.

“I’m never trying to conquer a track.”

How do your approaches to rapping and production compare?

Both situations require finding my role and contributing effectively without overstepping boundaries. When creating music, it’s essential to focus on the artist’s vision and fulfill their needs to the best of my ability. Now that I rap, I appreciate the artist’s perspective more, so I strive to prioritize their requirements when producing.

How did you nail down the sound for your debut album?

For several days, I was consistently working in the studio to find the perfect sound for my debut. Unfortunately, an album I had previously recorded went unused when my laptop was stolen. Subsequently, I created a completely new album, which eventually became DEADSTOCK. I believe it turned out much more effectively.

As a twenty-something rapper, does social media play into your artistry at all?

Frankly, I believe things tend to develop naturally. During the ’10s, the rap scene seemed incredibly authentic. It seems as though nowadays, everyone’s aiming for contrived virality.

What makes a good beat?

There has to be enough space on a beat. Minimal, but unique.

What was it like getting Kendrick Lamar’s cosign?

Above all, he’s the artist I admire most. Therefore, receiving his endorsement felt incredibly significant, coming from such a musical titan as him. It validated all my efforts and undeniably fueled my motivation even further.

What does being signed to TDE mean for you?

I need to maintain a fast pace, as I’m currently working diligently on my second album. Beyond that, I’m simply trying to understand the world around me.

2024-09-19 01:28

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