Reggie DeVore : Solo

A Personal Anthem

Words by Sam Lauron Photos by Eric Morales

2019 was a whirlwind of a year, career-wise, for Reggie DeVore of BlackLight Hip Hop. Last November, Reggie was invited to perform as a special guest at OnePlus Music Festival in Mumbai, where he opened for Dua Lipa and Katy Perry. Just weeks later, he released his first solo album, King Vibez Only, with the leading track appropriately called “Greatest.” While these recent milestones are enough to fuel anyone’s ego, Reggie is refreshingly grounded and authentic. His lyrics are more of a mantra than they are a reflection of his laid-back demeanor. “The album is very cocky, but I’m not normally a cocky person,” he says with a smile.

Reggie’s music career originated in humble beginnings. From being introduced to R&B and neo-soul at a young age to joining his church choir, music has always been a constant thread in his life. “I remember being so young and mesmerized,” he recalls of his earliest memories of watching artists like Michael Jackson and Kriss Kross perform on MTV. After joining band in high school, the Texas native discovered rap through musicians like Busta Rhymes and DMX which set into motion his interest in hip hop. While he continued to write poetry and refine his style throughout the years, it wasn’t until he finished serving in the Air Force that he considered a professional career in music.

Reggie went on to attend school at The Recording Conservatory of Austin, where he learned the ins and outs of audio engineering. What followed was an internship at Matchbox Studios where he worked with platinum-selling producer, Dwight Baker. The invaluable two-year internship provided a solid foundation for his current career as an audio engineer and self-producing artist. Having the ability to understand both the creative and technical sides of making music is something Reggie doesn’t take for granted. “I feel like it gives me an edge for sure.” He adds, “when you want to be a star and you can’t afford to get your album produced, you better go learn it yourself.”

His tenacity and work ethic have proven fruitful throughout his musical journey. In addition to performing and making his own music, Reggie has built a solid career producing music for other artists and bands. He’s also connected with OnePlus, a major phone company overseas, not only for the music festival appearance but also for a commercial in which his music was synced. But despite his recent international success and his impressive production history, it’s his hometown where he wants to make his mark. “I think Austin is the perfect proving ground,” he says. “It’s so hard here and there’s so much talent, but I like the challenge.”

While the rapper doesn’t shy away from the honest truth in his music, having referenced depression and racial injustices in the past, his recent album reflects the stage in his career he’s currently experiencing and takes a more life- affirming direction. After his major year, one of his biggest takeaways is “don’t give in to perceptions,” he encourages. “Keep working hard, and keep doing what you can.”

Community Over Competition

In addition to performing and producing, Reggie is on the board for the Austin Hip Hop Awards. The annual event showcases emerging and pioneering rappers and hip hop artists through awards and live performances. As an underground artist himself, Reggie is deeply committed to supporting and giving back to the hip hop community.

The Fast Track

The program at The Recording Conservatory of Austin (TRCoA) sets students up for a successful career in the production and business side of the music industry. Alumni of the program have gone on to work with an impressive roster of artists like One Republic, Gary Clark Jr., and Vance Joy, to name a few.