When discussing an artist like Dev the Follower, his style can best be described as ‘substance over hype.’ He’s not just a rapper but a progressive artist with a penchant for crafting thought-provoking rhymes driven by life’s intricacies. When it comes to his craft, he delivers insightful, educative, introspective, relatable, and entertaining music. This is what makes him different. He possesses an innate ability to tell stories through his incredible penmanship, putting listeners in his shoes or those of others. Few hip-hop artists achieve this feat; most rely heavily on beats, but Dev brings substantial lyrical content to the table.
Having been in the industry for over 7 years, Dev the Follower rightfully feels criminally underrated and unappreciated. In the direct, honest, raw, and touching “I Take It Personal,” he speaks from the heart, blending heartfelt lyrics and poetic finesse over smooth, soulful, and evocative jazzy production. Many lines resonated deeply, such as “Accolades are more likely to be given after the recipient has been eradicated,” highlighting society’s tendency to honor people only after they are gone.
The seamless transition from one verse to the next, as Dev tells it like it is, aided by mellow yet expressive production, represents hip-hop at its finest. Listening to this track repeatedly reveals deeper emotional resonance each time. I want to applaud the penmanship, dedication, and vulnerability that Dev surrenders here. This is a huge testament to the power of hip-hop and rap to express personal feelings in a relatable manner. The ending poem was also a genius way to climax this magnificent masterpiece.
The accompanying music video, a collaborative tour de force featuring Cole Buche of King Culture Media, is a simple, striking, and ingenious complement to this heartfelt track. Take some time to dive into this masterpiece, and as you do, recommend it to your friends. Let’s make Dev the Follower go viral as we appreciate authentic hip-hop music at a time when we need it the most…now, ain’t that a statement!
