6.28.24

EP: Devin Malik – DEADSTOCK

The SoCal Rapper and Producer Shares His Debut EP, Showing Off the Skills That Have Earned Him The Respect of Some of the Industry’s Finest

Along With His Debut EP As a Rapper, Devin Officially Announces His Signing to TDE As a Producer

Critical Praise:

“The production hits with the urgency of a panic-inducing alarm, and Malik’s presence is commanding throughout the chaos. His vocal performance finds a sweet spot between deadpan nonchalance and charismatic intensity, sometimes pulling off both at the same time….Despite how powerful the production is on ‘LINK DUCKER,’ it’s obvious that Malik himself is the star of the show, which is even more impressive considering that he spent so many years behind the scenes.” – Pigeons & Planes (Best New Artist)

“On the self-produced hi-hat and clap heavy new track, the California rapper/producer sounds off for two and half minutes about not taking s–t from anybody and getting money.” – Billboard

“…the nearly two-and-a-half-minute offering [“Canadian Tux”] sees the young artist continuing to establish and solidify his unique sound.” – HYPEBEAST

The Single:

Getting his start as a behind-the-scenes weapon for some of the industry’s hottest names, Devin Malik is ready to step into the spotlight. Today, he shares DEADSTOCK, his highly-anticipated debut project as a rapper. Along with the project, Devin announces his signing to TDE as a producer, making his close relationship with the label official. 

According to Devin himself, “DEADSTOCK is an audible horror film focusing on themes of lust, rage, and comedy, directed by Devin Malik.” 

DEADSTOCK is an experimental exploration of the wide-range of sonics that can live within hip hop. Devin’s curation of the project is unpredictable, keeping listeners on their toes from track to track. Favoring grittier synths and chilling bass on the EP’s opening track “BANG YOUR HEAD” ft. ScHoolboy Q and recently released single “LINK DUCKER,” he switches up the sound later on the project, using sentimental keys and RnB cadences on “PDA” and jazzy, 60’s inspired piano riffs on “TRAUMA QUEEN.” Leaning into the freedom of expression found in indie-rap, Devin explores the myriad of ways to melodically tell a story, a perfect example being “WASTE NO TIME” where he ping pongs between gassing himself up to the sound of gravely acoustics strums and scattered keys before changing the melody entirely to sentimental keys, spitting down-to-earth lyrics like “the money, the clothes, it all, gets old, we all, get old, I can’t waste no time.” 

Devin’s experiences working with some of rap’s favorite indie darlings and legendary heavy hitters is reflected in DEADSTOCK as listeners with a keen ear can hear inspiration from the very best qualities of all the artists he’s admired or worked with. Back in April, the talented rapper-producer released “PDA,” a flirtatious video and single. Produced by Devin and co-producer WillGell, the song uses a sample from Kendrick Lamar’s “PRIDE,” supplementing it with rolling hi-hats and an ethereal piano melody to create a room-enveloping canvas for Devin to paint on. “BACKSTAGE” continues Devin Malik’s red hot 2024, following his contributions as a producer and rapper on his mentor ScHoolboy Q’s new album BLUE LIPS. The young artist produced and rapped on “Love Birds,” also featuring Lance Skiiiwalker, and tore up the first verse of album highlight “Back n Love.” Behind the scenes, Malik contributed his production talents to highlights like “NuNu,” “oHio” and closing track “Smile.” After years of steady rise, and a recent co-sign from the one-and-only Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q has taken Devin Malik under his wing, nurturing him to become the next talent to emerge from the TDE orbit. Most recently, he vibed out with Kendrick Lamar on stage at his historic ‘Pop Out’ LA show on Juneteenth during one of the performances of “Not Like Us.” 

Born in Philadelphia before his family moved to Rancho Cucamonga in Southern California’s Inland Empire when he was young, Devin Malik first made his name in the industry as a talented producer. He sold his first beat when he was in high school, purchased by D. Savage, before heading to college to pursue a degree in Computer Science. By 2018, Devin (then under stage name ‘Yoga Flame’) started to see dividends as a producer working with the likes of Lil Yachty, Ken Carson & more. His life changed when his music found the ears of Isaiah Rashad, who collaborated heavily with Malik on his 2021 comeback album The House Is Burning, contributing to 6 songs including album introductory track “Darkseid.” Since then, Devin Malik has been strongly affiliated with Top Dawg Entertainment, producing for Ab-Soul, Doechii, and REASON, including REASON’s single “Extinct” ft. JID & Isaiah Rashad. Though he was known in the industry as a producer, Devin Malik always had a passion for rapping, and ambitions to embark on a rap career. In 2023, Devin Malik popped out on his own, releasing his debut single “LINK DUCKER,” acclaimed by Billboard, and “Wallflower,” earning attention from Pigeons & Planes who named him Best New Artist in August 2023.

Malik’s impressive resume, paired with his unique musical ear, has allowed him to create an EP that stands alone in the rap scene.

Stream DEADSTOCK: https://symphony.to/devin-malik/deadstock

 

Photo Credit: Farah Idrees

Please contact Michelle or Destiny for more info.

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DEADSTOCK: https://symphony.to/devin-malik/deadstock

“BACKSTAGE”: https://symphony.to/devin-malik/backstage / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpsmZWzkWPA

Pre-Save DEADSTOCK: https://symphony.to/devin-malik/deadstock

“PDA”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZnjxtQ9snM / https://symphony.to/devin-malik/pda

“CANADIAN TUX”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ePBE2VMdIs / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3NOqXE2fPo

“Love Birds” (w/ ScHoolboy Q & Lance Skiiwalker): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=livavXzS3NY

“Back N Love” (w/ ScHoolboy Q): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3vuOP5iY1A

“Wallflower”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8_wkgVOfhM

“LINK DUCKER”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjz6sCt3puc

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