Dev: The Electrifying Voice of Crunkcore and Pop Rap

Dev is an American singer, songwriter, and recording artist who rose to prominence as the featured vocalist on the international chart-topping single "Like a G6." Hailing from Tracy, California, she carved a distinct niche in the late 2000s and early 2010s by blending pop melodies with the energetic, bass-heavy production of crunk and hip-hop, leading to a platinum-certified debut album.

Early career

Born Devin Star Tailes in 1989, she began her artistic journey in her teens, initially gaining attention through her MySpace page. Her early demos caught the ear of the production duo The Cataracs, leading to a pivotal collaboration. This partnership resulted in her first official single, "Bass Down Low," which was released independently in 2010 and began building her online following.

Breakthrough

Dev's career exploded in 2010 following her guest feature on Far East Movement's massive hit "Like a G6." The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified multi-platinum, instantly elevating her profile. Capitalizing on this success, she signed with Universal Republic and released her debut album, The Night the Sun Came Up, in 2011, which debuted in the top 50 of the Billboard 200 chart.

Key tracks

Like a G6 — Her iconic feature on this Far East Movement track defined the crunkcore/pop-rap crossover and became a global number-one smash.

Bass Down Low — This debut single, produced by The Cataracs, established her signature style and became a club anthem, earning a gold certification in the United States.

In the Dark — The lead single from her debut album showcased her pop sensibilities and received significant mainstream radio airplay.

Kiss My Lips — A later single highlighted her evolving sound and featured a high-profile collaboration with French producer and DJ Timbaland.

Following her debut, Dev continued to release music and collaborate widely, working with artists like Enrique Iglesias on "Naked" and will.i.am. She also contributed vocals to tracks for major film soundtracks, including "Pitch Perfect." While her output became less frequent after the mid-2010s, her influence on the brief but impactful crunkcore era remains notable, and she maintains a dedicated fanbase.

Fans of Dev's energetic fusion of pop and electronic-tinged rap might also enjoy the music of Kreayshawn, another California artist known for a playful, hip-hop-inspired style. Listeners may appreciate the party-ready anthems of Far East Movement, the group behind her biggest collaborative hit. The production style of The Cataracs, who shaped her early sound, is another key touchstone. For a different take on female-fronted pop-rap, explore the work of Iggy Azalea.

Dev's catalog of infectious pop rap hits maintains a steady presence on various radio formats featured on this website. Her songs are frequently spun on top 40 throwback stations, dedicated 2010s nostalgia channels, and online dance music radio streams, keeping her signature sound alive for both longtime fans and new listeners.

You can hear the music of Dev across a variety of radio stations featured on onairium.com. Tune in to discover her key tracks and experience the energetic pop rap that marked a definitive moment in dance-pop history.