Grime sensation Devlin impresses at HMV Institute

Devlin

HMV Institute, Birmingham

words and pictures by James Watkins

New grime sensation, Devlin,confirmed his reputation as the nation's fastest rising urban star during a thrilling gig at Birmingham's HMV Institute.

His lyrical tirade thrilled an army of MC-loving fans, who were in awe of his infectious, stylistic lyrics.

With Plan B turning his back on the grime scene in favour of gritty soul, Devlin has marched in to steal the limelight with his relentless, progressive sounds.

Spitting out the lyrics to the hard and heavy Our Father and World Still Turns, Devlin thrilled the lively crowd, which bounced up and down to every word.

The Dagenham-born teenager showed signs of how far he's come in a short space of time, particularly when MC'ing masterfully alongside a guest appearance from Dogzilla (O.T Crew) during Weapons Our Mouths.

Livening the crowd with London City - by changing the lyrics to Birmingham City - Devlin continued to entertain throughout the hour-long set with the highlight being the smashing rhythms of Let It Go.

Playing through an acapella rendition of 64 Bars, the night was brought to a close with the raucous Runaway.

Grime and rap are de rigour in the West Midlands with this year's V Festival headliners including Eminem and Dizzy Rascal. The smart money is on Devlin following in their footsteps in years to come.