By: Miko Holt

For those who don’t know artist development is the process of shaping an individual from the beginning to the end. Taking that individual and making him or her into a star! Picture this: it’s the ultimate mind, body, and soul make-over. This is exactly the life calling of Atlanta’s own Devyne Stephens.

Crunk Magazine had the opportunity to talk with Devyne and he gave us the low down on artist development, “It’s like taking a product from beginning phases and making it into a complete package that is marketable.” Referring to hims elf during the interview as a “Grady Baby” (meaning born at Atlanta’s Grady Hospital) Devyne is a proud of his roots. He grew up in Atlanta, Georgia’s College Park and has been making his way to the top ever since.

A visionary, a choreographer, an instructor to celebrities and want-to-be stars Devyne has survived the rat race of the industry and now he’s the man behind the truly remarkable Upfront Megatainment. Taking all components of the industry and creating a multi-faceted business conglomerate Upfront Megatainment is all of that. In addition, it includes one-of-the-hottest-premier artist development centers in Atlanta known prominently as The Complex. “I start my day off early and head straight to the office, then to the recording studio. Making my way attending meetings throughout the day.” Devyne said.

The businessman has a full day to attend to and this is because he’ll stop at nothing to make things happen. Starting his career at LaFace Records it was there that Devyne learned the essential components of artist development. He referred to the life and career of Motown’s creator Berry Gordy, “See Berry Gordy was big on artist development. Taking an individual and turning them into a star, this is what I do.”

Devyne’s career just began at LaFace and carried on to include his involvement of some of our fav superstars of today—like Usher, Babyface, OutKast, Pebbles, Toni Braxton and many more. He has worked with Mary J. Blige (among others) and now Lady GaGa is signed to Konlive which the label he runs with is supermega star Akon. In fact, Devyne and Akon are not only business partners but they are also friends. According to him their relationship extends outwards and has worked well throughout the years.

He told us the upshot of things, “Me and Akon are both growing, we consult with each other on business and family matters. We handle our business and then we meet again in the middle…it just works.”

We asked him what has been the most rewarding part of in his career and he did say that the accomplishments of Akon and his development as an artist is something that he is most proud about.

You can catch Devyne at The Complex. It’s the fabulous, luxury, establishment that is the best money can buy. The platinum settings have an out-of-site facility with a serious rehearsal studio, recording spot, photo studio, Glam Squad compartment, and much more. It’s a place where artists and those who aspire to be stars can be physically and mentally trained to storm the entertainment world.

Devyne has proven to us that he can …create megastars. How long does it take to develop an artist? Well, according to him the process is ongoing.

“An artist can always continue to be developed” he says. Perfecting skills, and discovering new things, and keeping on top of his or her game is what he told us.

This is what Devyne Stephens does…he envisions, he develops, and he helps to fulfill dreams.

To read more pick up the current issue of Crunk Magazine