Nov1
Last week, Devlin’s debut album ‘Bud, Sweat & Beers’ was released. Who is Devlin? A young UK rapper. He’s been around for a long time and I’ve said he was one to watch. His album certainly doesn’t disappoint.
At 35, I don’t know if I’m quite who Devlin aimed his album at. But I love it.
The album is labelled ‘CLEAN’ on the iTunes music store. It’s not. The language is very colourful in places. And listening to his colourful language and his obvious anger has me thinking about role models for our children.
Would a parent approve of this album? Would I approve? Isn’t there some nice boy band that would be better for my children?
I can’t help but be reminded of what Bill Hicks said about New Kids On The Block and good role models – “When did mediocrity and banality become a good image for your children?”
The world our children are growing up in is one constantly bombarded by choice, by commercialism, by careers, by television, internet, games and distractions. Even as adults, we don’t have time to think about even a tiny percentage of the choices we make every day. What chance do children have?
I think a lot about how we can make a better world for our children.
But, one day, what will be far more important is how children make a better world for themselves. One day, they’ll be in charge. For my own girls, I hope they’ll make it through the conformity machine that is school, survive the commercial bombardment and come out the other end still able to be creative. To think for themselves. To really look at the world. And be motivated to help make it better.
So when I hear a young rapper not rapping about bling, or guns but about his community, about the homeless, about wanting a better life, pushing back and clearly having the drive to achieve something, I can’t help but have hope for what the younger generation will be able to do for themselves.
And, yes, as horrified as Devlin (now 22) might be, and as much as it may damage his street-cred, I approve. How could I disapprove of any rapper who namechecks Pingu?
Devlin’s Community Outcast on YouTube
