Dagenham grime artist Devlin releases new album The Devil In

Devlin (Image: Archant)

Devlin, who has made songs with Ed Sheeran, Skepta, Wiley and Labrinth, released his latest album, The Devil In, after taking a few years away from music.

The artist, whose real name is James Devlin, grew up on a housing estate near the Princess Bowl in Dagenham and believes he “owes a lot” to the area.

“We made lots of songs and went with what we thought were the best ones in the end and just hope the fans enjoy it,” the 27-year-old explained.

The former Beam County Primary School pupil has not turned his back on the borough and has always spat bars describing life as it is for underdogs and ordinary people.

“I was taking stuff that I was feeling everyday, so it [Dagenham] has played a massive part,” he said.

“I don’t think I could represent Dagenham anymore than I do.

“I film pretty much all my music videos in Dagenham and talk about it in my songs.”

The once-budding footballer is now excited about his release, but isn’t getting his hopes too high after taking nearly two years away from rapping.

“I couldn’t write - I had no inner peace, my head was all over the gaff,” he said.

“I’d been writing lyrics every day since I was 13, but when I started doubting myself it gave me the hump.

“The best thing for me was to step away for a minute. I wanted to take a look at what was going on, take some stuff in and just live some life.”

Devlin originally found his way into grime music at the age of 11, when he started to listening to old school garage, before finding his true love.

“I could really relate to it,” he said. “I started to write and told myself I will make myself good.”

Since then, he’s gone from rapping on the Heathway at the age of 13 to playing in front of thousands at a sold-out Wembley Stadium.

“Jessie J took me out on stage at Wembley, I couldn’t do something like that off my own back and it was just unreal,” he said.

“Also playing with Paul Weller and just being able to do what I love for a living is amazing.”

The rapper believes big name stars have helped him get to where he is, but they will never replace his true friends.

“My closest friends will always be the people I grew up with in Dagenham,” he added.

“People like [fellow grime artist] Skepta, we have all known each other for a long time and all artists just have a lot of respect for one and other.

“Everyone is busy, but we all keep in touch.”

The star also admitted that his single Blow Your Mind is the stand-out track and outlined his expectations for the album.

“I like the Maverick Sabre tune, I like that one, the actual music is just a different tempo and it’s got a nice vibe,” he said.

“Where I have been away, all I can hope for is people enjoy it and anything comes after that is a bonus.”

“It’s just nice to have people supporting and showing love again.”

You can download or order Devlin’s album Devil In on iTunes and Spotify now.