DevRock: The Power of One

Day 6 | Black Futures Cypher – The Power of One

For DevRock, The Power of One begins at home—and radiates outward through family, faith, and disciplined love. A husband, father, writer, artist, poet, host, and CEO, DevRock’s creative practice is inseparable from his responsibility to community. As the founder and leader of Media Rhythm Institute (MRI) and Deserve LLC, his work lives at the intersection of art, education, and economic empowerment, grounded in the belief that unity is built when people move together with shared values.

DevRock’s artistry is purposeful and principled. Every lyric, lesson, and program is designed to help others build stability—spiritually, emotionally, and financially—so that families and communities can thrive across generations.

The Power of One

To DevRock, The Power of One is not individualism—it is alignment. It is what happens when a group or community moves as a unit because they share a belief system and a way of life they aspire to protect. As an artist, his goal is to create music that communicates those beliefs clearly, connecting with others who want to live with intention, integrity, and care for family.

That unity, he believes, doesn’t happen by accident. It’s practiced—through values, accountability, and a willingness to grow.

Art as Education and Economic Empowerment

DevRock’s art is inseparable from his leadership at Media Rhythm Institute, where creativity meets education to equip Baltimore’s next generation of innovators. Since 2017, MRI has empowered youth through media arts education that blends creativity with STEM—offering training in dance, hip-hop music composition, filmmaking, DJ’ing, and more.

Through partnerships with Baltimore City Public Schools, YouthWorks, and other local initiatives, MRI creates pathways for students of all ages to develop artistic skill while learning how to apply that talent toward entrepreneurship and workforce readiness. At its core, DevRock’s art—and institution-building—is about helping others move toward financial freedom and self-sufficiency.

The Black Futures Cypher Contribution

DevRock’s contribution to the Black Futures Cypher was intentionally structured in two movements—two eight-bar verses—each reflecting what he believes creates true unity.

The first centers the fruitages of the spirit: kindness, patience, joy, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control, and peace. These qualities form a call to action for collective health and wealth—values that must be lived, not just spoken.

The second verse turns toward love and family, outlining what DevRock sees as the foundation of strong community: organized, well-raised families built by loving husbands and fathers. In his words, “At home is where the power began.” The piece invites listeners to see leadership not as dominance, but as service, accountability, and presence.

Influence, Family, and Creative Lineage

DevRock began rhyming after being introduced to Archie the Messenger more than 20 years ago. He names Ice Cube as an early influence—not only for artistic impact, but for demonstrating how to build business success while maintaining respect for family.

Today, his greatest influences are closest to home: his wife KRay and his daughters, Kaela Melody and K. Mailani. Their creativity, discipline, and growth sharpen him daily. “It’s a family full of art,” he shares—one that continually raises the standard for his own work.

One Action Toward Collective Change

DevRock’s call to action is deeply introspective: study the fruitages of the spirit and look honestly in the mirror. Make the necessary changes within. He believes that when individuals commit to personal growth, everything else—family, community, and collective well-being—begins to align naturally.

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About the Series: 28 Days of Black Futures

This artist profile is part of 28 Days of Black Futures, a month-long cultural offering presented by CLLCTIVLY, a Baltimore-rooted ecosystem cultivating collective imagination, narrative power, and resource mobilization for Black futures.

Throughout February, the award-winning Black Futures Cypher—architected by Jamye Wooten and produced under the creative direction of Von Vargas—features 28 artists, one each day, sharing original work inspired by this year’s theme, The Power of One.

A new artist feature is released daily during Black History Month. Learn more and support the ecosystem behind this work at cllctivly.org.