We recently had the chance to connect with Deveaire Williams and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Deveaire, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I’m most proud of building myself up every single day. I work at 2 different establishments. Moved downtown last January, taking care of two animals. (My dog and cat) I’m there for my nephew as much as possible. I make time for my craft, which is creating music and performing. & I just got into Dungeons & Dragons! I’m very busy! Also I’m working towards buying a house! Things have been on the up & up!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Deveaire Williams aka “Nappi Devi”! I’m a Hip-Hop & R&B music artist from Detroit Michigan’s Eastside. I’m a story teller. Using my experiences as fuel for my writing, both the good & bad! I didn’t have the best upbringing as a child. & Honestly I’ve overcame some life changing challenges in my early 20’s as well, but I never allowed any of my hardships to slow me down on my journey. I also came to realize my best work comes to me when I’m active. Rather it be through the chaos called life or just everyday activities! (Errands, working, etc)
I’m currently working on 2 EP’s
“Deviii” releasing very soon!
And another EP I’ve been working on with 2 amazing producers, Jupyter & Nichlous McCorkle aka WhyandDotte. Guitar Player Jake Coon & Bass player Rodderrick Gaston also my boy Will Daniels as the music director. Plus Video & photographers Ryan Detroit & Dark Visionaries as well. Theres a lot going into my art right now. I’m excited to share!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I felt powerful for the first time when I was about 16 – 17 in the summer of 2013 – 14 performing at the Belle Isle Youth Day event. With the youth group known as “Devine Purpose Youth.” It was a show in front of many students from all over the city. Usually I would perform with the group, doing praise & worship dances or acting in a play. But this particular day I got the chance to perform my own personal music. “Mama’s Prayers” was the vibe the audience needed! They were singing along & enjoying every moment. When it was all said & done I got a beautiful applause. The host & many other people said I did amazing! Detroit Free Press came up to me a little while after my set & days little I realized my name was in the newspaper! That’s when I knew I had something special!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
When I lost my brother October 10th 2021. I also went through a really bad breakup. One of the worst days of my life. Sucks because around that time I was doing so many great things musically. Working with Pepsi, I opened up for Rapsody, Carl Chery reviewed my music and said it was great! & that he would share it with his friends. Performing consistently & getting paid for shows. I was on a musical high! But it all came crashing down when my brother passed away. I never felt so depressed in my life. I’ve grieved about it though & I’m currently in therapy. Now I’m back & fully reloaded with word play! So yes I almost gave up. It took me sometime to find myself again.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My character. I’m proud of who I am. Even with all the misfortune, I never allowed it to stain my name & how I feel about myself. I stand up for what I believe & don’t hold my tongue for anyone! I came to realize that some people are afraid of who they are, or who they can potentially be! I’m too blunt for most. & honestly I’m okay with that! Everyone shouldn’t be allowed to sit at your table. Most won’t make it to the finish line with you. Those who do. Cherish them, keep them close.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would quit my job, leave America for 5 years to travel the world, Of course find a traveling job or career that I’ll survive off of. Come back home for my last 5 years of life. Tell my friends and family about my adventures. Work on having kids. Put all my money up for them. & buy a home to put in their names. & Die peacefully!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nappidevi/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAPPIdevi/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEax9Hr-gd1aT1fliUXUwcQ
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nappidevi
Image Credits
Dark Visionaries
Teddy Bowtie
Sudden Utopia
ShotsbyBlaze
Adrian Szpadzik
