Thirteen-year-old lands record deal after winning talent contest

Devin Michael McCracklin has talent. That much is a given after the 13-year-old singer, actor, songwriter and talk show host placed first in a talent contest in Atlanta and a recording contract with Zarah Records, an independent label founded by Dr. Zakiyyah Raheem.

“I’m very excited,” said Devin, who counts as his influence Michael Jackson, James Brown, Bruno Mars, and Nathan Davis Jr., a 23-year-old standout who was once raised in Memphis and now living in California.

“He’s iconic,” Devin said of Davis.

Devin bagged the record deal in August after winning Atlanta’s “You Got Talent” contest that radio personality Porsche Foxx of Old School 87.7 radio station in Atlanta had been announcing.

Devin Michael McCracklin – or Devin MC – is releasing
the single "Lavender Girl" on his debut album,
"Devin's World." (Courtesy photo)

It was just by happenstance that the commercial would catch the attention of Devin’s parents, Constance and Sylvester McCracklin, who were headed to dinner that day with two of their five sons and daughter-in-law.

“We were there in Atlanta, not for anything regarding the entertainment industry,” said Constance McCracklin. “We were there for my husband’s job; he had to take some tests for his job.”

The McCracklins were planning on moving the family to Atlanta anyway, Constance said. Devin’s winning performance and subsequent recording contract no doubt solidified their plans, which made the move to Atlanta worth the effort and expense.

Testing for a job just happened to turn into good fortune for the family. “We happened to be in the car and did not have the radio on at all for two days,” Constance said. “We happened to turn the radio on this particular day.”

Old School 87.7 was pumping up the music over the airwaves; and that same commercial, voiced over by Foxx, played in rotation, without fail.

“They kept talking about this Atlanta Got Talent contest,” Constance remembers. “We heard it about 30 times in the car traveling.”

So did Devin, who was seated quietly and listening intently. Meanwhile, Constance, thinking it might be an opportunity to take the boys to the contest out of curiosity, nudged her husband for his approval.

“He said, ‘Naw! I got to be at the orientation at 8 o’clock in the morning. It’s just gonna be too much.’”

Newly-signed recording artist Devin Michael McCracklin
has an affinity with the microphone. (Photo by Sylvester
McCracklin Jr., CEO of H2D Entertainment)

After finishing up dinner at the Golden Corral restaurant, the McCracklins jumped back into the car and were off again. And again, Foxx was on the radio encouraging her listening audience to tryout for the talent contest at the 656 Sports Bar & Grill.

“So Devin put the puppy dog face on his dad,” said Constance, and added that her husband yielded to Devin’s forlorn expression, which registered his eagerness to tryout for the talent contest.

The month-long contest was a synch for Devin. He won the first round on Monday, Aug. 7. And each Monday thereafter he breezed through the competition. On Monday, Aug. 28, the last round, the singing sensation was crowned the winner in the “Pop” category.

The McCracklins couldn’t contain their joy. Devin had proven his worth as a budding young artist – so did his 26-year-old brother, Sylvester McCracklin III, who won third place in the “Hip-Hop” category. He goes by the name Sly Guy, his stage persona. Tonyaa Staples, another Memphian, won second place in the “Neo-Soul” category.

Sly Guy and Staples weren’t signed to the record label. If Devin’s career takes off, Constance said Sly Guy could be signed next. Meanwhile, Devin is releasing his debut album, “Devin’s World.” His first single is “Lavender Girl.”

Dr. Raheem, also the president and CEO of the recently founded label, penned the lyrics. She is referred to as “Dr. Hit Maker” in the industry. The song was mixed and produced by Kutt The Check, and recorded and engineered by Scott T. Robertson at STR Recording Studios.

Devin added lyrics to two songs on the album: “Billionaire,” a calm approach suggesting the upscale lifestyle, and “Superman,” a character study undergirded with a hook, the songwriter said.

“My favorite songs are mostly fast songs because they energize me and I can do a lot more dancing,” said Devin, explaining his style of music. “I can really make it my own. Slow songs…I can make it my own with riffs and runs.”

Devin is the youngest of the McCracklin’s five children. He has an affinity with the microphone. His parents are the founders of H2D Entertainment, whose slogan is “Bringing Hollywood to Memphis.”

“I would always get mad when my dad would take the microphone away from me,” said Devin, who started singing at the age of six and emulating the artists he admires the most.

Last year he studied at Stax Music Academy. He also traveled as a lead singer with the Youth Performing Arts Company of Memphis, including leading roles in stage productions and short films produced by H2D Entertainment.

Devin prays too; it’s a ritual for the church-going family. “Without God, I wouldn’t be doing this,” he said. “I keep God first and stay humble.”

He is scheduled to go on tour next year. His mother, who is teaching Devin the pros and cons in the music industry, is managing his career. She is in lockstep with him each day.

(For more information about Devin Michael McCracklin or his music, call Constance McCracklin at 901-691-9856)