Today we’d like to introduce you to Devon Jones.
Devon, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
For most, it takes many years to figure out what they want to do with their life. However, with me, I always had dreams of going to the NBA and really believed I would make it. That all changed when I was told I had an enlarged heart and could not play sports anymore. I started to slowly lose my passion to play basketball as I realize I wasn’t going to get cleared to play ever again. It definitely was a life-changing moment for me and I will always ask myself, “what if..?”. However, I always knew I had a purpose on this earth and I knew I needed to find it. I didn’t know how or what I was going to do but I would consistently remind my mom I would be rich and wealthy one day. Which I still tell her to this day.
As a kid, I felt I had to make my mom proud because of the strength she showed raising three boys on her own. Yes unfortunately, my father past when I very young and wasn’t able to be in my life. I know your thinking typical black American dad story. But I always viewed it as a challenge or test from the man above. As time moved on, I gravitated towards music. Ironically, my father was a DJ. My oldest brother Naim made me watch 106 & park one day and I was hooked. I started to watch it every day after that on my own and fell in love with music. At the time, my favorite artists were 50 Cent and Lil Wayne.
The first time I pick up a paper and pen was encouraged by my brother Corey. He told me to try to write a rap so I did but I never let him hear or read what I wrote. That’s when I started to develop my passion for writing music. People ask me all the time who do I compare myself to and I don’t have an answer because I feel I’m my own unique artist. I don’t aim to be the best rapper because I aim to be the best me that I can be. Which may bring out my full potential and maybe one day, I can be considered as a great or legend. That being said, I stay true to my music and lifestyle. I write about what I feel and it can sometimes be therapeutic for me.
I was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey but grew up in Colonia, New Jersey, where I met my good friend and business partner, John Sanchez AKA Foreign Sanchez. We’ve become friends by him beating on a wall making a beat which was Grindin’ by Clipse. Of course, me being the kid watching 106 & park every day I knew what song it was and we have been cool ever since. He became a brother to me. I would always go to John’s house and rap in his basement for hours. As we got older, John had an idea to make a clothing line and we have been making it happen ever since. We started off with beanie hats and t-shirts and now we have our own website where you can shop which is www.Foreignlifeshop.bigcartel.com
As we kept working, our team has grown and we have added some assets to our team. We have our very own jeweler who makes custom jewelry pieces and is an artist as well. He helps promote our brand and plays a big part in our team. As an artist and fashion designer, you need to look the part. With his jewelry, it helps our brand shine bright. He goes by Straussae Or better known by his Instagram @Jewlery.n.grillz.by.Straussae
April 3, 2018, I moved to South Atlanta, Stockbridge, Georgia. I realized there were a lot of opportunities here and I could expand my brand. Not only expand the brand but expand as an artist. Since I moved here, I’ve been working on my mixtape called First Harmonic. With a lot of help from my engineer at Dream House Studios, Fase has help me find my sound and develop as an artist. I can’t tell you the release date for the project just yet but I can tell you that there will be a lot of great artists featuring on the tape.
With that being said, 2020 is looking like a good year and I hope you follow my journey to success. If you don’t know, I go by Foreign Evolution. You can find my music on SoundCloud, AppleMusic, Spotify, etc. Thank you, VoyageATL for allowing me to tell my story and live my dream. Much love and blessings.
Clothing Instagram- @F0reignlife0fficial
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
A few challenges I have faced on my journey to building myself as an artist and brand understanding that everyone is not going to support you, even if they feel you have a lot of potentials. I realize the more work I put in, the more people started to support me one by one. Due to them seeing the next person supporting. However, there are some genuine people who supported me since day one and also those who were new listeners who showed love and support right away. So this made me question myself if I was good enough.
That all changed when I moved to Georgia because I had time to find myself and realize only I know what I am capable of and I have to show it to the world. I’ve learned to embrace everything and trust the process. Some say I’m a workaholics and push myself too much because I won’t stop until I get what I want. But I feel that is one of my strongest attributes.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Foreign Life story. Tell us more about the business.
Foreign Life is not just a brand but is also a family. We are young, ambitious visionaries striving to become more than just great but to become legends. We want to build a brand that will be remembered and make an impact on people’s lives. Reaching beyond the stars to build our legacy. As a company, I am proud to say we uplift every race to show no man nor woman is above each other. I always say, “I’m just a man of the people not above but equal”. I think this is was sets us apart from other brands because it is not all about the money. Fight all hate with love, try to spread this message around the world.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m one who doesn’t believe in luck. I believe everything is decided on the energy you put into the universe. I feel I’ve been putting out love so I have been receiving it in return. A lot of opportunities and blessings have been coming to me and I am extremely thankful and strongly encourage people to try to keep a positive mindset.
Pricing:
- Dad Hats – $20
- FL Reflective Hoodies – $35
- FL Tank Tops – $15
- FL Travel Tee $25
- FL Travel Shorts – $30
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.Foreignlifeshop.bigcartel.com
- Email: Foreign_Evolution@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Foreign_Evolution
- Twitter: @DevonTJones
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