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MOGUL.

AUTHOR.

ENTREPRENEUR.

PHILANTHROPIST.

Stephens found his niche in the music world in the early 90’s as he was the first artist signed to the LA Reid & Babyface’s record label LaFace Records which would eventually lead him to a successful career in artist development. He worked with everyone from Pebbles, Toni Braxton, Pink, TLC, Outcast, Usher, Ciara, Mary J Blige, Destiny Child, Gwen Stephanie, Boyz II Men, P. Diddy and Jay Z.
 

In 2005, Stephens discovered and signed Senegalese R&B singer Akon to UpFront Megatainment and secured a distribution deal with SRC/Universal. Success only grew from there for this silent giant. Upfront/Konvict ventured with Bu Vision signing Rapper, Singer, Super Producer and Songwriter T-pain. Stephens also is responsible for brokering the Konlive distribution deal with Jimmy Ivine of Interscope Records, releasing artists such as Lady Gaga, Rock City, Kardinal, Brick and Lace.

Born in Atlanta, Ga-Devyne Stephens, who many refer to as the Berry Gordy of this generation- is the taciturn founding father of Atlanta’s mega success on the music landscape.
 

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Currently the CEO and Founder of multiple companies and organizations, Mr. Stephens is getting ready to open up the Devyne Stephens Academy, A private performing arts school catered to teach children education through the arts. 

Devyne Intervention is a Non-Profit 501c3 Organization with a mission statement of giving back to our community while planting seeds in our youth through creative arts and entertainment. Devyne Intervention focuses mainly on children who are less fortunate, troubled youth, broken family households, and children heading down a path of violence.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gun violence is the leading cause of death for young black males, ages 15 to 24. It is an epidemic that disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of color at an alarming rate. Many neighborhoods continue to experience a disproportionate burden of violence and its corollary effects on investment, civic participation and community development. 

 

Furthermore, many of the residents of these neighborhoods suffer the direct effects of repeated trauma and the indirect effects of unhealed past traumas. Recent months have also seen a disturbing increase in gun violence, including homicides, many minority neighborhoods.

 

Devyne Intervention implements a community-based violence intervention program for neighborhoods that coordinate with the local hospital-based violence intervention program (PIVOT) and would be based . 

 

To address violence, neighborhood residents and organizations have identified a community safety strategy that includes direct violence interruption as a key component. 

Devyne Intervention model was chosen as the evidenced- based intervention for this component. We utilize street and hospital level intervention techniques based on a public health perspective. Having a presence and impact in the community, affect change and disrupt patterns of violence or ‘credible messengers’, with support from local agencies and law enforcement, will enable our 3-tiered approach to be effective. Credible messengers are people who are influential with the individuals at highest risk of committing shootings. They are able to build trusting relationships with the drivers of violence in a community, due to their own past experiences on the street.

 

Devyne Intervention works by interrupting the transmission of retaliatory violence, facilitating behavior change by individuals identified as high-risk for committing violence through connections to resources and ongoing support, and organizing community members to change community norms towards a non-violent culture. Devyne Intervention’s model has been implemented in cities across the United States as well as the world and has been shown effective by multiple studies.

 

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Upfront Megatainment was founded in 2005 by Devyne Stephens, who many refer to as the Berry Gordy of this generation, is the taciturn founding father of Atlanta’s mega success on the music landscape. Undaunted, Stephens found his niche In the early 90’s as a choreographer and imaging expert for LaFace Records. He worked with everyone from Pebbles, Toni Braxton and Pink to TLC, Usher and Boyz II Men. 

Stephens discovered and signed Senegalese R&B singer Akon to UpFront Megatainment and secured a distribution deal with SRC/Universal. UpFront Records' roster includes Akon, R&B quartet Red Dirt, and rap group FA (Free Agents). 

 

At Upfront Megatainment, we teach our artists individuality, style and authenticity.

 

Our passion for artist development made Upfront Megatainment the home of choice for legendary artists. With over 25 years of recorded music history, our love for artistry in music continues today as a new generation of incredible artists continue to further the Upfront Megatainment legacy. Upfront Megatainment works directly with artist through extensive artist development. Because of our network of professionals, we offer everything an artist needs under one roof.  

Upfront Megatainment is an Artist Development Firm based in Atlanta, Ga with a mandate to help artists, touring professionals and artist managers evolve from starter companies into sustainable businesses through hands-on networking, mentoring and collaborations.

 

 

Artist Development Services Offered:

  • Songwriting

  • Music Production

  • Studio Recording 

  • Audio Mixing & Mastering

  • Vocal Production

  • Vocal Coaching

  • Image Consulting

  • Media Training

  • Editorial Bios

  • Photography

  • Videography

  • Graphic Design

  • Performance Training

  • Dance & Stage Choreography

  • Video Production

  • Artist Branding

  • Social Media Management & Promotion

  • Branding

  • Digital Distribution 

  • Streaming Marketing 

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