Having worked with everyone from Shawn “Da Ma$taMind” Noel, DainjaMentalz in New York to Studio 53 in Trinidad & Tobago, Devon “Lyrikal” Martin has been on the scene in Brooklyn for years but his true beginnings lie in Trinidad.

“When I was younger I sang in the church where my grandfather was a pastor. I learned melodies and music theory, I wasn’t really into instruments,” explained Martin.

When he was 12 his family moved to New York, but not before he began to make a name for himself as the neighborhood lyricist. Drawing inspiration from artists like Shabba Ranks, Supercat and Calypsonian Crazy, young Lyrikal began to craft rhymes and songs.

“That was all I focused on when I was singing. I would sit and just write,” he said.

Upon moving to the US, Lyrikal’s focus shifted a bit but eventually his love affair with music continued. After winning the chance to represent the state of New York in a music contest, Lyrikal decided that he would devote energies to a career in music. Since that decision years ago, he hasn’t turned back.

To date he’s been featured on countless riddims. Some of the newest tunes being “One Quickie” on Ma$taMind’s Quickie riddim which is featured on the Da Ma$taMind Project II, “Warning” and “Girls Dem” two cuts on the Shocker riddim (Kidd Ice, Gold, & Green), and a song on the Fortitude riddim also from the MastMind Camp.
The thing that makes Lyrikal Unique is the fact that he crafts Soca tunes as well as Dancehall and Reggae tunes. With songs like “De Code (Trinidad),” on the Signs riddim, “21 Gun Salute” on the Ganja Farmer riddim, and the ever popular “De Hunter” that was a huge hit in the US and Europe. Lyrikal has made it apparent that he is dedicated to music and varying his style.

This year alone for Lyro, as many fans affectionately call him, has been filled with a bevy of highlights and forwards: hits like “Black Princess” and “Straight to Germany,” collaborations with artists Ragga on “Miss Lady,” King David with “Beg No Friends,” and touring the United States - hitting everywhere from Boston to Texas to Broward County outside of Miami.

His plans for 2007 include the release of his very first album and a tour of the Caribbean. The album will have popular tunes like “Black Princess,” and “De Hunter,” as well as new music. The tour is to promote both the album and endorse solidarity between Caribbean artists.

“We need more unity amongst artists, promoters and everyone in the music industry. There is so much good music out there we just have to keep supporting it,” said the artist.