By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
A local hip-hop artist and studio engineer seeks to make the hip-hop/rap scene in the Salina area bigger, by inspiration and service to other artists.
Devon James, aka "Dee Eazy" is a 32-year old Salinan that has written and produced 4 studio albums and is not looking back. James has been around in the music scene for awhile and first started singing songs as early as 5-years old. When he entered high school, he was heavily involved in sports, but continued freestyling with his teammates and friends on bus rides to games and at each other's houses.
After high school, he chose music over sports and pursued a career in hip-hop by moving to Kansas City. James found a deeper love for music in KC and realized he can become a studio engineer to maintain a long career in the industry.
James moved back to Salina after his time in KC and currently rents out Studio 1117 to record his own and produce music for other local artists.
Performance at River Festival prompts upcoming event
When Dee Eazy performed at the 2025 Smoky Hill River Festival, he stated that he got 'hungrier' after performing at a big stage in front of a big crowd. He then wanted to continue performing his songs, while brining other artists with him to showcase their talent in front of crowds.
James decided to plan a listening party and is inviting the local community to attend. On Saturday, September 20 James will host a party for his 4-part album series, “Road to Riches." This party will be held at The Back Alley (1820 S. 9th St.) and will also double as a birthday celebration for James. Doors open at 8:30 pm, with the show starting at 9:00 pm.General Admission is $5, $25 for VIP, or $100 for Group VIP (for 6).
In addition, the party will feature special guest DJ Cash Hollistah, along with live performances by Salina artists Jon’nea Soul, Laylo Holmes, Sick ’N Twisted, South City, Yaple, GQ Baby, L.O.D., Black Santa, and Lawrence rapper Los Loco.
"I have been doing music in Salina for a very long time and I feel like in Kansas the opportunities can sometimes be hard when it comes to hip-hop, so I want to be able to give everyone an opportunity," said James. "I just want to make the hip-hop scene bigger here and let people know that we are here."
He hopes this event will start to push the hip-hop/rap to a much bigger scale in the Salina area.
Portraying inspiration through music
James explained his music portrays a message of 'chasing your dreams and grinding towards your own path of success.' His album series named, "Road to Riches" is inspired by his message.
"Everyone has their own journey and I believe that everyone should be who they truly are, as they head towards their own road to riches," he said. "My listeners and my family motivate me the most."
James has toured for his music in the past and opened concerts for well-renowned artists such as Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Hurricane Chris, Three 6 Mafia, Twista, Nappy Roots, Devin the Dude, Trinidad James and Paul Wall.
You can listen to Dee Eazy's music on all streaming platforms under: Dee Eazy.
Follow Dee Eazy on Facebook.