Trek: Not your average guy

By Chevonne Harris
Contributing Writer
Columbus Post

Dressed in blue jeans, a black and pink Nike zip-up windbreaker jacket, sneakers and plastic, black-framed glasses, Devin Thomas stands apart from the crowd.
It is hard not to notice Thomas and, if you ask him, that's just the way he likes it. Thomas, 24, who goes by the name "Trek Manifest" or "Trek" is a Columbus-based rap artist who prides himself on not blending in with the crowd. From his fashion sense ... to his ideology ... to his music ... everything about Thomas - a.k.a. "Trek" - is unique.
"My originality comes from me not wanting to submit to what everyone else is doing. That's the kind of person I am and that's who I've always been," Thomas said.
According to Thomas, the name "Trek Manifest" represents his lifelong journey and never-ending quest for knowledge.
"Life is a journey and there's a vision that goes with it. My name represents my journey along with everyone else's personal journey," said Thomas.
Thomas, who recently graduated from Capitol University with a bachelor's degree in radio/film/television, is preparing for the release of his first solo album titled, "Treknique." He describes the album as "an ode to old-school hip-hop" and "the epitome of true hip-hop."
The album incorporates the classic sounds and rap styles of 90's rap group, A Tribe Called Quest, and rapper Busta Rhymes with the bass-booming sounds of today's rap music. Thomas financed the entire project himself.
"I wanted this album to take [people] back to 1994 when hip-hop was at its best and rap was still an art form," Thomas said. "At the same time, I also wanted to do things that no one else has done."
Thomas, who has performed in Cleveland, Detroit, Boston and other locations, said he developed his love of music at a young age and that he has been performing since he was a small child.
Like many artists, he has roots in the church.
"I was raised in the church and my parents sang in the choir; growing up, music was always around me," noted Thomas.
Although he doesn't have the gigantic size ego and cockiness of Kanye West, just like most rappers, Thomas is confident in his lyrical abilities and considers himself to be a true MC.
"I am hip-hop, nothing about what I do is manufactured," he stressed. "My music speaks for itself. I talk about real-life issues and what I go through on a day-to-day basis. Anybody can listen to my music and find at least one song they like."
Besides his lyrical prowess, one of the things that sets Thomas apart from other artists is the fact that he makes it a point not to use profanity in his music. Thomas said his Christian background, along with practicality, contributed to his decision to avoid profanity.
"I wanted to come with my own style. I was raised in the church and my father is a pastor, so that played a part in [my decision]. Also, when you use profanity, it's harder to edit your music and the censors can take away from what you're [actually] trying to say," Thomas said.
Although he does not curse in any of his music, Thomas emphasized the fact that he is not a Gospel artist nor is his approach to music similar to the fun-loving and light-hearted style of rapper-turned-actor Will Smith.
"I wouldn't call my music Gospel music, it's just a clear definition of hip-hop," Thomas said. "It's not preachy but it's honest - it's really just rap music without the curse words," added Thomas.
Although Thomas' music is what most people would consider "clean," he does not shy away from addressing heavy-hitting issues. On his album "Treknique," there are 12 tracks that cover a wide range of topics. On the album, Thomas raps about everything from love and violence to the death of his older sister, Todiya, who had sickle cell anemia.
"I talk about what people want to talk about. I want to be a trendsetter when it comes to music but I also want to be real - I'm average just like everyone else and I've been through a lot of stuff just like everyone else," he said.
Thomas said he intends to take his career as far as he can and that he hopes to inspire as many people as he can along the way.
"This is something I've been called to do and I feel as if I have no choice but to pursue my career," said Thomas. "I'm not one of those people who settles for less because I don't know how. Why sit on something you're good at?"
Ambition, dedication and talent are all ingredients necessary for success and Devin "Trek Manifest" Thomas just may have found the right combination to make it a reality.

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