Hear Devil The Rhymer Reach Record-Setting Warp Speed on ‘Psykalone’ EP

Ever since Eminem delivered a dizzying verse at rapid speed on “Rap God” in 2013, a lot more hip-hop artists around the world have begun to weaponize rap speed on their songs. Out in New Delhi, rapper Abhay Prasad aka Devil The Rhymer, has been recognized by the India Book of Records for packing in 478 words in the span of a minute on “Psykalone,” the title track off his debut EP released on IncInk.

Produced by Rākhis aka Shikhar Manchanda, the five-track Psykalone offers a blend of personal stories in an openhearted way as well as confrontational manner. Songs like “Devil’s Flu,” “Banda Bindaas,” “Tera Koi Nahi Hai Bey” see Devil The Rhymer cut loose, while he takes a moment to let it all sink in on “It’s The Devil.” The artist says in a statement, “This EP is very close to my heart because I have put all of my deep dark emotions and life journey so far into it. Being vulnerable, is very personal for me. Through my work, I want to inspire my generation, if my work touches even one life then that’s all I can ask for.”

He does place the two-minute title track “Psykalone” right at the end, songs like “Tera Koi Nahi Hai Bey” and “Devil’s Flu” do set the tone in terms of the rapper’s penmanship and changing cadences. Devil The Rhymer can now lay claim to being India’s fastest rapper, having clocked a massive 478 words in one minute.

Indian rappers have previously made good on this claim, including Emiway Bantai on “Freeverse Feast (Daawat)” and KidShot in 2017, the latter hitting over 335 words in one minute. Devil The Rhymer has also been certified of the feat by the India Book of Records on February 4th. Of course, it’s an entirely different matter that anyone who raps at Devil The Rhymer’s speed can actually be understood. Coherence is key to set this kind of record, understandably, so we do catch (literally) a fleeting glimpse of the words, but only the rapper can break down “Psykalone” in full.

Psykalone is dedicated to Devil The Rhymer’s late father, who was supportive every step of the way, according to the artist. He added in a statement, “Through writing these songs he was with me in spirit. I dedicate my rap journey and my EP to my biggest supporter, my dad–who gave me the courage to chase my dream.”

Listen to ‘Psykalone’ EP below. Stream on more platforms here.