"Music just gives you a feeling--a happiness or a warmness inside,” says Devonte. I ran into him outside the Gary Comer Youth Center, where he started making music back in 2013 as a middle school student. He has been working as DJ Vegas Vonte at parties and events for years now—though 2020 was a tough one for his business. He's hoping he can get back out to do some parties soon.

Devonte takes mixing music very seriously because it is "a part of our culture," he says—not just African American culture but all cultures. He doesn't have a favorite genre but loves modern music the best, and he also makes his own. 

Along with being devoted to music, Devonte became an Eagle Scout in 2015. He's now attending Kennedy King College and aspires to be a radio personality. He's also been an extra on multiple Chicago-based TV shows.