| Devin the Dude |
Devin the Dude performing in Pearland, TX in 2010 |
| Background information |
| Birth name |
Devin Copeland |
| Born |
(1970-06-04) June 4, 1970 (age 42)
St. Petersburg, Florida, U.S. |
| Origin |
Houston, Texas |
| Genres |
Hip hop, Southern hip hop |
| Years active |
1992-present |
| Labels |
Rap-a-Lot Records
Razor & Tie |
| Associated acts |
Odd Squad, Coughee Brothaz, Facemob, Scarface, Dr. Dre, UGK, Snoop Dogg, Young Jeezy, Curren$y, Smoke DZA |
| Website |
www.myspace.com/devinthedude |
Devin Copeland (born June 4, 1970), better known by his stage name, Devin the Dude, is a Houston hip hop rapper. He is best known for his unique rapping style, his long career signed to Rap-A-Lot Records, and his 2002 song, "Lacville '79".
Early life [edit]
Devin Copeland was born in St. Petersburg, Florida on June 4, 1970 and moved to Texas while in the fourth grade.[1] He spent his childhood moving back and forth from New Boston and Houston, finally settling in Houston after graduating from high school. He smoked marijuana for the first time at a skating rink in seventh grade; marijuana would later become a major influence on his music.[2] As a teenager, Copeland became interested in breakdancing, joining several dance crews until he began rapping, which soon became his main interest.[2] After graduating from high school, he met Rob Quest, a blind rapper and record producer, and the duo formed the group the Odd Squad.[1]
Musical career [edit]
Devin Copeland started out as a member of the Odd Squad (later known as the Coughee Brothaz), a group of rappers signed to Rap-A-Lot Records. The label is notable for being the home of hip-hop artists such as Geto Boys, Scarface, and Too Much Trouble. Copeland moved on to become part of Scarface's Facemob before going solo in 1998.[3] Copeland has released seven solo albums: The Dude (1998), Just Tryin' ta Live (2002), To tha X-Treme (2004), Waitin' to Inhale (2007), Landing Gear (2008), Suite 420 (2010), and Gotta Be Me (2010). He also made a number of guest appearances, including on Dr. Dre's "Fuck You" in 1999, De La Soul's "Baby Phat" in 2001, Slim Thug's "I'm Back" off of Boss of All Bosses in 2009, Gucci Mane's "Kush Is My Cologne" of off The State vs Radric Davis in 2009 alongside Bun B & E-40, Tech N9ne's "After Party" in 2010 off of The Gates Mixed Plate, and Young Jeezy's "Higher Learning" off of the late 2011 album Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition.
In 2008, he ended his 15 year relationship with Houston based Rap-A-Lot Records after he decided not to renew his contract.[4] Later that year, he signed with indie label Razor & Tie.[5] Devin is currently being distributed by E1 Entertainment, formerly Koch. In 2013 Devin will star in the stoner comedy Highway 420, in which two pot smoking buddies go on a quest to find the best bud in the country on the legendary Highway 420. The soundtrack will feature 2 Chainz, UGK, Smoke DZA, Tha Dogg Pound, Slim Thug, Curren$y, David Banner, Coughee Brothaz, Asher Roth and more.[6]
Reception [edit]
Despite being a critical success, Devin the Dude has not achieved success in the mainstream but continues to be a well-known underground hip-hop artist. The New York Times has called him "A brilliant oddball with a spaced-out flow."[7] In addition, he has been called "Rap's best-kept secret" and "Your favorite rapper's favorite rapper."[8] In 2007, he appeared in a documentary titled Screwed In Houston produced by VBS/Vice Magazine that details the history of the Houston rap scene.
Discography [edit]
Coughee Brothaz [edit]
Waitin' Our Turn
- Released: August 21, 2007
- Billboard 200: –
- R&B/Hip-Hop: #72[15]
|
Fresh Brew
- Released: April 19, 2011
- Billboard 200:
- R&B/Hip-Hop:
|
Do Not DistHerb (Suite #420)
- Released: 2010
- Billboard 200:
- R&B/Hip-Hop:
|
Seriously Trippin
- Released: May 22, 2012
- Billboard 200:
- R&B/Hip-Hop:
|
Compilations [edit]
Smoke Sessions, Vol. 1
- Released: April 1, 2008
- Billboard 200: –
- R&B/Hip-Hop: #83[16]
|
Greatest Hits
- Released: May 13, 2008
- Billboard 200: –
- R&B/Hip-Hop: #66[17]
|
Hi Life
- Released: October 7, 2008
- Billboard 200: –
- R&B/Hip-Hop: #29[18]
|
References [edit]
- ^ a b Salazar-Moreno, Quibian. "Devin the Dude Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved 2011-01-01.
- ^ a b "Devin the Dude Interview". Dubcnn.com. February 2007. Retrieved 2011-01-01.
- ^ Shapiro, Peter (2005) The Rough Guide to Hip-Hop, Rough Guides, ISBN 1-84353-263-8, p.86-87
- ^ Richburg, Chris (2008) "Devin The Dude Leaves Rap-A-Lot", Allhiphop.com, 5 February 2008
- ^ Crosley, Hillary (2008) "Devin The Dude Inks with Razor and Tie", Billboard, 15 July 2008
- ^ "Devin The Dude Announces "Highway" Film & Soundtrack". Retrieved 10 November 2012.
- ^ Sanneh, Kalefa (2005) "A Visitor's Guide to the Houston Sound", New York Times, 17 April 2005
- ^ Martinez, Rafael (2000) "Devin the Dude: Every Rapper's Favourite Rapper", Prefix, 1 January 2000
- ^ a b "Devin the Dude – Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2010.
- ^ a b "Just Tryin' ta Live – Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2010.
- ^ a b "To Tha X-Treme – Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2010.
- ^ a b "Waiting to Inhale – Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2010.
- ^ a b "Landing Gear – Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2010.
- ^ a b "Suite 420 – Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved February 10, 2010.
- ^ "Waitin Our Turn – Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2010.
- ^ "Smoke Sessions, Vol. 1 – Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2010.
- ^ "Best of Devin the Dude – Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2010.
- ^ "Hi Life – Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2010.
External links [edit]
