Devin the Dude

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Devin the Dude
Devin the Dude performing in Vancouver in 2006
Devin the Dude performing in Vancouver in 2006
Background information
Birth name Devin Copeland
Born St. Petersburg, Florida
Origin Houston, Texas
Genre(s) Hip hop
Years active 1992-present
Label(s) Rap-a-Lot Records
Razor & Tie
Associated acts Odd Squad
Scarface
Too Short
Dr. Dre
Snoop Dogg
Chamillionaire
Website www.devin-the-dude.com

Devin Copeland, better known by his stage name, Devin the Dude, is a Houston hip hop artist. He is best known for his unique rapping style and his long career signed to Rap-A-Lot Records as well as his 2002 song Lacville '79. The New York Times has called him "A brilliant oddball with a spaced-out flow."[1]

Contents

[edit] Musical career

Copeland started out as a member of the Coughee Brothas, later known as Odd Squad, 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.[2] Copeland has released five solo albums: The Dude (1998), Just Tryin' ta Live (2002), To tha X-Treme (2004), Waitin' to Inhale (2007), and Landing Gear (2008). He also made a number of guest appearances, including on Dr. Dre's "Fuck You" in 1999, and De La Soul's "Baby Phat" in 2001.[2]

In 2008, Devin ended his 15 year relationship with Houston based Rap-A-Lot Records because the label failed to renew his contract.[3] Later that year, Devin signed with indie label Razor & Tie.[4]

[edit] Reception

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. Devin has been called "Rap's best-kept secret" and "Your favorite rapper's favorite rapper."[5] In 2007, Devin the Dude appeared in a documentary titled Screwed In Houston produced by VBS/Vice Magazine that details the history of the Houston rap scene.

[edit] Discography

[edit] Albums

Album information
The Dude
  • Released: June 16, 1998
  • Certification: -
  • Billboard 200: #177[6]
  • R&B/Hip-Hop: #27[6]
  • Singles: -
Just Tryin' ta Live
To tha X-Treme
  • Released: July 13, 2004
  • Certification: -
  • Billboard 200: #55[8]
  • R&B/Hip-Hop: #6[8]
  • Singles: -
Waitin' to Inhale
  • Released: March 13, 2007
  • Certification: -
  • Billboard 200: #30[8]
  • R&B/Hip-Hop: #9[8]
  • Singles: -
Waitin' Our Turn (with Coughee Brothaz)
  • Released: August 21, 2007
  • Certification: -
  • Billboard 200: -
  • R&B/Hip-Hop: #72[8]
  • Singles: -
Smoke Sessions, Vol. 1
  • Released: April 1, 2008
  • Certification: -
  • Billboard 200: -
  • R&B/Hip-Hop: #83[8]
  • Singles: -
Greatest Hits
  • Released: May 13, 2008
  • Certification: -
  • Billboard 200: -
  • R&B/Hip-Hop: #66[8]
  • Singles: -
Landing Gear
  • Released: October 7, 2008
  • Certification: -
  • Billboard 200: #47[8]
  • R&B/Hip-Hop: #9[8]
  • Singles: -
Hi Life
  • Released: October 7, 2008
  • Certification: -
  • Billboard 200: -
  • R&B/Hip-Hop: #29[8]
  • Singles: -

[edit] References

  1. ^ Sanneh, Kalefa (2005) "A Visitor's Guide to the Houston Sound", New York Times, 17 April 2005
  2. ^ a b Shapiro, Peter (2005) The Rough Guide to Hip-Hop, Rough Guides, ISBN 1-84353-263-8, p.86-87
  3. ^ Richburg, Chris (2008) "Devin The Dude Leaves Rap-A-Lot", Allhiphop.com, 5 February 2008
  4. ^ Crosley, Hillary (2008) "Devin The Dude Inks with Razor and Tie", Billboard, 15 July 2008
  5. ^ Martinez, Rafael (2000) "Devin the Dude: Your Favorite Rapper's Favourite Rapper", Prefix, 1 January 2000
  6. ^ a b allmusic ((( Devin the Dude > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums )))
  7. ^ a b allmusic ((( Just Tryin' ta Live > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums )))
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j allmusic ((( Devin the Dude > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums )))

[edit] External links

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