Devin the Dude

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Devin the Dude

Devin the Dude performing in Vancouver in 2006
Background information
Birth name Devin Copeland
Born Pontiac, Michigan
Origin Houston, Texas
Genres Hip hop
Years active 1992-present
Labels 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.

Contents

[edit] Musical career

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.[1] 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.[1]

In 2008, he ended his 15 year relationship with Houston based Rap-A-Lot Records because the label failed to renew his contract.[2] Later that year, he signed with indie label Razor & Tie.[3]

[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. The New York Times has called him "A brilliant oddball with a spaced-out flow."[4] In addition, he has been called "Rap's best-kept secret" and "Your favorite rapper's favorite rapper."[5] 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.

[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]]
  • 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: -
Hi Life
  • Released: October 7, 2008
  • Certification: -
  • Billboard 200: -
  • R&B/Hip-Hop: #29[8]
  • Singles: -
Landing Gear
  • Released: October 7, 2008
  • Certification: -
  • Billboard 200: #47[8]
  • R&B/Hip-Hop: #9[8]
  • Singles: -

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Shapiro, Peter (2005) The Rough Guide to Hip-Hop, Rough Guides, ISBN 1-84353-263-8, p.86-87
  2. ^ Richburg, Chris (2008) "Devin The Dude Leaves Rape-A-Lot", Allhiphop.com, 5 February 2008
  3. ^ Crosley, Hillary (2008) "Devin The Dude Inks with Razor and Tie", Billboard, 15 July 2008
  4. ^ Sanneh, Kalefa (2005) "A Visitor's Guide to the Houston Sound", New York Times, 17 April 2005
  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

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devin_the_Dude"