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Devin the Dude

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Devin the Dude

Devin Copeland (born June 4, 1970), better known by his stage name, Devin the Dude, is a Houston hip hop artist. He is best known for his unique rapping style, his long career signed to Rap-A-Lot Records, and his 2002 song, "Lacville '79". His relationship with the fans has made him a huge underground hit.

Early life

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, which 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

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. Devin Copeland moved on to become part of Scarface's Facemob, who is also a member of the Coughee Brothaz, 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, and on Tech N9ne's "After Party" 2010 off of The Gates Mixed Plate.[3]

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.

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."[6] In addition, he has been called "Rap's best-kept secret" and "Your favorite rapper's favorite rapper."[7] 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

Solo

The Dude

  • Released: June 16, 1998
  • Billboard 200: #177[8]
  • R&B/Hip-Hop: #27[8]
Just Tryin' ta Live

  • Released: January 29, 2002
  • Billboard 200: #61[9]
  • R&B/Hip-Hop: #11[9]
To tha X-Treme

  • Released: July 13, 2004
  • Billboard 200: #55[10]
  • R&B/Hip-Hop: #6[10]
Waitin' to Inhale

  • Released: March 13, 2007
  • Billboard 200: #30[11]
  • R&B/Hip-Hop: #9[11]
Landing Gear

  • Released: October 7, 2008
  • Billboard 200: #47[12]
  • R&B/Hip-Hop: #9[12]
Suite 420

  • Released: April 20, 2010
  • Billboard 200: #88[13]
  • R&B/Hip-Hop: #9[14]
Gotta Be Me

  • Released: November 2, 2010
  • Billboard 200:
  • R&B/Hip-Hop:

Compilations

Waitin' Our Turn

  • Released: August 21, 2007
  • Billboard 200: -
  • R&B/Hip-Hop: #72[15]
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

  1. ^ a b Salazar-Moreno, Quibian. "Devin the Dude Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved 2011-01-01.
  2. ^ a b "Devin the Dude Interview". Dubcnn.com. February 2007. Retrieved 2011-01-01.
  3. ^ a b Shapiro, Peter (2005) The Rough Guide to Hip-Hop, Rough Guides, ISBN 1-84353-263-8, p.86-87
  4. ^ Richburg, Chris (2008) "Devin The Dude Leaves Rap-A-Lot", Allhiphop.com, 5 February 2008
  5. ^ Crosley, Hillary (2008) "Devin The Dude Inks with Razor and Tie", Billboard, 15 July 2008
  6. ^ Sanneh, Kalefa (2005) "A Visitor's Guide to the Houston Sound", New York Times, 17 April 2005
  7. ^ Martinez, Rafael (2000) "Devin the Dude: Your Favorite Rapper's Favourite Rapper", Prefix, 1 January 2000
  8. ^ a b "Devin the Dude - Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  9. ^ a b "Just Tryin' ta Live - Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  10. ^ a b "To Tha X-Treme - Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  11. ^ a b "Waiting to Inhale - Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  12. ^ a b "Landing Gear - Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  13. ^ "Suite 420 - Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved February 10, 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  14. ^ Cite error: The named reference Gotta Be Me was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  15. ^ "Waitin Our Turn - Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  16. ^ "Smoke Sessions, Vol. 1 - Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  17. ^ "Best of Devin the Dude - Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  18. ^ "Hi Life - Devin the Dude". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)

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