Videos: Devin The Dude

Lacville '79

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.

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]
[edit] 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. 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, 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.
[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."[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.
[edit] Discography
[edit] 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[13]

Gotta Be Me

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

[edit] Compilations
Waitin' Our Turn

Released: August 21, 2007
Billboard 200: -
R&B/Hip-Hop: #72[14]

Smoke Sessions, Vol. 1

Released: April 1, 2008
Billboard 200: -
R&B/Hip-Hop: #83[15]

Greatest Hits

Released: May 13, 2008
Billboard 200: -
R&B/Hip-Hop: #66[16]

Hi Life

Released: October 7, 2008
Billboard 200: -
R&B/Hip-Hop: #29