Devin Copeland better known by his stage name Devin the Dude, is an American rapper.

Devin the Dude
Devin the Dude in 2010
Devin the Dude in 2010
Background information
Birth nameDevin Copeland
BornPontiac, Michigan, U.S.
OriginHouston, Texas, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Years active1989–present
Labels

Early life

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Devin Copeland was born in Pontiac, Michigan. He spent most of his early childhood in St. Petersburg, Florida and moved to Houston, Texas while in the fourth grade.[1] He spent the rest of his youth moving back and forth between 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 later became 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 rapper, and record producer Jugg Mugg. The trio formed the group the Odd Squad.[1]

Musical career

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After forming the Odd Squad (later known as the Coughee Brothaz), the group 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 ten 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), Gotta Be Me (2010), One for the Road (2013), Acoustic Levitation (2017) and Still Rollin' Up: Somethin' To Ride With (2019). 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 2007, he appeared in a documentary titled Screwed In Houston produced by VBS/Vice Magazine that details the history of the Houston rap scene.

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 2012 Devin starred in the stoner comedy Highway, 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 featured songs by 2 Chainz, UGK, Smoke DZA, Tha Dogg Pound, Slim Thug, Curren$y, David Banner, Asher Roth and more.[6] On June 24, 2013, Devin announced that his eighth studio album would be titled One for the Road and be released in September 2013. It was later confirmed for an October 8, 2013, release.[7]

Reception

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Despite being a critical success, Devin the Dude has not achieved mainstream success.[original research?] Kelefa Sanneh, writing for The New York Times in 2005, called him "A brilliant oddball with a spaced-out flow."[8]

Discography

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Studio albums

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List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US US R&B US
Rap
The Dude 177 27 x
Just Tryin' ta Live
  • Released: January 29, 2002 (US)
  • Label: Rap-A-Lot
  • Formats: CD, download
61 11 x
To tha X-Treme
  • Released: July 13, 2004 (US)[10]
  • Label: Rap-A-Lot
  • Formats: CD, download
55 6 x
Waitin' to Inhale
  • Released: March 13, 2007 (US)[11]
  • Label: Rap-A-Lot
  • Formats: CD, download
30 9
Landing Gear
  • Released: October 7, 2008 (US)[12]
  • Label: Razor & Tie
  • Formats: CD, download
47 9
Suite 420
  • Released: April 20, 2010 (US)[13]
  • Label: E1
  • Formats: CD, download
88 9
Gotta Be Me 90 16
One for the Road
  • Released: October 15, 2013 (US)[15]
  • Label: Coughee Brothaz Music, E1 Music
  • Formats: CD, download
36 21
Acoustic Levitation
  • Released: March 10, 2017 (US)[16]
  • Label: Coughee Brothaz Music, Empire
  • Formats: CD, download
Still Rollin' Up: Somethin' to Ride With
  • Released: July 3, 2019 (US)[17]
  • Label: Coughee Brothaz Music, Empire
  • Formats: CD, download
Soulful Distance
  • Released: February 5, 2021 (US)[18]
  • Label: Coughee Brothaz Music, Empire
  • Formats: CD, download
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart. "x" denotes that chart did not exist at the time.

Collaboration albums

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List of collaboration albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US US R&B US
Rap
Fadanuf Fa Erybody!!
(with Odd Squad)
66[20] x
The Other Side of the Law
(with Facemob)
  • Released: August 7, 1996 (US)[21]
  • Label: Rap-A-Lot, Noo Trybe
  • Formats: CD, download
x
Waitin' Our Turn
(with Coughee Brothaz)
  • Released: August 21, 2007 (US)[22]
  • Label: Coughee Brothaz Music
  • Formats: CD, download
72
Fresh Brew
(with Coughee Brothaz)
  • Released: April 19, 2011 (US)[23]
  • Label: Coughee Brothaz Music
  • Formats: CD, download
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart. "x" denotes that chart did not exist at the time.

Compilation albums

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List of compilation albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US US R&B US
Rap
Smoke Sessions, Vol. 1
  • Released: April 1, 2008 (US)[24]
  • Label: Starz Music
  • Formats: CD, download
83
Greatest Hits
  • Released: May 13, 2008 (US)[25]
  • Label: Rap-A-Lot
  • Formats: CD, download
66
Hi Life
  • Released: October 7, 2008 (US)[26]
  • Label: Rap-A-Lot
  • Formats: CD, download
29
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.

Extended plays

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List of extended plays, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US US R&B US
Rap
Do Not DistHerb (Suite #420)
Seriously Trippin'
  • Released: May 22, 2012 (US)[28]
  • Label: E1
  • Formats: CD, download
The Cannabis
(with PT the UnderBoss and Coughee Brothaz)
  • Released: April 20, 2021 (US)[29]
  • Label: Can't Stop It Ent.
  • Formats: CD, download
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.

Singles

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List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US US
R&B

[30]
"What a Job"
(Devin the Dude featuring Snoop Dogg and Andre 3000)
2007 124 Waitin' to Inhale
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.

Guest appearances

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List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name
Title Year Other artist(s) Album
"Thanks for the Blessing" 1993 5th Ward Boyz, Bushwick Bill Ghetto Dope
"Hand of the Dead Body" 1994 Scarface, Ice Cube The Diary
"Pussy, Weed & Alcohol" 1997 5th Ward Boyz, Willie D Usual Suspects
"Money Makes the World Go 'Round" Scarface, Daz Dillinger, K.B. The Untouchable
"Southside: Houston, Texas" 1998 Scarface, Tela My Homies
"Fuck Faces" Scarface, Too Short, Tela
"Do What You Want" Scarface
"Boo Boo'n"
"Like Some Hoes" Geto Boys Da Good Da Bad & Da Ugly
"Better Now" 1999 Big Mike, MC Breed Hard to Hit
"P.W.A." 5th Ward Boyz, Willy D Keep It Poppin'
"Fuck You" Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg 2001
"Drugs" 2000 Tela The World Ain't Enuff
"Superstar" E.S.G., Double D City Under Siege
"4 O'Clock in Da Mornin" Bun B, Middl Fngz Live! From Da Manjah
"Life Without Fear" Ice Water Slaughter, June Bugg of Criminal Elament Life Without Fear
"When We Ride" Big Gank, Myti 8mm Film
"Just Sex" Lil Sin, Billy Cook Livin In Sin
"In & Out" Scarface, Too Short The Last of a Dying Breed
"Strange" 2001 918, K.B. Reincarnated
"Ain't That a Bitch (Ask Yourself)" UGK Dirty Money
"Pussy" 2002 Jay-Z, R. Kelly The Best of Both Worlds
"Issues" Luniz, K.B. Silver & Black
"Pimp Life" Too Short, Bun B, Big Gipp What's My Favorite Word?
"Keep Goin'" Kool G Rap, Snoop Dogg
"Only Your Mother" 2003 Scarface, Tela Balls and My Word
"Ooh Na Na Naa Naa" Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz, Oobie Kings of Crunk
"Just Sex" Big Mello, Billy Cook Done Deal
"Ya Boy" Yukmouth, Ampichino Godzilla
"Hey, Let's Go" Too Short, Cutty Cartel Married to the Game
"Don't Fake" 2004 Trae, Bun B Same Thing Different Day
"Still We Ride" Sambow Sambow
"Where Can We Go" The Alchemist 1st Infantry
"Poisonous" Dilated Peoples Neighborhood Watch
"Somebody's Gotta Do It" The Roots The Tipping Point
"Signz Of Hate" 2005 K-Rino, Trae, Top Dog, Wicked Cricket Fear No Evil
"Back Up Plan" Paul Wall, Chamillionaire Controversy Sells
"Ain't No Tellin" Baby Drew Street Music
"The Mule" Z-Ro, Juvenile Let the Truth Be Told
"Porno Bitches" Bizarre, Big Boi, Kon Artis Hannicap Circus
"Everytime" Pimp C Sweet James Jones Stories
"Body Rock Wit Me" Lil' Keke Undaground All Stars: The Texas Line Up
"I'm Gone" Capone, Butch Cassidy Pain, Time And Glory
"Deez Bitches" 2006 Scarface, Lil Ron, Dolla Boy My Homies Part 2
"So Tired" Hi-Tek, Bun B, Pretty Ugly, Dion Hi-Teknology2: The Chip
"Coming Home" 2007 Big Hawk, Chamillionaire, Trae Endangered Species
"Beneath The Diamonds" DJ Drama, Twista, La the Darkman & Denaun Porter Gangsta Grillz: The Album
"All Wrong" The Alchemist The Cutting Room Floor 2
"We Gonna Get Blowed" Big WIll, Neeko Mag, Keon Thug Paraphernalia
"Sache' Shades" Gator Main, The Ballplayas, Big Moe Texas The Album
"Replay" Numskull Numworld
"Long Time Comin'" Special Teamz Stereotypez
"Rocky Road" Chamillionaire Ultimate Victory
"The Best Thing Goin'" 2008 Yukmouth, Richie Rich, Too Short, Danice "The Morning Star" Million Dollar Mouthpiece
"Kush Is My Cologne" 2009 Gucci Mane, Bun B, E-40 The State vs. Radric Davis
"From Behind" Caviar, E-40 The Genesis
"Mind of Ah Madman" Tha Realest, Sean P. Witness Tha Realest
"Keep Callin'" The Jacka Tear Gas
"I'm Back" Slim Thug Boss of All Bosses
"Give Me a Call" Mike Jones The Voice
"Get High 2 Day" 2010 Alaska Redd Trapped In The Land of the Frozen
"Chilled Coughphee" Curren$y Pilot Talk
"Moon & Stars" Big K.R.I.T. K.R.I.T. Wuz Here
"Caddy Music" Slim Thug, Dre Day Tha Thug Show
"Afterparty" Tech N9ne, Kutt Calhoun The Gates Mixed Plate
"Rollin' & Smokin'" Spice 1, Tupac, Scarface
"Smoke Everyday" Paul Wall, Z-Ro Heart of a Champion
"Lie to You" Stat Quo, Raheem DeVaughn Statlanta
"Lookin' Back" 2011 E-40 Revenue Retrievin': Overtime Shift
"Up & Down" Baby Drew, Ges Bar-B-Que or Mildew
"Higher Learning" Young Jeezy, Snoop Dogg, Mitchelle'l TM:103 Hustlerz Ambition
"I Don't Need No Bitch" Snoop Dogg, Kobe Honeycutt Doggumentary
"What the Lovers Do" Saigon The Greatest Story Never Told
"Never Low" Marcus Manchild Spaced Out
"White Papers" Smoke DZA The Hustlers Catalog
"Hydroplaning" 2012 Big K.R.I.T. Live from the Underground
"Doobie in the Ashtray" Baby Bash, Young Dru M.S.U.
"I'm A Stop" Too Short, 50 Cent, Twista No Trespassing
"Highway" Smoke DZA, June Summers Substance Abuse
"Marley & Me (Remix)" Smoke DZA, Curren$y, Asher Roth
"On One" 2013 Bun B, The Gator Main Trill OG: The Epilogue
"My Issues and Me" Anttwon Lewis, Cold Play The Pharaoh & the Disciple
"Wut the Fuk" Cory Mo, Slim Thug Country Raptunes, Vol. 2
"Gettin High" Cory Mo, B.o.B, Chalie Boy It's Been About Time
"Gettin High" Cory Mo, Daz Dillinger, Chamillionaire Take It or Leave It
"I Wouldn't Mind" AD, Starbuks Intelligent Design
"Destiny" 2014 t.h.e. MisFit Crazy8 Re-State Of Emergency
"Get Blowed" Daz Dillinger, Snoop Dogg Weed Money
"Broke" Acie High L.O.V.E
"Elevated" A-Wax Jr. High to the Pen Vol. 2
"Get Lifted" King Chip
"1 Hit" Berner, B-Real Prohibition
"Mo Better Cool" Big K.R.I.T., Big Sant, Bun B Cadillactica
"Best Believe" Lil' Keke, Paul Wall Money Don't Sleep
"Pussy" Stat Quo ATLA: All This Life Allows, Vol. 1
"Ain't Said Shit" 2015 Pimp C, Ty Dolla $ign Long Live the Pimp
"I Needs Mine" Scotty ATL, 8Ball The Cooligan
"Get More" Berner, Cam'ron Contraband
"Crumble the Satellite" Paul Wall, Curren$y Slab God
"Propane" 2016 Rittz, MJG Top of the Line
"Stories" Berner, B-Real Prohibition, Pt. 3
"Coming Dine" Ingrid, Kirko Bangz Trill Feels
"Disrespectful" Mistah F.A.B., Too Short, Erk tha Jerk Son of a Pimp Part 2
"This Far" 2017 Outlawz #LastOnezLeft
"420 (Blaze Up)" Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, DJ Battlecat Neva Left / Grow House
"Noid" 2018 Berner, Snoop Dogg The Big Pescado
"May Sound Crazy" 2019 Erick Sermon, Too Short Vernia
"Chitty Bang" 2021 Prof, Jarren Benton
"Feel Good" 2022 Bun B & Cory Mo, Mattie B. Mo Trill
"Love You to Bits" Winston Surfshirt Panna Cotta

References

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  1. ^ a b Salazar-Moreno, Quibian. "Devin the Dude Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
  2. ^ a b "Devin the Dude Interview". Dubcnn.com. February 2007. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
  3. ^ 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, February 5, 2008
  5. ^ Crosley, Hillary (2008) "Devin The Dude Inks with Razor and Tie", Billboard, July 15, 2008
  6. ^ "Devin The Dude Announces "Highway" Film & Soundtrack". Archived from the original on November 11, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2012.
  7. ^ Paine, Jake (June 24, 2013). "Devin The Dude Reveals Eighth Solo Album Title | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  8. ^ Sanneh, Kelefa (April 17, 2005). "The Strangest Sound in Hip-Hop Goes National". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 29, 2015. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  9. ^ Stanton Swihart (June 16, 1998). "Devin the Dude – Devin the Dude | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  10. ^ Review (June 15, 2004). "To tha X-Treme – Devin the Dude | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  11. ^ Review (March 13, 2007). "Waiting to Inhale – Devin the Dude | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  12. ^ David Jeffries (October 7, 2008). "Landing Gear – Devin the Dude | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  13. ^ David Jeffries (April 20, 2010). "Suite #420 – Devin the Dude | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  14. ^ "Gotta Be Me – Devin the Dude | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. November 2, 2010. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  15. ^ "One for the Road – Devin the Dude | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  16. ^ "Acoustic Levitation by Devin the Dude on iTunes". iTunes. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
  17. ^ "Still Rollin' Up: Somethin' to Ride With by Devin the Dude on iTunes". iTunes. July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  18. ^ "Soulful Distance by Devin the Dude on iTunes". iTunes. February 5, 2021. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
  19. ^ "Fadanuf fa Erybody!! – Odd Squad | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. February 1, 1994. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  20. ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart". Billboard. March 3, 1994.
  21. ^ "The Other Side of the Law - Facemob - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic". AllMusic.
  22. ^ "Waitin Our Turn – Devin the Dude | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. August 21, 2007. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  23. ^ "iTunes – Music – Fresh Brew by Coughee Brothaz". Itunes.apple.com. April 19, 2011. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  24. ^ "Smoke Sessions, Vol. 1 – Devin the Dude | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. April 1, 2008. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  25. ^ Matt Rinaldi (May 13, 2008). "Best of Devin the Dude – Devin the Dude | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  26. ^ David Jeffries (October 7, 2008). "Hi Life – Devin the Dude | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  27. ^ "iTunes – Music – Do Not DistHerb (Suite # 420) – EP by Devin the Dude". Itunes.apple.com. March 16, 2010. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  28. ^ "iTunes – Music – Seriously Trippin' – EP by Devin the Dude". Itunes.apple.com. May 22, 2012. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  29. ^ "iTunes – Music – The Cannabis – EP by PT the UnderBoss, Devin the Dude and Coughee Brothaz". Itunes.apple.com. April 20, 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  30. ^ "Devin the Dude". Billboard.
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