It was the coldest day in New York City this past Friday, which could be why it is ironic that I found myself listening to DJ Eleven’s Summer Madness. One of the hottest tracks on the album is Devin the Dude’s “Lacville 79;” a song about his old beat-up Caddy.

While most rappers brag about their sparkling 22’s, here is Dude telling it how it is about his less than perfect car. You have to give him props!!!

Although born in St. Petersburg, Florida, Devin Copeland spent the majority of his life in Texas. His southern country twang compliments his laid back flow like nothing I’ve ever heard before.

He paired up with Rob Quest, a blind rapper and producer, in the late 80’s to form the Coughee Brothas. The duo joined DJ Screw, later replaced by DJ Styles, and Jugg Mugg and became known as the Odd Squad.

The group was signed immediately to Rap-A-Lot Records in 1992 after CEO James Smith heard the groups demo. Their debut  Fadanuf fa Erybody, released in 1994.

Unfortunately, the group’s album did not reach the commercial success like they had hoped. Scarface, of Rap-A-Lot, approached Devin about being apart of his new  group, Facemob. After the one and only album released in 1996, The Other Side of the Low, the group split.

Devin released his solo debut, The Dude, in 1998 and created a tremendous underground following. It also caught the ear of veteran producer Dr. Dre. In 1999, Devin joined Dre on the track “Fuck You” from the 2001 album.

Since then he has released Just Tryin’ ta Live, Chopped Up, and To Tha X-treme. He has worked with legends such as De La Soul, Raphael Saadiq, UGK, Nas, and Xzibit. His inspiration: Richard
Pryor  and Skateboarding.

Check out Devin the Dude’s video for “I Ha.”