Devin: The Dude (1998)

::: Back in high school, before I discovered underground hip hop, I listened to a lot of gangsta rap. I had the subs in the trunk, always riding around Wichita bumping as loud as possible. Basically, the harder the bass hit the better. During that period my favorite rapper was Devin the Dude, and he is still one that I listen to today. What makes Devin so dope is the fact that you always know what you are gonna get: weed, beer and bitches. No talk about guns, murder, or selling drugs, just feel good flows about drinkin,' smokin' and gettin' laid. Simple as that. But Devin has a style about him that is totally unique and entertaining. The Dude is his first album, and provides an intro to what makes him who he is. Hailing from Houston, Devin has a southern kind of style that doesn't sound like anyone else I've heard before. And even though he raps about pretty much the same things throughout the album, it doesn't get old. Along with his hilarious rhymes and take on life, he sings as well. All of the choruses are performed by Devin in his distinct southern drawl. So if you are in the mood for a laid back album to smoke or drink to, just pop in The Dude and prepare to bob your head. Check out his album Just Tryin' Ta Live also. If you go to his MySpace page, be sure to listen to "Doobie Ashtray." It's a classic.

Favorites: The Dude, Sticky Green, Do What You Wanna Do, Mo Fa Me, See What I Can Pull, Write or Wrong, Boo Boo'n, and Show 'Em.