Posted on 05/01/2007
When most people think of Devin the Dude, the three W's come to mind: wine, women and weed.  In todays shock value music world that type of subject matter serves as fodder for an audience that settles for the simpler things.  Fact is there's a lot more to The Dude than meets the ears. Recently, true okayplayer for real-Mel Blunt (It's me snitches) sat down to get the real deal on The Dude.  

MB:     What inspired you to get into the rap game?

DTD:    Break dancing, in the early eighties me and brother used to break in the parks.  Then we took it to the mic and started free styling. We started getting serious in the early 90s. Influences include T La Rock, Grand Puba, and DJ Quik.  NWA was hot around that time, we just loved listening.

MB:    How would you describe your brand of music?

DTD:    It's kind of hard.  I'd rather let the listeners describe it.  Basically, I like to have fun, and get serious sometimes.

MB:    Why do you think it's been so well received?

DTD:    I'm just glad that it is.  I appreciate it. When I wrote my first rhyme I let my partner hear it and he was like "that was tight," and wanted to hear more.  One dude came back the next day and asked to hear it again. I thought to myself--I can keep doing this.

MB:    How do you feel about the universal impact of Screw music?

DTD:    DJ Screw actually did the cuts on the demo tape that landed us the record deal.   He was the first one up to get everybody to the studio. He had a big impact.  On the universal impact of Screw music, it's incredible but pretty much inevitable.  Along with his type of slang, he brought people to his crib and made them household names.

MB:     Who for example?

DTD:     The Screwed Up Clic, Lil' Flip,  Lil' Ke-Ke and  Z-RO.

MB:    I know that you were part of Face Mob's first project.  How was the Face mob experience?

DTD:      It was cool, just a project when [Scar] Face was establishing his label--including acts like DMG 350 and Smitty. Face asked me to come in on the project I told the [Odd] squad and they were very supportive.  We just started grooving, vibing and said let's do a whole album.

MB:     How did the Dr. Dre collaboration happen on "#$%@ You?"  

DTD:     It was real cool, a blessing.  Dre got in touch, called the crib and said I'm working on a project, I want you on it.  He said he'd call later.  Dre called and I almost forgot that he was supposed to call.  We kicked it over the phone. I'm glad that I got a chance to be part of the project.

MB:    You've done quite a few interesting collaborations with well respected Hip-Hop artists.  How did you hook up with De La Soul on "Baby Phat?"

DTD:    Posdnuos got in touch with me a year or two before we recorded the song. We had a mutual admiration for each other. I happened to go out to L.A. and while mixing the "Just Trying to Live" album I came through the studio to hook up with him. It took a little time to warm up, but it worked out.  I'm just honored that they listened to my music.

MB:    What's your favorite collaboration of all time? O.K. give me your top three, in no specific order.

DTD:    All of them were real cool. That's a hard question.  All of them were unique within themselves; I didn't expect to be involved with them. The Rafael Sadiq cut "Baby Boy," Dr. Dre, Nas and Exhibit, Lil' Jon, Snoop.

MB:     You're about to give me a top 10 dude, for real off the no bullshit.

DTD:     It's wild how everything gels.

MB:     "What a Job," is my favorite cut off the new "Waiting to Inhale" CD featuring Snoop and Andre 3000.  Who put that together?

DTD:     The original version of the song was 8-9 months old.   I just had a hook and a verse, I thought of using it as skit-a bridge over two songs.  People were like hold up, that's a song. I thought about who I would get, I wanted different perspectives and felt that Snoop and 3000 would be cool. They picked up the phone, accepted the track, and blessed me with the verses.

MB:     What are your aspirations for the "Waiting to Inhale" project?

DTD:    I just didn't want to disappoint anybody, I don't mind the numbers [sales] but the appreciation--that's the fuel that keeps me going,  moms is still very supportive.

MB:    How is this project different from the others?

DTD:    I was just working--not concentrating on a particular vibe, just grinding.  I was more comfortable than on the last projects.  I was able to stay in one place and was able to follow up solidly-- didn't have to bounce around from studio to studio like on the other album. On that one we were just settling in- this album kind of reminds you of "The Dude."

MB: How have you evolved as an artist since "The Dude?"

DTD:     Man, I guess the weed is cranking along better [laughs].  There are more responsibilities.  On "The Dude," I was kind of young and had fewer responsibilities.  I've learned many lessons over the last 10 years and I try not to get too raw, but the first cut I had to get out of my system.  Its 10 years old.  Kids change your perspective, their eyes and ears are always open--they understand my foul mouth and the kind of comedy, (Richard Pryor) that I like.

MB:    They've called you the Richard Pryor of rap.  Why?

DTD:    I mention him a lot, I had to sneak to listen to his records-he was like an uncle.

MB:    Did you work with any new producers on this project?  

DTD:     I worked with Sendar from Amsterdam--he's real cool.  Rich Picnic from Dallas, David Cohn, Pacifica, and Chuck Heat from L.A. (What a job).

MB:    Are you touring to support the project?

DTD:    Planning to.  We're doing some spots now and hope to get to get a more structured tour going.

MB:    Who would you like to work with?

DTD:    Anybody who wants to be a part of the project from A-Z.

MB: What would you like to say to your fans?

DTD:    I appreciate the appreciation, its one of the reasons that I continue to rap.

You can't always judge a book by its cover.  Humble, respectful, and introspective artists are oftentimes buried beneath their brash--seemingly offensive, alter egos.  At the end of the day, being well-received and appreciated by fans is the ultimate complement.  Devin may truly be "The Dude."  Not for boozing, boasts of his conquests of women, nor blazing, but rather for his appreciation of his fans, his humble demeanor, and his genuine love of hip-hop.

 

- Mel Blunt