Influential Houston emcee Devin The Dude has more than 15 years in the game, the underground rapper has collaborated with the likes of Dr. Dre, Young Jeezy, Snoop Dogg and Andre 3000. His upcoming Oz tour will be your first time in Australia.
What are you looking forward to the most about coming here?
I'm looking forward to new atmosphere, the different foods, the foreign accent, new music, weather, and yes the weed. Can't wait to see the new (to me) scenery.
What can fans expect when they come to your Australian shows?
The fans can expect a cool, laidback show full of smoked-out hymns and good vibes to have a drink or two with. Most of my energy comes from the crowd. They ‘ARE’ the party and I just try and orchestrate it for an hour or so.
Do you like any Aussie hip hop?
To be honest, I never heard any Aussie hip hop. I've never been to Australia or know anyone close to me that has. It's really a privilege to go and get a first-hand look and listen to what's going on there!
Over the years you've collaborated with some truly talented artists such as Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre, 2 Chainz and De La Soul, to name a few. Is there one that sticks out in your mind?
I've been blessed to work with a lot of artists. I'm a fan of most of them. There are so many experiences, but I guess, the first major feature sticks out. It was with Scarface featuring Ice Cube 'Hand Of The Dead Body'. I didn't know that Cube was gonna be on the song.
'Face wanted me to sing a hook that he had written. I wasn't that comfortable singing other lyrics from people and it just didn't sound good to me. I tried five, six takes of it and said 'Man, I don't think this is gonna fly. It don't sound like somethin' I would sing or say. You don't have to keep it, Face, you can scratch the idea if ya want to. If you have another song, I'll try somethin' on IT instead.' Face says: 'Cool, Ok, but I don't have another song and I kinda like what you did. But Dev, if you don't like it, we'll chill on it. I gotta send it to Ice Cube to put a verse on it.' I was like. 'ICE CUBE!' Shiiiiiiiit. So I said, 'If you like it I LOVE IT! Let me go layer it and touch it up a lil bit!' I just couldn't pass up that opp!
How did you get started in hip hop?
I got started in hip hop in the early '80s. Breakdancing was our thing until '88-'89. I always recorded music and collected vinyl since the third grade and had a pretty good ear for the music. After breakdancing became watered down, I started freestyling; then eventually began songwriting.
How would you describe your sound and style to people who've never heard your music?
It's always been and still is very hard for me to describe my style. I always left that up to the listener. My topics vary but most have a hint of cannabis in them. Some people think the opposite. Or that I have a gang of weed-songs with messages sprinkled here and there. For the most part, I try and have fun and relate to the listener. Let them know that their problems are the same as mine.
Favourite song to perform live?
Probably 'Doobie Ashtray'. It's the one that the fans request the most. It’s the one that it is slow enough to understand the lyrics and it has a message that everyone can relate to. Especially if you're a weed smoker, but even if you don't.
Who are your favourite rappers?
I have SOOOO many favourite rappers! But to name a few, in no particular order: T-La Rock, MC Shan, Run, Rakim, Ecstasy of Whodini, Special Ed, Grand Puba of Brand Nubian.
Any up and coming artists you've got your eyes on?
I'm usually old-school when it comes to hip hop. I listen to the newer stuff though and I'm just glad that the genre still exists! Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, A$AP Rocky, Wiz, Big Sean, to name a few, are trend-setting right now.
When can we expect another album from you?
I'm working on an album RIGHT now. Mostly out of my home. I'm feeling like DJ Quick right now. Unfortunately there was a break-in at my home while I was away for a week; that's setting my date back. Hopefully it will be available towards the end of October, beginning of November 2015.
How long until you bring out Devin The Dude 420 BBQ sauce and will it be available in Australia?
As far as the BBQ sauce goes, I'm waiting for makers of Shatter Sauce to get back at me to do a proper label for me. I CAN’T WAIT! Believe me, Aussie [sic] will be one of the first places I'll send it! Hmmmm... Much love and thanks!!
Devin The Dude Tour Dates
Wed 23 Sep - Transit Bar (Canberra)Thu 24 Sep - Woolly Mammoth (Brisbane)
Fri 25 Sep - Laundry Bar (Melbourne)
Sat 26 Sep - OutsideIn Festival (Sydney)
Sun 27 Sep - HQ Complex (Adelaide)
