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NON-STOP HIP-HOP: Devin the Dude

Legendary MC drifts into Olympia with Mr. D.O.G. on a cloud of smoke

DEVIN THE DUDE: His marijuana isn't medical. Photo courtesy of MySpace

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For the second time in two weeks, the South Sound will be graced by a legendary MC when Houston's king of chronic - the sexual storyteller and overall original MC known as Devin The Dude - brings his distinct, nasalistic and smooth southern drawl to The Vault Nightclub in Olympia Saturday.

One of hip-hop's most magnetic personalities, Devin is an all-time crowd favorite, possessing the cool of Snoop Dogg, the smoking tendencies of B-Real and an ability to story-tell reminiscent of one of his OGs, Scarface.

Devin began his career with a groundbreaking hip-hop crew out of Houston called the Odd Squad. Listening to Odd Squad you'll find the quality Devin delivers as an MC has always been present - from the fun, the depth, the sex and the overall lyricism.  With his one-in-a-million voice, Devin gained the attention and respect of legends like Scarface and Dr. Dre - who would elevate his already growing reputation and stature on songs like "Fuck Faces" (from Scarface's, My Homies) and "Fuck You" (from Dr. Dre's ultra-classic album, The Chronic 2001).  With a string of solo albums to compliment his pop-level features with Dre and Scarface, Devin is a bonafide legend on the level of, say, Mac Dre.  Cats like Mac Dre are/were on the cusp of superstardom - maybe just one more move away from the mountain top, much like Devin has been.

What's obvious is fans and supporters of Devin The Dude would take offense to my last statement.  With a cult following strong enough to rival any hip-hop artist of this day, Devin's shows are more of a party than a performance - and peeps show up to experience him and leave having experienced his fiesta.  From fans getting high in the crowd, to chanting along with his hooks and lyrics, Devin is the rare artists who demonstrates what it is to give a show - a real "stage show."

"Devin The Dude makes a show worth attending," says Tacoma's Mr. D.O.G., who will open for Devin at The Vault. "Ain't no doubt - Devin comes through and puts it down. He's been doing it for years and still has that fire."

A veteran of note in the rap game himself, Mr. D.O.G. has started his transition back to the top of the Northwest hip-hop scene.  After a few years "away," as he puts it, D.O.G. is back after sitting back to plot his plan for success in this turbulent industry.  He planned well.  His campaign for dominance includes top-tier networking, and last month's release of his project, Streets of The Tac including the dope single, "She's 100" (featuring Mistah Fab, Cool Nutz and Incredible).  

A good "rap show" versus a good "hip-hop show" can mean different things to many different people. This is one of those shows with elements of it all.

Devin the Dude

with Mr. D.O.G., and Swag
Saturday, Aug. 28,
8 p.m. The Vault Nightclub, 425 Franklin St. SE, Olympia,
thevaultolympia.com

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