Search - Devin The Dude :: To Tha X-Treme

A different kind of Hiphop

DukeOfEarl | Phoenix, AZ United States | 11/08/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"BOOM! This album from Devin the Dude packs a punch! A comedic, emotional, and down-to-earth punch, that is. If you don't know too much about Devin, he is overlooked, underrated, and way talented. He's not really just a mere rapper. He sings just as often as he flows, and even when he's rhyming, it sounds kind of like singing. Devin most likely got noticed 10+ years ago because he could sing hooks so well, as he appeared on a track with his mentor Scarface along with Ice Cube. Devin garners respect from everyone ranging from De La Soul, Nas, and The Roots to Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, and R. Kelly.

Okay, Devin's whole game is talking about women, sex, and weed 90% of the time, especially weed. But wait, hear me out! First of all, Devin doesn't talk about this stuff to flaunt himself and try to justify how cool he is. It's just his thing, he likes to have a good time. He doesn't seem the type to try and get others to start smoking and passing that off as the cool thing. Plus, while Devin describes these tales of what's considered morally unacceptable(and he acknowledges this), he usually includes numerous tracks where he trys to make sense of it all and make sense out of life. He is multi-dimensional. He had a few memorable songs of this sort on his last album("Just Tryin' Ta Live") like "Doobie Ashtray," "Just A Man," "Tough Love," and especially the song "Just Tryin' Ta Live," which is incredibly deep.

"To Tha X-Treme" has Devin using the same winning formula, but it feels totally different than his last album. Personally, I prefer his more conscious tracks, but the others definitely keep things interesting and amusing. People can turn to Devin and listen to his music and prefer different aspects of it. "Briar Patch" showcases his artistic merit, as does "Right Now," in a way I've never heard before. "Anythang" is hopeful and is completely sung throughout. When Devin sings, it's not like Nelly or Ja Rule or even Mos Def singing. It never comes off as forced as he can switch between singing and rapping so natuarally. Ten seconds into the last track("Unity") I had a feeling it would be seriously insightful and moving just like the last track on his last album. My anticipation was confirmed, "Unity" is an awesome song that ends the album on such a great note. This song talks about bettering yourself and stepping outside your comfort zone to acquaint yourself with someone of a different culture and learn about them. This is undoubtedly the best track of the album, possibly of his career. It becomes the new anthem for those of us who are trying to improve our lives and 'unite' as a culture and society. If "Unity" were to catch attention on the radio(I doubt it will!), it would quickly change the type of rap being played and possibly change many opinions of those who hate rap entirely! The best songs on this album are "Unity," "Briar Patch," "Right Now," "Anythang," and "Kooter Brown"(not sure why it's called that). Honorable mention goes to the title track, "She's Gone," "The Funk," and "Too Cute."

The production here is quite different and very interesting, unlike the last album which got just plain boring at a couple of points. Soft guitar backgrounds are used subtlely on MANY of the tracks. The music behind Devin is consistently melodic, mellow(just like Devin), and funky. The album is quite long and I will admit it kind of drags at times. Some songs go on way too long like the title track and "Go Fight Some Other Crime." I do enjoy how Devin pretty much carried this one by himself the whole way. We get a chance to peep further into that mind and world of his. The only real change of pace is "Party"(ft. KB and Man Child) which is more upbeat and done in the spirit of "Rapper's Delight," although it started out well, it gets much too raunchy and obscene(and you can't really blame Devin for this). The title track he proclaims that getting high is his enjoyment in life, and it may not be ours, but we should all find something in life that lets us enjoy life '2 tha xtreme!' I really enjoy listening to the Dude, although he smokes weed and talks about it a lot, I really can't hate him for it. I extremely despise the drug and those who do it and think it's cool. However, while I still loathe the use of weed, people like Devin remind me that I shouldn't judge potheads negatively simply because of that choice. Devin nearly gives potheads a good name in my book.

Although Devin is primarily concerned with weed, girls, sex(three of the few limited mainstream topics), listen to him and it will sound like every pop-rapper out there is copying Devin when it comes to these subjects and trying to make a fad out of it. Devin's not trying to start trends, obviously, not enough people have heard of him yet in the first place. He's the only artist I would turn to if I wanted to bug out and hear real and hilarious tales of pot smoking and sexual encounters! Just when you think he's said enough about these topics, he comes in with a sincere conscious track about life in general. He's got a lot to offer to the ear and mind, and it's always mellow and down-to-earth. This album is where he REALLY takes into account what others think of his lifestyle. "Just Tryin' Ta Live" was a very good album, but "2 Tha X-Treme" might be even better, especially thanks to the production and focus of the lyrics. If you love underground Hiphop like I do, this may not be what you usually like to hear but you will like it, I promise! Another great REAL Hiphop release in 2004!"

Best Devin Album Ever!!!

Joseph Smith | Washington D.C. | 07/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Devin is at it again folks. His 3rd album and it just keeps on getting better and better. Check out the tracks "Anything" and "Too Cute" they are definite hits! I would recommend this album to anyone that loves that down south music."

Off da heezy fo sheezy!!!!!!

K. Gaines | Seattle, WA | 02/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This new devin cd has blown me away. I have his first two cd's, and they are off da chains as well. I was kinda skeptical that this cd would be any good. Never again will I doubt Devin, and his skillz. If anything you can just listen to track number 2 and call it a day. That track alone is worth getting the cd!! Besides that here are my fav songs so far:

Cooter Brown

Right Now

Too Cute

Dont Go



the whole cd is basically tight, I'm just having a hard time getting past these particular songs. This cd is a must have. It has a little something for everyone."