In a rather puzzling, unexpected development, cult hero Devin The Dude, the quintessential rapper's rapper and a personal favorite of mine, has signed a one-record contract with quirky indie Razor & Tie, an eclectic label perhaps best known for putting out those "Kidz Bop" compilations. Devin has been without a label since amicably parting ways with longtime home Rap-a-Lot last year. According to rapper Saigon, Devin flirted with signing to Atlantic but was ultimately nixed for being "too old". Devin will now be a labelmate with fellow Razor & Tie artist Dar Williams, but don't expect collaborations on either of their forthcoming albums.
No details have been released yet about Devin's new album, but I suspect that subject matter will include smoking weed and drinking brew, as that's all Devin raps about, cause shit, that's all he do. Devin has been hampered by poor distribution and marketing throughout his decade-plus stint on Rap-A-Lot, so hopefully Razor & Tie will do a better job selling one of hip hop's most lovable and beloved characters.