Devious Archives - RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture

RESPECT. Feature: New Orleans Artist Devious Reflects about 5th Ward Weebie, New Orleans Music Culture and More

Tracy Mitchell — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 14:00:50 +0000

There are several wonderful cities in America and each has its own identity and uniqueness. When you look deeper, some cities have extraordinary food, music, people, and culture. If you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that some cities are responsible for creating music genres. Oftentimes, these cities include expression of struggle, joy, pain, happiness, and love. But there’s one city known for jazz, brass band music, delectable food, hip hop, and bounce music. We call this city New Orleans. Others call it The Big Easy. Locals may refer to it as Cutthroat city. Nationals may refer to it as the city of Bounce.

We had the chance to catch up with New Orleans artist Devious, a mainstay pioneer artist and songwriter with several accomplishments and releases. Devious recently dropped “For The Culture” EP featuring some of New Orleans eclectic burgeoning hip hop, bounce and rnb artists including 5th Ward Weebie. On January 24th, Devious will be releasing “Destiny”, a maxi single produced by S-8ighty who is also featured on the titled single and another captivating single “Beautiful Soul”.

One may think that Devious is overly elated after earning Ascap award for his contribution to Lil Duval “Smile”, and Travis Porter “Ayy Ladies” to go along with his RIAA platinum and gold awards after landing songwriting credits on Cardi B Invasion of Privacy (Bickenhead), City Girls “Twerk”, Layton Greene “Leave Em Alone”, Lil Duval “Smile”, Project Pat “Chickenhead”, and more.

While there is some truth to this, Devious was busy working with his New Orleans music colleagues Blaqnmild, 5th Ward Weebie, S-8ighty, Niyo, Partners-N-Crime, FullPack, Fiend, DJ JMk, DJ Ro, Dj Slab 1, and more to advance the music culture of New Orleans.

On April 6, 2017, great things happened for Devious, 5th Ward Weebie, and Blaqnmild. While Blaqnmild and 5th Ward Weebie were busy working with Drake, Drake released “Nice For What”. On the same day, Cardi B released “Invasion of Privacy” after finalizing business with Devious.

These brothers went on to share in number one Billboard success for top hip hop single (Drake), and top hip hop album (Cardi B). Then in June, Devious won his second Ascap Award for his work with Lil Duval. Then in August, 5th Ward Weebie won a BMI award for “Nice For What” and super producer Blaqnmild won BMI awards for “Nice For What” and “In My Feelings”. Both Cardi B and Drake were nominated for Grammy awards. 5th Ward Weebie was in attendance. He also took his son with him to witness him win the BMI award.

It was at this point that these brothers started to focus more on the advancement of New Orleans culture. Devious and 5th Ward Weebie recorded “Lift Ya Rump”, a bouncy lead single which also appears on “For The Culture” EP by Devious and Friends. Blaqnmild, 5th Ward Weebie, and Detroit released “Do You”, a bounce and RNB single by 5th Ward Weebie. Devious and Blaqnmild also released “Really Got It Going On” featuring Rooftop Rafe.

When these New Orleans creatives were not recording, they were planning and working on the betterment of New Orleans hip hop scene and taking a stand for New Orleans hip hop and bounce culture. Since then, New Orleans sound has erupted onto the national scene and Devious has earned additional credits with Megan Thee Stallion and more. Blaqnmild has earned credit with Megan, Young Jeezy, and more. 5th Ward Weebie was sampled by Chris Brown in “Emerald Burgundy”.

But recently the Let Me Find Out superstar passed away. 5th Ward Weebie’s passing impacted not only Devious, Blaqnmild, Partners-N-Crime, P-Town Moe, Hot Boy Ronald, Detroit, and Sess 4-5 but the entire city, surrounding area, and abroad. Artists like Snoop, Nas, Questlove, and New Orleans mega super star “Lil Wayne” all showed their respect for 5th Ward Weebie aka “The Bounce King”.

Many artists including Devious and Blaqnmild have vowed to keep 5th Ward Weebie’s legacy alive. Deejays made tribute mixes including DJ Ro, Dj Poppa, Dj Hektik, Dj Money Fresh, Mannie Fresh, and more. Artists like Mia X, Cheeky Blakk, Lady Red, Kermit Ruffins, Kilo, The Ghetto Twiinz, and Partners-N-Crime performed at various events to honor 5th Ward Weebie. Radio personalities at WQUE-FM (Uptown Angela, Wild Wayne, Dj Slab 1, DJ Ro, and DJ Poppa) flooded the airwaves with all of his hit songs.

Now New Orleans has to continue to be the great city it is. “Weebie was a beacon of light. He was a comedian type of guy who made us all laugh. He was a dope artist. The Bounce king! He was definitely for the culture. He was an advocate and spokesperson for the preservation of Bounce music. He is a cofounder of The Bounce Factory. He is our brother and it’s our job to make sure his music lives on, look after his son, and his family during this painful time, and to make sure Weebie’s musical catalogue is protected. I’m not the only one that feels that way. P-Town Moe, Hot Boy Ronald, Blaqnmild, Partners N Crime, they feel the same way,. Make no mistake; this isn’t about me or us, it’s about Weebie, his family, and our community coming together,” said Devious.

Devious said although he and his New Orleans music colleagues have new music releases and continue to blossom, the passing of 5th Ward Weebie left a dark cloud over the city. “Weebie is suppose to be here laughing, performing, and ribbing (roasting) everybody. He’s suppose to be continuing his artist journey. He had plans of working with Mr. Hanky, London On The Track, and he wanted to sign with Quality Control. He was ambitious. He was on a mission for himself, Bounce, and the city of New Orleans.”

“Continue to support 5th Ward Weebie’s music and New Orleans music culture collectively. That’s what 5th Ward Weebie was all about.”

The post RESPECT. Feature: New Orleans Artist Devious Reflects about 5th Ward Weebie, New Orleans Music Culture and More appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Devious Releases New Meaningful Single “Destiny”

Tracy Mitchell — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 16:43:53 +0000

New Orleans rap artist/songwriter Devious teams up with S-8ighty on a heartfelt single “Destiny”. The new joint was released January 3rd. Devious also curated a new banging playlist on Spotify: New Orleans 2020 Urban Playlist. The award winning songwriter is scheduled to release his new maxi-single “Destiny” in January of 2020.Destiny is the first single by the veteran artist to start the new year off.

The Destiny maxi-single project was fully produced by S-8ighty and also includes a debut appearance by upcoming artist Amber Stone on club banger “Big Talk”. Devious and S-8ighty bless the fans with two soulful collaborations on this maxi-single. Destiny and Beautiful Soul are two powerful compositions created by the New Orleans creatives.

Recently, Devious released “For The Culture” Vol. 1 EP featuring 5th Ward Weebie, Iris P, Lenny Green, Rooftop Rafe, and Paije Rush. The project was produced by Blaqnmild, S-8ighty, and Niyo.

Prior to that, Devious released his full length album “The Narrative” featuring Ronnie Spencer, Fiend, Partners -N- Crime, Dappa, Rock, Lord Nexus, and Derelyn. The album was produced by Blaqnmild, S-8ighty, Niyo, and Twan Da God.

Devious recently won an Ascap Award for his contribution on Lil Duval “Smile” (Living My Best Life), multi-platinum certification for Cardi B “Invasion Of Privacy”, gold certification for Cardi B Bickenhead, Layton Greene “Leave Em Alone, and Lil Duval “Smile”, and platinum certification for City Girls “Twerk”.

https://open.spotify.com/album/6L1XbHQQPrTTkfM36UhGRC

The post Devious Releases New Meaningful Single “Destiny” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Devious Releases New Visual for ‘This Life That I Lead’

RESPECT. Staff — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 19:00:00 +0000

New Orleans rap artist, Devious debuts his new video “This Life That I Lead” from his Against All Odds album. The video was produced and directed by Cise HD and features special cinematic appearances by Ghetto Twiinz and Eric “Untouchable” Peterson. Buy the album on iTunes today. Featuring Kevin Gates, Fiend, Christian Radke, Rock, Kango Slim and Dappa Dan.

His debut release, “Down With The Program” was created with DJ Baby T aka DJ Lil Daddy. Shortly after, Devious teamed up with a new deejay, Mellow Fellow. Devious and Mellow Fellow co-wrote and produced DJ Jimi’s hit “Where They At,” which was also distributed by Avenue/Select O Hits. The hot bounce maxi-single has changed the face of dirty south rap music. Devious and Mellow Fellow’s songwriting and production has been sampled by several artists such as Ceelo Green, Project Pat, Travis Porter, Kid Cudi, Jarren Benton, T.I., Kanye West and Twista to name a few. These two songs gave birth to “bounce music” which is still a hot subgenre in New Orleans currently. Ironically, Devious’ artistic skills are centered around lyrics, hip hop, and soulful music.

Currently, his contribution to Kid Cudi’s “Girls” feat Too Short on Indicud serves as one of his latest songwriting credits. Among all the blessings and accolades, Devious has obtained a bachelors and masters degree from Xavier University of Louisiana. Living his own truth, he is a professional educator, president of New Orleans Union For Entertainment, and Nola Hip Hop Awards panelist. Devious has concentrated his artistic efforts to clean/lyrical messages in order to reach the teenage population he serves. Be sure to download and gather the New Orleans rap legend/pioneer’s projects. Join his “Follow Every Dream” movement. It is a difficult task to include all of the credits and acts of philanthropy by Devious. He has been a big brother and inspiration to some of New Orleans most acclaimed national artists.

The post Devious Releases New Visual for ‘This Life That I Lead’ appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.