Houston rapper and frequent object of Synthesis love, Devin the Dude has signed with Razor and Tie Entertainment. Here’s the shit

(New York, NY) – Razor & Tie Entertainment has announced the signing of veteran urban lyricist Devin The Dude to an exclusive worldwide multi-album recording contract.  With a knack for humorous rhymes and light-hearted storytelling, Devin possesses a strong fanbase garnered from four previous studio releases.  Complex Magazine has dubbed Devin, “the Richard Pryor of rap”, while Slate refers to him as “one of hip-hop’s best-loved underdogs among both fans and peers”.  The Florida-born, Houston-raised Devin has indeed earned his reputation as “the rappers’ rapper”, guesting on the albums of such high-profile artists as Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, De La Soul and Jay Z.

Devin The Dude is currently in the studio recording his fifth album, LANDING GEAR.  The album, Devin’s first for Razor & Tie, is scheduled for release in the early fall via his own Coughee Brothers imprint.  Razor & Tie’s opportunity to work with Devin was facilitated by Jon Shapiro and Jen McDaniels of Cinematic Music Group.  Shapiro and McDaniels will continue to be involved in the completion and set-up of LANDING GEAR, with Razor & Tie responsible for the marketing and distribution of the album.  Cinematic Music Group was founded in 2005 by Jon Shapiro. Based in New York City, it is a full service entertainment company that focuses on its record label, artist development, artist relations, management, production and film.  Cinematic is home to Sean Kingston, Yung Berg, and others.

The “San Francisco” installment of the Paid Dues Festival, featuring Mos Def, Rakim, GZA, De La Soul and a grip of others, set for tomorrow in Berkeley (hey, close enough) has been cancelled. Here’s the release:

Guerilla Union and MURS 3:16 regret to announce that the PAID DUES INDEPENDENT HIP HOP FESTIVAL scheduled for Saturday, June 14 at the Berkeley Community Theatre in Berkeley, CA, has been cancelled due to matters beyond our control.

For fans who have purchased tickets to the show, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Refunds are available for ticket holders at the point-of-purchase.

Ahh, good old “matters beyond our control.”

The boys of The Pharcyde will be hitting up the stage @ Rock The Bells Tour 2008, marking a rather unexpected reunion. For the first time in 10 years all the original members will be performing together…

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