One For the Road

Some artists are constantly changing: reinventing their style and sound on every album, always mixing it up and pushing the limits of their own creativity. Others have their own signature vibe and stick to it relentlessly so listeners know exactly what they're getting into every time. Houston's Devin the Dude falls into the latter category, but make no mistake—that's a distinctly good thing. Ever since his early days coming up with The Odd Squad, he's stayed loyal to his trademark formula of goofy, easygoing rhymes about ladies, libations, and lighting up. They're all set to laid-back, mellow production with gooey bass lines, soulful guitar licks, watery keys, and low-impact drums. One for the Road is his eighth solo album in the last 15 years (following The Dude, Waiting to Inhale, and Suite 420, among others). It's exactly what Devin fans have come to expect from the red-eyed rapper. Longtime homies Jugg Mugg and Rob Quest cut loose on "I Hope We Don't Get Too Drunk," classic '80s beats get revamped on "Herb the Nation," and smooth-jazz saxophones and bells liven up "I'm Just Gettin' Blowed."