Just Tryin' ta Live
Devin the Dude · 2002
66 min · 16 tracks · hip-hop
A laid-back fusion of Southern hip-hop grooves and introspective storytelling that captures everyday struggles with humor and heart.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Doobie Ashtray — This track stands out for its humorous yet relatable take on the stoner lifestyle, showcasing Devin’s signature blend of wit and authenticity.
-
→
Just Tryin Ta Live — The title track encapsulates the album’s overarching theme of perseverance amidst everyday challenges, marked by its reflective lyrics and smooth production.
-
→
It's a Shame — This song highlights Devin's ability to tackle serious subjects with grace, exploring themes of disappointment while wrapped in an infectious melody.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's blend of humor and introspective storytelling creates a unique Southern hip-hop vibe.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent mid-tempo groove throughout, with tracks often blending melodic hooks and laid-back beats.
- Several tracks incorporate humorous skits or interludes that provide context to the themes of everyday life and personal struggles.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- laid-back vibes for relaxation
- humorous takes on daily life
- stories of personal reflection
- easygoing tracks for chilling
- conversational tones with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced music
- want heavy production elements
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2002, Just Tryin' ta Live was Devin the Dude's third studio album, following his acclaimed debut, The Dude (1998). At this point in his career, he had established himself as a unique voice in hip-hop, known for blending humor with poignant themes. The album marked a significant moment as it showcased Devin's growing artistry and solidified his place within the Houston rap scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Curren$y· Big K.R.I.T.· Freddie Gibbs
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Zeldar 2:43
- 2 It's a Shame 3:48
- 3 R & B 4:14
- 4 Lacville '79 5:17
- 5 I-Hi 3:08
- 6 Who's That Man, Moma 5:45
- 7 Some of 'em 3:14
- 8 Go Somewhere 4:08
- 9 Whatever 1:09
- 10 Would Ya 3:57
- 11 Doobie Ashtray 5:17
- 12 Just a Man 4:44
- 13 Fa Sho 4:21
- 14 Wxyz 3:49
- 15 Tough Love 5:36
- 16 Just Tryin Ta Live 5:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.