8Ball and Devius 'The Rookie and The Vet' album

There are only a handful of great rap duos. Eric B. & Rakim, EPMD, Gang Starr, OutKast and 8Ball & MJG sit at the top of this exclusive list. But there is another great duo in the making -- one with a familiar face. Rap legend 8Ball has found a second stellar partner-in-rhyme with the up-and-coming Devius. The two combine for the explosive The Rookie & The Vet, one of the most impressive group outings in several years.

Memphis rap veteran 8Ball was impressed with the promising Devius after being introduced to his music through friends. “His style, his delivery and his voice, they remind me of a young me,” 8Ball says. “That’s what I hear on every song we do. So, when we come together, it’s easy. We work the same. It was easy because we have a chemistry.”

The chemistry shines throughout The Rookie & The Vet, which was produced by Montana Trax, another outstanding 8Ball protégé. The collection speaks to each member’s role in their pairing, as well as their status in the game. “8Ball came up with the title,” Devius explains. “It’s self-explanatory because it’s my first time out as far as getting major shine. Out of everybody that’s been in the game for years and years, I’m the only person to do an album with 8Ball other than MJG. That says a whole lot for me. It throws me for a loop every time I think about it.”

Rap fans will be equally blown away as they experience the high-octane The Rookie & The Vet. The two partner for the future club smash “Er’ Body Kno’ Me,” a catchy tune that shows off each rapper’s commanding delivery and confident rhymes. The pair then channels Raekwon’s classic “Ice Cream” song that also featured fellow Wu-Tang Clan members Method Man and Ghostface Killah, as well as Wu affiliate Cappadonna, for their own “Ice Cream.” Like its predecessor, 8Ball & Devius’ version centers on their interaction with sensuous women.

Producer Montana Trax, who helmed the boards for all of The Rookie & The Vet, after producing his The Boy Somethin’ Great and 8Ball’s Light Up The Bomb compilation in 2006 brought his distinctive blend of production -- a dazzling mix of soul, crunk, rock and hardcore rap -- to the project. “Montana’s real versatile and he’s got so many styles of music inside him,” 8Ball says. “When we’re in the studio with Devius, we all feed on each other’s energy.” Adds Devius, “Montana’s extra creative. If I get to a point where I get blocked, he puts his perspective on it and we’re right back up and running. Plus, he keeps hitting you with hot tracks all the time.”

Now, with The Rookie & The Vet under their belts, 8Ball & Devius are well on their way to becoming rap’s next great union. “The status that 8Ball has in the game,” Devius says of his mentor, “when he decides to leave the rap game alone, he’s already a legend.”

If things continue on their current path, the rap cognoscenti will soon be saying the same thing about Devius starting on October 9th.

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8Ball and Devius - The Rookie and The Vet