Deadlift for bodybuilding?

Is the deadlift really the best thing for the back? I know it really works everything and its a very intense exercise but how often do you perfom it? Ive been training hard for over a year now and i feel that i can lift more weight but muscle m hasnt increased much.I mean i remember bein 15 and doing nothing but pullups and lat pulldowns and i felt better than i do now.Any tips would help thanks