Album Review: Dee-1 – ‘Psalms Of David 2’ (Mixtape)
Artist: Dee-1
Album: Psalms Of David 2
Street Date: 11-19-13
Record Label: N/A
Genre: Hip-Hop/ Rap
iPod Pick: Found tha One (ft Kourtney Heart)
Rick Warren, Pastor of Saddleback church recently said Psalms has the truth we need for healthy emotions and Proverbs has the truth we need for healthy relationships. I couldn’t stop remembering how apt this quote was as I listened to Dee- 1’s new mixtape titled Psalms of David 2.
Though mixtapes have earned a reputation (especially in the rap genre) of fast made, undone music mashed up with terrible production., mixtape releases like Kendrick Lamar’s Overly Dedicated, Drake’s So Far Gone, Lecrae’s Church Clothes and Big Sean’s Finally Famous have done a good job of redeeming this reputation. Dee- 1’s Psalms of David falls in the line of one these “redemptive” releases. As one who had great doubts when the record arrived to give it a try, I must say I wasn’t disappointed after I got to listen.
Pouring out non-clichéd words and emotions in the style of the veteran David of the bible, Dee raps on the opening track [Psalms of David II intro (ft Alainia)] My birthday in 9 days I’m analyzing my life. I’ve got a couple of bad habits I’m still trying to get right.
Most times, Psalms of David II reads like peek into a diary. From very intimate love songs [Found tha One (ft Kourtney Heart)] to struggles encountered in the creative process to seeking acceptance and appreciation of one’s art [Really Feel This. It’s All Good (ft Rantz Davis). ] . Musically it’s chill back rap with low beat groovy refrains. Dee raps of victories, struggles and in-betweens using words skillfully with poetic prowess. A track I really enjoyed and worth mentioning is Zero to a Kilo.
As he says on Really Feel This Sometimes you do something different you be doubting yourself. You be like mhen I think that people not gonna feel this. Dee- 1 has offered something different on this one and I must say I really felt this.
Overlooking not so correlating references to strip clubs [I’ll Pay For It], and bracing yourself for surprises such as appearances by Macklemore, Dee- 1’s Psalms of David is a blissful tune ride you don’t want to miss. Just a little more work on the album cover art next time.
Download ‘Psalms Of David 2’ here!
