I’m a bit torn on this one. I like the concept: take movies we used to watch on VHS, tell a story with them and pay tribute to how awesome that experience was, turn it all into records.
Goldin – VHS MUSIC (Datpiff)
I’m a bit torn on this one. I like the concept: take movies we used to watch on VHS, tell a story with them and pay tribute to how awesome that experience was, turn it all into records. Track one, “Juice,” tells the story of the movie and is the best example of the concept being executed. The production on this project is dope too. I was a bit annoyed by the Jay-Z “uh… whisper flow” on Track 2, “Son Of A God,” and a bit of the Lupe delivery that is all over this project. However, if you listen to this with the concept in mind, it is–though not the greatest record–definitely something that is different, and I respect that. I would have liked all of these tributes to be as strong as their sources, but when you choose something like “Full Metal Jacket,” that is nearly impossible! A brave undertaking.
DP Da Prophet – Forgive But Never Forget EP (Soundcloud/iTunes)
DP Da Prophet has a cloud of mystery that surrounds him in these streets. I’ve heard all sorts of stories; some say he’s worked with a lot of high up people, others say he has strong placements around the world, some people say he sucks, X Records is fake, his labels Live Forever Through Music and Malaco Music are a hustle, whatever. I chose to approach this project with an open mind, free of the influence of the hearsay. This is about music, and as a listener if you have a prejudice for any reason, drop it. Forgive But Never Forget is 5 tracks long, and despite its title, there wasn’t really any vengeful spirit or anger here. The first track, “Illmatic Dreams” featuring Rapper Big Pooh and Masspike Miles, is about music inspiring you to express yourself and succeed, about Hip-Hop being a positive motivating force in life. I like it, and I think its his best record on this project.
One thing that is noticeable on this project is that almost every track has someone singing on the hook. That’s not really my bag, but maybe its something you’ll dig. He has 2 tracks on here that are dedicated to the ladies, “Falling” and “Bedroom’s Our Spaceship” (which is oddly the final track). I think “Falling” is a better representation of growth and sentiment. I wasn’t too impressed by the features on this project; one guy sounds just like Juicy J. After showing you a lighter side of his personality and growth as a man, its a bit of a step back to hear D.P. breeze through such basic concepts, which seem to be more of an effort to give his labelmates a chance to shine than anything. Notably, the sound quality and mixing of this project are quite good, and I would expect nothing less. Next time I would like to see a stronger arrangement and consistency of content presented, as well as a solid conclusion to the project, and of course more D.P. Da Prophet, less singing, and less features. For now though D.P., I forgive you, but I wont forget what I’ll be looking for from you on your next release.
