Album Review: Dark Lane Demo Tapes

I should really call this a ‘Mixtape Review’ - Drake’s surprised us all with this release, considering his studio album is set to be dropped this summer. The title sums it up pretty well. This collection of ‘Demo Tapes’ definitely is not as cohesive as his studio albums - true to its name, many of the songs have a dark, brooding tone, but we do get the more upbeat interjections such as the artist’s recent hit single ‘Toosie Slide’. Drake did receive criticism, which I believe is warranted, for the single’s lack of content; it is a rather generic dance song basically manufactured for success on TikTok. Having said this, I think the mixtape as a whole is not to be slept on. It may not have the same sort of flow that we’ve seen on previous releases, and while I won’t be listening to it on repeat back to back (as I did More Life), I definitely have my favourites saved. Here’s a quick rundown:

Deep Pockets, the first song on the tape reminded me immediately of the first disc of Scorpion, the soundtrack to my junior summer. Granted, the backing is somewhat repetitive, but this draws more attention to such lyrical gold as “Got me ready to flip the F out like Fendi” (I don’t know about you, but my midterm season mood for sure). And speaking of, the steady and unvarying beat makes it the perfect study song.

When To Say When and Chicago Freestyle begin to change up the tone of the tape with the former being somewhat upbeat and the latter more melancholic. I loved the flow on both tracks, which were released together a couple months ago. The sample used in When To Say When really makes it pop, as do Giveon’s vocals in Chicago Freestyle.

I wish I could say the same for Chris Brown’s feature in Not You Too, as we get the first few duds on what has so far been a fulfilling tape. Nothing much to say about this song, pretty generic, pretty forgettable. Toosie Slide, as discussed, is not a favourite of mine either, though I will admit it is pretty catchy. And Future on Desires leaves much to be desired - his vocals don’t add much to Drake’s so, again, this one is not a standout for me.

Things pick up with Time Flies. Super catchy, Drake’s rap-singing on this track reminds my somewhat of ‘Feel No Ways’ on Views. Landed follows with a fast and aggressive beat, a good one for the running playlist. So far I haven’t been giving much love to the collaborations on this mixtape, but D4L, featuring Future and Young Thug was a game changer for me. Such a dynamic track, the beat, vocals, tempo… it all comes together amazingly.

This mixtape is truly like pick and mix… Pain 1993 and From Florida With Love failed to impress, perhaps because we’re past the 30 minute mark on the tape and the sounds are inevitably beginning to get repetitive. Yet wedged in between these tracks is my favourite one on here, Losses. In the longest composition on Dark Lane, Drake goes deep, reminiscing over a broken friendship. The lyrics and backing make for a calm and purposeful rap that has me contemplating who did Drake dirty.

We get another abrupt change of tune in the artist’s penultimate track Demons, which marks a move towards drill-style music as Drake closes out Dark Lane in style with War. Is that a British accent? To be honest, the first time I heard the final track, released around Christmas, I had to confirm I was listening to Drake and not British drill. Some great lines on this freestyle too - give the man his British citizenship already.

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While Dark Lane as a whole may not be as polished as Drake’s past projects, the artist does address this on his Instagram. Composed of ‘leaks’, ‘joints from SoundCloud’ and ‘new vibes’, it is clear we shouldn’t judge it to the same standard as we would an album of his, and we certainly shouldn’t be comparing it previous releases. In an interview with Lil Wayne, Drake commented that rather than just releasing a single, he “felt like people would appreciate maybe a body of something to listen to”. I think he hit the nail right on the hammer here - quarantine has really got me In My Feelings and craving new music. This release if anything has acted as a teaser for Drake’s upcoming album, which I am highly anticipating.

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Music Mondays: Temisan Osowa (r_ckl_ss)

For this week's iteration of Music Mondays, we wanted to bring things closer to home and feature one of UChicago's very own alumnus, performing artist Temisan Osowa! 

So Temi, why don’t you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi, Iʼm Temisan, Temi for short. I graduated from UChicago last Spring as a Psychology Major, PreMed. Iʼm a musician; while I enjoy playing the saxophone and used to play piano, my current passion is being a singer/songwriter. My artist name is currently r_ckl_ss, which comes from a nickname my best/first friend from UChicago gave to me before school started. The underscores/lack of vowels come from some of my favorite artists like dvsn and spzrkt. I thought it looked cool and mysterious and artistic haha, and I wanted a cool name.

“...then I delved deep into the world of Hip-Hop, and became enamored. The way that so many stories are told, so many soundscapes explored, the entire culture and movement surrounding Hip-Hop, narratives and perspectives shared and lived, as well as the raw and passionate nature of the music genre drew me in.”

How did you begin your interest in music?
In high school, my best friend named Josh started introducing me to all sorts of music. At the time, I had only really listed to a small amount of Punk Rock, as well as a heavy dose of R&B (my first love). But then I delved deep into the world of Hip-Hop, and became enamored. The way that so many stories are told, so many soundscapes explored, the entire culture and movement surrounding Hip-Hop (whether that be fashion aspects, dance, social, historical, etc.), narratives and perspectives shared and lived, as well as the raw and passionate nature of the music genre drew me in. It, and music in general, is such a powerful and unique tool and way of communication. Then as a student here, I naturally tried my hand at music for fun, especially with friends like TR!C, Chief Wicked, and KSwiz doing such incredible things. I didnʼt take myself seriously as an artist until this summer/ fall when Atrician (TR!C) pushed me to do a few freestyles and verses, and realize that I had a talent beyond being a music consumer/curator.

How would you describe your music or personal signature?
My music signature is hip-hop inspired R&B, or alt R&B. While I listen to a decent number of genres of music, those two to three genres are the modes I find myself most comfortable and connected. While I like to Rap, I am not necessarily a thoroughbred singer, and I am always trying to improve and focus on flows and lyricism, most likely due to my musical background. Simple but effective songwriting as well as melody are the most important aspects of music to me, and that shows in the type of music I am making.

Who and what are your music inspirations? Do you have a favorite genre?
As I said earlier, R&B was my first love in music (Trey Songz and Chris Brown were always on repeat). The Weeknd and Frank Ocean, as well as PND (PARTYNEXTDOOR) were some of my earliest influences/favorite artists, and I naturally aspire(d) to make music like them. As of late though, I have found that my artistic and musical voice has started to sound like some other, relatively more low-key artists like Travis Scott, NAV, Amir Obe, Blackbear, and Eli Sostre. They are some incredible artists and song-writers who have a great aesthetic aspect to their music that suits me.

What’s your current favorite song or album?
My current favorite songs are Chanel by Frank Ocean, Love Galore by SZA and Travis Scott, Let You Go by Eli Sostre, Pull Up With Ah Stick by SahBabii, Teenage Fever by Drake, and Every Kind of Way by H.E.R. My favorite albums from this year is probably More Life by Drake, DAMN. by Kendrick Lamar, and blkswn by Smino.

How has or has not UChicago impacted your journey as an artist?
UChicago is a place where I feel like almost every single student and individual is forced to do a significant amount of personal reflection and growth. All of those life experiences Iʼve had over the past four years, as well as the setting of living in Hyde Park, Chicago has given me so much to write about. Chicago, UChicago, Hyde Park, are all such inspiring environments. Itʼs a dream for an artist to be quite honest… in my humble opinion.

“Music is an escape, it is a cathartic experience. Listening or making music feels like everything that is pent up within me finally gets a real, true release.”

To sum up this interview, how would you describe your relationship with music, now and in the future?
Music is one of the most important things in the world to me. Music has played a significant role in my identity, my interaction with culture, connections with people, and has become the best way for me to express my thoughts and emotions… originally through other peopleʼs music, and now through making my own. Dropping my first song on New Years was one of the best decisions of my life, pursuing passions is a must! Music is an escape, it is a cathartic experience. Listening or making music feels like everything that is pent up within me finally gets a real, true release. The opportunity to make and consume art just makes me so happy, is so exciting, and give me a sense of fulfillment. While I will now be working and positioning myself to attend medical school in the near future, music will always play an important role in my life. I will continue to make and heavily consume music, continue to grow, and continue to expand my horizons.

All images via Temisan Osowa

Gospel – Rich Chigga’s Back Again

After the rapid-fire fuego that was Dat $tick, Who That Be, Seventeen, and Back At It, Rich Chigga has fired another single into the hip-hop world with Gospel. Featuring on the track are XXXtentacion and Keith Ape, who are both controversial in their own right.

XXXtentacion’s claim to fame was the song Look At Me!, which is easily one of the hardest songs of the year, both musically and lyrically. During the success of this song however, X was sitting in jail, awaiting trial for a variety of crimes, including aggravated and domestic battery. This hasn’t done anything to stop his success though, as his song has racked up 63 million plays on Spotify and 42 million on YouTube.

 Keith Ape is a Korean rapper whose song It G Ma propelled him to fame in the K-hip hop scene. He was accused of using black imagery and cultural appropriation to sell records by OG Maco, but has since worked things out with the rapper (by giving him royalty rights lmao).

The song itself features a bass-heavy trap beat with each rapper taking a separate verse, starting with X and rounding out with Rich Chigga. Each rapper stays true to their roots, with XXXtentacion maintaining a harder vibe and Keith Ape rapping in both Korean and English (go killer whales). Overall, a pretty solid track that you should give a listen here.

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