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Heavyweight: Volume 1 (Preview)
After a couple of light mentions on the site, decided to go ahead and present a more thorough look at Dank Sinatra‘s music to readers. He offered up his Heavyweight: Volume 1 project for review. It is a joint effort he created with Ran Rich. It contains a total of 17 tracks and is moderately inspired by the infamous Mike Tyson. Hence the cover art. Continue onward to find out what tracks The Illixer feels best represents the collective as well as some overall sentiments about the project.
“Suppose To Be”
The production here is quality. The low key base, featherweight background elements, mild mannered tempo, and carefree vibe work harmoniously together. The hook is decent too. The delivery is magnetic and the lyrics are easy to remember. The verses are solid. Dank Sinatra takes on the first verse and Ran Rich zones out on the second. Both artists contribute recognizable flows, moderate wordplay, and smooth rhymes. They paint idealistic portrayals of what the good life should be like. A handful of lines to take note of are: “Ain’t got a gun to my head but she blow minds. Ain’t got no cable in the room but it’s show time. I’m living good, smoking good, with my feet up. Dank came a long way from that free lunch. Dank came a long way from that green bus. I’m chasing cash. Keep that pu**y. Let my team f–k. Living the fast life. Can you keep up? And they keep coming back. Call it re-up.” Those are some legitimate bars right there. Overall, this song is on point.
“Grape Swishers”
This track opens up with a candid clip from a Mike Tyson interview. From there the production kicks in. The production here is choice. The subtle foundation, street savvy supporting ingredients, trendy rhythm, and breezy vibe make for a four star mixture. The hook is valid as well. The delivery is engaging and the lyrics are fetching. The verses are adequate. The duo utilize laid back flows, commendable wordplay, and orthodox rhymes. They create an anthem that is perfect for just riding around and kicking it. A sprinkling of rewindable lines are: “Them Swishers used to puff pass those. Now a n—a skate past hoes. Guess the way that my cash flows make people think I’m an asshole. But they lame fam, so go figure. I’m a keep it G with my n—as. Don’t waste no time on these hoes. But you can catch me out with my n—as. Them the same n—as that I go to when it’s hard times that I go through. Used to be around some true snake boys. When it’s hard times they don’t know you. That’s why all I sweat is them figures.” One has to respect the pure truth in those words right there. All in all, this is an authentic offering.
“You Ever”
The production here is satisfactory. It is comprised of: a quiet bass-line, complimentary musical details, a mellow gait, and a thought provoking vibe. The hook is striking. The delivery is clean cut and the lyrics pose raw questions. The verses are efficient. The guys serve up polished flows, respectable wordplay, and enlightening rhymes. They do a noble job of bringing light and hope to the struggle. An excerpt from their insight includes: “The devil in me tell the Lord to keep it sanctified. When I look I see the pain in my brother’s eyes. 30 years old. No goals. Still bagging dimes. I hear the preacher trying to reach us but he telling lies. (…) Half of my team in the grave or the penal. And when your money up everybody be around. I see these kids in the hood out here selling water. Mama smoked they whole check. Never seen they father. Been making bad decisions lately. I ain’t thinking clear. But wipe your tears. We can make it if we persevere.” The heavy sentiment within those lines right there is very stirring. In the end, this is a deep record as well as a site favorite.
“Be On”
This serves as the final song on the collective. The production here is fair. It entails: an instrument driven structure, atmospheric components, a fluent pace, and a serene vibe. The hook is customary. The vocals are nice on the ears and the lyrics are forthright. The verses are becoming. The pair dish out refined flows, proper wordplay, and gratifying rhymes. They lay out the particulars on what it’s like to deal with sheisty people in a down to earth manner. Some lines to be aware of include: “Money gone and these boys be ghost. I don’t see ya. Dank real, if you get in a jam I won’t leave ya. Fake friends like a felony case I don’t need ya. Summer coming so I went to the store. Got more heaters. Ain’t no thing. If you looking for beef, I’m gone feed ya. Like a Donald Goines book, ya know I’m gone read ya. Everybody trying to join the team. They can’t beat ya.” Those are some first-rate bars right there. As a whole, this is a mint way to close out the project.
**My Two Cents: Heavyweight: Volume 1 is a sufficient collaborative offering. The production is copacetic but could be just slightly more versatile. The content is fresh. Dank Sinatra and Rich Ran work finely as a unit while at the same time maintaining their individual personas. Additionally, they provide highly likable content that would appeal to just about any type of Hip-Hop fan. They could afford to switch up their subject matter just a tad though. I think stepping outside of the box and doing some experimenting will take them to another level altogether. But I’m definitely digging the LP in it’s entirety and believe readers should hit the link at the start of the post for the preview. For the scoop on how to get a copy of the album, readers can hit Dank up on Twitter (see above). And stay tuned for more from the 414 talent. He is gearing up to drop a brand new gem called Community Service sometime in the very near future. -MinM
