Album Review: D-M.A.U.B. “Inside Out”
D-M.A.U.B. “Inside Out”
Released: 2010
Reviewed By: A. Praiser
Committee Rating: 7.3 (of 10)
[xrr rating=7.3/10]
D-M.A.U.B. Is definitely a good emcee with a unique style and flow. His guest appearances on countless songs and CDs have always been done well and he stands out in whatever songs he’s been featured on.
This review will probably be a little different than most I do. Why? Because 1/3 of the songs on this “new” project are not new to us, the Gospel hip hop community. While I understand that these tracks are being released nationally for the first time, songs like Let’s Go, F.R.E.S.H., So Professional, People Crazy and I’m Fly were all featured on indie releases or mixtapes put out by D.. Welcome to the Good and the Bad of marketing and promotions I guess.
The Good – The indie releases were promoted heavily in the Christian Hip Hop community. For example, this is the third appearance of F.R.E.S.H. that I can remember. Rap Fest Presents – Volume 2, Urban Legends and now here. To be fair though, when these songs were initially introduced to listeners they were all good songs.
Bad – Same as the good (already out there) with the following statement added; “I can’t get excited over stuff I’ve heard a year or more ago”. As a reviewer I am looking for new, not re-released, stuff. Don’t get me wrong, congrats on the national distribution deal. (applause) I just feel short-changed.
I can probably best describe this project as an upgrade. I already have the project installed. The upgrade version has some additional features. (In this case, songs). Can I buy an upgrade only version at a lesser price?
On to the music. “Get My Name Out Your Mouth”: For some reason this song comes across like one you can expect to be written by a HHH church goer. Man, how do I explain that? It’s difficult to explain but the most I can say is this… I question the intent behind this song. Is there some hidden beef going on we don’t know about? I mean, that’s what it sounds like to me. Who’s talking about D-M.A.U.B? Why? And what are they saying? Not to mention the fact that the 50% sounding like K-Drama’s Air Jordan song is a distraction. First time listeners will be impressed but not followers of the HHH genre. It really sounds a lot like Air Jordan music.
As far as production, Tony Stone’s genius on “Death Before Dishonor” was a nice touch. Totally unexpected style and sound. The flow layered on top of the music fits perfectly. Most other productions and songs on the project are predictably average in sound and feel.
After the first 2-3 songs, what I would consider to be creative and unique of D- M.A.U.B.’S flow becomes too common and somewhat predictable. I find myself speaking speaking double double half way through the CD CD.
“I Got Bread” featuring K Nine and Kambino was very refreshing. I think the presence of a different voice and flow added to the mix made it work for me.
“Dad (feat: J Reign)” is an awesome track. The hook says it all..
“I ain’t saying that I’m happy or sad I’m just fed up with you deadbeat dads”
These are the kind of songs that we need more of. Songs that speak on real life topics from a Christian perspective. Not sugar-coating the truth but laying it out there straight up.
K Drama, Mr. Del and D Maub on a track sounds exciting even before listening to it. The song, Drop It, is definitely one of them fun tracks. Knowing how K-Drama has been operating lately I can only imagine a “DROP IT” dance vide coming next.
I don’t want to come down too hard on D – M.A.U.B. because I actually like his music. I am just disappointed with the project as I expected something different.
First time listeners get ready… You will LOVE this project…
HHH Followers, you will love the NEW tracks on this but don’t look for too much NEWness in here.
I’m actually looking forward to reading other reviews as they surface. Preferably a review by someone being turned on to D for the first time via this project.
Music: 7.5 of 10
Flow / Delivery: 7.5 of 10
Lyricism: 6 of 10
Content: 7 of 10
Creativity / Originality / Relevancy: 7.5 of 10
Credibility / Confidence: 7 of 10
Personality / Character: 7.5 of 10
Presentation Quality: 8 of 10
Overall Production Quality: 7.5 of 10
Potential Impact: 7.5 of 10
