After 2 years we have finally been able to hear a new album from the captain of OpM, Dom Kennedy. Once again he does not disappoint, but delivers us a great album to bump through the summer.
The album leaked a few hours earlier than the official release at midnight June 2, 2015. Fans were eager to share the links and let others hear the new vibes from the So Cal Rapper. This is the third studio album from Dom, no word yet if the album will be available in a hard copy version. Fans will just have to sit tight to see if the rapper releases some copies on his Website.
Now the album tracklist is shorter than a lot of his previous work. The album only consists of 11 songs
1. Daddy
2. My First Reply (Till It's Over)
3. On My Hometown / Nobody Else
4. Represent (I Like That)
5. What I Tell Kids
6. Fried Lobster Ft. Bonic
7. Thank You Biggie
8. Lemonade
9. 2 Bad
10. Alhambra
11. Posted In the Club (Extended)
The First cut of any album can often make or break your first impression. If you are struggling just to get into the first song then you probably won't be listening any further.
However Dom comes hot right out the gates on "Daddy" in typical Dom fashion. If you know Dom Kennedy, you know how often he makes references to his Hometown of Los Angeles. Dom calls out spots and even drops a shout out to T.D.E.'s Black Hippy (Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, & Ab-Soul.) Dom states how he could have had his album distributed by a major, but instead he rather keep all his royalties.
"My First Reply (Till It's Over)" has a distinct Old West Coast feel to it. Dom rips this beat while questioning "What the f*** is going on with this rap sh**." Dom asserts his position as a leader in the west by stating he is LA. This track is nothing but pure rap and offers us a chant that we can keep screaming all the way through summer till it's over.
"On My Hometown / Nobody Else" stays to the West Coast Feel with a heavy beat and claiming his hometown of Leimert Park. He name drops a lot of people that are from he same area he grew up. The side cut comes in at 2:25 and slows down and has a more "to the ladies feel."
"Represent (I Like That)" was released awhile back but comes in on this album at a great time for listeners who want to recite a few lyrics they know. This will prove to be a solid first single for Dom if he chooses to repackage the song again now that the album is out.
"What I Tell Kids" is a slower cut than the previous four, but this cut is not for the kids. He tells people to tuck they chains while in LA, this is also the first cut Bonic comes out and raps before his next appearance on the following track.
"Fried Lobster Ft. Bonic" Bonic and Dom connect again. There first time together was on Bonic's "Cherrios" which came out back in 2013. They have reconnected on another food named track but this one however gives us yet another great chant for the summer "I been getting fly all my life Spring, Fall, Winter, Summer."(This will be on someone's about me on the gram) Its no wonder why Dom chose Bonic as his only Feature, when these two come together they make nothing but pure hits.
"Thank You Biggie" is a tribute to the Notorious B.I.G. It offers many clean flows that we have come to expect from Dom Kennedy. Dom's flow on this is similar to many of his old tracks, which will please many of his older fans.
"Lemonade" has a potential to be not only a good summer chant with its chorus but a potential single Dom Kennedy could use for radio play. Many of Dom's Songs are not necessarily radio cuts with the exception of "My Type Of Party" off the
Yellow Album. This song is so simple but will prove to be a fan favorite.
"2 Bad" is definitely for the ladies. This track has all the making of the next big single for Dom Kennedy, not only will his male fans dig it but it will be sure to pull a female audience to his attention. If this is not on the radio yet be ready to hear it on a radio soon.
"Alhambra" Hey check it out, a city from the XIV is a track name. Alhambra located above Monterey Park and alongside Arcadia and Temple City, This city is famous for it Main St. Where its bar hopping scene is pretty small and full of locals. A few big shops also are on the Street, Solestage and The Attic, Alhambra is a relatively quiet and upscale neighborhood with a high asian population. This track is Dom saying when he retires he would like to move out there. This will defiently be a single many fans will gravitate towards with its heavy bass and simple rhyme scheme.
"Posted In the Club (Extended)" was released before the album dropped but it proves to tie this album up real nice with its slow melody aimed at proving if that girl is right one.
Overall the album is a great addition to his discography. Dom fans will be pleased with this new body of work and will chant his lyrics when they see him in concert. Dom is definitely a LA rapper and will continue to dominate the local scene, however will this album push Dom to be known on a more nationwide level. Not to say Dom isn't known across the nation or globe but will this album help grow his brand and push OpM to the next level. I give this album a 4.5 out of 5 because I find it to be a little too short and it left me wanting more, and we know Dom's work ethic it will be awhile till we get some new songs after this. However during this time with other artist's giving tracks almost every month can Dom keep up and stay relevant. Also unlike
Get Home Safely which had a Warriors cut after a few tracks and seemed to tie the album together these songs float together without a tie. Still though the body of work is very great and I can't complain about the mastering that was done, You should really check out the album if you haven't and keep updated with Dom on his social media @Dopeitsdom .
Rating: 4.5/5
Updates:
Dom Kennedy will be releasing a limited edition t-shirt with the Hundreds at their flagship store on Rosewood (7909 Rosewood).
Let me know if you agree with my review and stay tuned for updates on the THE ONE FOUR page.
-Puffy XIV
Twitter: @Chiiiefpuffy
Instagram: @PUFFYXIV
