There are those who are rappers and those who are lyricists and then there are those talented few, like Dxts, who can naturally fit into both categories.
Dxts, the 19 year old unsigned New Yorker from Queens is a very talented artist so it comes as no surprise that his first album, ‘Queens College’ features his rapping skill, seasoned with well-thought up lyrics and laid down on an eclectic mix of alternative hip hop and soul beats with traces of rock, pop and electro.
With a flow that can be described as soul cafe ‘rapoetry’, this up and coming artist can be named as a realist whose album welcomes us on his mental journey to experience his past year in New York through his mind.
As a result we are subject to his interesting thoughts manifested as lyrics, sometimes metaphorical, that dabbles with a variety of themes such as love in the song ‘Goodbye Paradise’ to the African American struggle in the militant style song ‘Chant’. Somehow the rapper/lyricist manages to appear conscious in tracks such as ‘The Plan’ but retains commercial elements by adding catchy hooks and well known samples from artists such as Yael Naim (Covering Britney Spears) and Ciara. This is a commendable tactic in ensuring that there is something for everyone.
This young rapper oozes confidence and why shouldn’t he? His definitive flow is catchy and easy on the ear yet his musical knowledge allows him to alter its intensity to suit a specific beat. Case in question, his track ‘Emotions’ is refined through its extensive annunciation and poetic flow to suit the alternative background music. This contrasts his track ’Laurelton’ in which his lyrics merge with a flow that can be described as cursive as it smoothly overrides the beat, somehow managing to be off and on beat all at the same time.
The man of many talents, who is also a visual artist, started rapping at the tender age of 10 and hails from a home which included a DJ father and a mother who loved soul music so it’s no wonder his album has an array of influences that include welsh band Florence and the Machine, Drake, The Dream and alternative hip hop artists such as Kid Cudi.
When interviewing the artist, who created and produced all the beats for his ‘Queens College’ album, he came across as very positive, focused on his goals and motivated by his own ability to create good music, describing his album as something to be proud of but even more so a platform to propel him to achieving greater outcomes.
He can definitely be described as a master of his art and the album ‘Queens College’ is concrete proof of this. To hear the album search DXTS on iTunes. You can also follow him on twitter @DxtsMusic. It will most definitely be a great investment to know that you followed this artist’s development on his way to Stardom!
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Written By:
C. Hunnigan
Songwriter and Music Blogger
LabSquared Media
