Reviews

Review: Washington DZ by FMB DZ

Published

6 years ago

September 17, 2017

Weasel

Midway through the opening track “Hard To Kill” you’ll likely panic because it sounds like FMB DZ is out of breath. Are you about to hear him pass out on the track? Have no fear. This sense of morbid anticipation becomes a trademark of the listening experience of the album because DZ’s delivery reeks with excitement – he’s anxious to get his message out. Going into the album, if you don’t know much about the Detroit rapper, you’ll learn plenty enough to decide whether you like him or not. Judging by the project’s content, I’m pretty sure you will. By making use of some surprising instrumentation and keeping things short and sweet, DZ manages to gift a package that appetizes just enough to make the world eagerly anticipate another project.

DZ’s delivery could best be described as the perfect mix of guttural and smooth. It helps that he delivers at such a brisk pace because it covers up a lack of lyrical depth that other reviewers would knock off points for. I understand that not all rap music has to be an exercise in deciphering lyrics on Genius, so I find DZ’s content to be perfectly fine. He’s in the business of lifestyle and scenario raps, not verbal hieroglyphics. When he comes in at the beginning of any track, he comes prepared to kill: and that he does. His entrance on “Can’t Hang” plays off of the synths in the background nicely, almost as if he’s sneaking onto the microphone. The best comparison that can be derived would be Yung Gleesh, if Glessh put effort into his extremely casual raps. Of the two, DZ definitely has a leg up.

“Can’t Hang” is a noticeable stand out because of its relatively short length and complexity. Although the tracklist, in terms of song length, follows the pattern set on this song, the production quality varies. The simplistic production on “The Run” makes it sounds more like noise than the backhand support for DZ’s fierce, yet relaxed delivery. Elsewhere, on “Turn Around,” a similar production style is used – almost to the same, somewhat messy effect. But in both instances, DZ’s bars come through to save the day. On the latter track, DZ raps “I don’t give a fuck about your big homie/Big Bully on me, can’t no nigga out here pick on me” invoking the feelings of paranoia, acceptance, and bravado he projects onto listeners.

Aside from these two tracks, the production is surprisingly good. The prominent feature of snare drums on each track cuts across his vocals in a loud, brash statement that probably wouldn’t work for other rappers. Here, it acts as a metronome that DZ constantly refocuses and reshapes his verses around. Maybe the effect is unintentional, but it makes each listen very interesting because you can hear where he’s reformatting things. There’s also some serious piano play here, and a surprising saxophone appearance on “Voices” that sounds nothing short of beautiful. Producers on the project put in some serious work to lace DZ with their best work.

At 14 tracks, the project feels just right. DZ wrapped things up on a speedy note but left fans anticipating more. In an age where artists care more about streams – so they stuff releases with 20+ tracks – someone who realizes the value in creating a tightly put together package is very appreciated. Once the ending rolls around, you’ll be prepared to give it another spin – and you won’t feel exhausted.

By keeping it concise, DZ has created a project that’s both a joy to listen to and easily replayable. Questionable production on a couple of tracks isn’t enough to take away from interesting experimentation and DZ’s unique delivery. This should be the project that brings him to the forefront of both Detroit and mainstream rap success.

Reviews

Los Cabos Premier Jazz Experience, “The Life Luxe Experience”, Announces New Date and Exciting Additions

Published

4 days ago

March 27, 2023

Weasel

The black, female-owned jazz experience, The Life Luxe Experience, has just announced, November 2-6, 2023 as the new date for their annual event held in the relaxing city of Los Cabos, Mexico. The Life Luxe Experience has always created its weekend event based on the needs and desires of its guests, many who, despite a desire to attend, found the dates in conflict with important personal milestones.

“We believe that what makes the Life Luxe Experience different from other jazz events is our special connection with our guests“, said CEO and Co-Founder Dianna Clarkson. “Our experiences are curated based on our knowledge of who our guests are and through listening to their feedback. Many guests have told us that they will come to a Life Luxe Experience no matter when it is held. however, after scheduling the event in May, we received lots of feedback that they preferred coming to Los Cabos in November. With that in mind, we made the decision to move the 2023 event back to our November date and we plan to keep it there for years to come“.

The Life Luxe Experience is an upscale and urbane event created to celebrate the best of culture, cuisine, and creativity while highlighting the universal influence of jazz. After receiving feedback about the current talent steering away from their traditionally jazz-focused lineup, they have decided to go back to their roots by highlighting the best acts in jazz and soul. This bucket list-worthy event offers the ultimate getaway by pairing an upscale, international destination with 5-star accommodations, fine haute cuisine, top-shelf libations, breathtaking golf, spa, health and wellness workshops, curated experiences around Los Cabos.

Stop time in its tracks and indulge yourself in a weekend complete with all of the necessary luxuries and experiences needed to delight your senses and fill your soul.

Learn more about The Life Luxe Experience and the LuxeUp custom packages offered for guests here: www.LifeLuxeExp.com

Reviews

Perfect Distro is the Ideal Option for Independent Artists at Every Level

Published

1 week ago

March 25, 2023

Weasel

Founded in 2021 by John Nichols, Perfect Distro has become one of the fastest-rising distribution companies in the industry. Nichols has a bevy of experience distributing music after partnering with musical heavyweights like QC, Warner Music Group, Atlantic Records, Alamo Records, Think It’s A Game Records, Freebandz, 300 ENT, Young Money Records, and many more. His success led him to become one of the industry’s go-to for mixtape streaming, marketing, and advertising.

His most significant accomplishments include Lil Wayne’s ‘Sorry 4 Tha Wait 2, Meek Mill’s DC4, and most notably, Lil Baby’s hit smash, “Freestyle.” To date, Nichols has helped facilitate over 1,000 project releases. After a two-year hiatus, he is back with his latest endeavor in partnership with Vydia. Perfect Distro has accrued over 50 artists and influencers to the roster since opening in 2022. Not only do they collect and distribute music, but the company also focuses on music business education. Creatives can use the platform to collect YouTube revenue, and the same for social media. They have hosted countless showcases and look to keep their foot on the gas in the upcoming years.

Perfect Distro distributes content to all Digital Service Platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, JPay, iHeart Radio & many more. Look out for more from the distribution giant shortly.

Learn more at Perfect Distro’s website.

Reviews

THE 1975 TO PLAY BIGGEST EVER UK HEADLINE SHOW AT FINSBURY PARK THIS SUMMER

Published

2 months ago

February 13, 2023

Weasel

The 1975 today announce their biggest ever UK headline show at London’s Finsbury Park this summer, alongside a truly brilliant line-up of acts joining them for a monumental day of music for 40,000+ fans.

The event takes place on Sunday, 2 July 2023 and The 1975 will be supported by acts including Texan dream-pop band Cigarettes After Sex, New Jersey rock outfit Bleachers, electronica-pop act The Japanese House and emo-rock band American Football, for a day of unbeatable live music, with even more acts to be announced imminently. Tickets go on general sale Friday 17^th February HERE.

Formed in Manchester in 2002, The 1975 have firmly established themselves as an act at the forefront of their generation. The band has been crowned ‘Best Group’ at the BRIT Awards twice and won the Award for Best Rock/Alternative Act at this year’s 2023 ceremony. Their fifth album ‘Being Funny in a Foreign Language’ was their fifth consecutive no.1 album in the UK. Just last month, the band completed a UK leg of their ‘At Their Very Best’ tour, including two dates at London’s O2 Arena, to wide critical acclaim. They will now headline London’s Finsbury Park after initial plans to do so in 2020 were scuppered by the global pandemic.

The 1975’s five-album career has encompassed glossy pop, punk, garage rock, electro-funk, country and so much more. The English rockers have designed a unique approach to songwriting and amassed an incredible following and ardent fanbase through their music which explores mental health, addiction, climate change and nihilism – to reference just a few songs. Latest album, 2022’s ‘Being Funny In A Foreign Language’, was praised for its enigmatic and ‘contradictory’ songcraft and their viral ‘At Their Very Best Tour’ not only executed a show-within-a-show concept whilst delivering a tirade of hits, but featured Taylor Swift as a surprise guest at one London show.

2023’s most famous British band promise only more showstopping moments this summer at London’s Finsbury’s Park, and they will not be alone. The band is bringing with them an array of acts with their own unique takes on pop and rock for an unsurpassable day of live music in N4, London.

Cigarettes After Sex hail from El Paso, Texas, and released their debut eponymous album in 2017 after recording it over three days in Brooklyn, NYC. Their music has been hailed for its modern take on romance and bringing together dream pop with elements of alt-country – all with a serious edge. Singer Greg Gonzalez powerful and distinct voice has reverberated across countless countries around the world, and will come to Finsbury Park this July as part of a string of global shows across Mexico, China and more.

Described as “anthemic, life affirming pop rock” by the New York Times, Bleachers are fronted by eight-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, musician, and producer, Jack Antonoff. Releasing their debut album ‘Strange Desire’ in 2014, the band have built a huge following across three studio albums, becoming renowned for their impressive live show. As a songwriter and producer, Antonoff, who, in 2021, was credited by the BBC for having“ redefined pop music,” has collaborated with the likes of Diana Ross, Taylor Swift, The 1975, Lorde, St. Vincent, Florence + The Machine, Lana Del Rey, Kevin Abstract and many more.

The solo project of London-based singer-songwriter Amber Bain, The Japanese House made their first foray into music after being introduced to The 1975’s Matty Healy – and went on to release a pair of EPs with the band’s label Dirty Hit in 2015. Debut album ‘Good At Falling’ followed in 2019, bringing together Bain’s dreamy take on electronica into a shimmering collection of songs which cemented The Japanese House as a true pioneer in British music with incredible promise.

American Football released their first album back in 1999 during college before disbanding and reuniting 15 years later, having quietly amassed a consistently growing fanbase on the underground / emo scene. Their album was later honoured by Rolling Stone as one of the ’40 greatest emo albums of all time’ and described by Pitchfork as one of the most influential in its genre. Their influence only continues to grow and music fans can expect a journey through the past, present and future of emo from their set at Finsbury Park this July.

There are many more acts to be added to the bill imminently. With so much on offer from acts at the forefront of their genres, music fans will not want to miss out on what is set to be one of the most talked about live events of the summer.

Tickets for the Finsbury Park show go on pre-sale from 9am Wednesday 15^th February (HERE), and on general sale from 9am Friday 17^th February.