Dopeazzmuzik – D.O.P.E. 50 Cal. (Album Review)

The rapper/producer shows new sides of himself across a wide variety of hard-hitting beats and fiery verses.

Multitalented rapper and producer Dopeazzmuzik, hailing from Oakland California, has cemented a reputation for himself as a stand-out act in the underground Hip-Hop music scene since 2016 through his record label Bizarre Muzik Group, and also as half of the music duo Westside Konnext. His 2024 album D.O.P.E. 50 Cal is the perfect vessel through which to highlight the artist’s signature gritty music style, easy flow and expert skills in composition and music production. Containing an impressive eighteen tracks and featuring several collaborations with other gems of the scene, the album is sure to appeal to followers of Dopeazzmuzik as well as anyone who enjoys no holds barred, intense Hip-Hop with stellar production value.

The rapper explodes into action on the swaggering introductory track ‘Just In Case U Ain’t Know’, which announces Dopeazzmuzik’s arrival with a pounding bass track and boastful lyrics. This first track does well to set the tone for the album; something that is picked up by the bouncy ‘No Brixx’, which shines with playful rhythms and the artist’s effortless flow.

In ‘Kutless (Intro)’ a suave vocal line perfectly leads into the thumping of ‘Kutless Supreme’, whose relentless beat allows the track to hit even harder with the rapper’s no-nonsense delivery, creating a groove that will prove irrepressible to listeners. Likewise, the rapper turns up the heat on ‘Return of the Maxk’, which sees the rapper revelling in his hard-earned lifestyle (“I’m a dope ass ***** this is Dopeazzmuzik”) over a restrained guitar accompaniment, while the fast-paced ‘Da Wrong One’ sees the artist trading innuendo with fellow rapper Isaiah AM; ensuring a sure-fire banger for anyone listening.

Alternately, a smooth guitar sample lends ’50 Cal’ a breezy air as the rapper easily injects a healthy dose of charisma into this fresh soundscape; utilising a light, steady flow that ensures the track’s main hook (“Bay in my blood keep a ***** cold, ice in his water keeps a ***** froze….”) is as addictive as possible and keeps listeners hooked on the rapper’s versatility and skilled change-up of flow. This leads seamlessly into the old-school sounds of ‘Big Ps’, as the rapper enlists the help of Dubble Bag Dorino for the first out of their three collaborations on the album. Both rappers forge their own flows on top of a lively backing track while generating an electric synergy that lends the song plenty of buzz.

Dopeazzmuzik turns introspective on ‘Major Payne’ and ‘Fried’; addressing a tough childhood, low points in his career (“2020 had me borrowing from my little cousin”) and a determination to work hard to achieve the best future he could (“Everybody gets knocked down, but once you get hit, can you get back up?). Dreamily mellow soundscapes give these tracks the emotional weight needed to make these hints of vulnerability hit even harder, while likely resonating with many listeners.

The musician ensures that audiences are kept jamming with the intense verses of ‘All The Smoke’ featuring O’Flame, the insistent groove of a creeping piano in ‘Going Live’ again with Dubble Bag Dorino and the slightly more restrained but still hype ‘International Pimpin’. This all serves as a well-calculated lead-up to ‘Upper Echelon’; a suave track originally released as a single in March 2024 and featuring Razor and Smooth Tha Dude. The track from the beginning overflows with an abundance of energy from Dopeazzmuzik and Smooth Tha Dude’s fierce raps interspersed with singer Razor’s distinct R&B-tinged vocals as the trio revel in their status as members of a thriving underground Hip-Hop scene (“Put some respect on my name when you say it”).

‘Top Ten’ with Dubble Bag Dorino echoes this pride at being at the top of their game with plenty of playful lyrical quips (“Catch me blingin’ like a sequin”) over a chill, slow tempo instrumental; creating a stimulating yet cool listening experience. However, the rapper still clearly recognises and appreciates the struggle it takes to keep bringing in the cash as a full-time musician as evidenced on the stylish ‘Dope Ass Nxgga’ (“Money brings power, power brings money…”) but as always, Dopeazzmuzik delivers this down-to-earth message with as much character and swaggering style as he is known for.

The rapper chooses to end his album with the two songs ‘A Nxggaz Prayer’ and ‘Survivors Remorse’, which tackles the senselessness of gang violence (“My life over yours, why’d you even bother?”) as well as his desire to be a positive influence on his children (“Survivors remorse now I’m a role model”). These are two powerful messages that deserve to be heard, particularly punctuating the end of the labour of love and passion for music that is this album.

Score/Excellent: Dopeazzmuzik never fails to deliver upbeat, fierce tracks that stand out for their colourful depictions of life at the top of the underground scene. Even though he excels in exploring this gritty music style, he’s also not afraid to challenge serious topics; revealing that under his tough exterior, he’s still only human.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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