Damani Nkosi’s Thoughtful King opens with his father explaining how he picked his son’s name from African naming book—opting for a moniker originating from Yoruba as opposed to what he called, “that European nonsense.” It’s a fitting way to begin a somewhat unorthodox project powered by a deceptively simple concept of sincere lyrics matched with quality production. The trio of Warryn “Baby Dubb” Campbell, Ricky Lewis and Jairus Mosey supply the latter, which is consistently soulful and melodic.
Dating back to his most visible mainstream moment alongside Kurupt and Soopafly on 2001’s Space Boogie: Smoke Odyssey, Damani’s effectiveness has always been rooted in a deliberate flow that was endearing without being simple or overly wordy. Whereas his subsequent Dubb Union days were highlighted by boasts peppered with humor about pleasuring your girl, he’s repurposed the same smooth delivery with a noticeable change in subject matter. As its title implies, Thoughtful King is centered on the principles of personal growth and reflection. The messages don’t come across as heavy-handed or evangelical (even when referencing the biblical Saul of Tarsus), because Damani opts to apply the lessons to his own life as opposed to forcing “conscious” Raps upon the listener. He comfortably shifts into storytelling mode with “On My Way To Inglewood” and “Through Me,” hinting at a skill set that was likely underutilized as a role player among the post-Death Row Dogg Pound affiliates.
“The dro feels the air / Depressed and found comfort as a player, yeah that was me pitiful / Prideful young minded, blinded by the allure of a whore / Wildin’ on tour / I had a couple dollars, but my spirit was poor,” Damani rhymes on “A Man.” It fits the general tenor of the album with a vibe that is autobiographical and vulnerable without being weak or effeminate.
Gospel, Soul, and Funk heavily inspired Death Row’s peak material—complete with note bending vocals, live instrumentation and lush melodies—even as vocalists like the late Nate Dogg were harmonizing about not giving a fuck and bitches not being shit. You can still pick out those influences, such as the interpolation of El De Barge’s “Love Me In A Special Way” (“Now That’s Love”), but the gangsta edges have smoothed by the combination of varied subject matter and international influences from Russia, Prague and France. There’s even a modern interpretation of Marcos Valle’s “Samba de Verão” (“So Nice”). All of the above are seamlessly weaved together by the album’s producers, who collectively boast multiple Grammy awards and nominations.
Damani’s last notable release, 2010’s free album, Vacation From Vacation came and went with little fanfare. And in a frustratingly crowded marketplace, Thoughtful King could share a similar fate. That would be a shame, as the Inglewood, California product has crafted a uniquely excellent album steeped in the principles of Hip Hop. It’s accessible to practically any audience yet compromises nothing. When conversations arise about 2014’s best albums, listeners may very well join Mr. Washington in bringing up his son’s name.
Thoughtful King is available for stream at DJBooth.net.
Love his music and he has a AWESOME SOUND AND VIBE..He deserved a GRAMMY
Love his music and sound. Future GRAMMY WINNER
We should always support growth and development!
Yooooo, I jus heard this album thru a stream….Waaaaay different vibe than I expected! Its like a breath of fresh air #realhiphop
I am really digging his music — so far so good. !
Anyone know this cat’s background? If he’s a Dlamini, me might be kin to me…
Guess real music is making a comeback. Much respect
must b sum good shit to get almost perfect.
Wow, Dopest shit Ive heard in a while, Hope he wins a Grammy for this!
This dude is a f***ing breath of fresh air. These ppl nowadays don’t have any SUBSTANCE what’s so ever and we hear bullsh*t all on the radio all day everyday. THIS IS REAL MUSIC!
Nas meets CL Smooth. His style is derivative and the production is cheesy. I really don’t understand what y’all see in him. Same rating as Good Kid, m.A.A.d City? I don’t think so.
Wow harsh? I don’t see how anyone can not see what we are all applauding this work for. I get we all don’t have the same taste but this has all the elements that many of us have been dying for. Only sad part to me is that there aren’t a half dozen artist who can provide similar material to us. Now we’ll have to wait for another 5 years for another gem like this to come out lmao
This album is INCREDIBLE, and in my opinion, represents TRUE hip-hop. It’s refreshing to hear youthful music full of soul, class, and love again instead of the trash out right now. I bet this album get a Grammy!
This dude is DOPE!!
It is truly enlightening and refreshing to hear the passion and struggle reflected in his lyrics. I have been searching for great music, with a great vibe!!! Soulful music and I’ve found it with this artist. He is truly a virtuoso! Keep it coming I want more…
Wow, finally some real hiphop out here!! Skills are above and beyond, tracks are mood setting and nastalgic. Purchasing………right now!!!!!!
Wow, esto si es hiphop! Las habilidades son mas aya de lo que me imaginaba
PHENOMENAL! LYRICAL STYLE AND MUSIC UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE OUT THERE THESE DAYS! REFRESHING TO SEE AN ARTIST STEP OUT OF THE NORM AND DO SOMETHING WITH SUCH PROFOUND SPIRIT.
This is dope but I wouldnt say its original.. peep this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh3eEBpNBWY
Real music that’s fresh and thoughtful — a clean sweep.
I was ready to hate just from c’n the rating but Nah son is nice + its different from everything in the rap game right now! New Fan. Out.
dope
Super Dope! Thoughtfully created ……
This is fresh breath, good album front to back.
This joint overrated, it does has a dope jazz feel with the production, he can ryhme but, shit is kinda boring front to back.
its boring cause your wet behind the ears kid, you with the new school hooks and beats couldn’t give a dam about what the lyrics say but ayi its life
Im feelin every song…beats rhymes life…tribe 2014
Exactly
Yooooooooooooo this album shits on the entire game, shit like this make me wanna roll1 & chill on sum hood gq type of….. real.creative shit…..who is this nigga? #salute
That “Rich” song is crazy!!
Classic.
Boring
Not bad has a real hiphop feel with good lyrics but kinda boring if it was 1998 I would give it 5 stars
Not bad if it was 1998 I would give it 5stars
this album is avant garde hip hop! I jus bought it on iTunes and the entire album is dope!.. i want this on vinyl.
Impressive. That Soul Jazz Vibe that is very rare in Hip Hop. One of the best in14.
lyrics on point…maybe Kanye the only 1 that can compete wit this! We’ll see!
Def. reminds me of an early Kanye type of sound. Also Tribe Called Quest and Slum Village vibe all mixed in one. It’s amazing
One of the best albums front to back that I have heard in a long time. Crying shame that mad people are going to sleep on this. Real music like this needs to be recognized more.
Incredible album ! We need more hiphop like this !
I just shit stuck my pointer finger up my ass and licked it. This album is dookie
I don’t like it – I love it!
Just jizzed my shorts. This album is eargasmic
Great Lyrics + Great production = Great Album
Yo this is the shit you actually want to hear!! Somebody finally did their thing and actually made REAL MUSIC! #Respect
Uniquely Brilliant…Classy Classic..Evoled!!!
Put cheese whiz on your deal and let a dog lick it. This is a 5 star album
Wonder why he filmed the video in London? I can dig it though
The production quality is seriously lacking. Weak mixing.
One of the best projects I’ve heard in some time. 5/5
#Art
Its no album fillers on here! #classic
5 star album point blank period!!
Grown folks music
I luv everything about this album…I bought it twice! #hiphop #soul
I recommend all producers & emcees to have this album in your collection! This is a masterpiece, a diamond in the ruff, a classic, etc etc to say the least! This will probably be slept on but that’s why I check DX daily for the real ish. Peace
wtf is this shit lmao
Better than anything out #AOTY so far
LMAO
No seriously!!!!
Flawless album
NNNNNNIIIIIIIICCCCCCCEEEEEEEEE
Hiphop artistry at its finest!
Damani is a dope artist, and this his best work yet! Will definitely be looking out for his work! This album is smooth sounding and great from beginning to end!
I still have this on repeat #ModernClassic
Boring shit
Really? Lol Not quite as exciting as a Migos album right……
Damn…Start 2 finish flawless album! shoulda got 5 stars
Mature, self-aware, articulate and soulful only scratch the surface when it comes to describing Damani Nkosi’s artistic approach on this album. Thoughtful King showcases an artist in his element, who understands where he’s at and where his music should be going and this gives a very robust feel to this jazz-infused masterpiece. 5 stars.
Outstanding,poignant album. Not a single skippable track. Hiphop is alive and well
amazing, soulful hip-hop
best album in years