If Hip Hop is considered a young man’s game, it damn sure isn’t being classified as suitable for Christians. (Oops!) For Dee-1, the N’awlins native who was able to confidently put “rapper” on his résumé by pushing positivity without the preachiness, all the while executing sharp-minded lyricism with an ear-to-ear grin.
Cultivated by an organic buzz that has brought forth a handful of viral singles (see: the call to accountability of “Jay, 50 & Weezy” and the college tuition-crucifying “Sallie Mae Back”), Dee-1’s major label debut Slingshot David affirms his ability to make quality Hip Hop that’s both accessible and inoffensive.
From an artist persona, Dee-1 poses as an MC who’s a Christian and not a Christian rapper (there’s a difference!). Through the course of his 26-song-n-skit testimony — which doubles as metaphor for the storied biblical tale that champions the underdog and his government name of David Augustine, Jr. — avoids falling into traps that paint him holier than thou while still sprinkling gospel tinges in the song’s DNA, as heard on the inspirational yearning on “For the Stars.”
RCA labelmate and The Voice alum Avery Wilson belts out multidimensional chorus and accents motivational highs for the boys and girls like, “You see a gangsta, but me, I see a king that’s just misguided/ You see a stripper, I see a queen who just don’t know her worth.”
Armed with an anointed spirit and thick Southern drawl that aligns him with today’s rap ubiquity pool, Slingshot David is loaded with enjoyable material throughout its duration. The best of the bunch; the scenic “Hood Villains” packs on all the elements of a bona fide rap classic; with its nimble lyricism and jazzy Uptown Magnolia funk bleeds with the best of every attribute most would consider to be a true Hip Hop record.
The “edutainment” element also shines true on the swanky “My People Need Me,” where Mr. NOLA employs a catchy drunken flow and gels in witty lines like, “No Street Fighter/ I’m a rhymer/ But pockets fat like E. Honda/ Ugh! Mention my name and faces light up like Blanka,” as he plays the martyr for hard times.
With this album, Dee-1 was able to keep vantage point of being on a major label without selling out (as they say) and offering up gems that can appease a multitude of audiences. The aforementioned “Hood Villains” should be good money on radio as is the Auto-Tuned mating call “I Like You” and the autobiographical “Wanna Be a Hot Boy,” which brings listeners intimately through the French Quarter during the days Cash Money stars were rocking baggy Girbauds and Scotch tape under their pinky rings.
Slingshot David’s biggest misfire would be its narration side story, as Uno schools a 10-year-old pupil through life — and the album’s 26-selection table of contents. Seeing that he has proven himself to be an adept storyteller in the present and past (a song like “Jason Geter” brings instantaneous gratification in the department) and the multiple music-less skits simply break up the action with nearly every sit-down.
On the contrary, no one ever says they’ve been to short Black Church service and just like five smooth stones to your dome, Slingshot David offers up wisdom and life lessons that lingers in the memory bank. For those who are looking — or oblivious — to any Hip Hop alternative options from the current cultural norm, Dee-1 stands proudly as that option.
All the bitches call me Slingshot David cuz I’m a dick slanging god y’all!!!
….ok
This “Slingshot David: The Album” goes HARD!!! I literally have played this album several times and it just dropped two days ago. Not only is the music dope, but the message is outstanding. Dee-1 tells JoJo, the nephew of his slain friend Carl, the importance of finding your slingshot. To me, Dee-1 has definitely found his slingshot, and he is using it to inspire others. Don’t take my word. Listen to it for yourself. I give the album 5 stars. It’s that good!
Shia linne—-with all my love..perfect love..alone..greatest story
Bump siah and see what dee should of been telling us…the truth..dees album is not a vision of anything we dont know already
I give “Slingshot David: The Album” five stars!!!! This is definitely a classic album. It’s music for your soul. Mission Vision is a movement. Get on board!!! Listen to the album. It won’t disappoint! I’ve been listening to Dee-1’s music since the beginning of the year, and I can truly say being a part of his Mission Vision movement has greatly impacted my life. I have my 3’s up: Be real. Be righteous. Be relevant. Blessings.
And what was his main vision ..can u plz tell me..to make positive music to show he can make through the hardships..lame n been done
Shia linne- with all my love..perfect love..alone ..greatest story
Bump these songs and really know wht his mission was supposed to be bout..these songs sould impact your life
30g White Widow: $245
30g Hawaii-Skunk:$225
30g Hindu Kush: $230
50g White Widow: $310
30g Blueberry :$225
50g Hawaii-Skunk:$305
50g Hindu Kush: $300
#Whatsapp Messenger
Call or Textnow via (805)364-0313, or Kik:jvsupp007
do you have anything for less than $100?
Dude, what are you talking about? Dee ain’t no major artist on RCA. Pull up their website, and you won’t even find his name smh. The man barely had any promotion for the album. Matter of fact, I would’ve never known that he had an album coming out if I hadn’t checked out his twitter a couple days ago. Dee is still a one man army. HHDX didn’t even give Macklemore a higher rating and he’s an artist with a way bigger platform than Dee. Stop spreading this “industry plant” bs. You sound ignorant.
Fuck u..im talking bout bone bitch..n the review u gave dee compared to bone..his album is not better n like i said i heard it all n ur rating system is full of shit..suck a dick u lame motherfuckers…okay so he signed a deal with rca n blah blah..hes still a one man army so that means his album is dope..gtfoh
This album is fire. Anyone who says otherwise isn’t listening closely enough.
Give Dee-1 His Credit He Acted A Donkey On These Tracks!!??
SlingShot The Album Can Be Played From The Beginning To The End Without Skipping Any Tracks!!! Man Believe Me Its Just That Good Super Proud To Be A Fan Of Dee-1!!!