Many hip-hop listeners were introduced to Uptown XO through the Oddisee-lead trio Diamond District, but he is more than a group member. The Washington D.C. lyricist has held his own through his agile rhymes and detailed storytelling about his hometown, compiling a collection of critically-heralded solo albums and mixtapes under his belt. His latest, Colour de Grey, continues his winning streak with the same combination of talent, attentiveness and principle.
XO’s lyrics are still Ginsu sharp, his observation just as perceptive, and his beliefs remain opinionated. Most of his rhymes examine the conditions that prevent his crime-ridden, impoverished stomping grounds from improving, and his relationships with that environment and the people inside of it. He uses “Finding My Way” to narrate the process of maintaining a sense of self among a league of violence, drug dealing and fake friends, and “Reflection Eternal” gives props to his elders for helping instill such character despite his time in the streets. On “They Say,” he encourages his listeners to have similar convictions, while warning them as well. “It amazes me how you all are scared to lead / While you’re waiting for your savior / He lives in me / While you’re waiting on your savior he lives in you / But know that they crucify those who speak the truth.”
Listeners visiting the album after hearing Oddisee’s robust production for Diamond District may be disappointed by a lack of appearances on Colour de Grey. But for the most part, AB the Pro holds his own for 13 of the record’s 14 cuts. The Washington DC producer’s sound is acoustic, giving a live feel to the album. “Spread Love” starts the album off well with an ambient backdrop that helps bind together XO’s imagery and adage-laden bars, and he uses a smooth sample on “Needs And Wants” to back XO’s tales of intimate moments and the eventual break-up with a significant other. One of the album’s highlights, “Everyday” benefits from energetic bass plucks fueling the first two verses before whispered percussion takes over for the final minute.
Occasionally, some of the album’s beats depend on subtleties so much that they fail to convey the strength behind XO’s rhymes. Otherwise, Colour de Grey is another candid, conscientious effort by one of the DMV area’s fledgling young talents.
Everything, top-notch
Top-notch everything!
Have been following dude since the Diamond District’s 1st LP,
mixtapes and everything, pre-ordered this, expected any day now.
From what I’ve heard it’s the truth on another level.
Vibes & wisdom from the DMV vicinity.
Dude’s cool… but I think he’s overrated. I like yU best.
Great album, looking forward to other Mello Music Group Releases
XO does it again. This dude is lyrism personified. He’s the Nas of the DMV.
DC STAND UP! Great album from XO baby!!!!!!
Ah YEAH! Lovin Diamond District and crab in a barrel was da SLAP! Hella gettin this ( Like we say in Oakland) lol
I don’t listen to devil music.
You’re an idiot. You watched a couple youtube videos and think you are informed. Also, if you READ it looks like it says “pyramid scheme” – meaning the dude is against the illuminati, and if you listen to the lyrics I think he’s on the Moorish science. Seems to be critiquing the same ppl you hate.
This was directed to dude underneath.
Classic!
I have to say I really do like this album.
i really love this album, i just can’t enough of listening to it.
The world needs this!
DC! best city in the world. finally a solid act for the 202 babyy. fat trell on the way as well.
DC DC DC
One of the illest comin out of dc!!!!!
I must admit, the first time i listened to this album, i was a bit bored. Don’t know why, maybe i wasn’t in the mood. But some tracks grabbed my attention, so i gave it a chance.
And i must say, after a few spins this shit grew on me.
Best album of the year to date (up par with Brotha Lynch Hung’s “Manniballector”).
“They Say”, “Reflection Eternal”, “XO Skelethon” and “If i should die” are my favorite tracks.
I expected better tho.. cant lie
I actually downloaded this from iTunes as soon as it came out but it took awhile for me to give it a good listen. Actually, I have been listening to it non-stop for the last two weeks. Initially, I was disappointed to see Oddisee had no production credits on this album and yU is no where to be found. I think that may have been the turn off in the beginning but now I slightly regret putting this one on the back burner! My favorite songs are XO Skeleton, Soul Value, and Evolution. I also need to mention that the spoken word intro is really tight also. XO is always on-point lyrically but I can’t say the same for some of his features. AB does his thing on the production, tho. Def a 4 out of 5 album. I can’t wait for the new Diamond District album! This album is not to be slept on!