Today I am in shock, I opened up Spotify and gave DSGRNTLD my first listen – I could not believe the level of talent I was hearing, so much so that I went to double check Zain and Laudable’s monthly listeners right after hearing “Deadline”. I think it is a huge dishonour to the underground rap scene that these 2 have a combined 187 monthly listeners (at the time of writing this)
Zain2Faded and FKA Laudable hit me with an intensity that I have not felt in quite some time, I’m tempted to say since Denzel Curry’s ‘TA1300’. The project is a wild ride of contrasting tones – one minute you’re lost in hypnotic, atmospheric beats, the next – you are hit with a wave of raw energy that feels utterly chaotic.
Right from the get-go, Zain carries this sense of frustration and rebellion. What really hits is the way he pours real emotion into every bar while Laudable continues to show us that nothing can hold him back. At the same time there is a hypnotic atmosphere that pulls you into their world. Tracks like ‘Deadline’ and ‘Sidebar’ are perfect examples of smooth, eerie beats that shift into moments of chaos.
What makes this album really stand out is how these 2 artists feed off each other’s energy, creating an album that feels personal while also experimental. For anyone into heavy vibes and genre-bending sounds, then this album is a must-listen.
Zain and Laudable, You guys have found a lifetime fan in me.