Tag Archives: Doechii

Doechii’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert: A Mesmerizing Blend of Bars, Beauty, and Black Girl Magic

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By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

Doechii’s NPR Tiny Desk performance felt like an intimate revelation—a masterclass in artistry, lyrical prowess, and cultural homage. With an all-woman band backing her, she delivered a performance that transcended genres, leaning into the influences of jazz, bebop, and R&B while keeping hip-hop at its core. Opening with tracks from Alligator Bites Never Heal, including “Boom Bap” and “Denial is a River,” Doechii set the stage for a journey through rhythm, resilience, and raw emotion.

The band’s braids swayed in unison, a nod to Black girl beauty aesthetics, embodying the essence of sisterhood and pride. Their original arrangements elevated the performance, adding depth and dimension to Doechii’s intricate lyricism and vibrant delivery. A rapper’s rapper, Doechii’s ability to switch seamlessly between hard-edged verses and her angelic singing voice showcased her versatility and mastery of her craft.

Her rendition of “Black Girl Memoir” from All the Places You Go stood out as the emotional centerpiece of the set. The soul-stirring ballad, written years ago but made hauntingly relevant by today’s political climate, was a reflection on her experiences as a dark-skinned Black woman. The dedication added an emotional weight that left viewers captivated and reflective.

Doechii’s presence is a testament to Top Dawg Entertainment’s legacy of nurturing unparalleled talent. In the past decade, TDE has consistently offered music that shapes and defines culture, and Doechii is no exception. She isn’t just a rapper; she’s a messenger, weaving themes of love, joy, fun, and inspiration into her work.

With performances like this, hip-hop culture and rap music are undoubtedly in good hands. Doechii’s star is rising, and her light is undeniable.

Tyler, The Creator Returns With His Most Personal Album Yet on ‘CHROMAKOPIA’

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By Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

In an era where music drops like confetti on New Year’s Eve, Tyler, The Creator chose a Monday morning to gift the world “CHROMAKOPIA”, his most introspective and sonically ambitious project to date. The unconventional release time – reminiscent of the bygone Super Tuesday era – proved strategic, allowing fans to live with the music rather than rush through it during the weekend chaos. The strategy paid off; the album currently sits at No. 1 across all genres on Apple Music.

From the opening notes, it’s clear Tyler hasn’t just evolved – he’s ascended. The production on “CHROMAKOPIA” is nothing short of masterful, with layered instrumentation that rewards repeated listens. In an age where the bridge has become a lost art in music composition, Tyler deliberately weaves them throughout the project, creating textural depth that’s been sorely missed in contemporary hip-hop.

On “Thought I Was Dead,” Tyler channels Kendrick Lamar’s delivery while maintaining his distinctive voice, showcasing a technical prowess that proves he’s still pushing his boundaries as an MC. His flow switches are calculated and purposeful, each one serving the narrative rather than showing off for sport.

But it’s the personal revelations that make “CHROMAKOPIA” a watershed moment in Tyler’s discography. His mother appears throughout the album via interludes, dropping wisdom like bread crumbs leading to the album’s emotional core. On the gut-wrenching “Like Him,” Tyler confronts the void left by his absent father, while his mother offers an unprecedented apology for keeping his father at arm’s length. It’s a rare moment of vulnerability from an artist who’s typically guarded about this particular pain point, despite his well-documented close relationship with his mother.

The featured artists on “CHROMAKOPIA” feel less like guests and more like carefully chosen collaborators in Tyler’s vision. Daniel Caesar, Teezo Touchdown, Childish Gambino, GloRilla, Sexyy Red, Lil Wayne, ScHoolboy Q, and Doechii each bring their unique flavors to the table. The standout collaboration comes from Doechii on “Balloon,” where she delivers what can only be described as beautiful aggression, her energy perfectly complementing the track’s ambitious production.

“Take Your Mask Off” emerges as an early fan favorite, while “Judge Judy” showcases Tyler’s signature wit and wordplay. “Sticky,” featuring the powerhouse combination of GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Lil Wayne, demonstrates Tyler’s ability to curate unexpected yet perfect collaborations.

The album’s title, “CHROMAKOPIA”, seems to reflect its nature – a spectrum of emotions, sounds, and experiences that paint a complete picture of an artist at his peak. The meticulous attention to storytelling, coupled with moments of raw vulnerability, positions this album not just as one of Tyler’s best works but as one of 2024’s strongest musical offerings.

When Tyler, The Creator first emerged as the wild-eyed leader of Odd Future, few could have predicted this level of artistic maturity. “CHROMAKOPIA” isn’t just an album; it’s a testament to growth, both personal and artistic. It’s the work of someone who’s mastered their craft while remaining unafraid to expose their scars.

What Tyler has created here isn’t just music – it’s a masterclass in vulnerability, production, and artistic evolution. As 2024 draws to a close, “CHROMAKOPIA” stands as a monumental achievement from an artist who continues to push himself and his art form forward.