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Whenever someone is doing their job, or even their hobby, a key factor in success is to actually have fun with the process and enjoying it. This doesn’t mean that the person doesn’t care as much or isn’t dedicated to their work, but that fun and enjoyable personality may actually help them work at their best. In the world of hip-hop music however, the artists labeled as “fun” and “carefree” often get thrown into a lane and group that doesn’t get much consideration as serious rappers who could even threaten the more established and highly esteemed artists in the the game. And while it’s highly unlikely that a large group of artists in this mold will break that pattern, there is one among them that is attempting to break the norm and be one of a kind in that respect. DaBaby, formerly known as Baby Jesus, is a Charlotte NC rapper who has become a phenomenon in the hip-hop world in 2019. Under his previous name, he dropped several mixtapes that allowed him to pick up steam in some areas of the industry, but he was more known for his antics outside of the booth that made many fans look at him as more of a gimmick than a serious artists. But in 2018, DaBaby would take all of his traits and previous experience and turn it into a successful project with the Blank Blank mixtape. Tracks like Walker Texas Ranger, 21 and Beeper had the comedic street rapper blow up into one of the best kept secrets in hip-hop. And while many people were convinced that the rapper had proven himself, many rap fans were either skeptical or still not sure who DaBaby even was due to lack of mainstream promotion. Not many can say that now.
On March , DaBaby would make his major label debut under Interscope Records with one of the most anticipated albums of the year, Baby on Baby. While debut albums tend to be very layered and almost drawn out in approach, this isn’t the case for the North Carolina product’s first commercial effort. The intro track Taking It Out feels like a track meet, with DaBaby starting his verse before the beat even drops; And in that fast pace, he doesn’t miss one time. He is sharp, lyrical, on beat and most noticeably, making it look easy. There’s not much to break down lyrically, but that’s what makes it impressive. It is a skill to just simply rhyme consistently without a scheme or concept to work around. It’s as if he simply wanted any doubters to know he’s a rapper, and that doesn’t need a definition.
As the album continues, it’s almost comical how easily DaBaby flows over each track. Even beat is completely different from the others, his cadence and tone changes consistently to make the track sound unique and almost every track has high replay value. Whether it’s the bouncy and braggadocios standout track Suge, which is guaranteed to make the listener’s list of favorite songs, or the modern trap anthem of Goin Baby, there are songs that even the most traditional rap fan can appreciate for DaBaby’s rhyming ability. He doesn’t cheat the songs by forcing too many words into a line or singing through lines that would only sound right that way.
There are a couple of songs with slight uses of theme and direct points. Celebrate is a Rich Homie Quan assisted track about simply staying focused on getting to a desired goal or status, and not letting fake friendships, relationships,enemies or anything opposing that growth and success. The message preaches focus and desire, and the duo takes turns delivering quality verses on a very solid song. In another song much more lighthearted in tone and delivery, DaBaby teams up with a fellow rising star in Atlanta rapper Rich The Kid for the playful and funny Best Friend. Nothing more than bragging about the women they have and they ones who want them, the song while silly, is very catchy and DaBaby still manages to show off his ability to rap on pretty much anything, creating one of the most fun moments on the album. Tracks such as Pony, Baby Sitter and Joggers are sure to be favorites for different listeners as well, the product of a tape that has many different sounds and styles on it.
The hip-hop landscape is changing to a place the many didn’t believe it could ever go to. The lines between trap and lyricism are starting to become blurred, as artists continue to go against the norm and bring a lyrical rap style to music that may not be the most thought provoking or inspirational, but simply just fun and entertainment. And at the end of the day, that’s what music is; it is expression and entertainment for the consumer. DaBaby is a unique rapper in a unique space, as he faces a chance to be a superstar rap act in his own lane thanks in part to this quality debut album. Baby on Baby could very well be the launch of a great career, one built on fun and talent, nothing wrong with that.
Top 5 Songs
1. Pony
2. Taking It Out
3.Suge
4. Goin Baby
5. Walker Texas Ranger