- 3KShares
This post is by guest writer Jara Rowe.
Dok2 digitally dropped a full studio album, Reborn, on March 28th. The release coincided with his 28th birthday. The co-CEO of Illionaire records stuck to his roots and released a solid album of hip hop tracks. Reborn features 10 tracks that test the hip hop waters with his uniqueness.
Track 1 – Reborn
The album opens with some chilling piano; it only gets darker as the organ and strings ease in. Reborn is not your typical rap track, from the instrumental to Dok2’s flow. There is an effortless, steady flow that allows Dok2 to easily transition between Korean and English lyrics. Reborn is reminiscent of the famous American rapper, NAS.
Track 2 – Ambition and Vision
Ambition and Vision features all members of the record label: Beenzino, Changmo, Kim Hyoeun, Hash Swan, and last but not least, The Quiett. The use of heavy organs carries over to the second track but also adds a more prominent hip hop drum beat. Each rapper heightens the track as they each add their own flavor. Ambition and Vision gives of a great sense of hope and has become the anthem of Illionaire.
Track 3 – Rollercoaster
An uplifting and fun track can be heard in Rollercoaster. Dok2 raps about acting as if he is still at the bottom of his career over a solid drum beat. Jo Wonsun’s delicate vocals adds another element of interest in this energetic but mellow track.
Track 4 – Hiphop Lover
“I was nothin’ but a hip hop kid, hip hop lover” are the first lyrics spit in a verse in this track about Dok2’s love for hip hop. Hiphop Lover is another track that has a piano-focused instrumental. The lyrics are stimulating although Dok2, once again, features his laid back rapping style.
Track 5 – Plus 82
Bryan Chase aids Dok2 in a track that represents where they are from, South Korea; +82 is what is dialed when calling South Korea from overseas. Plus 82 has a lazy but captivating instrumental with many synthetic sounds.
Track 6 – WTF (Who The Fuck)
WTF is one of the most catchy tracks on Reborn due to its simplicity. The instrumental is hypnotizing with the sounds coming in and out constantly. Dok2’s flow is straightforward and allows listeners to groove along, especially in the chorus when the lyrics are simple and repetitive. Although this track isn’t super complex, it may be a little too simple to standout.
Track 7 – 워럽 (Wattup)
Dok2 features rapper Kim Hyoeun in Wattup. This is a bumping track with a simple hip hop rhythm. Wattup is a call out track about two groups of people joining forces. This is a straightforward rap song.
Track 8 – In My Whip
Dok2 teams up with Jay Park, Superbee, and The Quiett to bring listeners another catchy track in In My Whip. The backtrack is really nice with a dreamlike, island groove and consistent clap. In My Whip offers a hint of nostalgia but also has many elements from modern day pop music. Jay Park’s R&B influence was a nice addition to this fresh track.
Track 9 – On&On
On&On has a jazzy and chill vibe that makes it an easy listen. Dok2 receives help from the soulful voice of Lee Hi as they tell their story with predominately English lyrics. Dok2’s flow and Lee Hi’s voice work well together over the jazzy instrumental to bring a solid track.
Track 10 – Money Dance
Featuring B-Free, Bryan Chase, and Okasian, Money Dance closes out the album. This track is the most trendy in today’s sense of hip hop music. Money Dance is repetitive, but it is extremely catchy and makes a listener want to join in. The lyrical content however is a bit cliche as the rappers provoke their competition and brag about their personal riches.
- 3KShares
- 3KShares