PRISM MEDIA
PRESENTING REALITY IN SLOW MOTION.
DXD
by Nicholas Torres
01/02/2021
Té the Dawn, 23, and DiorDing, 25, are two artists with a lot in common.
Both are Jamaican, both moved around a lot as kids, and both are currently based in Tampa, Florida. They met in 2018 through an old friend, coming together to create a collective of artists called Underground Exclusive that eventually fell apart. The group might have gone their separate ways, but Dawn and Dior kept in touch and continued to collaborate, growing at their respective crafts while establishing their dynamic and building a vibe together. On DXD, they stay true to current sounds and blend ear-candy hooks with witty punchlines and clever lyricism.
Starting off strong with “Playoffs,” Dawn and Dior are having a lot of fun over lush pads and bouncy 808s, production courtesy of ST1CKANDSTONES and Laybck.
Up next is lead single, “Nimbus,” which is a clear example of why Dawn and Dior work so well together. Dior delivers the hook, first and second verses, setting the tone nicely. It builds momentum and an expectation for Dawn to come in hard, and he doesn’t disappoint. It’s a particularly standout verse, and it has my favorite couplet of the year. “New V6, I call that Nimbus/One of each color just like hibiscus,” made me genuinely gleeful, that pocket is so nasty!
“Wrists” is a solid track, love the boastful lyrics from Dawn here. Dior delivers his best verse yet. However, “A Lot,” is easily the best song on the whole tape, so “Wrists” can’t help but pale in comparison. Every fucking bar is a quotable, with Zany Pro and DiorDing at their very best, showcasing their lyrical ferocity and their playful back and forth is electric. Monstrous production from CoolieBambo and 1highxlass certainly helps as well. “1s, 5s, 10s, 20s/ I heard they poppin’ bottles, all I see is Martinelli’s” is so disrespectful, I couldn’t help but laugh tho.
“Far Away Interlude” is an interesting departure from the established dynamic of the tape, and it allows Dior a chance to shine on a track by himself, giving us a taste of his solo music. Production by Coolie again is excellent, with drill percussion mixing with ambient chords. “Rockstar” features production from DameWithIt and DiorDing himself, his only producing contribution to the tape. A melodic banger for sure.
The album closes out strong, building on the momentum from the first half with “See Through,” a perfect summer song, with electric guitar interspersed throughout the beat. Dior and Dawn shine with excellent verses here as well. “WNW” is a hyper-pop petty anthem with raging synths and a killer hook. “Magic” is probably my favorite beat on the tape, and the sentimentality of the track allows Dior and Dawn to show different sides of themselves. Their gifts as writers really come through crystal clear here.
Beautiful chords and stellar production from ST1CKANDSTONES and Level on “Hidden Gems” elevate Zany and he takes a well-deserved victory lap. Dawn’s skill for punchlines is apparent and he honestly reminds me of Culdesac/Camp-era Gambino, not only for his sense of humor, but for his keen observations and bold, concise declarations.
“I see you wising up, I’m tryna learn too
I see you stacking up, I’m tryna earn too
Thought it was sweet, I wasn’t trying to desert you
But I’m keeping my peace, I know that I deserve to
If you still in pain, I just hope this song can nurse you
I see you digging deep, I’m trying get it out the dirt too”
Those bars close out the album, and they serve as a reminder and a rallying for not only Zany, but to us as well. I’m excited to see what’s to come for DiorDing and Té the Dawn, in their solo ventures and together.
DXD is now available on all streaming platforms