Review: "The Codex: I've Got Next" Album by that n.e.r.d. life by D'Vo
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Houston based Christian Hip-Hop artist that n.e.r.d. life by D'Vo embraces a spirit of true optimism on the sun-drenched splendor of “The Codex: I’ve Got Next”. With a strongly Christian message, that n.e.r.d. life by D’Vo actually falls neatly into place with the general tenor of contemporary hip-hop. More recently a great deal of artists (like Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, A Tribe Called Quest) have focused their attention outside of the usual to become reflective. It is in this tradition that that n.e.r.d. life by D’Vo excels, for his storytelling and lyrical mastery have a poignancy to it. He proves to have quite the attention to detail from the minute moments that make up a life to the way that they all intersect in pitch-perfect fashion.
Stylistically the album draws from a variety of genres. Heavily rooted in a gentle hip-hop framework, that n.e.r.d. life by D’Vo brings together elements of dubstep, jazz, electro, rock, EDM, and pop into a satisfying singular vision. The production values positively glisten. Arrangements are kept uncluttered to give in a loose, lighter than air feeling. Lush and luxurious grooves take their time in getting started. Refusing to be rushed, the album’s 11 songs move by at their own pace. Patience proves to be the trick, for these songs explore melody, texture, and tempo in a way that feels warm. Over the course of the album that n.e.r.d. life by D’Vo brings the listener on a journey; one that has a personal effect to it.
Gorgeous guitars introduce the album on the gentle “God’s Love”. Pitch-shifting plays an important really on the heavy take of “Come Home”. “What I Can or Can’t Achieve” sparkles with pure positivity for the track virtually trembles with confidence.
True funk comes into the fray on the elastic grooves of “What We Have” that draws heavily from Stevie Wonder’s beautiful keyboards. Easily the highlight of the album, there is an urbane sophistication behind it.
Virtually physical “One Love” has the bass front and center of the entire thing while it unfurls at its own pace. A perfect conclusion to the album comes with the bright and airy spirit of “God Loves You”.
The debut album “The Codex: I’ve Got Next” shows off the seemingly timeless quality of that n.e.r.d. life by D’Vo’s work, something that truly speaks to the heart.