Review: "The Codex: Running The Point" Album by D'Vo
Houston based CHH artist D’Vo reveals the inner optimism of spirituality on the faith filled flows of his newly released album “The Codex: Running The Point”. Lyrics rest front and center of the whole project, for he explores the importance of how community grows from belief. Highly articulate, D’Vo draws from a life lived to the fullest, as the narratives that fill the album reveal a thoughtful mind.
Arrangements too further add to this unique universe while D’Vo messes with listener expectations. Firmly rooted within hip-hop, he draws heavily from a West Coast G-Funk vibe, alongside trap, house, funk and even elements of Bossa Nova.
The kaleidoscopic approach works wonders for D’Vo. His low-key, laid-back delivery at times touches upon Snoop Dogg’s early output. Going for a joyful glee the way it all comes together recall Chance the Rapper’s playful mode. So much color is incorporated within these tracks, from lovely tender samples to the faded lo-fi synthesizers that occasionally punctuate the whole of the album. Sonically D’Vo brings elements of Neon Indian’s careful arrangements and the chilled out-vibes of Dam Funk, a particularly profound sort of crate digger.
Setting the tone for the album is the introspective “U Know What It Dew” which offers a wonderful shout-out to that Houston hip-hop institution, DJ Screw, even adopting his chopped and screwed style. Dreamy sounds radiate from the gorgeous “Halitosis”. Fantastically luxurious “281 Houston’s Son 281” has an incredible immersive approach. On “Elavated Thinkin” D’Vo goes for warm tones akin to Boards of Canada’s childlike sense of wonder.
The spacious “Drivin Wrong Way” features eerie undertones. Easily the highlight of the whole album comes from the potent “Me & My Friends”, feat. OB3PLE, Master Pe, Vicky Flint, and Yoel. References abound from Dolomite and beyond, giving it a summery spirit. With “Enmity” he strips down to the essentials. Classic and modern funk merge to become one on “Make It Last”. Happiness reigns supreme on “Swagger From My Father”. A sprawling ambitious take works wonders on “We Are Walking”, feat. OB3PLE and Fat Phil. Tying the whole album together is the intimate finale “Jesus Christ”.
D’Vo’s “The Codex: Running The Point” album shows off his uncanny ability to craft a true classic, one that feels positively timeless.