Review: "International Ice" Mixtape by Dry Ice
With the release of the "International Ice" mixtape, @dirtydryice has opened a lot of eyes, especially for us here at DCWS. It is apparent that this artist is serious about his craft...
After clicking "Play" and listening to the first few bars from this artist, you would see that Dry Ice is definitely a fitting moniker. With his complex rhyme schemes and thought provoking lyricism, this Tallahassee, Florida native is as cold as ice. Dry Ice is able to showcase his extraordinary gift on his "International Ice" mixtape. The production on this mixtape is dynamic to say the least with songs like “Passport Music” and “Isaiah 54-7” giving off an old school 90s rap vibe while songs like “Movers and Shakers”, “Black Live Madder”, and “Go Hard or Go Home” have a more modern trap sound but still with complex lyrics and vivid storytelling. Our favorite song from the "International Ice" project was the tropical sounding, “Beach Sand”. This track gives off nothing but good vibes and with its catchy hook, has the potential to become a spring/summer smash anthem.
With the release of this mixtape, Dry Ice has opened a lot of eyes, especially for us here at DCWS. It is apparent that this artist is serious about his craft and has mastered a sound that reflects this fact. Dry Ice has also developed a sound that is authentic which comes with time in the game and also enables him to stand apart from the ever diluted rap genre. We are excited to see what the future holds for this rising star and ask that you go check out his project "International Ice" posted below.
Stream/Download "International Ice" on Datpiff
Connect with Dry Ice: Facebook | YouTube | Soundcloud | Twitter
Review: Poplar Tree's "Paper Places" EP
If cover art were ever an indication of what a project might sound like, "Paper Places" by @nicholasyiu definitely delivers a sound that correlates with its space themed artwork...
If cover art were ever an indication of what a project might sound like, "Paper Places" by Poplar Tree, definitely delivers a sound that correlates with its space themed artwork. The EP’s intro track “Cradle”, helps set the mood of the entire project by delivering a smooth, spacey instrumental accompanied by angelic vocals from Megan McDuffee. The project’s second track, “Faces”, is a more love driven piece, featuring vocal appearances from Elizabeth Grace & Shannon Tse. Our favorite track from the entire project, “Time”, provides a sound that will have you reminiscing on all of your past failed relationships and have your wondering what could have been. The EP ends on a strong note with another strong vocal appearance by Shannon Tse in "Paper Place", layering her unique sound over a new-age acoustic type of arrangement.
All in all, Poplar Tree's four track "Paper Places" EP is a very well put together project that taps into a musical genre that you do not hear everyday on popular radio (*that is a good thing). Poplar Tree successfully took sounds, samples and instruments that most would deem “experimental” or “dreamy”, and crafted a masterpiece that’s ahead of its time. If he sticks with the same recipe, Poplar Tree has the capacity to be the face of a new sub-genre.