If You Like: Yungblud, Nothing, Nowhere , Blackbear
Combining elements of pop, rap, and rock, it can get really tricky. It was something Lil Wayne tried to harness on his 2010 studio album, Rebirth, years ago. It’s also something we are seeing a lot of in today’s emo-pop genre. Many rappers, mostly white, have managed to jump on the next wave of popular music. From Machine Gun Kelly to Blackbear, we see the lines of rap and rock continue to blur. With fame comes a lack of creativity. In De’Wayne’s case, creativity has never been brighter.
The Houston rapper/singer might be the only artist with respect to his craft. Not a rapper and not entirely a singer, De’Wayne exists purely outside the lines. His vocals are what makes De’Wayne so unique. His rhythm and flows allow for De’Wayne to switch from emo pop-rock to rap backed by drums. In all his musical beauty, artists like De’Wayne are one in a million. His music continues to take risks that pay off in the long run.
De’Wayne’s debut studio album, Stains, let the Houston artist build a world of his own. Released earlier this year, it allows De’Wayne to bridge a tighter gap between what we know and feel. The album, released on Hopeless Records, is packed with rock anthems and crazy hip-hop-backed production. The album’s overall theme deals with not conforming to the music industry’s standards. The album also touches on social issues and being a black alternative artist.
The first track of the album, “National Anthem,” tackles the limitations society places on us. The heavy rock bass track is the perfect way to open such an energetic album. De’ Wayne produces various fist-pumping, government-defying bangers in his first official outing. From “Radio-active” to “Perfume,” each track will leave you more head over heels with De’Wayne signature style. The alternative/rock music scene is making a strong comeback into the mainstream. Amidst all the posers, De’Wayne is here to guide us on the right path.