Dirk LP – “Built For This” (Mixtape Review)
I was very impressed with the intensity created in “Built For This”, Dirk Lp Alabama’s promising new artist is already stirring up waves in the industry after being featured in Source magazine & XXL. Dirk LP is back with a 10 track mixtape that’s sonically pleasing to the HIP-HOP enthusiast. The 1st Track on the tape is titled “No Heros” which grabbed my attention right off the back with its iconic heroic feel, reminding me of Outkast. I was captivated by the production & hook as it transcended effortlessly. Songs like this with a deep conceptual meaning speak millions of words to the listener’s psyche, fitting their own abstract perceptions. Listening to this track I felt the mix could have been better but overall it was great.
The mixtape keeps rolling with “Built For This”, now this track is completely dual from the last as it captures the city’s essence of the Dboy with the heart of an Emcee. I can see this cut being played at a red light certified as a street banger. Dirk Lp puts his foot on the neck of rising Alabama HIP-HOP artists as he sets the bar high. Next, the Bama artist continues with “Keep Shit Jumping” a party fun track with an island twist, for sure a club-ready track, able to set a mellow dance tempo. “Stay Ready” was a dedication to HIP-HOP, I loved how it could have flown in if the adlibs in back of the track weren’t so high. The raw energy behind the track gives it potential but the mix makes it hard to listen to.
As the tape continues we run into “If I Never Say It” which shows a whole new side to Dirk Lp as he opens up and dedicates this cut to his ride or die chick. His fans will easily be able to connect with this song from the lyrics to the smooth overall production. This gives another angle to the 10 track mixtape so listeners can see the full scope of Dirk Lp’s vision.
“Best Thang” is another grimy street track ready to cause mayhem. This reminds me of Gucci & Freedie Gibbs combined making this a concrete slapper. I was disappointed in the length of the track, I hoped it was much longer along with “Hold Up” which contains a going home atmosphere but far too short to get into. “Put it in the Air” the 8th track on the compilation gives off a smooth reflective feel as Dirk LP makes a track for the “Bama” which serves as a double-entendre to people who live elsewhere implying 2nd amendment rights. “We Good” Comes in instantly with magical production and background samples, Dirk Lp matches the frequency and even changes the flow by adding the drums. What makes this song dynamic is the effortless flow surrounded by the Alabama Emcee’s confidence and will. The Mixtape ends with track 10 “I Promise” which is aimed at the fans & supporters explaining he’s here for good and always on the grind with the day one associates. ,Follow Dirk LP on twitter & facebook for news and updates.
Rating 8.0
Highlights: Great album & Content
Dislikes: Medicore Mixing
