DJ D-Styles Reunites with Nowaah the Flood for “Crème de la Crème” Sequel “Beluga” (Album Review)
This is the 7th studio LP from Dallas, Texas emcee Nowaah the Flood. Breaking out in the summer of 2018 by releasing his first EP Trill Life Mathematiks around the same time as Nas’ 11th album NASIR fully produced by Ye or the Nazi formerly known as Kanye West, he would go on to drop his last 19 EPs along with The Nowaah & the Dewer’s eponymous debut album and roughly 6 proper full-lengths. Standouts for me personally include the DirtyDiggs-produced Private Stock, the Estee Nack collaborative effort Planted Seeds, The Infallible, the Stu Bangas-produced Respectfully, the Giallo Point-produced Right Over Left & it’s sequel, the DJ D-Styles-produced Crème de la Crème, the Kyo Itachi-produced Sudan Samurai Scrolls & recently Plans of the Diligent last Thanksgiving. Almost exactly 4 months later, DJ D-Styles is returning for Beluga.
After the intro, the first song “On Sight” kicks it all off perfectly from the grimy synth-driven boom bap instrumental to Nowaah’s lyricism promising the way it’ll be to those who wanna front whereas “7,000°” ruggedly talks about turning the heat up on everyone. “Big Wheels” keeps it in the basement making a reminder of his murderous reputation, but then “As I Walk Out My Door” featuring DNTE speaks of being weight watchers on the way to a weight house suggesting Planet Fitness can’t even catch a cardio case now.
“No Safehaven” starts the 2nd half of Beluga with a beat feeling reminiscent of “Back Down” by 50 Cent taking no prisoners & showing no mercy while “Willie Bobo” remembers the late Latin jazz percussionist of the same name. “The Sleeping Giant” strips the drums comparing his bars going straight to your brain to blow while “Never Expected” returns to the boom bap for a 3 & a half minute lyrical attack. “Rent Due” wraps things up by waking up the snakes in the grass with a pistol.
Crème de la Crème remains one of the most beloved entries in Nowaah’s catalog & this sequel nearly 2 months after the divided reception of Smash & Grab (Vanglorious Vandals) was what he needed, myself personally annoying it as much as Plans of the Diligent last fall. He’s significantly more focused, DJ D-Styles’ production is stronger, the songs feel more fully structured out in contrast to the rushed state of Smash & Grab (Vanglorious Vandals) almost 8 weeks ago.
Score: 9/10
