Posted on 07/06/2009
Hip-hop has always been an art that is best experienced when lyrical skill and self-confidence (also known as swagger) collide. If either element is missing, the rapper runs the risk of coming across as corny. I’m usually a pretty good judge when it comes to calling out corn and cheese, but with DeGo’s new album, The Album, I’m riding the fence.

First thing’s first. I don’t think DeGo is a great lyricist. I actually find his delivery generally annoying and overdone. But strangely enough, there are certain songs that I enjoy, where I feel that his over-the-top flow is complimentary to the track. One joint that really stands out is “Still A Playa,” an all too familiar tune that beckons the spirits of 70’s Blacksploitation. Featured on it is the chairman of the playa board himself, Too $hort. The track is smooth, as usual, and the chorus is melodically “said/sang,” matching the music perfectly. All together, the song makes you feel like it’s supposed to - cool.

But on the third track, a sexy song about a thirsty lover who can’t get enough, DeGo’s flow comes across as dissonant and at points, just plain terrible. Quoting “Rump Shaker” is never acceptable. Never. What’s worst is that there are several moments in this song where he reaches to complete a rhyme, which comes across as amateur. But the track is dope. The chorus is perfect. So much so, that I almost wished that this wasn’t DeGo’s song, but someone’s who would’ve done the track more justice.

These two songs are examples of the dichotomy that is The Album. There are moments where DeGo inadvertently shines, and the songs work, just because they do. And then there are other moments where DeGo misses, and comes across as a “roses are red” emcee, who has been gassed up by his mother and neighborhood homeboys. He’s inconsistent, and doesn’t seem 100% percent sure of his sound, or how to use it for the maximum outcome. And that’s why I’m riding the fence, which I suppose leaves me no choice but to say, The Album…is okay.

- Jason Reynolds