Dough The FreshKid Gifts The Culture An Act Of Love - “KEYS: Keep Evolving Yourself”
Earlier this week, one of LA’s most promising artists, Dough The FreshKid came through with a Valentine’s Day drop, “KEYS: Keep Evolving Yourself”. Hype Off Life got an exclusive first listen at a private listening event held in Hollywood Hills a week before that, witnessing nothing short of a celebration filled with good vibes and hella hype energy. As the only publication in the building, we got first listen to the culturally relevant “KEYS”, surrounded by DTFK’s close friends and family.
The event was a total vibe. From the old school jams banging out of the speakers, playing everything from Michael Jackson’s “Baby Be Mine” and Evelyn Champagne King’s “I’m In Love” to Cheryl Lynn’s “Encore”, plus classic Prince before moving on to preview the actual album, the vibes remained very high. After introducing the project, DTFK reminded everyone to“respect the album” by giving it our full attention.
“KEYS” picks up where previously releases like ‘Black Rome’ and ‘Tal’s Cafe’ left off, beginning like a movie with a soundbite before the bass drops and DTFK proceeds to do his thing on the mic. Passing out hella game like a street philosopher so eloquently does to anyone who will receive it, and viewing his music as his art, Dough The FreshKid continues to uplift the culture with wisdom, leaving clues behind his success. Proving DTFK is still on his sh*t. Still political. Still street and still about cracking the code to a system that has been stacked against us.
Rich, soulful and triumphant production provides the score to the soundtrack , while the words DTFK paints with his pen is the screenplay itself. Desiring to make it better for his fam and find freedom in the form of wealth, “KEYS” touches on leaving a legacy, while watching out for the trapping of the streets and remaining optimistic through the pain and pressure success brings. That not to mention the facts DTFK drops about gentrification and upward mobility, as told by a Black man living in one of the most expensive cities in the world (Los Angeles).
Although “KEYS” remains relatively light on features, Dough The FreshKid still came through with assists from TayF3rd, Cuzzy Capone, Wee Dogg, Annimeanz, and more. The 14 track project also includes a previously released single, “Add It Up”, which currently has over 100,000 collective streams.
After giving it a few spins, you’ll discover that in fact, “KEYS’” isn’t about dope after all, but about giving out keys to the game. Dough The FreshKid proves versatility, spitting both conscious and street rap, creating the perfect blend of knowledge and speaker knockers. The album concludes with DTFK finally attaining The American Dream! Now he’s got the keys and is opening all the doors. But, will you listen?
