♡ Echo ♡

☆ = 1 Point !!

♡ = Two points (As bonus) !!

All songs are rated out of 5 !!

Starting with ORDER OF PROTECTION, upon my first listen to chorus, i must admit i was a rather rocky start for me. but I believe that I was pulled back in come the 2nd delivery of chorus. Perhaps it was due to the instrumental? Or maybe it felt someone dull without the verses prior to it? I couldn't answer that because I feel its a mix of both. Either way, I liked the song !! ☆☆☆.6

As for the HELICOPTER, the track following, there isn't much to say other than spectacular !! From instrumental, flow, and lyrics !! Especially the chorus's reference (?). Great work !! Upon first listen, it definitely caught by eye. ☆☆☆☆

Following such a great track comes the INTERROGATION skit, which is a rather great message towards both critics & people generally not fond of his soind in general. I've always had an admiration for artists who refuse to switch their sound solely because a few critics and random people online said to. I'm also rather fond of the vibes of the instrumental. It kinda sounds like a PSA, Advertisement, or those video instruction manual you'd see on an old, static-y television, which adds to the message at the end of the song !! ☆☆☆

STOLE YA FLOW's case is relatively similar to HELICOPTER, but I love the bonus of extra energy in this song. I'd definitely play this on a radio. Also, I did like the incorporation of the disses towards Drake. ☆☆☆☆.3

Now back when STAY HERE 4 LIFE was first released to spotify, Brent's features wasn't seen, but it was never unwelcomed. In fact, I loved it. It's heavenly, to say the less. The instrumental only enhances the effects brent has. Rocky's part on the Chorus does wonders for me. I also was a huge fan of the lyrics and verses. The slowing of the track took me back for a second, but it's definitely loved for its relaxing vibe. ☆☆☆☆☆

If you'd ask me for my opinion on PLAYA, then I'd admit that I felt that It's a good track, yet it's not like I feel much from it. the highlights of this track reside in the Chorus and Pre-Chorus. And, in all honesty, not fond of the outro. ☆☆☆

NO TRESPASSING does have an instrumental that is rather strange, but it's in a good way if you ask me. The flow is spectacular, but that's to be expected from most east-coast rap !! ☆☆☆☆

In all honesty, there's not many ways to describe STOP SNITCHING besides "cool." I do enjoy the instrumental. I am a huge fan of Sauce Walka's feature, as well as everything that follows. ☆☆☆

STFU is definitely a unique track. Had to remind myself I was listening to a mainstream artist. Brahim Gousse's feature reminded me of JV&B. Keilo Kei is someone i had to get used to, but once I did, it made me admire this track a bit more. Definitely going to consider listening to Slay Squad more !! ☆☆☆☆.5

PUNK ROCKY was definitely one of my favourites upon its first release something I'd listen to in my free time. From the lyrics, vocals, flow, everything. Though that's probably due to the fact that its a psychedelic/dream pop track, which I've found myself more fond of as of recently. ♡☆☆☆☆

AIR FORCE came in and instantly gained my attention due to the instrumental at the beginning. The flow and vocal work definitely gives me energy, but I definitely did joke about how the switch-up for the chorus betrayed me. Doesn't mean it was bad. In fact, it has a very ethereal vibe to it which you warm up to the more you listen to the song. But again, definitely unexpected. But just as I thought that, it switched back to the same fascinating and hype track I thought it'd be before the song concludes with the verh etheric chorus that suprised me prior, alomgside an amazing post-chorus and outro from Spencer Sutherland !! Definitely going to revisit this track !! ☆☆☆☆

WHISKY was a track that I believed would be relaxing due to the intro. Though the flow switch-up did get a small reaction out of me, it still didn't change my opinion. By this point, I was fully prepared to expect switch-ups. I was also a major fan of the vocal work from Gorillaz' Damon Albarn !! The outro was definitely my favourite part of the track, mostly due to Rocky. Had to love this one. But I must admit, I wish there was more substance to Westside Gunn's feature. ♡☆☆☆☆

Now ROBBERY Definitely pulled me in due to the jazzy-rap type beat. Once more, I find myself fascinated by Rocky's vocals work. Hearing Doechii on this track was like a blessing. And honestly, I accept it. I definitely loved the two's contrasting within and following the 5th verse, more than likely a favourite. ♡♡♡☆☆

DON'T BE DUMB / TRIP BABY was another one of those moments within this album that, for a slight moment, douses you in serenity. The production & instrumentals on this track is divine, which are only supplemented by the vocals. I am also quite fond of the Sinking by Clairo sample used within this track. ☆☆☆.5

I have to give credit for the Nancy Priddy sample within the track THE END. As for the song, I definitely find myself fascinated, agreeing, and saddened by the message conveyed in the song. Yet, it is a rather beautiful song, especially alongside the Jessica Pratt feature at the end. ♡♡☆☆☆

SWAT TEAM, in my opinion, is great in terms of production. In fact, I believe the production and instrumental is my favourite part of the song. I remember seeing someone on genius mentioning the beat was "evil as fuck." To be honest, I agree with them 100%, especially when you combine it with the lyrics. But again, that's probably what makes this track good. ☆☆☆☆

FISH N STEAK is definitely a song I'd imagine myself listening to when I'm bored & need something to fill the silence. It's a chill song. I am quite a fan of Jozzy's, thought limited, verse on this track. I also found myself intrigued by Tyler, The Creator within the second verse & bridge. Overall a solid track. ☆☆☆

OVERALL

Don't Be Dumb was an anticipated album, considering the gap since Rocky's last album. As for if it lived up to expectations, I'd say it somewhat did. Though quite a few of these tracks are rather average on first listen, I'd say the more you listen, the more you enjoy it !! Anyways... that's all for my review!! Have a good day guys !! (。・ω・。)