Instead of the typical pseudo-definitive ranking of the “Best Albums of 2016,” this December we’re trying something different. The Rutgers Review is bringing you 31 days of our writers’ favorite albums this year, from internationally anticipated releases to local debuts to a few guilty pleasures, without caring what critics have had to say.
Loud, hard, heavy, catchy, melodious, addictive. Whichever way you put it Dreamchasers 4, or DC4, is a banger, and it is undoubtedly a step in the right direction for Meek Mill. This might very well be his most complete project to date. The latest release by Meek is surely one that each one of his fans, even those lousy Twitter trolls who blew the Drake beef way out of proportion, can enjoy and get amped up about. Indeed, DC4 provides a variety of content that seems to not only heighten claims of Meek’s versatility but his status as a top artist.
The intensity and enthusiasm that made him who he is in the game are still abundantly present and amplified throughout the mixtape. But this time there’s a difference, which is that he’s evolved from that guy trying to make his way to the top to someone who’s already there. And yet, he still intends his music to be for the streets, and the humbling thing about DC4 is that he doesn’t hide it. He isn’t being swayed by the fame and the glory in respect to his style and sound. He’s still performing and speaking to the same people that have been with him since the start, and this mixtape was not intended to be in response to all of the drama that he’s been involved in recently. It’s simply about the music and his story.
Essentially, this mixtape still speaks to the life that he’s lived and circumstances of murder, death, and crime are abundant in it, along with the pressure of being where he is and the hardships he’s had to face on the streets. His rapping about being successful and being a dreamer (or Dreamchaser) only makes sense if his past is understood and acknowledged as vital to his success, and that is the theme present throughout the entirety of DC4. He’s matured from someone who sounds like they’re selling you a mixtape on the street to someone who has made it big.
Furthermore, the progression and experience that he’s accumulated is considerable, and it is clear. The heavy beats, sounds, and overall quality of production overshadow his weakness in the flexibility of his delivery, and what great production it is indeed. From “Litty” to “Outro” to “Offended” to “On The Regular” each song provides a great flow and strong production that impressively compliment his considerably underrated lyricism and persistently infectious and voluminous voice. It all seems to click.
With that being said, the surprise of “Blue Notes” is notable in that the slow, jazz-heavy feel provides something new and demonstrates versatility, albeit subtly, on his part. The song gives him the opportunity to showcase his lyricism in a lighter tone resulting in an old-school feel with a modern twist.
All in all, this mixtape underscores Meek’s maturity. The messages are the same, but they’re conveyed in a more amplified and intelligent way. The mixtape is strong from start to finish, but it remains to be seen where Meek goes from here. Although this was a strong release, he will have to explore more uncharted territory and move outside of his comfort zone if he wants to start to tap onto more of his potential. Nonetheless, he’s shown his raw talent and has given us a glimpse of his untapped potential, and if anyone has listened to him, he’s proven to be a great hype man with good word play and a story that excites and entertains. Ultimately, if this is anything to go by, he’s headed in the right direction.