Born and raised in Crenshaw, the Bucc Sixty’s artist unloads a pristine and refined work of art that blends opulent sonics and clairvoyant raps.
Dough The Freshkid, commonly known as DTFK, is a rapper, visionary, and philanthropist who recently released his long-awaited album “K.E.Y.S,” which stands for “Keep Evolving Your Self.”
With a hefty title and even more demanding cover image depicting him in a Tuxedo with an equally exquisite woman by his rib and a grand piano behind him, the message is obvious — a Black man can rise above adversity and conquer his trials to become a man of honor.
“As an independent artist, I’m trying to show growth through my business moves, attitude and music. The whole goal is to continue to grow and become better than you were yesterday” he accentuated of the projects’ goal.
The music is of the highest caliber, and the raps are candid, convicted, convincing, and supremely first-rate.
Dough, who is a cornerstone in the Crenshaw neighborhood via his yearly give-aways, admirably reflects on his musical path, touching common topics that arise in the Crenshaw community, but from the perspective of overcoming the dangers that many of the youngsters face.
On “Throw Up,” he cuts across gang culture; on “Whip It,” he amplifies the allure of selling drugs as a way to shorthand poverty, but in a very fun and enjoyable manner (we smell a TikTok from this song); on “Checc N,” he alludes to the territorial aspect of Hip Hop regionalism, where outsiders are required to be validated before walking into certain areas; and on “Rich Blacks,” he speaks on
Normally, projects that explore the socio-cultural aspects of community wind up preachy and judgmental, but DTFK avoids these traps and dispels clichés, breezing through one of the most lauded 2022 projects in terms of continuity, cohesiveness, quality, and performance.
The wholesome virtue of the body of work is present, no wonder DTFK, the EPC founder, does not hesitate to call this “his best work ever.” From his nonchalance to talk into the mic rather than animate performance, to the musicality that will illuminate more so through the live shows, to the shorts (brief video bites) that acted as a roll-out acquainting the fans with the process of making the album, the wholesome virtue of the body of work is present.
“It’s actually 2 songs in particular, “Chandeliers” and the self title “Keys” song. But the entire album is Dope, probably my best project to date” when we asked him what his favorite records were.
More to suffice from the aesthetic side of the project has been teased by the passionate proponent of self-improvement via financial health and business.
“We took our time with Keys, and we don’t want to just conclude it here with music.” Hopefully, later this year, I’ll be able to release a seven-part Keys video movie series. We’ve actually begun manufacturing,” he says, noting that the tools haven’t been turned off yet.
Stream the project here:
