Smoke DZA has long been a master of collaboration, a connector in the sprawling landscape of modern hip hop. His latest album, On My Way To Berlin, serves as a powerful reaffirmation of this status. In an era often defined by fleeting singles and algorithmic playlists, DZA has delivered a thoughtfully sequenced and immaculately vibey 12 track project that showcases not only his own lyrical dexterity but also his impeccable taste in collaborators.
The album is a veritable who’s who of respected spitters, with a guest list that includes Wiz Khalifa, Killer Mike, Ab-Soul, Dave East, and Benny The Butcher. The latter’s appearance on the pre-release single “3 Kings,” alongside the legendary Memphis Bleek, was a clear indicator of the caliber of talent DZA was tapping for this project. The track itself is a bar heavy affair, with each MC delivering potent verses over a classic, head nodding beat.
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Throughout On My Way To Berlin, Smoke DZA navigates a sonic landscape that is both diverse and cohesive. The production, handled by a range of beatmakers, leans heavily on breezy, sample based melodies and crisp drum breaks, creating a soundscape that is at once nostalgic and contemporary. This allows for a seamless transition between the hazy, smoke filled atmospherics of tracks like “Champagne Campaign” featuring Wiz Khalifa and the more up-tempo, menacing energy of “Check” with fellow New Yorker Dave East.
A standout moment on the album is the introspective and smooth “11:11,” featuring the unmistakable West Coast cool of Dom Kennedy and production from JohnG. The track is a masterful exercise in restraint, with JohnG laying down a laid back, sample driven instrumental that provides the perfect canvas for DZA and Kennedy to trade their signature conversational flows. Lyrically, “11:11” finds both artists in a reflective mood, contemplating their journeys in the rap game and the fruits of their labor. The title itself suggests a moment of serendipity and alignment, a theme that resonates throughout the album as a whole. Dom Kennedy’s presence adds a distinct California flavor to the project’s otherwise East Coast-centric core, further highlighting DZA’s ability to bridge regional sounds and styles.
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While DZA is a generous host, he is never overshadowed on his own project. His verses are consistently sharp and charismatic, whether he’s weaving intricate narratives or simply flexing his lyrical prowess. His ability to adapt his flow to a variety of production styles is a testament to his veteran status and deep understanding of the craft.
Following his recent EP, You’re All Welcome, with DJ RELLYRELL, On My Way To Berlin continues Smoke DZA’s prolific run. It is a project that will undoubtedly appeal to a wide range of hip hop aficionados, from those who appreciate classic boom bap to those who enjoy more contemporary, trap influenced sounds. More than just a collection of songs, the album is a carefully curated experience, a testament to Smoke DZA’s enduring relevance and his unique ability to bring together the best and brightest in the game. It is a journey well worth taking.
