The (Trap) Voice

There have been a lot of stand-out hip hop / trap / drill artists as of late: Pop Smoke, Playboi Carti, Juice WRLD, Lil Nas X... and now Lil Durk. Although saying it like that wouldn't quite be fair: Durk has actually been around for years, and will probably be around for many more...

We are by no means the first to notice this incredibly strong artistic trend that has emerged from the US and the UK in recent years and that we over here call Hip Pop — although it is usually associated with Trap or Drill. The point is, what we are witnessing here is the advent of a brand new sound within the Hip Hop genre. Which means it is already a global phenomenon, seeing as Hip Hop has effectively taken over the (musical) world. And Lil Durk is standing right on top of that trend, or wave, or whatever you want to call this monster.

Originating from Chicago, along with many Trap / Drill stars, he was actually one of the architects of the whole movement, creating his own collective — and label — Only The Family all the way back in 2010. Although Durk is only aged 28 now, he has already authored 6 LPs, plus another 3 with his collective, as well as being featured in a host of tracks including Mr Drake‘s “Laugh Now Cry Later”, the first single from (still) upcoming album Certified Lover Boy. Also, he has 6 kids. Nothing to do with his music, but you have to admire the work ethic…

If all of the above was not enough, 2 of Durk’s albums were released just last year, the latter being The Voice, a 28-track collection (in its Deluxe edition) dedicated to his late friend and collaborator King Von. As it tragically happens in too many cases (see: Pop Smoke and Juice WRLD), Von lost his life late last year in a nighttime Atlanta incident. Durk thus chose to dedicate his album to the man, who also happens to be featured on it — and can be seen on the artwork.

Now that we are all clear on that, what about the actual work? Well, not surprisingly given its remarkable run on the Billboard charts, the album is a solid, highly cohesive set of songs based on highly stylish beats and delivering all the satisfaction expected from such a momentous LP. The title track acts as a scenic manifesto of Durk’s standing in these strange quarantined times of ours; “Still trapping” (feat. King Von) provides an edgier moment, during which both singers can show teeth; “Kanye Krazy” (along with its video) is a slightly ironic piece on living Hip Hop legend — and probable mental case — Kanye West…

All in all, the album plays out like a seemingly uninterrupted musical experience, which would almost sound sweet if it weren’t for the raw lyrics. If you already know everything there is to know about Trap, you already love this record. If you don’t, have a listen, it’s a good place to start…