It's impossible for me to quell my expectations that are instantly formed when I see The Doppelgangaz name attached to a project. I definitely had to listen to Peace Kehd several times before I could even begin to critique the album without feeling as though my presumptions about what a Doppelgangaz should sound like were clouding my judgement.
The production on Peace Kehd touches on fairly familiar ground. Its somewhat slow and methodical, as its always been, but it's not quite as sparse or as sample heavy. It's also definitely more uplifting in tone. Whereas the Doppelgangaz of old sounded as if they were rapping over production made when storm clouds were forming or had been set, the sounds on Peace Keh'd sound like the kind beats one would come up right as the sun had began to shine through.
The subject matter seems more playful on Peace Kehd and less bleak and plodding. It sounds like they're toying with a more mainstream, pop influenced sound. Peace Kehd sounds like current college radio ran through a Doppegangaz filter. And while they're mostly successful in replicating the vapid nature of modern rap, it's a bit disappointing hearing the duo discuss such repetitious themes as the different ways they fuck chicks or acquire drugs.
However, their nonchalant delivery and their ability to navigate from boasts to reflection makes Peace Kehd very listenable. Tracks like What's Your 20, Fall Thru and Sh*t Rock possess light narratives featuring references and insights that are particularly unique to the group's core. And in the end, that's what really saves and drives the album.
The chemistry between the duo is undeniable and is rarely seen in other modern rap groups. Moreover, the final realization I had about this album is that it might be more of an ode to the non-dusty sounding self-indulgent 90s albums that existed before buzzwords like swag and posh came in to prominence.
Light 8