Da Brakes continues his progression as a rap artist with his second full length, “Clean but Still Street.” The production level has risen and is more consistent as Brakes raps over a mix of R&B and funk grooves. The album is a throwback to the mid 90s where artists like Heavy D and Coolio were able to mix hip-hop credibility with a more pop accessible sound. Brakes displays plenty of rap skill and some quick rhyming but packages it with catchy hooks, dope beats and a lot of personality.
Clean but Still Street starts out strong with “Hip Hop Loving.” It’s a fun jam and Da Ace once again compliments Brakes lyrical styling’s with a devastating multi syllable verse. “Sound Check” is a creative highlight. This hilarious track is well thought out and extremely well produced. It is similar to DJ format/Abdominal’s recent releases in that it is very funny yet still very catchy and worthy of repeat listens. The album has a lot of variety and touches on many different subjects. Two highlights are “Daddy’s own self,” an emotional ode to Brakes father and “Never Leave Me,” which recounts a broken heart and hurt feelings.
“Bringing it Back” is a classic rap jam. Kel Spencer jumps on board for a verse and elevates the track to another level with a simple yet highly effective rhyme display, “I’m a fill a void, fill a gap, yeah, it’s a rap, bring it back.”
There is no filler here, “Rhymes & Music” is another funk-laden track and Brakes effortlessly flows across the beat, “I got more soul than whole row of soul divas.” Kon-tempts still street hip-hop loving remix closes out the album. This is probably the hardest hitting track on the disc and you will definitely be bumpin this in the car.
Clean but Still Street is a refreshing change from the gangsta tales, wild profanity and the monotonous tone of today’s popular rap. The album shows a diversity and maturity that belies Brakes years in the game. It’s straight up hip-hop packaged in an accessible sound. Da Brakes is clean, still street, and definitely moving forward.
~Hero1