Rating: NNN
It’s called The D.Ark Tape, and, yes, Derek Christoff’s subject matter is dreary. Christoff (aka D-Sisive) is one of the most autobiographical storytellers in all of hip-hop, not just the Toronto pool, and the album spans his journey from outsider kid to his critically acclaimed but unconventional career as emcee, through the death of parents to impending fatherhood. Music is often an outlet for anger, sadness, grief, and you get the impression that few need their craft as desperately as Christoff his raps are both a release for and protective shield against self-consciousness, depression and uncertainty.
But for all the seriousness, The D.Ark Tape isn’t depressing. The production is a breezy, chill and groovy counterbalance, splicing 70s soul snippets, well-placed sound bytes and samples both recognizable (Biggie) and mysterious with light-handed drumming or twinkly piano. The 10 tracks clock in at a tight 25 minutes, which suits the laid-back, deceptively intricate production, and as a whole it manages to convey resilience, not tragedy, and maybe even a touch of optimism.
Top track: Get To Know Me
