Released August 26th, 2022
Written by Ryan Henderson
Opinion Before Listening:
DEC JOHHNY has a very enjoyable style. I’ve listened to the first two seasons (SEASON ONE only available on Soundcloud) to get more of an idea of his sound and as you move along throughout both albums, it’s extremely clear that he gets better and better with everything from his wordplay to just his sound in general. He switches from cadences and production that reminds me of Lil Uzi Vert’s Eternal Atake to Rage Beats like Trippie Redd’s Trip At Knight. Those two came out to me right away, but he also has a more relaxed take which sounds like his own. That sound is what he should try to capitalize on! He’s a smart man because that’s exactly what he has been doing with his Albums and EP’s! It’s always exciting to hear something new and see the artist stick with it to perfect their sound.
Collabs with Holly are BEYOND IMPRESSIVE, the contrast they bring when they join forces is a dream duo. With tracks like MAD AT ME, it’s hard to see how DEC JOHNNY won’t make big moves in the future. The flow switching to match the beat and how the catchy little things he says “I only made it worse, That’s on me” is really catchy. His last project Love Story Drama 2 was such a hit for me I’m so excited to see if he’s still improving at such a rapid rate like he has since his first project! No doubt SEASON III is gonna have lots of tracks I enjoy! My only disappointment before going in I have to say is that there’s no Holly Schneider feature which is always a top 3 track on his projects.
Tracklist Ranking:
#1: ‘MOSH ANTHEM’ – 7.8/10
#2: ‘FAKES AND FAMILY’ – 7.6/10
#3: ‘SURVIVE’ – 7.5/10
#4: ‘TOO FAR GONE’ – 7.4/10
#5: ‘OH NOT AGAIN’ – 7.3/10
#6: ‘LUV OR LUST’ – 7.2/10
#7: ‘FULL CIRCLE’ – 7/10
#8: ‘BRING THE RAGE’ – 6.8/10
#9: ‘OUT HERE’ 6.5/10
#10: ‘SON OF CHAOS’ 6.3/10
#11: ‘DEMON DREAMING’ – 6/10
#12: ‘SWAYZE’ 5.7/10
#13: ‘A NEW ERA’ 5.5/10
Top 3 Tracks Strictly Based On The Performance:
(trying to analyze bars, singing, and energy put into the music aside from the beat.)
#1 MOSH ANTHEM – The starting is actually a recording of the crowd at The Grand in Sudbury chanting for DEC JOHNNY at one of his live performances. The performance is something you should pay attention too as you could feel the energy the crowd had. DEC JOHNNY‘s really wanted you to have the full experience of his art and if you haven’t popped out to his shows, you’re missing out. This is definitely the most hype track on the album, what else could I have as my #1? I always love the “I got this shit get out of my way” energy rappers have when they really get in their bag. That confidence and flair comes naturally when you know you’re killing it and I feel it from DEC JOHNNY throughout the track.
#2 FAKES AND FAMILY – His flow after the beat switch in this track is easily my favourite part. Ending of the original beat with, “Someone take this beat and I’m gonna switch it up” *click click click*. I love this part so much because of the way he lets the beat switch ride before hopping back into it! It almost makes me feel like I’m in the studio with him and I could watch him thinking before murdering it. The overall message on this track is beautiful because it’s all about staying true to yourself and those around you. Something I feel the majority of us struggle with as we’re all holding back aspects of our true selves when around others. Tracks like this teach me to be more comfortable with myself and understand being different is better. Almost no one important follows what’s “normal”.
#3 BRING THE RAGE – “Theres way too many people out here claiming that they helped me. Many of y’all ain’t with me just sit there surrounded. Playing off the hand that I dealt y’all feel wealthy. A lot of y’all just sit around”. All of the lovely things that come with building your own buzz. People claiming they helped you, people who want a free ride on your dime because you’re “friends”. None of us really understand how much of a mental burden this is because we’re not on the same level as these artists who are putting everything into their craft. I think this is why it’s such a recurring subject in these rising artists’ tracks because they’re all being exposed to what really comes with the clout they always wanted.
Overall Rating of the Album: 6.8/10
DEC JOHNNY’s highlights are in his hooks and one liners like many rising artists. He just needs to increase the quality of his verses and he’ll see the numbers start growing immensely. With him being from my town I can tell he has a buzz from seeing him perform at local bars and events! He’s got the ability to put on an entertaining show and knows how to get the local crowd jumping!!
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With a similar sound to artists such as Travis Scott, Trippie Redd, Lil Uzi Vert & Playboi Carti, this album will without a doubt give you a rush of energy. Which means it will do very well in live concerts, workouts, and fast car rides! DEC JOHNNY took his time with this album and it shows! Upgrading his sound once again from SEASON II: THE AFTERPARTY. That makes us think… Whats in store next for DEC JOHNNY? Is this the third and last album in this series or is this just the beginning? Only one man knows for sure. So while we wait and see on what’s to come from DEC JOHNNY you can dive into this album and the many other albums & eps he has on his discography!
Check out SEASON III: FULL CIRCLE and form your own opinion!
