There comes a time when an artist steps on the scene that pushes the genre or several genres forward. On “Demons On My Back” Drogotdoe is able to push forward the sub genres of Cloud Rap, Trill, and Florida Underground all simultaneously, creating the necessary evolution of the scene.
The opening track “D.O.M.B. Intro” sets the tone of the project. Atmospheric beats with even harder hitting bars. No one rides a beat like Dro, at this point I feel like his flow is untouchable. In the beginning of the verse he has a more up tempo pace but towards the end you get more of a slowed down flow so you are able to fully grasp what Dro is dropping.
“Dropout” has a very cloudy chill vibe to it. One of my favorite things about Dro are all the sports references he makes. Since D.Rose is a favorite of mine I couldn’t help but peep that line.
Well at this point this song is so classic to me. Just the overall structure of “Die For My Respect” is reminiscent of old school cloud rap tracks I fell in love with back in the day that I would randomly find online. But this one just hits different. From the spaced out island vibe beat, to the way Dro switches up his flow throughout the track really sets it apart from the rest.
I really dig the atmospheric beat on “Trappin Hard” it’s a dope juxtaposition to the content and sound of Dro’s voice. It for sure reminds me of some shit that would drop in like 2011, which is a huge compliment.
Tracks like “Only One” featuring Leahskyedoan are what set Dro apart from the rest. From the song concept, to the sung hook from Leahskyedoan reminds me of that song “I Follow Rivers” by Lykke Li. The slugged out vocals from Dro show off his versatility as an artist. I really dug the introspectiveness of this track. I kind of wish their was a video for this track but I guess I can just make up my own in my head.
“Apartment” is on some big Florida shit man. It just reminds me of those sunny days in Tampa Bay riding around in the whip. Dro has a great energy on this track which just adds to the beat. This for sure is one of my favorite hooks from Dro, from the “I got this shit” part to the “Trappin out the pink apartments” line, Dro is able to paint that visual picture, brining the listener into that Tampa Bay Trill culture.
“Got Em Shook” is like that one two punch after “Apartment”. The airy beat is hard hitting but still allows Dro space to just rip the beat. This track has a bit of a west coast vibe to it.
The project closes out with “Rockstar!” which is just a quick cut. On some tracks it feels like Dro hits you with the bars and then he’s gone. I felt this was a dope way to end out the album. At first your like damn did the track mess up or skip when the beat sort of glitches but it just adds to the esthetic and vibe of the album.
“Demons On My Back” has definitely set the standard as one of the best projects to ever come out of FLA, especially out of the 813 and Tampa Bay Area. This is only the beginning for Dro!