Every now and then, we’re emailed here at Team Hellions and asked to examine an album or artist. The latest submission is from up and coming rapper Dave East. East is an interesting artist, one who gave up a potential NBA career to follow his passion for music. A passion that has spawned four mix tapes in the last two years, collaborations with DJ Ill Will and DJ Rockstar, and the forging of a group with emcee Darryl “Profit” King that is hitting the rap world by storm.

Dave East and Profit go all the way back to high school, and after a stint at the University of Richmond and Towson University, with the NBA chasing him, East decided that music was the right direction. Since then, Dave East and Profit have been busy as hell, putting out four fantastic mix tapes focusing on the themes that make East who he is featuring samples that stun.

The first mix tape, Change of Plans, showcases East’s flow, lyric ability, and overall style. While examining his other mix tapes, such as American Greed, Don’t Sleep, and Insomnia, Dave East’s abilities continue to get better and better. The pinnacle of that is the track “Monster” where Dave just starts spitting raps like a mad man. Lyrically, as he raps on “Realest Shit,” Dave East “sticks to what he knows” and reexamines similar themes on many of his tracks, including money, women, success, NYC, and haters. His greatest strength is when he becomes socially conscious, especially on American Greed and in a large part on Change of Plans. For instance, when East Raps: “Mo’ money Mo’ problems, I don’t mind it, cuz it’s worse when theirs nothing to provide nigga, hungry ribs touching like theirs nothing inside.” There is also a pop sense about East, one that has a commercial appeal, notably with his take on choruses. In exploring this side, East is still true to the music; when you hear him rap about all these themes, he’s believable, unlike many rappers that you just want to punch in the face.

Dave East owes a lot to emcee Darryl “Profit” King, who’s ability on the boards is amazing. In terms of sampling on all these mix tapes, the music ranges from 70’s old school soul, to 90’s rap and hip-hop inspired beats. On the track “Bi-Coastal,” there is a really great, subtle sample of Don Henley’s song “Boys of Summer.” The track “Countdown” has a keyboard sample on it that is reminiscent of the melody from Coldplay’s “Paradise.” And the track “Do You” samples Adele’s “Melt My Heart to Stone” and is successful in it’s execution. Profit has a real great sense for what sounds work, what sounds are appealing, and creating this platform for East’s lyrics to flow, and fit well, instilling a wider appeal for rap and hip-hop fans alike.

I cannot recommend Dave East’s music enough, check out all the links below; you will not be disappointed!

If you’d like your music reviewed on teamhellions.com email recordreviewsonhellions@gmail.com

Mix Tapes: http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/dave_east/mixtape/

NFL Website: http://loyalgang.tumblr.com/

YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/LoyalGangTV

Dave East Twitter: @DAVE_EAST

Profit Twitter: @iget_PROFIT

Loyalty Gang Twitter: @LOYALGANGMUISC