Today, Harlem-based rapper, Dave East has dropped his debut album Survival, out via. Def Jam Records/Mass Appeal. According to Billboard, this body of art comes with nothing but boom-bap ridden production and top-notch R&B samples that coincide with East’s reflective bars. Ultimately, Survival embarks on his new life as a major label artist. It also speaks on East’s ever-lasting growth throughout the years, life lessons, and how he stayed positive when the going got tough.
In accordance to East’s lyrical prowess, the emcee called veterans like Teyana Taylor on “Need a Sign,” J.Black on “Penthouse,” Fabolous on “What’s Going On,” Max B. on “Wanna Be a G,” Ty Dolla $ign on “On Sight,” and Nas on “Godfather 4” for collaborating purposes. Survival also comes with a tribute to the late Nipsey Hussle, a rapper-entrepreneur who left his mark on the world and music industry. Referencing back to his interview with Billboard, East speaks about his project’s title:
“Survival — that’s what I’ve been doing this entire time. I’m surviving now, I’m still trying to figure it out. I’m trying to broaden my horizons, get into things that people don’t know me for. I feel like “survival” was the one word that could tie all of that together. This project is going to connect some dots of all the bits and pieces of stories I was talking about.”
For those who are reading, I stress that you take an hour and 20 minutes out of your day so you can listen to Survival.
Stream Dave East’s Survival below:
