Album Review: DJ Drama – “Third Power”
DJ Drama Unites Hip-Hop Generations on “Third Power”
Few DJs in hip-hop history command the influence and staying power of DJ Drama. With the release of his third studio album, Third Power, Drama steps beyond the “Gangsta Grillz” branding while continuing to amplify the voice of hip-hop—from veterans to hungry newcomers. Released on October 11, Third Power is more than a collection of tracks; it’s a curated celebration of the genre’s evolving landscape.
Celebrating the Culture: DJ Drama’s Artistic Shift
While Drama built his name through the Gangsta Grillz mixtape empire, Third Power represents a new chapter. Originally titled Gangsta Grillz: The Album (Vol. 3), the name change signals a deliberate move toward redefining his role in the game. Recorded throughout this year, the album showcases a dynamic blend of southern anthems, East Coast lyricism, and radio-ready collaborations.
Third Power isn’t about DJ Drama’s lyrical ability—it’s about his ear for talent and ability to merge voices across generations. Drama himself has described the project as a reflection of three generations of hip-hop, and this mission is evident in the tracklist. The album brings together rising stars like Meek Mill, Future, and J. Cole alongside established heavyweights such as Fabolous, Young Jeezy, and Gucci Mane.
Star-Studded Collaborations Drive the Album
The album launches with its high-energy lead single, “Oh My,” produced by Drumma Boy. Featuring Fabolous, Wiz Khalifa, and Roscoe Dash, the track sets the tone with its infectious hook and catchy verses. As the lead single released earlier in the year, “Oh My” makes a solid impression, peaking at #100 on the Billboard Hot 100 and laying the foundation for the album’s rollout.
One of Third Power‘s most compelling strengths lies in its seamless collaboration between artists from different regions and eras. “Lay Low,” featuring Philadelphia’s Meek Mill, Young Chris, and Freeway, pays homage to Drama’s Philly roots while celebrating gritty East Coast rap. “Rough,” pairing Freddie Gibbs and Young Jeezy, delivers raw street narratives over a brooding instrumental, reinforcing Drama’s continued credibility in the trap scene.
Balancing Melodic and Gritty Styles
The album isn’t all about aggressive energy. Drama demonstrates his curatorial range by blending melodic moments into the tracklist. “Never See You Again,” featuring Wale and Talia Coles, brings a smooth, R&B-inspired flavor. It’s a reminder that even within a DJ-helmed album, there can be emotional depth and sonic variety.
“Undercover” with J. Cole and Chris Brown is another standout that skillfully balances street sensibility with crossover appeal. Cole’s thoughtful verses, paired with Brown’s radio-friendly hook, create a track that feels equally at home on hip-hop playlists and mainstream airwaves.
Solo Shines from Rising Voices
DJ Drama carves out space for solo showcases that amplify the momentum of emerging voices. On “Ain’t No Way Around It,” Future takes center stage, delivering a melodic yet street-savvy performance that builds on his bubbling buzz. Similarly, Gucci Mane holds down “Me & My Money” with charisma and regional pride, ensuring the ATL presence remains strong.
“Everything That Glitters,” featuring Pusha T and French Montana, offers a more reflective tone, providing lyrical depth without sacrificing flow. The track demonstrates that Drama’s curation considers pacing and balance—not just star power.
Dynamic Production Underlines Versatility
The production lineup behind Third Power is as stacked as its vocal talent. Contributions from Drumma Boy, Cardiak, Lil’ Lody, Dawty Music, V12 the Hitman, and more create a sonically cohesive, high-quality experience. Each beat matches its performers, allowing the artists to flourish without overshadowing one another.
Tracks like “Take My City” (with B.o.B and Crooked I) and “So Paid” (with Red Cafe and 2 Chainz) demonstrate how varied styles can coexist on one project. Whether it’s Crooked I’s lyrical precision or B.o.B’s melodic flow, Drama gives each artist the room to shine while maintaining a consistent album vibe.
An Anthem for Unity in Hip-Hop
What sets Third Power apart is its underlying message: unity across different regions, styles, and generations of rap. DJ Drama’s reach allows him to tap into a wide spectrum of talent. Instead of simply gathering big names for the sake of star power, he strategically positions artists to complement one another.
The “Oh My (Remix),” featuring Trey Songz, Big Sean, and 2 Chainz, serves as a prime example. The remix updates the original with fresh energy while maintaining the song’s momentum, showcasing how remix culture can extend a track’s relevance.
Reception and Chart Performance
Third Power is expected to debut strongly on the Billboard 200 and on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. This expectation reflects moderate commercial success, especially for a DJ-led project without a traditional lead artist. Its diverse lineup and balanced sound contribute to its positive critical reception, even though some listeners point out a lack of thematic cohesion.
Still, the album’s ambition is clear. By focusing on delivering moments rather than a singular narrative, DJ Drama offers a mixtape-like feel with the polish of a studio album. It’s a fitting evolution of his career and a reminder of the DJ’s role as curator and connector in hip-hop culture.
Final Verdict: A Curated Celebration of Hip-Hop
Third Power succeeds as a testament to DJ Drama’s legacy. It bridges regional divides, introduces promising newcomers, and reminds listeners of the art of collaboration. While not every track lands with equal impact, the album’s best moments highlight Drama’s gift for synergy and scene-building.
In an era when hip-hop continues to evolve rapidly, Third Power feels timely and intentional. It isn’t just an album; it’s a snapshot of where hip-hop is in the current day and where it could be going. With names like J. Cole, Future, Meek Mill, and 2 Chainz all gaining traction, DJ Drama may have just assembled a time capsule of tomorrow’s stars.
Being a major figure in the music industry, DJ Drama has a good sense of what’s coming next. So, he went ahead and placed some of 2011’s highest rising stars for his newest album.
For fans seeking a hip-hop album that reflects the genre’s current state while looking forward to its future, Third Power offers both a solid listen and a deeper cultural statement.