Album Review: Smoke DZA – “Rolling Stoned”
Smoke DZA’s Rolling Stoned: A Deep Dive
Harlem’s Smoke DZA has built a reputation as one of New York’s most innovative underground rappers. His ability to branch out beyond the city’s traditional sound has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. With Rolling Stoned, his latest album, Smoke DZA continues this trend, blending Harlem swagger with collaborations that stretch across hip hop’s diverse landscape. But does Rolling Stoned stand as a career-defining project, or does it remain overshadowed by its lofty ambitions?
The Collaborators: Building Bridges in Hip Hop
One of the defining features of Rolling Stoned is its impressive list of collaborators. Smoke DZA’s willingness to work with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Big K.R.I.T., Bun B, Curren$y, and Dom Kennedy reflects his commitment to a more inclusive approach to New York hip hop. This strategy underscores DZA’s belief that the genre must evolve to regain its former glory.
Tracks like “On the Corner” featuring Big K.R.I.T. and Bun B highlight this approach, blending gritty storytelling with smooth Southern production. DZA’s narrative of a promising basketball player’s downfall is haunting and visceral, showing his range beyond the “weed rap” stereotype. Meanwhile, “Personal Party” with Curren$y offers a dreamy escape, celebrating the carefree haze of their shared lifestyle.
Thematic Focus: More Than Just Weed?
As the self-proclaimed “Kushed God,” Smoke DZA leans heavily on marijuana imagery throughout Rolling Stoned. Songs like “4Loko” featuring ASAP Rocky and “Loudest Batch” are clear nods to his preferred vice. While this thematic consistency appeals to his core audience, it risks alienating listeners looking for greater depth.
Tracks like “Notorious” and “Overhigh” balance these references with more complex production and lyrical intricacy. In “Notorious,” DZA’s rapid-fire delivery matches the horn-heavy beat, creating a standout moment that showcases his technical skill. These tracks prove that DZA is capable of transcending the “weed rap” label when he chooses to.
Production: A Mixed Bag
The production on Rolling Stoned is both a strength and a limitation. On one hand, tracks like “The Wonderful World of the Kushed God” and “Ball Game” with Kendrick Lamar demonstrate the album’s ability to create immersive atmospheres. The lush instrumentation and layered beats complement DZA’s laid-back delivery, making these tracks highlights of the project.
On the other hand, several songs suffer from forgettable production that fails to elevate the material. Tracks like “We Out” and “Live Life” feel repetitive, lacking the punch needed to make them memorable. This inconsistency detracts from the album’s overall impact, leaving listeners with a mixed impression of DZA’s artistic vision.
Lyrical Content: Moments of Brilliance
Lyrically, Rolling Stoned has its fair share of standout moments. Smoke DZA’s storytelling shines on “On the Corner,” where he paints a vivid picture of life’s harsh realities. “He used to wanna be a Laker / Now he won’t wake up / Damn, what a way to make the paper,” DZA raps, delivering one of the album’s most poignant lines.
However, the album’s heavy reliance on weed-centric themes can feel limiting. While tracks like “Quiet” reveal DZA’s ambition (“It ain’t about the popularity / Measure me by success”), these moments are overshadowed by more generic lyrics that fail to leave a lasting impression. With only four solo tracks on a thirteen-song album, Rolling Stoned doesn’t provide enough space for DZA to fully explore his potential.
The Guest Features: Adding Value?
One of the most striking aspects of Rolling Stoned is its reliance on guest features. With twelve guest appearances across thirteen tracks, the album sometimes feels more like a collaborative mixtape than a cohesive solo project.
That said, the contributions from artists like Kendrick Lamar and Big K.R.I.T. elevate the material. Kendrick’s verse on “Ball Game” is a clear standout, delivering the album’s most rewind-worthy moment. Similarly, Big K.R.I.T. and Bun B’s appearances on “On the Corner” add depth and authenticity to the track’s narrative.
Exploring Smoke DZA’s Artistic Vision
One of the most intriguing aspects of Rolling Stoned is how it reflects Smoke DZA’s artistic vision. The album’s structure and features suggest an artist who values collaboration and experimentation. By working with a diverse roster of artists, DZA demonstrates his ability to bridge gaps in hip hop, bringing together different sounds and styles.
However, this collaborative approach also raises questions about DZA’s individual voice. With so many guest appearances, the album occasionally feels like a platform for others rather than a showcase of DZA’s own artistry. Tracks like “On the Corner” and “Ball Game” hint at what DZA can achieve when he takes the lead, but these moments are scattered.
DZA’s lyrical themes further illustrate his artistic direction. While marijuana references dominate, tracks like “Notorious” and “Quiet” reveal a more introspective side, highlighting his ambition and storytelling abilities. These moments suggest an artist who is still discovering the balance between staying true to his roots and expanding his creative horizons. Rolling Stoned serves as both a reflection of DZA’s current identity and a stepping stone toward his potential future growth.
Conclusion: A Promising but Flawed Effort
Rolling Stoned is a solid entry in Smoke DZA’s discography, showcasing his ability to blend Harlem swagger with influences from across the hip hop spectrum. Tracks like “On the Corner,” “Notorious,” and “Ball Game” highlight his potential as both a storyteller and a collaborator. However, the album’s over-reliance on weed references and guest features prevents it from reaching its full potential.
While Smoke DZA’s ambition is evident, Rolling Stoned ultimately falls short of becoming a standout project in 2011’s competitive hip hop landscape. The album offers glimpses of greatness but lacks the cohesion and depth needed to make a lasting impact. For fans of “weed rap” and laid-back vibes, Rolling Stoned delivers an enjoyable listen. For those seeking a more well-rounded experience, the album leaves room for growth. Smoke DZA’s journey as the “Kushed God” continues, and one can only hope his next project fully realizes his potential.
Regardless, as it currently stands, Smoke DZA is one of the hottest rising NY rappers. Over the past eight years, the returns from NY rap have been increasingly diminishing. However, Smoke DZA’s presence flips much of this on its ear.