The Fillmore is being transformed before our eyes. What was once a black cultural mecca is being paved over by chic boutiques and indie cafes that are far more hipster than hip-hop. Development in impoverished urban areas can be good, but it poses the question, who is the development for?
In the Fillmoe it's not for the ever-shrinking African-American community, leaving hold-outs like DaVinci struggling to make sense of their new world. It's clear watching the video for "What You Finna Do" that the black arts district that gave rise to rappers like San Quinn and JT The Bigga Figga has all but dissipated–cotton candy on the city's renewal-hungry palate.
DaVinci's delivery is gritty without being grimy; his content is street-oriented without the hood mentality; and his mind is sharp and analytical without being "conscious." His debut album, The Day The Turf Stood Still (Sweetbreads Creative Collective), is an epic urban saga rife with unromanticized street tales and dark soulful production. To give you a little taste of what's to drop on March 9, take a gander below.
"Real N*ggaz Remix" is a collaboration with former Team member Kaz Kyzah and rising R&Bay star R.O.D. It's an empathetic reflection on the come-up, minus the glorified genocide that too often pervades hip-hop. It's a dope song, but also is a good indication of the album's tone.
DL: "Real N*ggaz Remix"- DaVinci feat. Kaz Kyzah & R.O.D.
"Guys Wanna" might be my favorite track on the album. Not only does producer Al Jieh use unusual vocal samples from Goodfellas (one of my favorite movies) to score a nostalgic and soulful backdrop, DaVinci freaks it perfectly by discussing his grind, subtly touching on a topic that me and my circle have been discussing a lot recently: the struggle between love and hustle.
DL: "Guys Wanna"- DaVinci
Finally, here is a video for "What You Finna Do," which addresses the issue of gentrification discussed in the begining of this piece. Director Marcus Ubungen does a great job of illustrating the remnants of the Fillmoe district DaVinci knows and loves, while juxtaposing those places with clear signs of urban renewal. And if you think this joint is nice, just wait for DaVinci and Ubungen's tag team on "Ben." their next video. It's pretty saucy. And yeah I said saucy, I'm bringing it back kids.
It's clear that DaVinci has a sound that is a definitive departure from the line a lot of other Bay Area emcees are pushing. The Day The Turf Stood Still is a solid debut, in the same vein as Fashawn's recent inaugural LP, Boy Meets World. What is also clear, is that The Sweetbreads Creative Collective has a burgeoning cottage industry of professionals with a shared vision for DaVinci. The production is evocative and soulful and the video work is crisp and conceptual. Look for this team to take the Bay by storm starting now.
And finally some parting words from DaVinci himself
"Im from where hate is power and love is a weakness
If you do wrong the right way, they call you a genius."
Update!
DL: DaVinci: The Day The Turf Stood Still
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