The Soulful Sounds of Dope TAF
Some of you may not know this, but I drive a lot for my second job. During these drives, I often listen to a variety of music. In the process of starting this 'blog,' I've explored different music genres, but what consistently calms me at the end of the day is soulful, melancholic music. It's the kind of music you can play on your car radio for hours and just drive to. I appreciate this sound because it is incredibly refreshing and allows for significant self-reflection while listening to the lyrics of the songs. For some reason, it always feels relatable to the issues I'm experiencing in my personal life or to something a friend might be going through—it just resonates with life as a whole.
The other day, I posted on Instagram that I was looking for new music and songs to listen to. Someone recommended the album 'While We Wait' by Dope TAF. Initially, I was hesitant because I have high expectations when it comes to new music, and I don't want to be disappointed. However, I can assure you that I wasn't.
The album begins with a beautiful piano, and from that moment, I was hooked and intrigued to hear the rest. The somber vibes of the intro surprised me because artists often start with a high-paced, energetic intro to captivate the audience. 'Strong Enough (Intro)' was quite the opposite, but I was fully hooked. There was something about the hook 'strong enough to stand alone' that just drew me in. Throughout the entire album, it circled back to the concept of being strong enough to stand alone through your own process of self-discovery—a crucial aspect for a young adult.
One of my favorite songs on the project was 'The Switch Up.' There was something about the playful and energetic beat combined with raw, gritty bars that depicted the struggles he endured while growing up and propelling himself forward. It reminded me of the earlier music that Pro Era used to put out. I particularly enjoyed the storytelling aspect of the song, as it's one of the most important elements of music for me. It allows the artist to tell a story in a way that helps the listener easily visualize what's happening throughout the song. I found myself nodding my head throughout the entire song.
Another favorite of mine was 'Resilient.' This track solidified how skilled of an artist Dope TAF is. The well-crafted entirety of the song, the flow, the upbeat mood, and his lyricism and delivery all highlighted the sense of his resilience. He can withstand anything that comes his way, and nothing will deter him from his path.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the project, and I highly recommend giving 'While We Wait' a listen if you're seeking soulful music to vibe out to and enhance your thoughtfulness. Exploring more of Dope TAF's music is also a worthwhile endeavor. I can assure you that you won't be disappointed at all!
