EP REVIEW: DB - Aether
Hip-hop is at an evolving state. I know, I’ve said this a million times here but after hours and hours of me digging over Soundcloud and seeing these hidden gems springing out of nowhere just proves that looking at the surface isn’t enough. I’ve discovered DB around 2016. She is a female rapper representing Metro Manila south-based rap collective, Baryo Berde. A collective where she found herself home in ever since the group’s inception. DB was one of those first do-it-yourself rappers I’ve discovered. Not only she raps, but she also happens to make her own album/single covers for her own branding and her collective. But since she’s done all of her homework after working with many other rappers in the community, she also happens to be one of the organizers of a movement called “Weman”. A community where females are free to express themselves and are encouraged to be open and implement safe spaces not just in the Metro Manila but also in cities outside of the metro.
After a while of being productive in producing and doing DIY shows in the south, DB finally released her much-awaited EP titled “Aether”, released back in August of this year. Seeing the track listing and the teasers months earlier, it made my anticipation meter go up in an all-time high.
With this EP being made available through Soundcloud, “Live Evil” starts the EP with DB rapping about living in a world full of evil – “If my demons live in me should I keep them alive? Do I need a little evil just for me to survive?” – Then the trap-influenced instrumental just assists her every bar while the second track, “RIP”, is instantly easy to sing-a-long to for being an addictive but deadly chorus. Based on the first two tracks, I’ve noticed that DB’s ability to never miss a beat, even if a snare is keeping the song at an intimidating pace, just ups the intensity as a performer.
“Santelmo” shows not just her ferocity but also her versatility. The third verse showcased her Tagalog rapping skills – “Hindi mo namalayan na ikaw ang inialay hanggang sa naaamoy mo nang sarili mong dugo/ Alingasaw/ Nag-aagaw buhay ang tibok at lumalabo ang dating mga malinaw.” – Sometimes a rare but impressive display in her catalogue of English majority tracks. Although, I’d like to know how she was able to keep up in her English written tracks and what is kind of keeping her from making more Tagalog songs. Either if it’s easier to express yourself or for just to impress for plain “display” only, I’d like to see her challenge herself in making more songs based in her local language.
“FillaKilla” dabbles on classic boom bap with production provided by Apoc. “FillaKilla”, the fifth and final track, is a personal favourite of mine in the entire Aether EP. Not only has the track ended up being a straight up banger but it also made a statement with who you’re representing. – “Everybody hella sketchy I cant trust in a friend/ Used to hate me way back now you making amends?” -- It was a straightforward track and it had a sick breakdown of bars and talent.
With Aether in her back, DB has made a ton of listeners following her for her ambition. She cuts her contemporaries in half with her razor sharp lyricism, if we look at in the outside, which is very obvious to spot and highlight from the beginning. She carefully curates instrumentals (with very contemporary sounding beats by Mocksmile, Serena D.C., Alisson Shore. Pegs that come up in my mind that are ala London on Da Track or Metro Boomin) consistently, and the entire EP is a fierce display of female prowess, becoming a role model for many aspiring female rappers living in what is a male dominant culture. Overall, Aether is memorable for its hooks, verses, and especially, DB’s undaunted presence not only existing in an audio format but also sets an equalizer in the hip-hop community as well.
Now what do you folks think of their new project? Do you like it or not? What is your opinion about it? Let me know in the comments below. Always leave a reaction below if you feel like it.