Manny King John
Drique London is an MC representing Raleigh, North Carolina. He’s built a following throughout the years from blogs, magazines and radio shows, becoming well known in his home state. Perfecting his craft and starting a label, D.O.C. Music Group, had all led up to his new highly-anticipated album, Sound of the Rising Sun.
The album opens with “Preamble,” a short instrumental take on Kool & The Gang’s “Summer Madness,” that many artists have sampled. “IXIIV” is a song working a 9 to 5 but has this edge like he’s rapping about hustling drugs. Starting with one flow, he then borrows JAY Z’s flow from “Dirt Off Ya Shoulder,” to speak for himself and others, creating a hustling anthem for the everyday man. On “Celebrate” featuring Carlitta Durand, he speaks on his accomplishments, things he’s grateful for, the little things he did to get where he is now and meeting 9th Wonder and Big Krit. “Sound of the Rising Sun” is a posse cut featuring Fresh Daily, Donovan McCray, and Like of Pac Div. Each one reflects on their lives and careers with London, mentioning our Editor:
“At 17, I spent three days in Queens on Yams’ couches / hoping to get a Cover just got a cover and a plate of food / I’m grateful for her just deep in debt from paying these dues.”
At ten tracks, including the intro, the album is short and sweet. London is able to show his skills by switching flows and riding the beat differently on each song. Towards the end of the album, there’s a section dedicated to the ladies. “Mysterious Vibes,” “Laybach,” and “Iz U Ridin” all feature singers on the hooks that are nice but still fresh enough for the fellas to slap. Drique London is a relatable artist, in the vein of most of North Carolina’s most known Hip-Hop artists: J. Cole, Little Brother, Rapsody. If he continues to create content like on this album, in no time London should be mentioned with that group of artists.
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