On "So Far," off new album WILDLIF3, Regina-via-Vancouver rapper Def3 raps "My lyrics carry truth/ Meaning you've probably never heard of me." While that criticism of modern commercial rap is also something of a reality for the MC, Def3 has recorded collaboration records with Canadian underground legends Moka Only and Factor that have definitely spread his name further than he suggests. Subjects such as life in the Canadian music industry, personal strife and confidence and perseverance are included along with the usual hip-hop braggadocio, all written with witty wordplay. Def3's flow is tight, impressive even alongside vets like Moka Only, Shad and Ceschi, as well as up-and-coming star Merkules.
DJ Skratch Bastid lays down some slick cuts on "The Truth" while singers Claire Mortifee and Krystle Dos Santos provide a couple of cool hooks that add variety and work well with the smooth, laidback vibe of the production on most of the album. And it's this production that really stands out on WILDLIF3. Factor supplies a steady stream of smooth soul with only a few attempts to up the tempo. Highlights include "The Truth," which appears custom-made for guest rapper Shad, the groovier "Catalina Wine Mixer" with Kay the Aquanaut, the production a nice mix of wood blocks, guitars and a western gunfight whistle, and "Where Did We Go Wrong," with Merkules and Evil Ebenezer, whose uptempo beat is a likely contender for commercial radio play. While Def3 isn't breaking any new ground with WILDLIF3, it does demonstrate his quality and consistency.
(Urbnet)DJ Skratch Bastid lays down some slick cuts on "The Truth" while singers Claire Mortifee and Krystle Dos Santos provide a couple of cool hooks that add variety and work well with the smooth, laidback vibe of the production on most of the album. And it's this production that really stands out on WILDLIF3. Factor supplies a steady stream of smooth soul with only a few attempts to up the tempo. Highlights include "The Truth," which appears custom-made for guest rapper Shad, the groovier "Catalina Wine Mixer" with Kay the Aquanaut, the production a nice mix of wood blocks, guitars and a western gunfight whistle, and "Where Did We Go Wrong," with Merkules and Evil Ebenezer, whose uptempo beat is a likely contender for commercial radio play. While Def3 isn't breaking any new ground with WILDLIF3, it does demonstrate his quality and consistency.
