In an industry full of trends and superficial bangers, Vallejo's native lyrical philosopher, Word, breaks free of the pack with "Buddha," a powerfully invigorating new single that hits as hard with its message as it does its beat. Renowned for his talent for melding incisive poetry and street-borne wisdom, Word, whose real name is Edward Dizon, lays down a timeless record. "Buddha" is a meditation tucked inside of your head-nodder. Set to a jazz-laced, funk-tinged groove that sounds like it could have been created during the golden age of hip-hop, Word delivers as thoughtful as gritty bars.
His delivery, as much as his teasing avant-gardism, gives that impression. His cadence is careful, his speech nearly conversational, as if he's leading you through a mental renewal rather than just spitting rhymes. The song stitches together themes of inner peace, power, and purpose, drawing daylight between the streets and spiritual revival. There's an undeniable Tupac energy to Word's feral, vulnerable, wise delivery. You can hear Nas in his storytelling, but Word is not a carbon copy. His vision, influenced by his upbringing and the experience of being raised in Vallejo, lends his work a rooted, human dimension. In "Buddha," he plays a streetwise guru, torn between struggle and serenity in the same breath.
"Buddha" simultaneously appeals to the hustler, seeker, outcast, and intellectual. It's music for anyone working through chaos but hoping for clarity. Word's dedication to consciousness never feels performative, permeating every line, pause, and choice of beat. On "Buddha," Word gives us a moment to sit and think, a call to wake up and remember where true power comes from. Consider this essential listening for thought-provoking hip-hop fans who don't skimp on soul in favor of style. Word is a voice for the voiceless, and "Buddha" suggests he's just getting started.
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