On his new release, "Crawl Space," Denver rapper DD a.k.a. DDSwag and Dionne Taylor Jr. step back and let authenticity tackle openness and doubt head-on in a way that ends up feeling both painfully candid and lovely. East Coast grit with a little bit of Midwest reflection, this is a confession. "Crawl Space" pulls you into a headspace that is both universal and intimately specific to a particular place and time: the pressure to measure up in a world that constantly moves the goalposts.
DD doesn't shy away from showing off the dark by the corners of the mind where insecurity breeds and self-worth flickers like a dying light. Instead, he delves in, shaping a lyrical narrative that comes across as highly personal yet universally relatable. The official music video that accompanies the track is a heart-in-your-stomach heartache. Employing the metaphor of a hidden heart, underneath the crawl space, DD visually illustrates the disconnect people experience with their true selves. The setting is claustrophobic and the lighting is dim, but that's the point. It makes viewers sit with their discomfort, recognize the silent battles that can't be seen but are always felt.
DD's deliberate with his flow, walking his words like footsteps through hazy emotional fog. The production is stripped down, serving to highlight the lyrics and message, a risky move that totally works. DD's East Coast roots are evident in his storytelling style, but his Denver upbringing keeps his sound gritty and current. He seamlessly synthesizes regional influences, but more importantly, he grounds his music in real life. Not the type to chase numbers, "Crawl Space" is a killer anthem for that person sitting in silence contemplating whether or not they're enough. With "Crawl Space," DD shows up to once again prove he ain't no rapper riding nobody's wave. He's creating something of his own, the kind of music that sees you, hears you, and helps you breathe, even in the dark. This is therapy with a beat.
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