Album Review: Domo Genesis
Written by Tyler Thompson on April 7, 2016
Artist: Domo Genesis
Album: Genesis
Domo Genesis, like many other former members of Odd Future, has
seemingly found his lane.
Genesis’ early years are highlighted by his solo mixtapes Rolling Paper’s
(2010) and Under the Influence 1&2 (2011/2014). While the raw potential
Genesis possesses is flexed in this work, it was marred by “lethargic and
professional weed raps” that it never meshed with the brash and rebellious
style of Odd Future, wrote Sheldon Pearce at Pitchfork.
However, with the debut of Genesis, Domo has refined his craft from his
raw beginnings showing improved lyricism and production value with
clout; it is the epitome of hard and consistent work paying off. Genesis
channels the distinctive sounds of West Coast hip-hop (natural for the
Inglewood, Californian born rapper). The album is much more personal
and reflective, while still keeping those rooted stoner vibes. Genesis also
pulls no stops when it comes to features nabbing prolific artists such as
Juicy J, Wiz Khalifa, Tyler the Creator, Cleveland native King Chip
(formerly known as Chip tha Ripper), Anderson .Paak and Mac Miller.
Two tracks that Genesis released prior to the LP dropping, “Go(Gas)” and
“Dapper”, serve as the two singles for the album.
“Go (Gas)” features the star studded line up of Wiz Khalifa, and Juicy J
offering bars that show off their strengths. Tyler the Creator’s distinctive
sound can be heard in the production on top of light vocal offerings in the
chorus. Huw Baines of Stereoboard.com, describes the song as a, “heavy-
lidded, seemingly generic tale of smoke and braggadocio”.
“Dapper” features Anderson .Paak, a fellow west coast rapper/R&B
sensation, who has stormed the music scene in the past year offering a fun
and groovy inspired track accessible for newcomers to Genesis’ work.
One of the more personal and sentimental tracks on the album is “One
Below.” The track opens up with Genesis’ mother talking about her son with
enormous pride, support and love. As Ashley Monae at Vibe.com writes, the
track explores love’s sweet, sometimes sour drawl that can leave one “Faded
in the Moment”. “Faded in the Moment” is reference to a track found later
in the album that serves as a love letter to his significant other detailing his
affection for her.
The LP closes with one last reflective piece, “Lost and Found”. Genesis raps
about “just tryna find his way” as he continues his journey in music.
“reiterates the tough yet eventually fulfilling journey we call life” Monae of
Vibe.com writes, “If I’m not chasing no, dreams how can I exist?/I’m just
trying to find my way,” he raps.”
Is this Genesis’ magnum opus? Not quite, but it is a step in the right
direction in identifying who Genesis will be as a professional standalone
rapper. Most of the members of Odd Future are doing their own thing now
(Tyler the Creator, Earl Sweatshirt, Frank Ocean and The Internet) all
discovering their strengths after their split. Genesis is no longer hampered
to the comparison of his old crew and is free to be who he is.
The future is brighter than ever before for Domo Genesis.