ROTD III Is More Than I Could've Ever Prepared For
When I turned on this album for the first time I was on an 8-hour drive, so I had nothing to do but listen. And it was...a lot.
I had heard the singles and skimmed the track list, but somehow that didn’t really prepare me for what I was about to hear.
Revenge of the Dreamers III is the third compilation album from Dreamville Records. The first two consisted primarily of the label’s signees, but the third piece in the saga was a much bigger production. The album is the culmination of a 10-day recording session that involved upwards of 100 artists, well-established and newbies alike. Some attendees received golden tickets more lucrative than Mr. Wonka’s, and others earned their spots along the way. What came out on the other side was an album jam packed with different styles, vibes, and a plethora of talented artists. I honestly lack the skill and time to give this album a proper review, so I’ll just share some of my favorite moments instead.
Kung Fu Kenny and other surprises
Kendrick Lamar’s uncredited hook, nine people rapping on a 4-minute song, T.I. and J.I.D. together, all the vocals on PTSD, Cozz and REASON plottin’ on their bosses, Wells Fargo as a concept (??)—I could go on forever. Every single track evoked a new and different reaction, but the project still somehow felt cohesive. I wasn’t looking for a single theme, and I think this album, and all of the choices made for each song, really captured the essence of the Dreamville Sessions, something of a creative, controlled chaos. I heard some familiar voices and met some new ones, all of which held their own with so much else going on. Seriously, I would actually be okay with Guapdad 4000 singing hooks on literally anything.
Pls. give Buddy his flowers
Don’t Hit Me Right Now, Wells Fargo, PTSD, and 1993...like he gives us bars and jokes all in one, what’s not to love?
Women should be in charge of everything
I was hoping women would be amply represented on the album, and I wasn’t disappointed. Since Ari Lennox is the only woman on the Dreamville lineup, it was refreshing to hear a number of women with different styles on a male-dominated project. Ari sprinkled her vocals on the album like golden fairy dust as I expected. Dreezy had one of my favorite verses on the entire album, and the other women featured—Yung Baby Tate, DaVionne, Baby Rose, and Mereba—all added a kind of grounding energy that balanced out the testosterone that was wildin’ out everywhere.
Wells Fargo
I know I’ve already mentioned it, but those group vocals kill me every time.
The MEMES
I’d be silly to try to explain memes, so just see for yourself.
