DiZ: All In Due Time
Get Familiar
DiZ is a 20-year-old Boston-based rapper and producer whose art doesn't really fit the mold of what's popular right now, and it's this uncompromising and genuine artistic output that I'm forever grateful for. DiZ is a forerunner of the alternative/jazz rap sound, continuing to push the subgenre forward release after release. His most recent project, the way forward is not the way home, is no exception to that. The album's vulnerable and genuine lyrics strike an emotional chord within its listeners in a unique way. This impact has helped the album receive great reviews from critics and fans alike. Furthermore, DiZ's candid writing and soulful sampling paint an incredibly vivid window into his life and personal story like few other artists can.
On Solid Ground
I discovered DiZ through his stand-out track Rest, like most of those familiar with him and his work. However, the consistency that followed this track made me a loyal fan of his art. I vividly remember hearing Fair Weather for the first time and being blown away by the character and passion that DiZ projects within his vocal performance. However, it's apparent that I wasn't the only one to see this in him. The track was quickly catapulted into popularity through prominent playlisting and even garnered some hype within raptok – a community of creators and fans of rap music existing on Tik Tok. Today, it may seem that artists may share a shorter breath of relevance due to our ever-decreasing attention spans or simply just because of the sheer wealth of music out there to consume. However, artists of substance like DiZ have the potential to hurdle this obstacle because of the tight community he has welded together through his vulnerability within his work.
The Art
Few can present a product quite as meaningful and as emotionally dense as DiZ, and he proved this power of his through his December 21st release of, the way forward is not the way home. The album powerfully chronicles DiZ's inner struggles and his confrontation with doubt through its relatively brief 22-minute run-time. In all honesty, the project has been in my constant rotation since its release. The opening song, running away, opens with an excerpt from Atlanta, which just so happens to be my favorite show of all time. Much like Alfred of Atlanta in Season 2, episode 8, DiZ is frantically running from his past, fearing stagnation and wasting away. This unique use of sampling sets the tone for what's to come and adds another layer of personality to the project right off the bat. Towards the second half of the track, the chorus' vocals become progressively more desperate as the song winds down into an emotional conclusion. The next track, Hunger, is most definitely a highlight of the project with its hypnotizing production and hopeful narration as DiZ and Maadebysaade 'muscle through' it. The fourth track, goner, perfectly defines what is meant by the label of alternative. DiZ wears his emotions on his sleeve with his account of betrayal until the song tastefully evolves into a euphoric swell of synths. The sixth track, day by day, is my favorite off of the project, and it has a lot to do with the chemistry between DiZ and the song's feature, Gio Genesis. This song was my introduction to Gio Genesis, and I definitely will be tapping into what he's got coming next. Track eight, oneday, is a turning point in the album, delivering hope and optimism, which tastefully juxtaposes the tone of the album to this point. Featured artist Cisco Swank was the perfect fit for this track, hitting every pocket of the instrumental with care, and as a result, his contributions to the song are nothing less than beautiful. The final track, victory lap, is DiZ's unapologetically triumphant resolution to the album, putting an exclamation mark on the project and the year, for that matter!
Moving Forward
I'm really excited to see what's next for DiZ and his musical journey in the new year, and I'll be following his progression closely. Additionally, I'd be remiss not to mention his manager Annabelle Kline and her impact. Her influential platform and selfless efforts have changed the lives of more than just DiZ. She has completely revolutionalized the music discovery process, all while staying genuine and down to earth. The pair are so fun to follow and easily strike me as the next big players in the industry. Thank you, DiZ, for the transparency and soul you put into each record. Do a show in New York City, please, and thanks!
Sincerely,
A genuine perspective
