Will Not Dry Out

Texas rapper Playdough, alongside DJ Sean P, has brought raw beats and slick rhymes on Gold Tips. Known for his battle rap skills, Gold Tips proves that Playdough is no stranger to the studio, either. Well-crafted verse complimented by Sean Patrick’s phenomenal turntable techniques are a deadly combo guaranteed to knock out any contender.

Playdough identifies himself as a Christian, so on Gold Tips you will not find verses filled with modern staples of what has become the status quo of hip hip–  no vulgarity-laden lyrics or tales of sexual conquest will be found here. Instead, Playdough relies on clever word play and classic storytelling to keep the listener’s attention, in which he more than succeeds. On “Burn Rubber,” Playdough describes life before and during his journey as a hip hop artist in a way to which anyone can relate, exclaiming, “Turn it up loud on my pioneer tape deck / Heading downtown I just cashed my paycheck.”

The second track, “Act Like you Know,” shows that DJ Sean P didn’t come here just to play. Slamming 808 bass, precise break beats and excellent sample selections are just a glimpse of the arsenal this record-slinging assassin has brought to the table. Other songs, such as “Bust it and Bass Loud,” continue to amaze as he slays song after song.

Playdough has created an album of which he should be proud. Track after track, he shows that he is a skilled emcee whose style is more diverse than most people’s retirement plans. Accompanied by the musical stylings of DJ Sean P, Playdough is given the chance to create an album that feels like an old school hip hop album. Gold Tips delivers 14 tracks and not a weak link to speak of. Song after song is a knockout.