Lil’ Durk
Signed to the Streets Mixtape
The wait is over! After an interminable number of delays, Chicago’s most interesting young MC finally drops the highly-anticipated successor to last year’s awesome, Life Ain’t No Joke. Lead single, “Dis Ain’t What U Want,” is undoubtedly one of the songs of the year, and early returns indicate that Signed to the Streets is going to be an absolute stormer. Featuring melodic, imposing production from longtime collaborators Paris Beuller, Young Chop, and Zaytoven, Durk Banks’ sing-song flow and raw, emotive delivery are more on-point than ever.
At just 20 years of age, Banks has already lived an incredible amount. In the last year or so, he has seen three members of his OTF imprint gunned down, spent time in prison, had two children, and signed a multi-million dollar deal with Def Jam (and that’s only what’s been reported on). All of the his struggles and successes are on full display here, and Signed to the Streets really demonstrates how fast kids have to grow up in his reality and the abject hopelessness many face. It also serves as a devastating reminder of the current state of Chicago, which, at this point, should be considered a state of emergency. That said, an undercurrent of the hope and joy permeates the disc, thanks to Durk’s buoyant flow and survivor’s spirit. It won’t be everybody’s cup of tea, but if you consider yourself a music fan, you owe it yourself to give the album a fair, unbiased listen. Simply put, it’s one of the most essential albums to come out this year.
Stream + Download the Album, here.
Check out the video for “100 Rounds.”
