Review: Legacy - Dolo 3
Joe Cooke, Contributor
[2015; Self-released]
Rating: 2.5/5
Key Tracks: “Homies,” “Understand”
Legacy from New Boyz has taken a break from his jerkin’ ways with partner in crime Ben J in order to drop his solo mixtape, Dolo 3. Since the 23-year-old hasn’t made noise in the mainstream R&B and hip-hop scenes since 2011’s “Better With The Lights Off” ft. Chris Brown, it is smart for him to stay in the game before his name falls into the sea of here-today-gone-tomorrow artists.
Legacy produced the majority of this tape, so he undeniably knew what sound would match his mellow flow. This mixtape definitely has more of a laid back and electro-soul type of vibe than most, which typically consist of heavy-hitting beats.
The tape opens up with the song “Understand” ft. Tyga; it gives a somewhat trippy, dark spin on his party life. This is the strongest track for three reasons. First, Legacy collaborates with one the most well-known artists in the business. Second, his delivery is in sync with his instrumental, often fading in and out with the beat, allowing listeners to enjoy the sound by exploring their imaginations. Finally, he raps as though he is telling you about his life right now, which makes him more credible as a rapper--he makes his listener feel where he's coming from.
In “Homies,” Legacy delivers a more down-to-earth side about himself as he considers the complications that come with balancing old friendships and newfound fame. He also has a relatable message in the song, and shows off his lyrical speed while displaying his auto-tune effects in the chorus.
“Lately” ft. Doja Cat has decent production quality with a bass-filled futuristic feel and background drums. The song can be a turn-off due to Legacy's repetitive chorus, “Lately I’ve been on some other shit.” This verse is limited and lasts one minute. Although Cat illustrates fierceness, her quick delivery makes it hard to tell what she’s saying.
Even though he can occasionally distinguish himself with good content in his lyrics, Legacy lacks the lyrical maturity and delivery that could make him a premiere MC. At times, his flow is somewhat slow and off-beat, making it hard for the listener.
Dolo 3 shows Legacy has promise of being a solid musical talent; this is shown through not only his rap, but his skills as a producer and ability to create a unique vibe. With more development and production experiences, he could be a household name in this post-2010 music industry when electronic and futuristic hip-hop is in its peak. Not to mention he’ll always be remembered as one of the founding fathers of our favorite attire in middle school--skinny jeans.
