D.P. – the Return II

D.P.
the Return II
Self-released

Hip-hop in Gainesville has gone through more changes than any other music over the past fifteen years or so … far and away. Some of it truly great, most of it not so much. The popular misconception, unfortunately, is hip-hop here is populated exclusively by skinny guys complaining that one of the two girlfriends they’ve had who have dumped them or a guy with dancers emulating a popular movie character (and new Fox cartoon) making a mockery of hip-hop culture in the name of “having fun.” The reality is that Gainesville produces some of the best and hardest working producers and writers out there. The DIY mentality here is not exclusive to the post-hardcore element. One of the hardest working performers in town is home grown Danny Perez, better known around town as D.P. Last week D.P. released his eighth album, The Return II, exclusively to Bandcamp. Having reached #16 on the Bandcamp charts in just a couple days proves that I am not the only one who appreciates the work D.P. does.

The Return II is a reprisal of sorts to a 2008 release of the same name, in which D.P. decided to go back over unfinished material that was left off earlier releases. D.P.’s background in playing piano comes through and underscores his emphasis with this release to produce music that’s more melodic than the traditional verse, hook, verse format that much of hip-hop relies upon. Songs like “Vagabond,” “Dreamin’” and “Small Town Blues” really stood out to me. The second song on the album, “Vagabond,” I feel really sets the tempo for the rest of the album. This is a day-off, steppin’ out and high fiving everyone as you walk down the street jam. If you don’t believe me, head down to University Ave., put on your music player and see what happens. The sixth song on the album, “Dreamin’,” is a bit slower in tempo, but lacks none of the introspection that permeates the whole album. “Dreamin’” is guaranteed to get your head nodding. The ninth song on the album is “Small Town Blues.” This joint is a straight up Gainesville appreciation anthem that hits home for someone who moved here to go to school and loved it enough to leave, only to come back. However, D.P. is homegrown and gets to the heart of his hometown in such a way that resonates a little deeper than odes that transplants have given to Hoggetown. D.P.’s The Return II is not your average hip-hop “party” album. There are more compelling stories here and the experiences are easily related to anyone who has kicked around the avenues, places and streets of Gainesville, Florida.

The Return II is available for download for as little (free is an option) or as much as you want to pay for it (artists do need to get paid, folks) at D.P.’s Bandcamp page. I suggest you take the opportunity and download your own copy. You also have two opportunities to see D.P. perform this week. Thursday Jan. 19th he will be opening for Afroman at the Beachside Tavern in New Smyrna Beach. Cover is only $5. On Friday Jan. 20th at Double Down Live in Gainesville is D.P.’s 4th Annual Birthday Bash. This tends to be one of D.P.’s biggest productions of the year and has been a hot ticket three years running. This year’s show is hosted by comedian JC Currais and will include performances by Movers Shakers Believers (former Moodhosa) and Swamp Boy Slim. Let’s hope that everyone out there can make it to the birthday bash! Also, be on the look out later in 2012 for another D.P. release, While We’re Still Young.

- Doc Stanley