Dyme Def: Panic

Seattle rap group Dyme Def [DXNext Spotlight] can certainly attest that strong work ethic and commitment can brew good karma. Releasing their first album, Space Music, in mid-2007, the group has since seen their debut disc sell over 10,000 copies independently through performances and word-of-mouth alone. This organic process has helped build a following on the West Coast for Brainstorm, S.E.V., and Fearce Villain, who in their early 20′s have the potential to make their mark as the defining Hip Hop act out of the emerald city, sans Sir Mix-A-Lot.

With their latest offering, Panic, the self-proclaimed “3 Bad Brothaaas” treat listeners to an EP that captures universal appeal. Unlike Space Music, which at 17 tracks had a hit or miss factor, Panic features a sharp focus to their musical endeavors. Using their intro track as a lyrical exercise, “D.Y.M.E.D.E.F.” attains a high level of energy over Bean One‘s rock-tinged production (a heavy group contributor as you’ll find out). In similar fashion, “I’m Gone” stands out as a quintessential record that represents the trio’s spit-fire lyricism.

While Dyme Def proves they have refined their approach to tracks that are ready for the main stage, one spot in which they truly excel is through their ability to create records with social context. This is evident on the EP title-track, where Brainstorm rips the former president as he rhymes, “He filled our heads up with lies, fake hope for a change/Now he’s sittin’ back chillin’ and left Obama with the reigns/Try to keep the faith but this depression is really deep/Over a few million jobs already resting in peace.” Then there’s the subject of oil prices on “Foot up On the Gas,” where Dyme Def make light of the situation by laying back in the cut and cruising with no regards to an empty tank. Free to roam the streets of Seattle, S.E.V. quips, “Don’t know about ya’ll but the economy in my state/Is forcing to fire cops but that’s one less from reading my plates.”

In a few instances, Dyme Def allows their confidence to get the best of them. “Not That Dude,” an introduction to hater’s guide 101, becomes stale by the end of the record despite witty word play and near-flawless verse transitions. Then on “Get off Me,” the trio asserts the same demeanor, with no new dynamic provided. However, all is not lost as Bean One steals the show with an eclectic beat that bangs immensely hard (pause) in your speakers.

With one featured verse on “Pick Up Ya Flow” from Brooklyn’s own Saigon, Dyme Def and the Yardfather connect the coasts with a record that epitomizes the game’s necessity for unity. However, even with a co-sign from Saigon (“You said your man got some shit hotter than this Dyme Def joint you a liar!”), Dyme Def proves throughout PanicPanic that they can carry their own weight. At just seven tracks, the EP provides a telling story of how much experience and growth Dyme Def has accrued in the last two years. No fillers, no gimmicks, is pure Hip Hop from the Great Northwest.

79/100

Standout Tracks:

“Panic”

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“Pick Up Ya Flow” (feat. Saigon)

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