A.Dd+: When Pigs Fly

A.Dd+ may turn some heads with their debut album When Pigs Fly… and rightfully so. Hailing from a city that is primarily known for dance music and one-hit-wonders in recent years, these Dallas natives have shocked the region with a sound that fuses the city’s trap culture with a creative breath of fresh air. With Dallas producer Picnictyme on the production, Paris Pershun and Slim Gravy have churned out something funky and fresh that’s reminiscent of OutKast’s early years.

When Pigs Fly is an illustration of the duo’s versatility, composed of fifteen tracks that play smoothly throughout. The album covers an array of topics, satisfying every potential listener’s needs. Whether you are looking for something that jams in the truck, gets the club jumping or makes your brain spin, chances are you can find it in this project. Picnictyme’s production only furthers the pair’s ability to appease the listener’s needs, straying from Dallas’ traditional trunk rattling beats with his own unique sound.

To put it simply, the Dallas natives are no one-trick-pony. They demonstrate that they can make music that not only makes the listener think, but music that you can just wild out and break your neck to. “Likeamug”, the duo’s first single that features fellow Dallas up-comer Brown of Sore Losers, exemplifies how A.Dd+ can keep it real while still having a good time on a track. Slim is the first to go in on the bass heavy track rapping, “You don’t want no problems, I don’t think you want ‘em either / Rollin’ with my partners, I don’t think you wanna meet ‘em / Rollin’ up the reefer- blowed like a mug / Throwin’ up our middle fingers and don’t give a fuck.” Mixed with a variety of elements, including Texas’ homegrown screwed technique and a catchy hook by Paris, you would think “Likeamug” could be a potential success nationwide.

One of the better songs on the album is “Erica & Jamie”, a smooth song that features Paris rapping as if in a drunken stupor. Picnictyme laces the track with a jazzy beat highlighted by a trumpet sample that is almost as important as Paris’ alcohol induced monologue. The unconventional structure of the track meshes well with the hook that  sounds as if it belonged on Stankonia . Paris lets you feel his pain as he raps, “Am I takin’ the right steps? Maybe I am, maybe I’m not… / Bitch! I’m not an alcoholic… I just drink a lot / Seems like the thing I love in the world the most is you – cuz you love me back / I can feel you in my liver… / We look so good together.” Once again, the production on this track allows the listener to truly visualize a drunken Paris trying to work his troubles out. With sounds of glasses chiming while he’s in the bar, crickets when he is outside looking for his car, the jingling of his keys, and the sound of liquor being poured into a glass throughout the song, “Erica & Jamie” is truly an illustration on wax.

While When Pigs Fly has just a few features, but each makes a significant contribution. “Smell My Cologne” features the project’s producer Picnictyme and veteran emcee Money Waters, a staple of the Dallas rap scene throughout the years. Money comes in on the second verse with his countrified flow, lazily rapping, “She tell me, she smell me ‘fore I came around the corna’ / I told her, ‘I ain’t mad’ cuz I only saw her ass!” Picnictyme comes in right after, showing listeners why he should be respected for much more than just banging production. With his fast-paced flow, he pays homage with a rhyme scheme that directly replicates the classic D-Town anthem “Crook 4 Life” by Mr. Pookie.

Overall, When Pigs Fly is an excellent debut by the Dallas duo. The young pair still has some polishing to do to with their sound and style, which is to be expected. With that being said, they have succeeded in catching the attention of not only their region, but the underground scene as well. A.Dd+ has an abundance of untapped potential and, with time, could become the next highly sought after act in hip hop. Songs like “Mary Go” and “Satellites” prove that they have the mainstream appeal necessary to go far in the music industry, while still staying true to themselves by making the music they want to make. Underground heads, industry players, and all in between have every reason to pay close attention to A.Dd+ and be excited for what is to come in the future from the Dallas natives.

7.5/10

Brain Sex

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Smell My Cologne feat Money Waters & Picnictyme

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Erica & Jamie

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.