M-DOT: LAYER CAKE

GENRE | BOSTON HIP-HOP
VERDICT | MMMMM CAAAAKE
LABEL | SELF-RELEASED
RELEASE | 7.3.12

M-Dot has got a fierce work ethic. The hometown hero has been pumping out mixtapes and albums, winning awards and constantly touring since 2001, honing his craft and building up a strong following. He’s continuing that hot streak with Layer Cake, a compilation of rarities and features from the past year that’s now seeing an official release.

While it lacks the stylistic consistency of a traditional album, M-Dot’s lyrical prowess and fiery flow easily outweigh any qualms I have with the production. And to set the record straight, the production is by no means bad, just varied—expectedly, when there’s 20 different DJs—and only briefly weak. Thankfully, M-Dot can spit fire over whatever’s thrown at him, like the neo-soul boom bap of “True Lies” (featuring jazz rap legends Camp Lo!) to the jazzy shuffle of “The Doors,” a somber meditation on morality and life choices.

One of M-Dot’s greatest strengths is his bristling energy, so he sounds best when backed by gritty beats, chopped up soul samples, and a wailing chorus of trumpets.

He’s earned your trust, so pass the mic and let him rip.