If the album title rings any bells, it’s because it can be correlated to “The Chi”, a Chicago-based TV show that started in 2018, which would give you more ideas as to who Giffy Pluggo is, and what his motive is in curating this record. Featuring a handful of talent, “Douda” is a combination of feel-good and reality, a narration that showcases how and why the character of Douda from the show inspired this very album.
With most of it being produced by fifteen-year-old Myles (son of Rick Hyde), the tracks in question are distinct to his style, with some of them opening with “Myles! You got a minute?” It’s familiar and endearing, which would immediately make you lay back and go ‘this is gonna be good’. “Couple Myles” offers a warm welcome, with introductory sentiments in order. It’s a chill, free-flowing track with a steady beat that goes on about living life with confidence in the delivery; it also comprises a matter-of-fact attitude.
Seeing as the album title itself is a direct nod to “The Chi”, each song also includes excerpts or dialogues from the show itself, giving off a clear reference to which part of the show coincides with his experiences. “Villain Origin Story” seems like a continuation, much like every other track; it brings on a sense of storytelling with how everything seamlessly connects.
“Tracy” featuring Brandon Ross starts with a perspective outside of the song realm, but instead goes on about what’s happening in the process of it. Admittedly, it adds a nice touch. Based on the track name, most would assume it’s probably a love song, and we’re not that far off. Some lines talk about treating Tracy right; the subtle background vocals add depth to the whole song, and the vocalization in the ending falters from ear to ear, adding an immersive effect.
C Bill$ is featured more than once in this record, he’s on “See You In Hell”, a song in a slower tempo that talks about success, putting out art instead of holding onto it and restraining it from the public, and “Roseland”, which shares a similar aura with the aforementioned track. It feels rich and extravagant, exuding confidence all over with the brass and cymbals, with iconic lines such as “Getting money is a must” and “I live the life that you didn’t pursue”. Essentially, it’s about the importance of carrying your own weight, setting your goals firmly, which in turn makes it come off as a ‘rags to riches’ story.
“How I Came Up” featuring Dilla is seemingly about history and overall reality, with the lyrics being completely transparent and unfiltered throughout the whole thing: “Smart dope boys honor roll, straight A’s / Kept my confidence / Being broke didn’t faze”. It also includes a pleasant surprise of a switch up at the end in terms of beat and tempo. Meanwhile, “Plugs and Violins” featuring Rick Hyde also has a similar energy, with piano being one main component in the track, it all sounds really elegant but still radiates trademark hip-hop. It’s fun and – to be blunt – badass; it has lines like “Designer stores, I don’t use shopping carts” and “I swear I’m probably higher than my ceiling”.
Lastly, “Casino” is the embodiment of flaunting, which is bound to get you in an airy, feel-good mood which the synth in the background is predominantly responsible for. The chorus has a great and catchy hook to it, which is then relayed in the radio edit produced by Myles, and the remix featuring Jae Skeese. The latter is different as it includes revisions and additions of parts from the featured artist, adding an element of flexibility to the song itself.
One really can’t go wrong with creative, never-seen-before concepts such as this one. It’s beautiful to see and witness art being born by having a significant connection with someone (or in this case, a thing), deeming it the main reason why an album like this came to be. It’s versatile in a way that it would be just as enjoyable even for those unfamiliar with the references. You’d be missing out if you don’t give this one a shot.
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About the Author
Kate Clarice Lee is a psychology major in Ateneo de Naga University with a knack for music and writing. She takes interest in playing guitar, poetry, creative writing, and lyrics that—subjectively—hit close to home. Kate mostly enjoys indie, alternative, pop & punk rock music.
