Not a lot of people have ventured into Darko’s little corner of hip-hop; which is why every time he releases a new record it’s never like the last. I don’t mean when an artist puts out a new LP, and all the music media decide that this is their ‘mature/dark/pop/old skool/electro 80’s pop release’ or whatever mood or genre you can throw on at the end of a album. I mean the dude’s just extremely liberal with his ideas, and doesn’t always stick to one formula.
‘I Feel Big As A Damn Mountain’ is mash-up of weird beat tapes, guitar psychedelia, soul and East Coast hip-hop. The themes of a lot Darko’s material usually hit upon a coming-of-age narrative; even if it is mixed up with obscure metaphors and slightly bizarre similes. That I believe however is what gives it it’s charm. The track “9th Grade Love” is a good example. The beat is smooth and relaxed, whilst Darko raps some ever so slightly psychotic lyrics. Is he joking? Is he serious? Who knows, who knows. Either way I suggest you get yourself a copy of this LP and read the story behind the creation of it, then cop a few of his earlier records to really understand where this cat is truly coming from.
For fans of MF Doom, Quasimoto, The Pharcyde.
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