It’s no longer a secret that Dom Kennedy‘s been killin it the past few years. His tracks are starting to wear out my iTunes. From the Westside with Love received critical acclaim, and for good reason; it was a great project. A ballad of reflection, inspiration, and coming of age through the eyes of a young man in Leimert Park, CA. There’s a few tracks on there that are on another level. (‘Locals Only’ still adjusts my mindstate everytime). So, naturally, when Dom announced that he’d be releasing a sequel to FWWL, expectations went nuts like some mexican jumping beans. To amplify things, he stated in interviews that the project would be a true sequel — that the first didn’t say all he wanted to say, and that the second would be a completion of the full project. At this point, I’m thinking how the notion of expectations really is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it creates an excitement and optimism that stems from the imagination. But, on that dreaded other hand, it creates the great potential for disappointment. This is especially the case when it comes to hyped and anticipated new projects from artists.

But FWWLII is not the same as the first. And that’s a good thing. Dom Kennedy in 2011 is in a completely different place than Dom Kennedy in 2010. A year presents itself with many experiences and things to express, and that shows in this release. The vibe is different, and any artist who doesn’t change from release to release is simply stagnant.

The tone is set with “Dom’s Prayer,” the intro track that turns out to be the best on the album. Dom starts out powerfully, proclaiming ‘with love on my mind and fire in my heart, they can never take us a part. Never.’ He picks up right where he left off on the outro from the Bonus Track on FWWL, “Me Again,” sharing honest knowledge that can only come from experience. This track showcases Dom at his best, what we saw throughout I — passionate, honest, reflective. Lord forgive me for this watch I bought/I know that shit had cost a lot/And I don’t really like to floss a lot/But I just really feel the time is right. This track serves as an intro into how things have changed since ‘I’. From here he goes into “Grind’n,” a song that’s a lot of fun. Be careful, that shit will have you sayin “grind’n” for up to 24 hrs after listening. Dom delivers repeated lines in his usual rhymescheme over a beat that utilizes some scratching. I love anytime a producer throws this in there (part of why A-Trak’s live performances are so entertaining) .

Females is a common theme/topic of the album, with “Come Over,” “She Ain’t In Love,” “I Love Dom,” “The Ways,” and “Dream to Me.” This makes up the heart of the album so it takes over the vibe of it. Come Over and She Ain’t In Love have a 90s feel to em, with the latter mixing in a very cool synth. “O.P.M.” has a sexy chorus that gives it anthem potential.

The album’s also got its share of bangers. “Platinum Chanel” is one of the standouts, reminds me of “Designer Sh*t” from OGDK, aside from the obvious title similarity. “New Jeeps” was destined for greatness with production from Chuck Inglish and verses from Asher Roth and Mikey Rocks. Dom follows up with another feature, bringing Big K.R.I.T. along on “2mph,” and then again with “Beats, Hoes, and Rhymes,” which features Casey Veggies and Schoolboy Q. The last track, “Graduate,” ends the project in typical Dom fashion, although without as much as emphasis as his previous projects.

The feel of this album is definitely a lot different from Dom’s previous releases. Some babies are gonna be made to this shit. But it shows a little range of what he can do as an artist which is cool, and is definitely worth your money. Go grab it on iTunes if you haven’t already!
+jangbar

Tracklist

1. Dom’s Prayer
2. Grind’n
3. When I Come Around
4. Come Over
5. She Ain’t In Love
6. Money Don’t Stop
7. O.P.M.
8. Platinum Chanel
9. I Love Dom
10. The Ways
11. Mr Champagne Intermission (ft. Polyester)
12. Ice Cream Truck
13. New Jeeps ft. Asher Roth x Mikey Rocks
14. 2MPH ft. Big K.R.I.T
15. Beats, Hoes & Rhymes ft. Casey Veggies x Schoolboy Q
16. Dream To Me
17. Graduate