Dreezy Shows Potential Throughout ‘No Hard Feelings’

All in all, Dreezy shows immense potential throughout the course of her debut album No Hard Feelings. 

“I took a break from all the hype to let you b*tches get practice / they want me to give my seat up like I’m Angela Bassett.” Dreezy doesn’t play on major label debut No Hard Feelings.  Like many up-and-coming artists, Dreezy is multitalented, both rapping and singing. Like Missy Elliott and Nicki Minaj, rapping and singing is interchangeable. Versatility makes the album so successful.

No Hard Feelings

No Hard Feelings is filled with superb moments.  After intro “Wake da F*ck up,” Dreezy goes hard on “We Gon Ride.” “We Gon Ride” isn’t transcendent, but proves Dreezy is legit.  Further proving she’s bad, she gets a lift from guest, Gucci Mane.

Interlude “That’s My Cousin” precedes standout “Spazz.” Interludes fuel and tie the narrative together. On “Spazz,” once again, she secures the status as a self-described “real street b*tch.” The context of the characterization:

“I’mma make money fast / Balmain’s on my ass / dump a n***a like ash / I’m the best he never had / I’m a real street b*tch / I don’t like checks b*tch, I want cash.”

Dreezy spits fire over “oxymoronic” production that is energetic, yet exhibits a cool vibe simultaneously.

“Body” Is A Highlight

After presenting “the business,” Dreezy softens the tone on hit single “Body.” The MC opts for a pop-rap/contemporary R&B style. Dreezy also brings along a friend, Jeremih. Jeremih is perfectly suited for “Body,” which clearly embraces sex.

“Yo body on my body baby / I’m about to catch a body in her baby / I love the way you grind on me / said I’m about to catch a body in here baby.”

Following “Drunk Jamal” (interlude), Dreezy doesn’t waste the opportunity for wordplay on “Wasted.” Not only does she discuss Jamal being wasted, but she clearly makes it clear he’s wasted her time.  There is excellent balance between singing and edgy rap.

The beat goes on the groovy “Afford My Love.” Guest Wale is made for this cut, with the production not far-fetched from soulful-tinged backdrops of his own albums.  Dreezy flaunts her pipes that  shouldn’t be underrated compared to biting rhymes.  On “Don’t Know Me,” she reflects on being underappreciated and misunderstood.

“Nah, you don’t really know me do you / I paid off half you n***as debts / yet I don’t get my respect / I swear it’s overdue”  

“Da Guys (Sean Skit)” precedes the crème de la crème, “Bad B*tch.” Arguably, no moment shines brighter than the electrifying gem where Dreezy is on autopilot. Like “Spazz,” Dreezy spits over looped production, painting magnificent, unapologetic rhymes. Safe to say, Dreezy “gives none.”

“Bad b*tch / I’m slaying all these hos, I’m a savage / ain’t with no basic shit, I’m not your average / feelin’ like I’m Kobe, I ain’t giving n***as passes” 

With anger percolated on “Bad B*tch,” Dreezy proclaims self-worth on “Worth It.” While worthwhile, “Worth It” is of lesser quality than the “best of the best.” “See What You On” contrasts, with Dreezy reasserting edge and grit.

Another interlude, “What’s da Tea?”, precedes the masterful “Close to You.” Romantic through and through, Dreezy employs her best singing voice, duetting with T-Pain.  The result is sheer magic, autotune and all.

Beyond “Close to You,” No Hard Feelings loses oomph until resolute final cut, “Invincible.” “Ready” and “Break the News” aren’t abysmal. Neither are simply as engaging as the best.  Final interlude, “Sean vs. Jamal,” appears between the two selections.  “Invincible” is the best of the final four cuts. Once more, Dreezy “goes hard.” 

Final Thoughts

All in all, Dreezy shows immense potential throughout the course of her debut album No Hard Feelings.  It isn’t perfect, but there are ample sensational moments to make it worthwhile.  Most disappointing about the effort is the promotional campaign, with merely light buzz surrounding the project.  That shouldn’t be the case.  No Hard Feelings balances harder and softer moments respectably.

Gems: “Spazz,” “Body” (ft. Jeremih), “Afford My Love” (ft. Wale), “Don’t Know Me,” “Bad Bitch” & “Close to You” (ft. T-Pain)

Dreezy • No Hard Feelings • Interscope • Release: 7.15.16

Photo credit: Interscope