NMF: Devon Tracy XVIII

Devon Tracy XVIII Review

Toronto’s got talent.  With the recent ascension of T. Dot’s own, Drake, to the top of Hip-Hop’s summit, the music industry has been searching for the next big MC from Canada. With the release of his latest mixtape XVIII, Devon Tracy has certainly put himself into the running for that title.  The latest 12 track offering from Tracy clocks in at just over forty minutes and throughout the project Tracy gives listeners a glimpse of what it means to be eighteen, talented and on the cusp of fame.

On XVIII, Tracy shows great introspection and vulnerability far beyond his years.  The standout How Sweet It Looks has Tracy showing his appreciation to his stepfather for being a pivotal figure in his life, as well as giving his mother credit for supporting his dreams of being the next big thing. Hometown is another gem that finds Tracy illustrating the aphotic side of Toronto, over a sample of British-songstress Adele’s Hometown Glory.  “People dyin’ everyday, shadows taking over the light/I be all over the clouds with no layover in sight” Tracy spits over the somber instrumental, which is one of XVIII many highlights.

XVIII boasts some strong production from the likes of Jazzy Feezy (XVIII, Downtown and Chance of a lifetime). Producers ATG and Davinci provide the tape with two certified bangers (Elevate and Nightmares and Day dreams respectively).  Tracy seems to be most comfortable when he goes in over speaker blasting anthems such as these.  On Nightmares and Day dreams, Tracy’s creativity is on full display, spitting braggadocios lines like “Catch me chillin’ at the hotel/ I don’t pillow talk because the hoes tell.”  Tracy does a fine job of giving fans glimpses into his life, but he makes sure to give the DJs tracks to bump in the club.

The tape is not without flaw however. Tracy sings the hooks on the majority of XVIII; while admirable, too much of his crooning gets stale and irritating. The underwhelming Tonight, is a perfect example.  The female-friendly track seems forced, and Tracy’s nasal-ridden chorus makes you want to hit the skip button before the track hits the minute mark. Luckily, Tracy quickly regains his footing on tracks such as Swerve and Bandwagon.

As a whole, XVIII is a project that only scratches the surface of a young MC with loads of potential. If XVIII is any indication of what’s to expect from the young Toronto native, then it’s only a matter of time before Devon Tracy is a name that is spoken in Hip-Hop circles worldwide.

I Say Oh

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Hometown

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Download Devon Tracy’s XVIII on LiveMixTapes.com