DJ D Sharp & St Spittin – Risk & Reward (Album Review)

Eleven authentic, hard-hitting hip-hop tracks are featured in “Risk & Reward.”

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TOP 3

3. Wide Awoke

The only issue with this track is the grammatical error in its title.

And the best rap performance goes to St Spittin in ‘Wide Awoke’!” In all seriousness, doesn’t this track sound like some s**t it took St Spittin his whole life to make? Not only does it feature some outstanding flows, including complex ones that will have your ears in a stranglehold, but I also love his relentless demeanor, and his lyrics are hungrier than a high schooler with parents who work late. What a great showing here.

2. Profile Pics

When it comes to profile pics, this is one of the nicest.

OK, so there are a bunch of high-quality rap performances by St Spittin on this album, but none touch the performance he put up in “Profile Pics.” Over this smooth-ass beat that your grandparents may say you know nothing about (Kudos to DJ D Sharp for channeling a vintage sound production-wise), St Spittin slides his ass off, hitting us with this buttery flow that I actually am starting to believe is not f**king butter (That s**t is even more slippery than real butter). Here’s the kicker: St Spittin doesn’t sound like he’s trying in the track. He sounds completely laid back. However, his lyrics indicate that he’s a passionate, down-to-earth individual with a refreshing love for music.

1. God in the Room (Ft. Mani Draper & Dustin Sharpe)

Two rap Gods are featured in this track.

“God in the Room” is simply the best track on this album because it sounds the holiest. First and foremost, the dramatic, hard-hitting production we get in the song took my soul for a helluva ride (Kudos to DJ D Sharp for channeling a sound that feels next-level powerful). Surprisingly, both St Spittin and Mani Draper meet the production at the rim, delivering excellent verses that speak of their impressive come-ups, major rap skills, lessons learned, and wins. As for Dustin Sharpe, his soulful hook is the perfect cherry on top.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. Risk & Reward (4/5)

2. Seat at the Table (3.5/5)

3. Pesos (Ft. Stunnaman02) (3.5/5)

4. God in the Room (Ft. Mani Draper & Dustin Sharpe) (5/5)

5. Profile Pics (5/5)

6. Maximze (Ft. HBK CJ & Khyenci) (4/5)

7. It’s Alright (Ft. Ian Kelly) (4/5)

8. Flashes (4/5)

9. Each One, Teach One (Ft. D.Bledsoe & Champ Green) (4/5)

10. Wide Awoke (4/5)

11. What Ya Call That??? (4/5)

RGM RATING

(B)

If you claim the title of a true hip-hop aficionado, then St Spittin is an artist you’ll deeply resonate with. Hailing from Oakland, his presence on the mic is commanding, and he delivers his raps with conviction and precision. In Risk & Reward, St Spittin’s lyrical prowess is elevated by exceptional production by DJ D Sharp that sets the stage for his artistry to shine.

When you listen to this album, you immediately feel its purity. Each of St Spittin’s verses maintains an authentic quality throughout. To be more specific, his flows sound unfiltered, his punchlines are clever, and his words are impactful. Beyond his verses, St Spittin rises to the challenge of crafting memorable hooks that leave a lasting impact.

The production on Risk & Reward is truly exceptional. The beats encompass diverse elements, from soulful melodies to dramatic undertones to hard-hitting, boom-bap moments. As someone who’s not a rapper myself, I found myself inspired to spit some bars just from listening to the album, all thanks to the quality of the production. DJ D Sharp deserves major credit for his work on that department. If I had to pick a favorite beat from the album, it would undoubtedly be the one featured in “God in the Room.”

The guest appearances on this album truly elevate it to another level. I appreciate how the guests not only match St Spittin’s energy but also offer diverse perspectives that enrich the listening experience. Without exception, every artist delivers impressive verses throughout the album. As for my favorite guest verse, it has to be Mani Draper’s contribution to “God in the Room.”

I want to emphasize the content of this album: it’s a breath of fresh air. St Spittin and his collaborators deliver verses that are competitive, meaningful, and highly stirring, while DJ D Sharp adds highly-satisfying and dynamic production. This combination ensures that every moment of the album is worthwhile.

Risk & Reward is available now through all digital retailers and streaming platforms courtesy of Table5 Music Group.