The Drop Chronicles.
A dive into the history of mixtape drops throughout the years
Makin’ Cake 4’rm $cratch
What started it all.
This is the first mixtape D-Wats solo produced, recorded, mixed, and distributed as a one man army.
With raw, explosive and dynamic energy jumping out of each track, Makin’ Cake 4’rm $cratch was well received in the streets of California – from The Bay to Chula Vista.
Songs like “Run From Me” , “Third Coast Swagga” “Ladda Da” “Luv 2 Get Paid” did especially well, leading to him gaining traction and attention from various management companies, record labels, collaborations with Dj Mixx of 2 Live Crew, L Boogie of 64 Productions, and more.
The title came from necessity. Sitting outside a sushi bar with a stack of blank CDs—pink, purple, and blue—no cover art, no jewel case, just the music and hustle. After about an hour of deliberating on how to make it make sense, the title Makin’ Cake 4’rm $cratch was born.
Here’s a couple of songs from the project:
KNGDAVID
This mixtape marks the beginning of what would eventually be known as
D-Wats’ Christian Rap Era. After leaving San Diego and moving back to Houston, D-Wats found himself in somewhat of a hard place. Regardless, he kept it pushing.
KNG DAVID takes on a gritty, open, heartfelt approach. You’ll hear constant mentions of D-Wats’ love for Jesus Christ, and his signature lyrical choruses we know and love. Pair that with a rugged, catchy flow, and it’ll keep you rewinding.
Songs like “I Win” , “Christian In The Middle Of The Dope Game” and “Fa Real” showcase the vulnerable place of creativity he recorded from.
KNG DAVID was produced, recorded, mixed, and distributed by D-Wats alone. He went on to sell over 15,000 copies hand to hand.
Performance requests began to pour in from unthinkable directions, from venues as wide stretching as strip clubs to churches.
Here’s a couple of songs from the project:
Gessner
Ah, the “christian rap era” continued. During this time, D-Wats was heavily involved in church, while also working with Tre9 at the Prince Complex mentoring children in the community in 5th Ward, Houston Tx.
When it came down to the music, D-Wats performed songs from this project, and from his previous mixtape KNGDAVID, at different churches across the city. Word quickly began to spread about his particular approach to Christian Rap, leading to an increase in show requests. He managed to keep the bars up, stay visually raw, melodic, uncensored, and be recognized as a crowd favorite.
Here’s a couple of songs from the project:
Transition
All Saints remember when their transition started.
This mixtape was recorded while D-Wats was going through his. You can hear the filters come off, and the rawness come back. All while keeping the same rap skills and artistic touch he’s known for. The song “Lawbreaker” is a perfect example of the mindset that follows after you choose to walk with God in a real way. By asking God if he “will take a law breaker”, we get to hear a glimpse of how honest D-Wats approaches his relationship with his Father.
Songs like “Sh!tty Shoes” & “So Much Pain” carry a “get it off your chest” type of feel to it. Another song worth mentioning is “Money Control”. In the words of D-Wats himself:
“Money can make you lose or replace your vision. You can keep chasing bread without a vision until you’re too old to work for it, if you want, but I don’t recommend it.” #GsUs
Here’s a couple of songs from the project:
C.O.T.C Of Streets & Religion
C.O.T.C of streets and religion marks a shift in acceptance. Accepting the realization of not belonging in either mindsets, but instead belonging as a Saint on a mission, speaking life into listeners, and providing an outlet for those who’ve walked a similar path.
Throughout the project, D-Wats tackles topics such as love, faith, testing times, dedication, and remaining true to the character God gave you.
The instrumentation consists of open, airy, somber beats with a drizzle of dark, rugged sounds that create a colorful contrast when paired with D-Wats’ lyrics.
C.O.T.C Of Streets & Religion remains one of those go-to mixtapes in moments of stillness during forward momentum.
Whether the flow is sped up, slowed down, sharp, or smooth, it’s arranged in a way that compliments the overall composition of each song, making this project a fun, and insightful listen.
Here’s a couple of songs from the project:
Dark Hands In Light Places
With songs like ‘Ion Owe Shhh” , “Yada Mean”, and “Bogus”, D-Wats sets the tone for his take on Fire Gospel. Truth music. It’s a new level of understanding that he’s choosing to share with his listeners. Removing any religious constraints, and instead speaking from a place of new found grace. Throughout the project, D-Wats also tackles topics such as love, marriage, hustle, middle class economy, betrayal, and dedication to the greatness stashed within you.
“Dark Hands In Light Places” leans more towards heavy lyricism, with a touch of the melodic approach we are used to hearing from D-Wats. The choruses are thick with complex deliveries, high amounts of energy and directness, all while maintaining an original and memorable sound.
This project is perfect for those hip hop heads that can appreciate the intricacy of bars that keep your head bobbing.
Here’s a couple of songs from the project:
