We previously featured DA-MOVEMENT for the assertive and empowering remix of All Black Everything, so naturally, when we learnt that DA-MOVEMENT had also teamed up with the late Johnny P and Cuzo on a track called, This Is What It Sound Like, we were curious to say the least, and couldn’t wait to listen and share our experience.
Pay opens the track with a fierce verse full of romantic depth and poetic prowess. The visual storytelling and charm remind us of early Kanye West, notably his My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy era, particularly his presence on All Of The Lights.
We appreciate the sensual depth demonstrated by Pay with lyrics, “I know I got you hooked, this motion like the ocean, call me Captain Hook, I sail the seven seas, you wanna ride with me, now peep the chemistry, I know you feeling me gazing in my eyes, I got you mesmerised, you call me your messiah…”. This is poetry at its finest and clearly comes from a place of raw authenticity.
The hooks remind us of Usher and Boyz II Men, whilst Cuzo delivers a second verse reminiscent of LL Cool J‘s Doin It – a more sexy approach to songwriting, making for a perfect juxtaposition to the enamoured first verse. Qraft delivers a short but crucial third verse, grounding the track and leading perfectly into the legendary Johnny P, who closes out the song with his powerful vocals and iconic yodeling. It is no surprise that AMS Radio also added This Is What It Sound Like to full rotation, describing the vibe as “off the charts’ and ‘something you could kick back and smoke a beadie to.”
The production is polished and refined, but the sound has a luscious nostalgia that really resonates. All in all, there is no doubt that DA-MOVEMENT and collaborators are creating timeless art with passion at a time when we need it the most. More than nostalgia, DA-MOVEMENT represents a living blueprint of Chicago hip-hop, honouring the past while pushing it forward.
DA-MOVEMENT is a Chicago hip-hop collective rooted in raw lyricism, soul, and legacy. Founded by Pay and Qraft, the group brings together West Side grit and refined musicianship with a mission to restore depth to the culture.
We have added This Is What It Sound Like to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of DA-MOVEMENT, including All Black Everything, and LITES DOWN.
