This is the 5th studio LP from Harlem emcee Dave East. Breaks out in 2014 from his 8th mixtape Black rosethis resulted in the man signing a joint deal with Def Jam Recordings and even Nas' independent label Mass Appeal Records, as well as a spot in the iconic 2016 XXL Freshman Class. However, his full debut Survival it wouldn't come out until 3 years later and was very disappointing in the sense that it tried to appeal to a more mainstream audience that just wasn't there. Harry's cheating produced a sophomore effort Hoffa turned out to be better as was his latest Def Jam offering Fortune favors the bold & APT 6E Produced by Mike & Keys it marked a return to his independent roots, so would the audition Living proof fully laced by araabMUZIK gave me the feeling that it would be one of the most essential listening experiences of Dave's career.
“Percocet” is the synth-driven boom bap intro that speaks of no better feeling re-uppin' while “Bet My Life” shifts in a cloudy trap direction bending organically that it's on its 2nd wind. “Solid N****z” featuring Cruch Calhoun blasts a triumphant beat as they tell the difference between the real thing and the cowards. I also owe Cruch an apology for what I said about his verse on “The Win” when Hoffa it fell, i was wrong and i own it.
Fabolous joins Dave for the instrumentally hard-hitting “Buss Down” to discuss all they ever wanted was a Rollie, so they took just before “Walk wit Me” to work in a jazz rap vibe for the instrumental advice to get a ride with him very quickly. “Lift 'Em Up” with Benny the Butcher returns to a symphonic edge talking about better patience and only broke people think money can solve problems, but then “Roll Up” draws influence from jazz music for once again not knowing too many who live life does.
“Joe Jackson” featuring OT the Real kicks off its other half Living proof both warn them that rappers acting like something they're not is what gets them shot while “All I Know” returns for a trap direction bringing the shit to die for. “Same Shit” featuring Giggs finds the 2 boasting that they still have exactly the same group of friends they thought they had, while “Everything for Sale” samples Ransom's “To the Other Man” by Luther Ingram admitting they've been screwing up and they grew up better.
Kicking off the final leg of the LP on a psychedelic note, “The Love Fake” tackles themes of envy and no malice in his legacy once he's gone, while the sumptuous trap-flavored “Run Down” with Millyz-speak cuts through the middle. from everyone else who doesn't get it at all. “The Other Side” pushes towards the final moments exuberantly warning that money is nothing since you can't take it with you, and “Barbara” ends by telling the title track that he misses it.
Highlighting the shared vision and chemistry of both partners, Living proof offers one of the standout releases of the year and of course one of the most important high points in the 2016 XXL Freshman's career. araabMUZIK's production signature throughout is much more consistent than it used to be APT 6E pulling from boom bam to trap, chipmunk soul and jazz rap, leaving more than enough room for Dave East to go lyrically harder than he did in the summer.
Rating: 8/10
