With Risk & Reward, DJ D Sharp & ST Spittin continue the tradition of emcee/producer albums that helped to shape the landscape of hip-hop. The album is a one-two punch of dope rhymes and incredible production from the Bay Area duo, whose passion for music comes through on every track. That passion aligns with their understanding of the risks associated with releasing an album in today’s musical climate, which they also say is part of the fun (and the reward).
“That risk is the funnest part—it’s the creating, being an artist with a passion and love for what you do,” D Sharp explains. “And the reward is the finished product put into the atmosphere and being received by fans and peers alike.” His collaborator echoed those thoughts. “The risk is being vulnerable and sharing our art,” ST adds. “The reward is everyone receiving it the same way we do world wide and loving it.”
You can hear their shared drive and love for music throughout the 11 tracks on Risk & Reward, an album that also oozes personality. ST’s rhymes are confident, playful, and honest, but they’re also raw. He’s just as comfortable talkin’ sh*t over D Sharp’s bouncy production on “Whata Ya Call That???” as he is baring his soul on the more somber “God in the Room (feat. Mani Draper & Dustin Sharpe).”
ST’s versatility is just part of what makes this album such a joy to listen to, with the other part being D Sharp’s impeccable instrumentals. What’s particularly wild about that is the duo’s creative process. “We created this album pretty much on the spot,” D Sharp explains. “We would get together and I’d play samples and sounds and ST would write while I made the beat.” For ST, he says that everything just clicked when they’d link up. “We were on the same page from the jump,” he adds.
It all comes back to their shared passion and a goal to create undeniably good music to share with the world. One listen to Risk & Reward proves they not only met their goal—they absolutely crushed it. The 11 track LP is available now through all digital retailers and streaming platforms courtesy of Table5 Music Group.
© 2024, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
