Danny! - Where Is Danny?

It’s not supposed to happen this way. Artists who create memorable music and who persist in the face of music industry adversity are supposed to succeed and see results, whether they make it to the beloved land of commercial mainstream or simply find a loyal following from the underground community.

I was going to begin this review by telling you to mark you calendars... to set your Blackberry alarms for Danny’s Def Jux release “Where Is Danny?” But unfortunately, Danny has since been forced to release his album out to the feverous hip-hop world for free, after over-anxious writers from Imeem leaked the album. But enough about the irresponsible act that completely disrespected the hours put in by the artist, let’s talk about the incredible project by Danny Swain.

It’s taken a bit to get this review completed, because with each listen I would discover more, never feeling like I had fully digested the entire project. While I’m still taking it in, I can tell you that this project is all Danny Swain. There’s no attempt to fit into an already created niche. This album is so out of left field and original, there’s nothing it can be compared it to. He’s simply giving you himself and leaving you to decide whether you want to take it or leave it.

At first look, the twenty-five tracks may seem like a bit much, but there’s not one album that’s come out recently that I’ve listened to in its entirety more than “Where Is Danny?” It’s almost difficult to listen without doing so from beginning to end, as each track seemingly flows into the next.

That’s not to say there’s cohesiveness in content. Danny’s going to explain intimate details about his breakfast in one song, and how he kidnapped Scarlett Johansson in the next. It’s completely random, and yet somehow works perfect. Mixed amongst Danny discussing serious emotional situations, such as dealing with his mother not supporting his passion (“Mama I Want To Fucking Sing”) and the intense pressure from fans (“Where Is Danny?”) is Danny’s light-hearted personality and ridiculous lyrics.

Danny shines lyrically throughout the entire album, and the handful of scattered guest appearances only strengthen their respective tracks. Tanya Morgan’s Von Pea and Danny together bring a magic similar to Black Star, and I had to immediately google Ladi Jade’s name after hearing her rip the hell out of “Crank Dat.”

Danny and his close companion Alex Goose take on the production duties, and after all of the work they’ve done throughout the years, they’ve found groove together, seemingly willing to go even more outside the box and even take more extreme chances.

Despite the leak, mark your calendars! Danny!’s Def Jux release “Where Is Danny?” is finally coming! For… uh, well, not sure just yet, but it’ll be a good idea to keep your eyes open. Danny’s planning on adding some tracks to the retail version and if you’re interested in picking up one of the best hip-hop albums of the year, you’re going to want to have your money ready.