Da Cloth “Da Fixtape“

By P80

As arguably the hardest rap crew out currently, Rochester collective Da Cloth delivers Da Fixtape, brimming with hazy imagery and hype energy oozing from every drum snap and antagonizing lyric. Employing producers mainly from the Rochester area, with a couple exceptions, Da Fixtape puts Da Cloth squarely on the map, repping Rochester to the fullest.

With the most visibility of the squad, Rigz acts as the defacto general, with his smooth flow armed with a contemptuous attitude; MAV is the cool veteran with the OG wisdom and understated delivery; Mooch has the lively vocals, high register and unique cadence; Rob Gates brings a palpable energy, evoking visions of him wilding out in the booth, always on the brink of unloading a clip or ending in a scrap. While those main 4 compose the majority of the album, additional support is brought in from Da Cloth members Symph, Times Change and Illanoise.

Peep the video for “Last Dose”:

There are plenty of drug bars, though never done too forcefully or ignorant of taste. They give us glimpses of that lifestyle as “Back Door” is a hurried rush to move the custies out the back. But they avoid many of the cliches and pitfalls through clever lyrics and wordplay. It’s not that the content is unique, it’s that they spin it and weave in an overall mood to a satisfying result.

Rigz plainly illustrates things with lyrics like: ”people noddin on my songs. Why wouldn’t they?.. S’what dope do.”

Try to hold back the emotions as loop master Nicholas Craven brings the melancholy feel On “Ask me why” as they all see their pasts haunting them, still using it as motivation. Joints like “All about the money,” “Role Models” and “31 to 62” bring the smooth 80’s synth vibes, just cruising at night. That whole vibe finds Da Cloth in stride. A smart sequencing of that whole mood suits Da Cloth well.

Beats come courtesy of Speed, Thank5th, Sonny Carson, RDJR, Audio Narcotics, 322Major and Grimz. The album features additional production from esteemed producer VDon and a banger from local elite emcee and producer, Eto. Producer Chup contributes 3 beats to the project, adding his local talent into the fold. Da Cloth comes through with a well executed project with each member adding their own styles and unique flavor. Da Fixtape is a dope album that puts Rochester on the map from the rhymes down to production.