It's been a minute since we've heard a full-length project from Kodak Black. Of course, the young rapper's recent prison stint played a factor in his absence; yet as the idiom goes, it served to make the heart grow fonder. In that sense, many have been looking forward to Dying To Live with a renewed sense of optimism, citing Black's authenticity and lyrical touch as some of his standout qualities. Of course, his bizarre sense of humor certainly plays a role, as does having Offset and Travis Scott on your lead single. Yet Kodak has largely gotten to where he is through his own actions, both the good and the bad.
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Though disturbing allegations loom overhead, Dying To Live is a testament to Kodak's artistry. True, he did a little bit of pandering to boost the stream count, tapping Juice WRLD and Lil Pump exclusively for that reason. Yet the bulk of his effort is a solo endeavor. We'll never be able to understand the mind of Kodak Black; how could we, given the struggle he's experienced and had to overcome? You can hear the pain in his music, which explains the deeper appeal, which stays long after the thrills of "ZEZE" have faded. In many ways, Dying To Live is Kodak's most important project to date. A moment in which he can separate from his new-school peers. The only question is, did he succeed in that regard?
Stream Dying To Live below, available on all major streaming services.
