Everybody who rocks with WVCC Radio and our blog already knows that DJ PROOF is a day one family member. One of Miami Florida’s premiere boombap producers, DJ PROOF has been providing the local underground with that raw East Coast sound way before the Griselda movement made it popular again. In May, he went head-to-head against Miami’s Peruvian King of BoomBap, DJ HERON in a beat battle that many would say PROOF walked away from as the victor. Responsible for a number of SoFlow bangers, including my own debut full length, THE WATERPROOF, PROOF BEATZ is respected in our scene as a creator of quality Hip Hop coming out of the Underground. Now he comes to us with his latest Colaboration project with Massachusetts up and comer D.O.S. aka DEATH OVER SIMPLICITY with their Debut Colab EP, the illuminating LIGHT AT THE END. Put your stunner shades on for this one. The shine on this EP might cause temporary blindness.
Listen to LIGHT AT THE END by DEATH OF SIMPLICITY & DJ PROOF
Worcester, Massachusetts Emcee D.O.S first hit our radar in 2022 with his “We are Robin” release that was referred to us by our Worcester Family, GINOSHA RECORDS’ Founders WEAPON ESP & GHOST OF THE MACHINE, THE JUICE HEADS of SAVAGE LAND. I already knew, If these 2 master spitters were vouching for this new voice in the underground, I was in for a treat. What they put me on to was a carefully crafted concept album laced with comic book metaphors that were far from corny. Not only could this brother write, but his flow was impeccable. I realized back then I had been introduced to an unknown gem in D.O.S. His 2023 EP, FROM THE MIND SPRINGS A PAINTING proved that the Emcee known as DOS was not a one trick pony. This Spit Kicker was the real deal. One of those mc’s that instantly stand out in a crowd of “Wanna-be’s” and “Try Hards”. On his latest venture with Miami’s BoomBap King, the 5 track “LIGHT AT THE END” he shows off the ease by which his pen moves and the comfort he has in the booth.
“The meaning behind Death Over Simplicity is my view that a life without creating art is a “simple” life, and one that I don’t believe is worth living. So the phrase ‘Death Over Simplicity’ is more of a personal mantra that reminds me of how much creating art means to me.”
“”Maroon Lotus is my favorite beat and track on the project. The beat is ridiculous, with the bass crashing through 4 bars into my verse and shakes venues when I play it live. The cameo by Ghost of the Machine is special because it’s a quick reuiniting of the Heroes for Hire (GHOST OF THE MACHINE & DJ PROOF), and GOTM has always played a motivating role in my life so its dope for people to hear a bit of that brotherhood on record.”
“His flow cadence and lyrics on top of the work ethic. He’s Passionate about the artform and takes it seriously. That was more than enough for me.”
Watch the Official Video for MAROON LOTUS by DEATH OF SIMPLICITY & DJ PROOF ft GHOST OF THE MACHINE here….
TARGET PRACTICE, is my personal favorite song off the EP. D.O.S’s voice & verses give me instant Elzhi vibes from the blast of the gun at the track starting line. As he makes it cristal clear, he got bullets for you and every branch on your family tree. “Its war. What happens happens. Nothing Personal, just Target Practice” Everything from the instrumental, to the steady cadence and perfectly written hook make this my top pick off of LIGHT AT THE END. Def getting heavy spins on WVCC RADIO around the clock. Then there is the minimalist loop driven NEVER ENDING HAMBRE which shows DEATH OVER SIMPLICITY flexing his native Dominican Tongue in and out of his bars as he makes a “Note to self, Dont ever dim your light to try to Fit In”. on the 1st Verse. His sparring partners C ROSE and YO DADDY DOE expertly ride over the Drumless track (which I am almost willing to bet is crew member WEAPON ESP’s favorite joint on the project), making the minimilist sample loop sound so much more complicated than it really is.
The album ends with soulful MAMAJUANA, a smooth banger that reminds me of a prohibition era speak easy with a Jazz Band playing softly in one corner as a long legged songstress sings the blues over the piano melody. Instead of a soultry voice singer, we are treated to DOS seasoned pen work, taking us time traveling with references like “Trying to get cash the Fast as Cab Calla-way, the Call and Response/ I need to reach the Ancestors, I start a sceance/ “. The Word Play and Multiple Entendres are just as sharp throughout the record, which aside from the Production by one of our Home Town Heros, is the reason I purchased the Limited Edition Vinyl off of Bandcamp before it sold out. Sonically and Lyrically this album is top tier and contends with any record dropped so far this year. Even if it is only a compact 5 track project.
When I asked DOS about the EP Title, he responded…
“The meaning behind the title “LIGHT AT THE END” is using the concept of a light at the end of a tunnel, experienced by people near death. So this record is getting thoughts & feelings off my chest and into the world before reaching the proverbial light at the end.”
After hearing their chemistry on L.IGHT AT THE END, I think everyone will agree this is just the beginning of what could be a long fruitful journey for D.O.S & PROOF, and we hope they dont see the Light At The End of this venture for years to come.
Stop by the Bandcamp page and pick up your Official Copy of the LIGHT AT THE END EP Vinyl while it is still in stock. I just got mine this week in the mail and it sounds delicous spinning on my record player. Take some time to check out both of these Artists past discogrophies while you are at it. Trust me, there is not a single disappointing entry in eather of their catalogues.
Written by 8ch2Owens
Founder of Vice City Cypher, WVCC Radio, PROFRESH Publicty. With over 20 Years in South Florida’s Hip Hop Scene 8ch2Owens has carved his name into the Miami Hip Hop history books, and now uses his talents to promote the best in South Florida Indie Hip Hop and Underground Hip Hop from around the globe.
