Dave B. - “Grownish”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…Mick Jenkins, Jay Prince, Kendrick Lamar

Performing over a bed of tripped-out, jazz-infused beats, Dave B. holds a heady space on 2019 record BLEU, an impressive, layered record from the Seattle rapper. Dave B. takes an introverted, almost sultry mood and adds his eclectic, slinking rap style on top, peeking from behind the natural rhythms of his music rather than always putting his vocal melodies out front. That studied yet instinctual approach has evolved from 2015 debut Punch Drunk and three records since, consistently pushing to bridge pop-R&B/hip hop and the hazy, experimental modes that drive his music forward in interesting and introspective ways. (Kevin McStravick)