On their fifth project together, Dillon & Batsauce continue to push themselves to deliver unique, creative hip-hop built on a foundation of jazzy and lush instrumentals, clever lyricism, and thoughtful meditations on life. But What Have We Done is more than a dope album from these two imaginative artists. This is the result of more than two decades of collaboration and friendship, and you can feel their mutual love for music on every track on this record.
“Musically, this record is triumphant in a sense because we’re 20+ years into our journey now, so there’s less doubt about what’s to come. The music is a little more refined, a little more direct, and a lot less apologetic.”
-DILLON
You can hear every single bit of that as soon as you hear What Have We Done’s lighthearted and hilarious opening track. The duo seemingly improvises an intro where they attempt to explain the album title, only to realize that it’s impossible to have an answer. The real answer is that they’re living in the moment, a feeling that comes through on every beat Batsauce produces and every lyric Dillon spits. It’s an infectious playfulness gives the record so much replay value.
Just listen to the one-two punch of “Quiet as a Library” and “Eddie Farah,” a mini-suite that mixes the gloomy with the goofy. There’s also a hint of nostalgia to it all, as Dillon reminisces about his childhood and Batsauce deftly layers in samples from old TV spots on “Quiet…” And it blends perfectly into “Eddie Farah,” a funky and slick homage to Dillon and Bat’s former stomping grounds of Jacksonville, FL.
The highlights don’t stop there. When they team up with Grand Puba on “Cannonball,” Dillon & Batsauce sound like they’re ready to start a funk band. On “Accolades,” they showcase their more serious side as they find their happiness in living life right with guests Reef The Lost Cauze and Jay Myztroh. And then there’s the immaculately produced “Watercolors,” a straight-up banger that finds Dillon trading verses with Quelle Chris.
We could go on, but let’s leave it to the duo to explain what they want listeners to take away from the album. “Enjoyment,” Batsauce says, a sentiment that Dillon echoes. “I hope it’s a little momentary escape from the doldrums.”
What Have We Done is available now through all major DSPs, and can be purchased on vinyl, CD, and cassette, with various merch available including T-shirts and collectable keychains via Bandcamp.
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