Ericdoa is starting 2024 strong with his third studio album, “DOA.” The 21-year-old Connecticut-born rapper got his start on Soundcloud before working with other underground musicians like Glaive. He has been featured on the second season soundtrack of HBO’s Euphoria, had a viral moment involving Fortnite streamer Ninja and a taper fade haircut, and created a song and music video for the popular video game Valorant. His eclectic production and buoyant flows balance out his melancholy lyrics. This new record combines the styles of hyper-pop, trap and alternative. It shows the emotional growth of a young man going through the trials and tribulations of heartbreak and fame.
The three lead singles are all different stylistically. “Dancinwithsomebawdy” is a funky dance-inspired track that showcases Ericdoa’s vocal talent. The song discusses the concept of being with a cheater and realizing that he was “jumping through hurdles” for someone who does not value him. It reminds me of “Hey Ya” by Outkast in that it is cheerful and makes you want to dance, but the nature of the lyrics is dismal. “Kickstand” is the most popular of the three, being teased for months before release. The song is a traditional trap song with familiar hyper-pop melodies and synths. He raps about women using him for money, being famous, and even references guns which I would not expect to hear from somebody who described where they come from as a “small ass farm town.”
The two songs, “kickstand” and “paystub,” do not fit the lyrical context of the record, as they are pretty much the same song about minuscule things. That doesn’t make them bad songs, but they do not align with the rest of the tracks. Lastly, “sweet tooth” is an alternative love song where Ericdoa compares his relationship and how he treats his partner to Sour Patch Kids, but in reverse order. He says that he acts sweetly towards his girl, but then things go sour and cause pain, yet he wants things to improve. I am fond of the drums and calming chiming noises, reminding me of a Los Retros or Tai Verdes song.
My favorite track is “lastjune.” It is technically a single but was not released before the record. This song has the most potential to be a hit. The song’s best part is how the chorus’s main melody cuts out. The primary backing sound during that point is a weird and disorienting noise that is difficult to describe but simultaneously intriguing, enhancing the lyrics. The song is about people staying in his business and disconnecting with people who will not support him and are praying for his downfall.
This sentiment is best described in the chorus when he says: “I can’t keep fighting over (Fighting over)/Hiding over (Hiding over)/I wish you would pick my side.” I relate to the lyrics of “arm and a leg” as he explains how it will cost him “an arm and leg” to be loved by somebody who does not value him. It is unfortunate how hard it is to find love, especially when you have something to offer instead of being loved unconditionally.
The subject matter throughout the record is consistently about heartbreak, mental health, and individualism. A song like “crisis actor” is a fair representation of Ericdoa’s cries for help. The beat and vocals are simple, but their use is intended to emphasize how he acts on impulse, especially involving romance, instead of letting time take its course. Songs like “bigassbearman” and “imcoolimgoodimstraight” have a matching effect lyrically but not as sonically strong. “Bigassbearman” is a forgettable piece with a relaxed beat and stable vocals. The lyrics continue to carry Ericdoa’s performance. “Imcoolimgoodimstraight” has a promising intro consisting of ethereal Clams Casino-esque noises that are huge in the early 2010s cloud rap era. The song then shifts into a dance track with an annoying chorus about Ericdoa and his partner letting certain behaviors slide and coming off standoffish when encountering challenges. I understand that both parties are damaged and reacting calmly to avoid pain, but I do see that Ericdoa is trying to encourage growth, which is pleasant.
In summary, “DOA” marks a vigorous beginning to the new year. The album displays emotional maturation through its blend of musical styles. While lead singles like “dancingwithsomebawdy” showcase his vocal prowess, the album experiences some stylistic disparities, notably with “kickstand” and “paystub.” “Lastjune” emerges as a potential hit, featuring a unique chorus and meaningful lyrics about overcoming negativity. The album consistently explores themes of heartbreak, mental health, and individualism, though some tracks like “bigassbearman” and “imcoolimgoodimstraight” may lack sonic impact. Overall, Ericdoa’s record delivers a compelling musical journey.
