Doe Boy’s Signature Flow Is Lost in a Directionless Search for a New Sound

Recently, Freebandz Alum Doe Boy dropped his album Last Hope. The title seems to serve as either an acknowledgment of being a final beacon to his family or perhaps a reflection of his status as a more unheralded member of the collective. Despite close affiliation with ATL Legend Future and collaborations with names like Meek Mill, Young Thug, and 21 Savage, Doe Boy has yet to find that massive hit or highly praised full project. Unfortunately, with Last Hope, the Cleveland native shows more regression than progression.

I first caught wind of Doe Boy when he was name-dropped on Future’s hit “My Savages.” After checking out his music, the talent was undeniable. Following a short prison stint, it appeared Doe Boy would be next up from the Freebandz imprint. With a flow reminiscent of similar Midwest artists but with a hint of Southern influence—which you can hear on tracks like “Walk Down”—I definitely had him tabbed as a bubbling artist. However, on this new project, it appears Doe Boy has completely ditched his signature style in favor of a Carti/Young Thug/YFN Lucci-esque flow that completely derails the album. This leads to awkward moments of crooning followed by gangster bravado, leaving the project directionless.

While the production on the album is solid—your usual cache of thumping trap beats—the switched-up flow does nothing to elevate any of the songs. The track “Public” is probably the most glaring example of Doe Boy doing his best Carti impersonation. Despite a Future-led intro, the song quickly goes downhill as the identity crisis becomes evident with melodically incoherent rhymes. This then leads into the dated sound of “Tay Tay” feat. Tay Keith, which feels like it was dropped straight out of 2015 and features what I’m guessing is a Lil Baby impersonation. This pretty much sums up the majority of the album. “However It Go,” while still being in the same vein, is bouncy enough thanks to the production to be an enjoyable listen. Rounding out the project, “Back Focused” could possibly be an older track thrown on the album, as it seems more reminiscent of Doe Boy’s original flow. Unfortunately, those two songs alone aren’t enough to save this album.

If this album is an experiment with Doe Boy trying a different flow and direction, I think it’s best to chalk this up as a mulligan. However, if this is the new direction the artist is going in, then it might serve him best to listen to his prior projects. Unfortunately, if this is the Last Hope, we’re in some trouble. All change isn’t good change. Hopefully, on the next project, we can get the old Doe Boy back.

Standout Tracks: “However It Go” “Back Focused”

Album Rating: 👑👑👑 (3.5/10)