The wait is finally over as newly minted artist D. Lew the Don unleashes his 8-track debut album themed “It Was Good To See You.” This album harkens back to the golden age of New Jack Swing with an innovative blend of contemporary pop, dancehall, cinematic, and soulful sounds for a complete sound that deserves critical acclaim from anyone who prides themselves on their distinct musical taste. Lyrically, D. Lew showcases his knack for storytelling that’s as introspective and uncanny as it is relatable. With this project, he speaks of life, love, and growth; the essence of family, ambition, loyalty, and the complex dualities of love with an authenticity that’s impossible to fake. Also, as you’ll most probably notice, he doesn’t shy away from vulnerability, peeling back layers to reveal the man behind the mic—confident yet contemplative, grounded yet reaching for the stars.

In every track, D. Lew the Don offers a piece of himself—a bold, unfiltered, yet cuss-free voice that embodies the heartbeat of his music while stretching genre conventions. Showcasing an uncanny ability to captivate and inspire, he proves that he is a force, a phenomenon, and a testament to the evolution of hip-hop, R&B, pop, and dancehall, all with one comprehensive project like this…take a bow, son!

“Degrees” is a project of high value with a dynamic thrill that is characterized by the uncharacteristically unconventional and vital beats that capture the restlessness of underground hip-hop as well as the beguile of contemporary lyricism. D. Lew is a beast on the mic, expressing himself in a raw yet agreeable tone as he makes a delicious meal off of this one, hitting right at the head without losing himself in the chaos unfolding.

“Summer Fever” is most certainly the banger to relieve your summer joys as the relentlessly danceable beats paint neon hues of city lights, the soft glow of bonfires under the star-strewn skies illuminating brightly as much as boosting the summer spirit. The pulsating, dancehall-flavored, and electro-pop-infused beats call for the people to gather, dance, and laugh as if tomorrow is a distant thought. On the mic, D. Lew creates his own inseparable cadence with the beats…as if they were an extension of himself (of course they are!)

“Main” is where the vulnerable demeanor of D. Lew comes alive as his rich and emotive vocals slide purposefully over the attractive backdrop for Trap and Soul beats, enveloping a listener in this lush and nostalgic embrace. This tune hits all the right spots and is so cozy and memorable, just how you like it.

“Put It Down” has a delightful R&B soundscape with hip-hop influences as D. Lew makes his case with some unforgettable hooks and verses, capturing the essence of life, love, and growing with the right partner by your side. He also conveys the essence of priorities and triumphs over adversity.

I love how he builds on this jam with two other brilliantly contrasting versions: “Put It Down (Afternoon Mix)” that is adrenaline-fueled, and bursting with that trap energy as the infectious hooks overflow excitingly, leaving a listener thrilled and electrified, and the slowed, reverb version “Put It Down (Evening Mix)” which gently cascades, exuding an ethereal, atmospheric allure that is perfect for those late-evening introspective walks.

And if you thought D. Lew doesn’t have in him the hard-heartedness many associate hip-hop with, he rightfully wipes out that notion with that accomplished lyrical savviness and brutality in “Capstone – Outro” as his hard-hitting flows and delivery seamlessly cut through the intense production like a river through stones.

To be fair, “It Was Good To See You” is an action-packed project worthy of fanfare and one that puts D. Lew the Don on the negotiating table when it comes to artistic excellence and execution…he’s got it!

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