Local rapper Ridgio just dropped a new project, and it’s sure to be one of the most pleasantly soulful things you’ll here all week. World Of Dreams is a smooth product, with each track seamlessly transitioning into the next. Ridgio bears his soul and makes himself vulnerable on almost every song, which is a refreshing change of pace in an era where much of the most popular rap music tends to be more braggadocious.
Much of the project focuses on the theme of what it means to chase after your ambitions while also staying true to yourself, which can be a tremendous struggle. Stand out track “Best Of Me” captures this theme perfectly in the hook, which includes the lines, “I know the world can get the best of me/Why these n—s testin’ me?” It’s a wonderfully simple track with one verse sandwiched between two hooks, and it gives the listener ample time to reflect on their own trials and tribulations of getting where they want to be.
The production for much of the project follows a traditional boom-bap and soulful style which compliments perfectly with Ridgio’s raps, which are exceptional. Ridgio acknowledges early on in Passion & Dreams, that he’s just like any other person trying to figure it out their place in the world, mistakes and all, especially on “I Ain’t Perfect,” which is him truly exposing his struggles (“I’m trying to live forever but my time short/The devil keep trying talk to me, ain’t got time for it”). However, as World Of Dreams progresses, each track noticeably gets more and more upbeat and the closing track, “I’m Just A Man,” is the perfect culmination of it all.
“I’m Just a Man” comes off as him accepting that fact with genuine bliss, with lines (“I fell in love in the challenges?And Climbed right on top of them” and “I know I’m just a man/and I’m just chilling with my friends trying to figure out a plan. Coupled along with a beautiful soul sample and the accompanying music video, it’s almost impossible to not smile while listening to the most feel-good track of a feel-good project.
Make sure to support upcoming local talent and listen to World Of Dreams below:
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