"Weakdays & Weekends" by Buck & Del

There's no other way to start off this review other then stating the first thought that came to my mind while listening to Weakdays and Weekends: This album blew me away. After hearing only the first 10 seconds of the first track "Buckle Up," Buck & Del had me hooked. The beat, the lyrics, the style, just the overall sound is infectious. Halfway through the first track I found myself starting the track over again just to take it all in. This happened periodically throughout the rest of the album as well. If I had to use one word to describe this album it would be "original." From the first track to the last, Delario sounds completely natural on the microphone while DJ Bucktooth provides incredible and intricate beats that compliment Delario's style perfectly. 

Every song on the album feels real. Delario doesn't ever try to be something he's not with his lyrics. From songs about waking up hungover after a long night to songs chronicling the journey he's on Del comes off as the humble guy at the small dive bar down the road that's always got a funny story to tell. Del can also take some of the typical rap themes and twists them in a unique way. For example, the typical theme of going to the club and hitting on women can be seen in "Sixteen Bars (& 45 drinks)" where just the title alone shows Del's own take on typical rap topics, taking "16 Bars" (commonly referred to in rap, the structure that many rap verses follow) and changing the topic to sixteen bars where he'll consume 45 drinks and proceed to approach women with the same honesty that he approaches his raps:

Throughout the album Delario uses his lyrics, his flow and his overall style to connect with the listener. His deliberate honesty and just his sound in general made me feel Del's comfort on the mic. When he raps it's almost as if he's just talking to a close friend. If you need proof just listen to "Weakdays (Reality's A Bitch)." Enough said.

Now let's not forget an incredibly important aspect of this album. Buck. The core to a good album is the production. Without solid beats, it's difficult for a rapper to fully engage a listener. It just adds a little extra personality. And Buck matches Del's personality on every track. Every beat is laid back with an underground style that matches the originality found throughout the whole album. Each song has it's own unique sound: A couple songs use live instruments to give a raw sound while others use synthesized sounds that give a crisp, professional touch to the album that initially makes you think a mainstream producer must have contributed to the album. Del gave Buck a hand with production responsibilities which can be sensed in Del's comfort on each beat. There's great producer/emcee chemistry and the two were able to work together to create an incredible collaboration.

"Weakdays & Weekends" is an addictive album. I can't tell you how many times I've listened to it on repeat in the past few days. Check out Delario's MicControl profile for some more songs from the emcee. Also, Delario was kind enough to answer a few questions for us, so check back for an interview where you get Del's take on hip-hop now compared to back in the day, hear some crazy drunken stories, and whether or not this is the last Buck & Del collaboration album we'll hear or if there's hope in the future.