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(7 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)

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Drive-By consists of Anybody Killa and Blaze Ya Dead Homie, and their third album has started to make waves. With Pony Down being their first EP (and later became a reissue with two new tracks) and Back on da Block being their second EP, they continue the trend of EP exclusivity with RunTheseStreets. Although Drive-By is known for entirely rapping about street smarts over booming beats, they change it up in different aspects, and this is a refreshing release for the duo. The only downside is that like its previous EP, there’s only 6 songs, and there isn’t a lot of room to cover.

1. Eastside Elite
2. Get Dat $
3. RunTheseStreets
4. Eastside Hustle
5. Drive-By Love
6. Saying Goodbye

“Eastside Elite” is the opener, and is the typical Drive-By song. As said before, it consists of the hood life over a thumping beat; however, it’s clear that ABK and Blaze still have chemistry. They don’t hold back when it comes to their signature sound. If you’ve gotten enough hood flavor from Pony Down and Back on da Block, then you won’t care too much for this song. But it’s wise to not shoot down this EP based on this one song.

“Get Dat $” is drastically different, musically. Although the duo still raps about trapping and coming up in the game, the music itself is what makes it a dramatic departure. Starting off with a guitar from a tropical paradise, the beat changes itself into a groovy track with a danceable vibe. It’s odd to hear Drive-By with a dance funk influence, but they pull it off without hesitation, and it becomes a standout song of the album.

“RunTheseStreets” is similar to the opener in that in contains the typical Drive-By lyrics and music. With the occasional electronica static lead, back-and-forth keyboard, and consistent drum pattern, the beat isn’t terrible, but it’s not a drastic improvement from older songs. It’s hard to tell whom the better of the two are though. Both Blaze and ABK have stepped up their game lyrically and although this song’s topic is about the typical hustle, it’s still noticeable that the duo are improving by the day

“Eastside Hustle” starts off with something that sounds like it came out of a dramatic 1980s movie, and the music blends that noise with eerie scratch lines and a solid drum track. Giving the game another nod in the lyrics, ABK also tries his hand at singing during the chorus and if you’re a fan of his melody, you’ll have no complaints here.

“Drive-By Love” has a unique beat within the track. The keyboards are smooth and the electronic blasts fit the vocals perfectly. Targeted at females, the song not only emphasizes sex, but also the ones that have more respect and sense than the normal groupie. The chorus is also catchy, with Blaze doing his deep signature echoing.

“Saying Goodbye” is most likely the best Drive-By track to emerge. Although the hood and the hustle takes a backseat, the lyrics are aimed at a dead person close to someone. Capitalizing on the shock and regret of losing someone close to the heart, it also points towards reminiscing and what-if scenarios. The beat itself has mellow keyboards and a slow drum track, combined with a faint piano during the chorus, which itself is haunting as the duo gives out menacing chants. The music matches the depressing lyrics perfectly. Taking a drastic turn with this song proves that they’re more than capable of rapping about more than just the game.

In conclusion, although this is the third EP in a row, it’s still a good taste of Drive-By. Their music and lyrics have slightly changed, and although they haven’t distanced themselves from their signature sound, everything still falls into place as it should. Currently the only way to grab the album is either through their online store for $12 (which is $6 to ABK and $6 to Blaze with no middleman nonsense), on iTunes (for the impatient ones that don’t care about physical copies), or during their current tour (although it isn’t an extensive tour). No matter how you obtain it, RunTheseStreets is sure to please both the dedicated Drive-By fans and the casual listener.

Favorite Tracks:

1. Saying Goodbye
2. Get Dat $
3. Drive-By Love
4. Eastside Hustle
5. Eastside Elite

Length:

• 22 Minutes 25 Seconds

Record Label:

• Grundy Entertainment/Native World

Release Date:

• 05/30/2014

Purchase:

• Big Cartel - $12
• iTunes - $5.94

Websites:

• Blaze Official
• ABK Official

Reviewer:

• Xanarki