No, they’re not the new EPMD, even though their name does ring the bell of the group from the East Coast. Instead, DTMD (Dunc & Toine Makin’ Dollars) is yet another one of the Mello Music Group’s signings. Inspired by J Dilla, Jazzy Jeff and Pete Rock, the producer Dunc fields his beats to support his partner Toine. Even though ‘fielding’ already implies way too much action, the sounds by these two youngsters from Maryland – whose musical influences are easy to recognize when listening closely – are way too relaxed and easy-going for any kind of competition. Tracks like You, Fantastic or 95 Live create a beautifully dreamy atmosphere that’s easy to get lost in for a few minutes. A Loan For The Lonely is another track lining up with this pleasant, yet slightly melancholy mood, even though it eventually propagates a much more positive message, where the lonely don’t have to stay on their own much longer. There’s also some featuring going on, and so, in addition to Toine, we can hear Oddisee, Kev Brown and yU adding quite a bit of variety to the record as a whole. And even though Hip Hop wasn’t reinvented on Makin’ Dollas, it sure as hell relaxes very much. It’s a successful debut for Dunc and Toine, who can consider themselves to be in good hands at MMG.
Makin' Dollas
