The voice of the streets didn’t leave us waiting long after ft on ‘DEAD’ in August, he’s back with
‘Turn Up A Notch’ featuring sharp hi-hats, signature melodic flow, atmospheric synths, a catchy chorus and those recognisable heavy 808’s.
The production, an instrumental backdrop keeping the momentum alive drawing listeners closer to his storytelling.
He chronicles his early struggles and the transition and rise to fame.
Back then, them hoes f**n' for clout, I had to turn up a notch
I'm thinkin' you happy, but low-key you doubted me
I had to turn up a notch Sleepin' on porches, I served off the balcony I had to turn up a notch”
The messaging within the lyrics - a recurring, relatable theme within the music industry - no one really supports you until your up. As soon as your up everyone knows your name. Delivered with a sense of urgency, emphasising the gravity of the narrative all whilst maintaining a calm, controlled exterior.
The verse, painting a picture of triumph and trauma in the same breath -
“Seen my uncle actually reactin' off coke - Won a Grammy, sent my picture to bro”
The Chorus, catchy of course, deep absolutely, introspective as expected - weaving his personal experiences bar for bar.
The visuals shot by Jerry Production, feels like an invitation into his world - gritty, dimly lit, documentary-style cam recording, capturing vivid, broken snapshots of a day in the life. A collection of memories 2012 - 2024.
Backstage with the boys, flash shots of chains, private jets overlooking the city that never sleeps, counting stacks, cut to moment’s of solitude in the back of the truck. We see cameos from HUNXHO and Sexxy Red - hint of what’s to come when Durk finally drops the album everyone has been waiting for - Love Songs 4 the Streets 3.
“Song feels like a victory lap out the trenches for Durk” one fan commented below the official music video.
In February this year Durk was awarded his first Grammy for ‘Best Melodic Rap Performance’ double-platinum masterpiece ‘All My Life’ ft J.Cole. He showed face at Sexxy Reds sold out tour in St.Louis hitting the headlines.
Another headline moment was his collaboration with STARRY®, where four HBCUs were offered $333,000 in scholarships and prizes. Forbes made it known - “When it comes to influential voices in the realm of hip-hop, it’s hard to deny Lil Durk’s impact.”
Durk has the ability to transport you into both worlds with his unique delivery of love and pain through the various vocal styles. He switches from - rapid-fire into melodic cadence - from street rap straight into a more laid-back vocal pallet.
In each realm he can present the feeling of being in love or make you tap into your core pain.
If this single is any sign of what the upcoming album promises to deliver then we know the project will be another defining moment in Durk's musical evolution. With his blend of raw storytelling complemented by a dark trippy melody and heavy 808's famously associated with super producers, 808 Mafia and trap music. These southside beats provide the perfect landscape for Durk to tell his story - staying true to the streets that shaped him while pushing his sound forward to a universal audience.
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