Black Rose, released on July 22, 2014, stands as a defining project that transformed Dave East from an East Harlem hopeful into a national prospect. Renowned for its raw storytelling and classic New York feel, it’s considered some of Dave’s best work ever. While past mixtapes didn’t garner as much attention, East’s connection with Nas’s brother, Jungle, led to his signing to Mass Appeal Records shortly after the release of Black Rose. Nas was captivated by East’s lyricism and gritty production. Black Rose stayed away from the sound of the South with it’s New York’s “vintage” 90s feel, creating an atmospheric, soulful, and heavy-barged sound that was both modern enough for clubs and nostalgic for the era. The production was handled by a diverse array of veteran and rising New York producers, including Buda & Grandz, RicoBeats, Sean C & LV, Chinx Santana, SunnyDukes, and many others, all contributing to the iconic NYC boom bap sound. Songs like “The Offering” showcase East’s high lyrical aggression, setting the tone for the album. “Broke” delves into the struggles of being talented but financially disadvantaged. “Red Bottoms” leans more towards a “hit record” vibe, maintaining East’s edge while delivering a catchy beat. The infamous “In Some Shit” is where East’s signature storytelling shines, exploring themes of street life, violence, and the challenges faced by urban youth. The only feature on the tape is Harlem Legend, Smoke Dza, on the song “Hermes,” produced by Stoopidondabeat. Black Rose truly captures the hunger and determination of an artist who recognized this as his last real shot at the industry. With our new series, Class Mixtape Run, we are here to bring that feel back like it was 2014 all over again! On behalf of LiveMixtapes, listen to it below!
