After West Oakland’s Guapdad 4000 quickly rose to fame in 2018, it seemed like his name was showing up everywhere. His debut album, “Dior Deposits” was a lengthy introduction to the Falcon and his clever scams that he’s now infamous for. With the most recent addition to his prolific discography, Guap’s sound is defined by finding a fluid balance between singing and rapping. Track by track, Guapdad establishes a concrete sound that draws from real-life experiences growing up in Oakland. Following his Falcon Friday series, “Platinum Falcon Tape, Vol. 1,” is a collection of the six singles that he has dropped over the past six weeks. At around 17 minutes, the latest from the scam master is his most coherent project to date.
Embezzle (feat. Jigga Juice)
Originally previewed on Guapdad 4000’s Instagram Live, the track features a viral clip of Blac Chyna repeatedly saying “embezzled.” In the self-produced cut, Guapdad takes the viral clip and echoes it throughout the song. Featuring fellow Oakland native Jigga Juice, both Guap and Jigga deliver slicked-back verses that sizzle over the amped-up track. The chemistry between Jigga and Guap’s vocal inflections with the sonorous instrumental is seamless.
Greedy
The song starts with a string sample that is quick to be broken by a hard-hitting drum break. Guapdad effortlessly flexes his designer taste and ability to attract women. His vocals crack and are loosely layered on top of the kick-heavy instrumental. He raps about making it from the bottom and how far he’s come since taking his success and running with it.
Dolce & Gabbana Dalai Lama
Right off the bat, Guapdad reels in the listener’s attention with a confident bar, “I don’t have no fear in my heart/sometimes, I feel like I don’t have one,” quickly stepping out of the spotlight to question his success. “Dolce & Gabbana Dalai Lama,” finds Guapdad struggling to grapple with changes of heart; his honesty and expression of the complexities of success are refreshing. His ego wants one thing but his humility attempts to override his impulses.
Peanut Butter Pootie Tang
In the spirit of much of his discography, “Peanut Butter Pootie Tang” features Guapdad’s signature edgy charisma and addictive hook. The song is structured with a drowned out vocal sample that’s both obscure and hypnotic.
Trade Places with Them Jeans
Guapdad’s soothing, layered falsetto is angelic and it echoes perfectly over a buttery guitar loop. The spine of the instrumental is a sliding guitar that beautifully encapsulates Guap’s crisp singing. He sings in a hushed tone for the verses and a special high register for the chorus which contributes to the calming warmth the song has. Highlighting the simplicity of the backing track and his clever songwriting, “Trade Places with Them Jeans” is a slow build, an ode to lack of love and definitely one of his best tracks.