Denmark Vessey Deal Widdit (Ft. Quelle Chris)

The name Denmark Vessey is currently known only to rap nerds and scholars of black history (it was the name of an ex-slave in Charleston, South Carolina who bought his freedom and was about to incite a mass slave rebellion with plans to escape to Haiti). The two niche groups are fairly small in size, and though the former may grow gradually over time, the folks who first associate the name with a rapping and producing young man from the Midwest may be experiencing a boom soon.

Denmark is one of rap's diamonds in the rough, and it's no coincidence he's coming from Detroit. He has an unmistakable voice that instantly grabs you without trying too hard. The natural confidence and charm in his vocal performances makes me feel at home immediately. He's similar to his partner-in-rhyme Quelle Chris only in that they are both very fluid and human in their work. Vessey, despite the name, doesn't take himself too seriously, but is also not afraid to be earnest and personal.

As a part of Crown Nation with Quelle, Denmark has had some exposure, but that may balloon a bit since L.A.'s producer to the (underground) stars, Exile, convinced Denmark to come out to L.A. and kick it with the Dirty Science crew. With the help of DJ House Shoes, Exile is presenting a debut mixtape to break folks into Denmark's sound before the release of a legitimate solo album.

Dont' Drink The Kool-Aid features new cuts interspersed with old gems, like "Deal Widdit." The song is modern day boom-bap, dusty drums and aggressive sample.  I've been listening to this song for a while now and I still laugh at the last line of the chorus. Please do yourself and familiarize yourself with Denmark Vessey in 2013, then maybe read up on Denmark Vessey from the 1820's.