Rating: 2.5 / 5 stars

Dave East’s sequel to his 2017 EP “Paranoia: A True Story,” “Paranoia 2” or “P2,” was released Jan. 16. The hip hop and rap artist is best known for his songs “Phone Jumpin,” “Perfect” featuring Chris Brown, and “Time Ticking” featuring Bobby Shmurda and Rowdy Rebel. With his third release in less than six months, the Harlem artist raps in a place where he is no longer in the streets but rather haunted by every action he has done, reflecting on himself and those who have made him and lost him along the way.

Featuring Tory Lanez, “Woke Up,” has Dave East raps about how important money is to him and his luxurious lifestyle. “I’m not a regular artist,” East reflects on his life in the past where he was broke and how money and music has changed his life, in addition to the addition of fame and women. “Militant, from the trenches, I can count up a million / Tryna wake up on an island like Gilligan / All of this money wrap me and my innocence.”

“Corey,” the fifth song on the 15-track album, examines his past friendship with a friend named Corey. Comparing their upbringings and the paths they have chosen, Dave East goes on to refer to when he was signed to Mass Appeal Records by fellow rapper Nas. “He got a gift, hundreds of thousands, it’s written in his path / Corey too stuck in his ways to chase a dream.” East ends the song with an outro by Corey, which is strung in a series of voicemails concluding with, “Don’t forget your boy, man. I been here before all these other dudes man. It’s me Corey man. I was supporting you, don’t act like that man. It’s me Dave, I know you, Dave.”

“Thank You” is a song that differs from most of the tracks on “P2.” Opening with a driving piano melody, the song has layers through the bass and the heavier beats of the lyrics that mesh perfectly in a catchy and cocky tune. Stating that he is grateful for both his fans and those who dislike him, East makes a point to state it is out of jealously and that hate toward him only creates more press.

“What Made Me” reflects on all the artists that have inspired and continue to motivate East as an artist. “Hov made me want to throw the diamond up,” when referring to Jay Z and his label Roc-A-Fella Records. “Nas made me want a QB chain” Nas, who grew up in Queensbridge, New York, is known for his QB necklace and is also mentioned lightly in “Corey.” “Noriega made me want to do Pharrell beats” Noriega or N.O.R.E. has had Pharrell produce his song “Nothin’” as well as his most recent song “Uno Más.” “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot” dropped and my mood changed” this line also referred to DMX’s album, which was aggressive and helped create his signature angry voice.

“P2” is a well-composed and presented album. With a diverse style and taste, “Paranoia 2” definitely has a track or two that will please and surprise any listener.

Image from RAP via YouTube.com