Album Review: Kill What by Daddy Mike
Daddy Mike’s Kill What is a raw, unfiltered dive into the heart of Jamaican Dancehall, released under Coxson Jr. Records. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel—this album knows exactly what it is and sticks to its roots. The genre is Reggae, but the vibe leans hard into Dancehall's infectious energy. For fans of the style, this one’s a no-brainer.
The title track, “Kill What,” hits you like a bassline you can’t ignore. It’s got that stripped-down production quality that feels almost intentional—like Daddy Mike is keeping things real on purpose. The lyrics are repetitive, sure, but in a way that drills into your brain after just one listen. You’ll find yourself humming it hours later, even if you didn’t mean to. There’s something hypnotic about how the rhythm locks in with the chant-like delivery—it’s less about complexity and more about making you move. And honestly? That’s the point.
Then there’s “Kill What (Version),” which flips the original into an instrumental rework. This version strips away the vocals, letting the beat breathe. If you’re someone who loves dissecting layers in music, this track gives you room to focus on the drums and bass without distraction. It’s simple yet effective, showing off the producer's knack for creating space within a song. You might think a “version” would feel redundant, but here, it adds depth instead of filler.
What makes Kill What stick isn’t some grand artistic statement or flashy gimmicks—it’s the authenticity. Daddy Mike doesn’t overthink it; he delivers two tracks that feel true to Jamaica’s Dancehall roots. These aren’t songs designed for Spotify playlists—they’re built for sound systems, street parties, and anywhere people gather to vibe together.
Reflecting on Kill What, I realized something kinda funny: sometimes, less really is more. In a world where albums often come packed with 15+ tracks, Daddy Mike drops just two—and still manages to leave an impression. Maybe that’s the secret sauce. Or maybe it’s just proof that when the groove is right, you don’t need anything else. Either way, Kill What proves that good music doesn’t have to try too hard—it just needs to feel right.
