Album Review: Don’t Do Drugs by Etapp Kyle (Smooth Players Productions)
Alright, let’s talk about Don’t Do Drugs. First off, the title hits different—like a PSA from someone who genuinely cares but also knows how to throw down some beats. Etapp Kyle’s latest project on Smooth Players Productions is that kind of album you didn’t know you needed until it smacks you in the feels and gets stuck in your head for days.
The vibe? It's raw, unfiltered, and kinda messy in the best way possible. You can tell this isn’t just another cookie-cutter release—it’s personal. Like, he sat down with his thoughts, maybe had a smoke break or two, and poured everything out into these tracks. And honestly? It works.
I gotta shout out “Neon Static” first because damn, that one sticks. The beat builds slow, like walking through fog at night, unsure if you’re heading toward something amazing or completely terrifying. Then BAM—it drops, all glitchy synths and basslines that feel like they’re crawling under your skin. I remember spinning this track three times in a row, not cuz I’m indecisive, but because it felt like there was still more to uncover. It’s haunting, yet kinda hopeful? Hard to explain, but easy to feel.
Then there’s “Echo Chamber,” which hits hard for entirely different reasons. This one feels like overhearing fragments of conversations in a crowded room—bits of pain, joy, confusion, all layered together. The percussion is sharp enough to cut glass, but the melody floating over it softens the blow. What stays with me most is how it fades out too soon, leaving you hanging like an unfinished thought. Feels intentional though, like life itself, y’know?
What I love about Don’t Do Drugs is its honesty. It doesn’t try to be perfect or polished; instead, it embraces flaws and turns them into strengths. There are moments where things get chaotic, almost overwhelming, but somehow it never loses its grip. Listening to this album feels like having a late-night convo with an old friend—you laugh, you cringe, you nod along, and sometimes you just sit quietly letting it all sink in.
Here’s the thing though—I dunno if Etapp Kyle actually does drugs or not. Maybe the title’s ironic, maybe it’s dead serious. Either way, this album makes you think twice—not just about substances, but about choices, consequences, and what really matters when the music stops playing.
Oh, and random thought: If this album were a person, it’d probably have tattoos, wear thrifted jackets, and always show up late to parties. But man, when it walks in, everyone notices.
So yeah, check out Don’t Do Drugs. Just don’t blame me if it messes with your brain—or your playlist rotation—for weeks.
