Franz Diego: Float Review
Since his debut self-titled release in 2009, Franz Diego has had quite the discography that has spread across a wide span of different styles. One could sort of say that his debut was more or less a rap standards album, where he was able to breeze effortlessly across dope mid-90s golden era hip-hop. Since then, he became the father of Wag, a style that more or less takes cacophonous 808s and claps, and throws a slather of haze atop it. Evidence of this can be found on his collaborative EP with producer J-Hard called “Sense of Self,” then there was “Retrograde” done in collaboration with MC Harv, followed by the ethereal electronic styles presented with producer Xanja on the EP titled “Equinox.”
However on this newest full length “Float,” Franz teams up with producer/engineer Enron Hubbard (chew on that one, Dianetics fans) which in a sense is a return to those most familiar with “Sense of Self,” but with a lot more hazy, atmospheric and reverb-heavy soundscapes that harken with very cavernous club aesthetics. For example, the song “Hold Up” is a perfect example where Franz is able to mesh trap-heavy rhythms with spacey synths, while presenting various lyrical themes of partying and big brother watching. There’s also the album’s highlight “BLK WZRD,” a tribute to former Usual Suspects member Abdulle Elmi, that proves to be just as poignant and powerful, as well as repeated loon calls and wavy synth lines of “Floatin'” where Franz is able to throw several different patterns with relative ease, whereas “Slow Motion” flows smoothly and effortlessly.
Meanwhile, things get a little more upbeat on “Yamagucci,” which is fun and bouncy, as is the tune “Twerkin’ Anthem,” which is a slow-jam meets cavernous club banger, and then there’s the almost autobiographical “White Sands,” breaking down his origins and really providing a true tale as to Franz got to where he is. All the while, Enron Hubbard helps keeps the energy levels high and spacey, and gives Franz the canvas to really shed a lot of his soul and honesty over the course of “Float.” Overall, Franz and Enron Hubbard make “Float” something to be cherished and enjoyed by everyone.
— Ali (@Egyptoknuckles, CEO Background Noise Crew)
Writer / co-founder
