When it came time to choose an album for this review, Freeway and Jake One's new effort seemed to be a no-brainer, based on album art alone (the CD case is stylized as a wallet, the liner notes as a roll of cash).  With album art on my mind, though, I also thought about the new disc from New Jersey rapper Kosha Dillz, which includes, among other things, a poodle wearing a Star of David perched over a boom box. 

Therefore, for your visual (and listening) pleasure, I present Beverly Dillz.

Now that you've been primed, it should come as no surprise that Dillz' album is more Kid N Play than N.W.A.  "Cellular Phone" includes the line "Oompa Loompa in a brand new scooter," and Dillz again references the Roald Dahl novel with a track called "Dilly Wonka." 

At the same time though, Dillz references "The Message" on his track "Jungle," demonstrating he hasn't forgotten where hip-hop has come from.  His beats mix both older-sounding drum machines with futuristic synths, best seen on "L.A. Ish" or "Tastes Good."

Kosha Dillz may not keep it real enough for everyone, but just remember - a good menu would be incomplete without some Beverly Dillz.

-Spencer Wadnizak
Hip Hop, MD
KUPS 90.1 Tacoma The Sound