T.Q.D.
Clench, Grit, Breathe
The flirty keys on ‘Let The Funeral Begin’ beckons the listener to accept an audible odyssey into the realm of David Lee Johnson, Jr., known as, T.Q.D. to his loyal legion. T.Q.D.’s , Clench, Grit, Breathe will be appreciated. The Quiet Dude is Minnesota’s poetic MC: he’s integral to its expanding soundscape. As the musical journey proceeds, an oxymoronic presence is felt, this closed-mouthed individual is a natural storyteller.
T.Q.D.’s use of his endless vocabulary is laudable. The effortless way the lyrics tumble from his lips creates inviting vignettes for the listener. Yet when it’s forced like on, ‘Baby Boy’ or ‘Hide And Seek’ the track suffers. These are two instances of acrimony: the lyrics and the production duel for the spotlight.
Overall, Clench, Grit, Breathe, is a satisfactory sophomore effort. ‘Ask Me In A Few Months’ and ‘Red Black And Blue White’ ft Phingaz are enjoyable examples of the undeniable talent that T.Q.D. possesses. The subtle production on ‘Contradiction’ is heaven, simplistic manipulation of sounds, combined with complex lyrics, elevates the track. ‘Saunter’ reflects the feelings of loneliness. An isolated, old-Western, lullaby is the backdrop to this stream-of-consciousness, lyrical delivery.
Harnessing an ambiguous sound, T.Q.D. is a mixture of a creative Fiona Apple, an early, melancholy Tech N9ne, and an expressive Cee-Lo Green. ‘Speed Bump’ is the highlight of the entire album. The cunning ability that T.Q.D. uses as he attacks the subject of rape is genius. The repetitive ‘NO’ is futile as the victim tries to cope with situation and the ramification that follows. Clench, Grit, Breathe displays the evolving lyrical maturity and the potential of T.Q.D
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