Die Mondez and Flvme document pressure, aspiration, youth and love on ‘RedLight District’ [EP Review]

Die Mondez and Flvme are seeds of Soundcloud's deep tap roots. Two or three years ago, they would lead Soundcloud conversations around South African Trap music. While Zooci Coke Dope is more the Kuddi Is Dead to Die Mondez’s Psycho YP, Flvme is who Die Mondez recently released a new album with.

This comes after the era of The Wrecking Crew - from which Flvme and A Reece are still cool.

The 10-track project is a Trippy Gen Z collaboration about thirst for success, frustrations in love, need for wealth and introspection on an emotional rollercoaster. In its element, RedLight District could be deemed a Trap project, but it encompasses more subgenres and media of expression.

It is Emo, it is TrapSoul, it is Trap, It is Cloud Rap. But at every point, the common denominator to all the songs is a Trippy sonic canvas on which a world of sex and hedonism is built. While RedLight District represents sex in the average mind, it is also a symbolism for the pressures of spotlight.

While ‘RedLight District’ symbolizes sex, that sex is an enjoyable coping mechanism and an evidence of youth. To that end, ‘Complicated’ is an R&B/TrapSoul diary of a troubled love affair, hindered by a distance from disliked by two lovers who continue observing it, regardless.

‘Addy’ is more sexual. Opening with a vocal cut from a woman who seems like a dominant. While the TrapSoul sound and the bass rhythm suffocate space, this is good. But then on, ‘Can’t F**k With You Now,’ a relationship gave way. This beat is so good.

RedLight District also symbolizes a danger zone - a threshold of vicious talent and drive. Die Mondez and Flvme fancy themselves as leasors in the, ‘Bright Light’ as guitars mimic suspense scenes in a modern western with a soundtrack of different influences.

The song is also an admission of the ills that come with superstardom. Nonetheless, both these acts also admit their own demons as codeine finds its way onto the podium.

It sets the tone for, ‘Originalz,’ which features Zooci Coke Dope. Using The Originals from Vampire Diaries as symbolism of power, ruthlessness and inbred power, Flvme and Mondez are braggadocious.

The track is a line drawer as words are traded with the perpetual nature of ‘yoyo-ing.’ Zooci raps, “To make it out the bottom takes skills…” Their journey inspires their current perception of themselves and in a way, that is valid. This track feels like the inspiration for an omerta. That sets the tone for, ‘Steppin.’

It documents the exuberance of youth, complete with hedonistic tendencies. The best part of ‘Steppin’ is this trippy production though. It is defined by woozy, bouncy string that elevates the experience of those drums. The foregoing is tied by, ‘Married To The Money’ - the best song on this EP. It’s about the money - everything is for the money.

But even in a representation of the hustle, sex still finds its way through on, ‘Fine Young Man.’ A vain track, it has the connotation of success and a pseudo-destination to the foregoing journey. ‘Oh My’ is good and ‘Red Outro’ is slightly pessimistic in its Emo essence as Flvme and Mondez feel like cracking under the pressure.

Final Thoughts

There’s only one critique for this entire EP and it’s that; too much going on on certain songs. It then becomes hard to follow certain conversations. Density is good, but density is better when it articulates a particular topic, not what density relates to a myriad of topics at the same time.

Ratings: /10

• 0-1.9: Flop

• 2.0-3.9: Near fall

• 4.0-5.9: Average

• 6.0-7.9: Victory

• 8.0-10: Champion

Pulse Rating: /10

Tracklist: 1.8/2

Content and Delivery: 1.5/2

Production: 1.7/2

Enjoyability and Satisfaction: 1.8/2

Execution: 1.8/2