DMV-based producer ADST Music is all about the art and letting their music speak for itself. His latest release A.R.T., is a 10-track body of work that explores the dynamics and complexities that thread real life and art. ADST Music channels his life experiences through the music and gives audiences a wide range of relatable topics over well-crafted soundscapes. The title itself is a backronym and stands for Achievements, Regrets, Triumphs, which underscores ADST Music’s rich lyrical tapestry and knack for engaging storytelling.

The first track “Everybody Dreams ” explores deferred dreams, self-exploration and the pressure of being world-weary. Over the punchy and soulful soundscape provided by S3oul City, ADST Music pours his all on wax with lines like “It’s on me but can I handle the whole weight?/Folks believe in me but now I’m losing my faith/Questioning does it even matter, I got everything but  y’all it don’t matter/I’m trying to figure out my happiness/It’s like I was trying to hold up the world like I’m Atlas.” This set the stage for the next track “The World Is Mine,” featuring Kaimbr and Priest Da Nomad. The production by Praise has an energetic and cinematic feel reminiscent of the mid-2000s Dip Set tracks and sees the emcees embodying the spirit of go-getters who are ready to achieve their goals. On the self-produced track “Summers Eden” featuring Let The Dirt Say Amen, Sean Born, and Damo Hicks, audiences are given a glimpse into their respective lives and the many experiences that shaped their perspectives.

“Hello” is a heartfelt love-drenched tune that shows a different side of ADST Music as he pours adulations on that special someone. Over Praise’s warm and soulful backdrop, he unveils his feelings while pointing out the positive attributes of his loved one. He is also joined by vocalist Sing Steph who adds a smooth melodic performance to complete the track. While the track is wholesome and uplifting the next one “Fly Away” goes into solemn territory as ADST Music reflects on the death of his father. The track starts with a phone call from the hospital informing ADST Music of his loss and proceeds into a soulful and heartwarming piece that also explores the relationship between father and son. Singer Sing Steph also comes through on the clutch with a heartwarming melodic performance. The next track “Animal” is a hard-hitting classic posse cut that brings together rappers Inn Kroud Zola, Killa Cal, Priest Da Nomad and NuChoyce where each emcee delivers resounding performances with engaging and bravado-driven bars over  ADST Music’s anthemic soundscape. The thought-provoking track “THTHM” sees ADST Music teaming up with the OG Uptown XO, Kenilworth Katrina, and Blakka P for a scathing attack on the powers that be. ADST Music takes us into the tragic tale of a young man who got lost in the streets in the DJ Roddy Rod produced “Cousins.”  On the hard-hitting “FAME” featuring Inn Kroud Zola and Night Train 357, the emcees speak on the negative effects of fame and how it has been oversaturated with every Tom, Dick and Harry who would do anything for a chance in the spotlight. The final track “Try Again” helps bring the project to a close with artists Joe E. Blessed, Teri Babb, and Pride Music who all bring positive messages to listeners. They all remind us not to give up and keep on believing in our inner strength.

Overall A.R.T. fulfils its mission in many ways. From the overarching themes of growth, resilience and coming to terms with one’s losses to the hard-hitting head-nodding beats and solid lyrical performances, there is no shred of doubt about this project.

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