Seattle-based Tallahassee, Florida-raised rapper/songwriter/producer Deshawn Rivers presents Toyland. The self-produced project is a 15-track body of work that infuses a multitude of genres with engaging storytelling that explores Deashawn Rivers’ life.

I must say Rivers’ knack for storytelling is engaging, and his fusion of surrealism and reality adds a layered element to his raps. For example, “Where Are We Now?” finds the rapper reflecting on his journey through life as he soaks in the experience one day at a time while enjoying the memories. Joining him on the track is singer/songwriter Nathan Gonzales, whose expressive vocal runs garnish the chorus section. “Brand New” explores the ups and downs of flirting, but in a playful manner. Rivers details a number of his escapades as he kicks the game to a chick who caught his eye. Once again, Rivers keeps things grounded with relatable storytelling. Joining him on the track is fellow rapper Casey Jones II, whose commanding flow is punctuated by lyrics like “Rather be alone than ending up being alone/I need a bougie chick who is getting it on her own.” The next track, “Back To Reality,” is a solemn piece that explores the harsh realities he envisions as a young black man. It’s not filled with doom and gloom, but rather a reminder of being in touch with the facts rather than building castles in the sky.

Production-wise, Deahsawn Rivers opts for a diverse musical style on the tracks. From lofi/soul, Cloud rap textures to off-kilter experimental soundscapes, the tracks vary in ambiance, which adds a nice setting for his stories. For example, the tribute track “Touch The Sky” featuring singer Liv Victorino on the hook has a downtempo and sombre feel and finds Rivers penning a heartfelt letter to his grandma, reflecting on the many lessons she taught him. “D.H.M.U” talks about friendships and boundaries with a focus on getting one’s priorities straight, while “Pancakes” dives into love, internal pressures, and despair. “Slow It Down” is another gem in the same vein, highlighting Rivers as a young man finding his feet as emotions rise with a potential lover.  The aforementioned tracks all present different viewpoints of the rapper and give audiences a nuanced feel of his life.

Another set of interesting cuts includes “Silly Bands,” “Willy Wonka!” and “Buffet.” The tracks highlight Rivers’ vignette-based storytelling and progressive musical influences. “Silly Bands” looks at his days trying to get by while working his butt off, lines like “I remember back making minimum wage, I had to hustle on the side just to make it some days/When I got the whip, I drove out to the mall to get some play but that closing time got a nigga working like a slave” underpin his humble beginnings and helps ground his lyrics. “Willy Wonka!” is a playful and bouncy track comprising distorted basslines and sparse drum grooves, while “Buffet” finds the rapper reflecting on his life’s journey and the pressures that come with chasing his dreams, providing for his family and creating a musical legacy for the future.

The project closes out with the title track “Toyland” and “Roy Olmstead,” two tracks that bring audiences into the mix. “Toyland” employs a familiar drum break with soulful chords and west coast synths, and finds Rivers reflecting on the uncertainties of life and the never-ending grind. “Roy Olmstead” is a braggadocious cut that is filled with unfiltered and no-holds-barred flexing, and it’s dope that he chose an anthemic way to wrap things up.

Overall, Toyland is playful, reflective, and highlights Rivers’ musical versatility and songwriting.