As someone who adores and cherishes music in general, it is always a delight to come across songs with playback value. When ‘Best Friend’ popped up on my screen, the beat and the hook sung by 8ANDITT drew me in first. Then, Dusty Locane’s signature voice, often compared to the late rapper we all love, Pop Smoke’s, comes in. Is it eerie? Perhaps, but I commend Dusty for trying his best to keep it going alongside Brooklyn vets like Sheff G, Sleepy Hallow, 22Gz, and many others.

Dusty Locane’s likeness to Pop Smoke when he talks and raps is not something he can help or change. They are from the same borough, same hood, same gang, use the same slang, and led a similar lifestyle. It is what it is. I think once you can get past that, you may enjoy what Dusty Locane has to offer: Good Drill songs to woo walk to on the dancefloor, in your hood, or at home.

It was the same with former Bad Boy artist Shyne when he debuted in 2000 after Biggie passed away. People compared him to Biggie until he wasn’t in the news cycle anymore. Shyne couldn’t help it, then. Some Caribbean men have deep, distinct voices.