Who are the Dreamers? A look into the artist of Revenge of the Dreamers 3

On July 5, Dreamville Records - a label founded by one of the illest rappers out J. Cole- released the highly anticipated compilation album Revenge of the Dreamers 3. Since the beginning of this year fans have been waiting to hear what the Dreamville artists have been cooking up and nobody expected it to be this big. Not only does this album feature the 8 Dreamville artist- J. Cole, Ari Lennox, J.I.D, Lute, Bas, Earthgang, Omen and Cozz but it actually includes many more. In the recording sessions for the album in which many artists referred to it as “rap camp” there were reportedly 343 artist and producers invited and 142 songs recorded. But of course, for the finished product only 15 songs made the cut. In those 15 songs 35 artists are featured along with 27 producers. So yeah it’s kind of a big deal.
J. Cole wanted to use this project to not only showcase the artist on his label, but also give artists that have been grinding from the bottom of the trenches a platform to be heard. Which is pretty amazing and respectable. And he indeed handpicked the right artist to be on this project. While artists collaborated and created heat for ROTD3 in Tree Sound studios located in Atlanta, it was said that there was nothing but good vibes.
So with that being said, I decided to create a 2 part series in which I give a little bit more info on artists on featured on the album whom you might not have heard of before. In this installment I will showcase the Dreamville artists.

Ari Lennox 

Ari Lennox has been slowly climbing into the mainstream R&B world recently with her hit singles “Shea Butter Baby” which was featured on the Creed 2 soundtrack and “Whipped Cream”. So there is a good chance you might know a little something about Ms. Lennox already. However, if not let me introduce you. Ari Lennox the first and only R&B singed to Dreamville. From the Washington DC area, Ari signed to Dreamville in 2016. I recall seeing Ari for the first time opening for J. Cole on his 4 Your Eyez Only tour. I didn’t know who she was back then but when I heard her voice I instantly fell in love. Ari’s voice is a unique treasure, it is soulful yet light, soft but powerful, and in her words “imperfect but pretty”. Her music style matches her voice as she sings along ballads that have a soft jazz and neo-soul type feel. Nevertheless, even though she might seem delicate, she can be outspoken with just the right amount of raunchy. In her music she talks about relationships and sex in a way that is unfiltered and real but somehow still poetic, like a true artist. If R&B is dying, Ari definitely has the power to save it.

Features on ROTD3: “Self Love”, “Got Me”

Song by the artist you should check out: Up Late ft. Masego

Bas

One of the oldest members of Dreamville, Bas has bringing his A game since he got signed. Bas was born in Paris, France but spent most of his life in Queens, New York raised by Sudanese parents. He didn’t start rapping until 2010 but quickly cultivated his craft enough to get signed to Dreamville in 2013. Elaborate in his raps, Bas has a style that feels very modern and crisp which is refreshing. He blends his sophisticated bars with singing relaxed melodies which creates music that is enjoyable for casual listening yet still stimulates you. Through his music, he tells about experiences with women and living his best life. Bas makes feel chill relaxed music that still has a tempo to give it a feel-good factor.

Features on ROTD3: “Down Bad”, “Don’t Hit Me Right Now” , “Self Love”, “Costa Rica”

Song by the artist you should check out: Tribe ft. J. Cole

JID

It’s no surprise JID was apart of so many songs on ROTD3 because he brings heat to every track he steps on. JID is relatively new to Dreamville signing to them in 2017.  From East Atlanta, Georgia JID brings an invigorating and electric style that is very interesting. JID in my opinion has some of the best production out. And his bars and flows definitely match up to it. He has been known to lay down some bars down crazy fast but still can be versitalle with his flows. His music has the gritty feel of 90’s New York hip-hop but with a modern twist that makes it revitalizing. Over the music he spits bars that are complex, clever, and at times catchy. JID is definitely an artist to watch.

Features on ROTD3: “Down Bad”, “Wells Fargo”, “Ladies, Ladies”, “Costa Rica”, “1993” , “Rebrandt...Run it Back”

Song by artist to check out: Off Deez ft. J. Cole

EARTHGANG

The first and only rap duo, signed to Dreamville is Atlanta, Georgia’s own EARTHGANG. EARTHGANG consists of members Johnny Venus (right) and Doctur Dot (left). The duo brings a soulful and eclectic type vibe to Dreamville. They are also relatively new to Dreamville, being signed to the record label in 2017. Over their retro yet mellow beats they spit socially conscious rhymes with an energy that is stimulating and entertaining. You can hear the southern influences very well in their music. Some might compare the artists to Atlanta’s own Outkast, but I’m not one to compare. However, like their predecessors, they are eccentric and in their own lane. Though most of their music is pretty chill, EARTHGANG can bring very animated and energetic flows to tracks. (I mean you heard them own Down Bad didn’t you?) The duo is set to release their debut album Mirrorland soon.

Features on ROTD3: “Down Bad”, “Swivel”, “Wells Fargo”, “1993”, “Sacrifices”

Song by artist to check out: Meditate ft. JID

Cozz

Cozz, one of th OG’s of Dreamville, brings a West coast feel to the label. The rapper was signed to Dreamville in 2014 when Cole discovered his music video for his song “Dreams”. Born in Los Angeles, Calfonia he grew up in the neighborhood of South Central. You can hear the West Coast influences in his music. Coming on every track confident he raps over laid-back, bass-heavy beats sure to make you nod your head. And the beat isn’t the only thing that will make you nod your head. Cozz, gifted with the pen, spits clever bars that are introspective about his experience with grinding, women, and life. Cozz is all bars no gimmicks.

Features on ROTD3: “LamboTruck”, “1993”, “Don’t Hit Me Right Now”

Song by artist to check out: Effected

Omen

The first artist to get signed to Dreamville in 2009 is Chigago’s own Omen. Omen is an OG of Dreamville but somehow the most slept on. Even finding his music comes with a bit of a challenge being that most of his catalog including his Dreamville debut Elephant Eyes, isn’t available on music streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple music. Nevertheless, like lost treasure when you find it you won’t be disappointed. Omen’s style is very poetic and although his words can be powerful his delivery is so smooth it hits you with feelings of bliss. His bars are soulful and introspective as he raps about many problems and situations of the modern day. His music takes components of rap, jazz, and r&b to make a unique and melodic sound. Don’t sleep.

Features on ROTD3: “Sleep Deprived”, “Got Me”, “PTSD”

Song by artist to check out: 48 Laws ft. Donnie Trumpet

Lute

Signed to Dreamville in 2015, Lute is the ambitious spitta from West Charlotte, North Carolina. Lute is a true hip-hop lover and you can tell through his music. He comes on every track confident and purposeful. His music is laid back and gives an old school-type vibe. His sound is very reminiscent of 90’s hip hop. So it’s fitting that he was blessed with a beat by the legendary hip- hop producer J Dilla for his song “Still Slummin’”. You can even see how he pays homage to his predecessors by his cover art for West1996 Pt. 2 being that it uses a similar style to Nas’s famous Illmatic . If you are a real hip-hop head it is likely that you will enjoy the MC Lute.

Features on ROTD3: “Under The Sun”, “Sleep Deprived”

Song by the artist to check out: Still Slummin’

J. Cole

The founder of Dreamville Records, Cole has been building his empire since 2007. From his first mixtape The Come Up til his last solo project KOD, Cole has grown immensely. He has worked so hard to perfect his craft and earn the title of being one of today’s GOATs. Aside from being a talented artist himself, he has now become a mentor to his Dreamville artist, building one of the best labels in the game.

Features on ROTD3: “Under The Sun”, “Down Bad”, “1993”, “Rebrandt...Run It Back”, “Sunset”, “MIDDLE CHILD”, “Sacrifices”

Song by the artist to check out: Literally all of them


Which artist caught your attention? Who had some of the best verses on ROTD? Leave a comment and share!