Mt. Clemens, Michigan rapper Blaze Ya Dead Homie is awakening from a six-year slumber for his eighth studio LP. Originally one-half of the 2 Krazy Devils, the Insane Clown Posse eventually signed him to Psychopathic Records. His eponymous debut EP and his full-length debut, 1 Less G n da Hood, became some of the label’s most beloved material at the turn of the millennium. Following the success of Colton Grundy: Tha Undying and Clockwork Gray, he departed Psychopathic after the Mike E. Clark-produced Gang Rags to make the sequel Reborn the inaugural release for his childhood friends Twiztid’s label, Majik Ninja Entertainment, in tandem with his own imprint, Grundy Entertainment. It has been a decade since The Casket Factory, and following Cadaver in 2020, he is Dead Serious regarding his comeback.
The album opens with the “That Dead Shit” intro, followed by “Sunday Morning,” produced by The R.O.C., which features a g-funk beat. This transitions into “Grind” by Triple Threat, which embraces a trap aesthetic. “Lies” addresses personal boundaries, leading into the single “The Voice in My Head,” which draws inspiration from Jelly Roll via producer Grady Finch.
“X’s on Eyes” descends into madness over a dark Fritz the Cat beat, while the title track returns to a trap sound to address critics. “At Times” by Zodiac MPrint explores cynical love, and after the chaotic “Bloody,” produced by Native World Inc. in-house producer DJ Hazey, Blaze demands respect on the rap-rock track “All Hail.”
“Negative” explores gangsta rap themes, while “Farewell” touches on themes of the afterlife. Despite some weaker moments like “Spending Time,” the album finds its footing with “Hell’s Coming” by Drive-By featuring Boondox. The project concludes with “Armed & Dangerous,” though the standout remains Stir Crazy’s remix of “No Tomorrow.”
While Cadaver was often cited as a low point in his catalog, Dead Serious proves to be a superior effort. The production hits harder than his previous work, and Blaze makes it clear that his musical focus remains as sharp as it was during the early days of his career.
Score: 7/10