Earlier this week, Das Racist burst into the Blind Barber the same way they always do – animated, loud, and jovial. Heems was high-fiving more than he was tweeting; Dapwell had too much energy to walk (he hopped); and Victor seemed to find the group’s collective shenanigans highly entertaining. But, during this particular visit, something felt different – for once, Das Racist’s predilection for flippancy didn’t seem forced.
The visit to BB came only a few days after the release of their acclaimed new album Relax (released early in reaction to an Internet leak), and the rap trio’s demeanor unintentionally followed the advice of their own album title. Maybe it was because, at this point, the album had already reached #3 on the iTunes Hip-Hop Charts, or maybe it was because DR no longer felt burdened by the early blessing/curse Pitchfork love affair (see long-winded, uncertain review here) — I don’t know. Regardless, it was still early in the afternoon, and one thing was perfectly clear: DR were happy and they genuinely couldn’t give a shit.
Heems hooked up his MacBook to the Blind Barber DJ booth, raised the volume, and played phenomenal new tracks from his forthcoming solo mix tape Nehru Jackets. Without hesitation, Dapwell jumped to the center of the dance floor and flitted about with moves reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s “Do You Remember the Time?” (for your reference). After indulging in the luxury of having a DJ booth as well as a bar tucked behind your barbershop, the short-lived Das Racist party closed with Relax’s “Power”, a highlight track produced by BB’s very own resident DJ, Dash Speaks, and which did receive some P4K admiration for Best New Track.
Over the next few months, Das Racist will be touring across the U.S. with Danny Brown and Despot. For entertainment’s sake, do yourself a favor and check them out (dates). Also, Dapwell and Heems have created and produced a new web series called “Chillin Island.” The first installment of the series can be seen here, and will also give you an idea of what it’s like to interview these carefully careless and lovely gentlemen.
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