Luciano 2.0

the take

For some reason, I forgot this mixtape dropped before "Homicide Boyz". Then again, that might be an additional reason as to why I didn't pay much attention to this as much as I did. I will be a bit honest, though: this has a bit more of that Atlanta sound than Dude's typical DMV sound I'm normally used to. That's why on my first complete relisten in maaaaybe seven years, I was a bit turned off by it. Melodic Lil Dude sounded like torture to my ears... but then, something made me change my mind. I had to remember that "Luciano 2.0" was right after Dude and Goonew linked up with Hoodrich Pablo Juan, so this could've been the project from either Dude or Goonew to break into the Atlanta market. Running the mixtape back, I enjoyed the more melodic songs on here more than in years past. I still prefer the usual sound, but they help add the confidence Lil Dude displays in the songs. "Wish You Would" might be the worst on here overall, but it's far from terrible; it's just one of those ones that I'm just not gonna skip and just be indifferent on. "Stuntin", on the other hand? Ultimate motivational banger, STAYS ON REPEAT every time it comes on in rotation. As for the usual sound from Lil Dude, naturally I'm more a fan of it, especially with outside producers (regionally speaking) doing a great job to accommodate his style/flow/persona. "Out the Way" and "Only Option" have always been the two standout tracks for me, as the MONY POWR RSPT influence was evident throughout, both via the assistance of Hoodrich Pablo Juan with the latter AND Spiffy Global producing both. "Hoodrich" with Goonew took a while to click with me, but is also one of the standouts as well (shout out Cheecho), as it laid the foundation down for the eventual collab tape "Homicide Boyz". While still amazing, I'd put "Martin Luther Luciano" and "Homicide Boyz" over this one, but "Luciano 2.0" is still enjoyable, though.