Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead, the movie that inspired the title of super producer Status’ latest project, Things To Do In Denver When You’re Def, never achieved blockbuster heights. However, it has gained a cult-like following that is just as well, since its off-kilter screenplay allowed for non-pretentious storytelling and one rousing good time; something Hollywood is not often known for. And this seems appropriate for the record, too, as Status has never achieved Pop notoriety, but continues to put out quality music for a loyal fanbase that knows the value of tight production and no-guts, no-glory MCing. You may not get the pleasure of viewing Faruza Balk with this album, but you do get all of the rest of the perks!
Like the party ready “Get ‘Em Up.” The song that should be the albums lead single is hype in the same way that “Jump Around” was for House of Pain; that Frat Houses aren’t already over-playing this song at drunken school parties is a travesty. Like Timbaland, a high-profile producer that Status might closely resemble (on wax, if not in photos), Status may not be the dopest MC. But what he lacks in skill, he more than makes up for with his deceptively gruff vocals and earnestness on the microphone. He also has a knack for spot-on observations like the ones he elicits on the rock powered, guitar-driven “Betty,” the astute multi-dis track “Meaning of Dope,” and the scathing, yet playful ode to the get around girl “She Said No.” Hey, if you’ve seen this girl, you’ll know he’s right, and, well, if the shoe fits, put it on, baby!
Status also shows some conscious—unlike many of your mainstream artists. On the moody “End” he and the ever-gifted Azma go toe-to-toe with tales of social blight, while “Make It Anyway” has Status essentially editing himself astride this oldies influenced ditty dedicated to friends and family. This is something that you could play at the family reunion.
The rest of the proceedings are just as cool, filled with snappy songs, tight production, and vocals that go so well with the music that is hard not to get caught up in the moment. Songs like the bouncy “Break” with long time collaborator Pauly Brawling, or the catchy, Egyption Lover-esque “My Name Is,” and the very grown up record “Look At What It Becomes,” a love song of sorts to his girlfriend and family about how the boy has become a man. For a musical purchase, it doesn’t get much better than this. Hey, if you haven’t yet found anything to do while you’re bopping about town, you need to look no further.
