“Psychodrama is a form of psychotherapy in which patients act out events from their past”

In essence, that’s what Psychodrama is. The Streatham-native’s debut album is a vivid retelling of the most painful parts of his life. It’s him attempting to process his own trauma and opening his deepest wound, the relationship with his brothers. Dave’s honesty and vulnerability breaks the fourth wall and he hauls us into the most harrowing parts of his mind. 

The album’s 11 tracks encompass the multitude of lives which Dave has lived. It’s this experience which helps Dave to rap with a level of introspectiveness and political awareness which is well beyond his 20 years. On the controversial single Black, Dave takes it upon himself to explain the intricate and multi-faceted black experience. In just shy of 4 minutes, he explores colonisation, appropriation and the beauty of being black.

With production on this album, Dave takes no risks and stays within his comfort zone. Dave is not renowned for giving party tracks like his rap counterparts, instead, he opts for his usual pensive and menacing sounding beats. At times, the predictability is repetitive  but it is somewhat fitting as the purpose of Psychodrama is not to entertain, but instead, to move and educate. Dave seeks to get rid of the stigma surrounding mental health, and more specifically within the black community “It’s like I’m happy for a minute then I’m sad again”  he raps on the album’s opener Psycho. Words from Dave’s nameless therapist often interject the album and give an update on his progress and state of mind. His words almost act as a coda and give Dave continuity as he grapples with his psychodrama.

The feature from the Bouff Daddy himself was unexpected and fit perfectly on the album. Disaster’s sole purpose is to provoke and sneer at Dave’s haters.  The eery beat coupled with Dave’s effortless flow creates the intended atmosphere of premonition and danger.

Sometimes Dave’s flow is reminiscent of a spoken word artist, but on the album’s apex Lesley, his flow works perfectly. Rappers creating fictional and prolific characters in their music has long-since been a way to make their stories more memorable. On this track, Lesley seeks to contend with the likes of Brenda, Tony, Suzy Screw & Sasha Thumper.  The 11-minute track details the story of a young vulernable woman experiencing domestic abuse. It’s graphic, hard-hitting but could have been condescended. Despite its length, Dave creates a cinematic experience and offers hope to those who need it “It’s more than a song or track. It’s a message to a woman with a toxic man, begging you to get support”, he raps on the last verse.

The album’s final track, Drama, explores Dave’s complex and fraught relationship with his brothers, one absent and the other incarcerated. It’s laden with equal amounts of anxiety, sadness and anger. Psychodrama is a very comprehensive body of work but at times it misses the mark. However, Dave’s witty wordplay and amazing storytelling ability bring his words on this album to life and gives them greater meaning. Psychodrama is its best when it fulfils its purpose of moving those whom it was made for.