Rapper Drake has proven himself once again as one of those artists who can spot talent from a mile away—although he didn’t have to look too far to find singer Daniel Daley, hailing from Toronto. Together with producer Nineteen85 (real name Paul Jefferies) they are dvsn (pronounced “division”), OVO Sound’s latest R&B duo.
dvsn’s Sept. 5th, following the release of Majid Jordan’s self-titled album, is one of the Canadian label’s latest gems to hit the scene. Mixing Daley’s sweet and smooth vocals and Nineteen85’s downtempo and funky production equates to an impressive collection of tracks you can enjoy as you “lay back while you got work.”
Nineteen85 has found previous success producing hits such as Drake’s “Hold On, We’re Going Home” and “Hotline Bling,” as well as “Truffle Butter” for Nicki Minaj. Similar snazzy beats are featured on tracks such as “Try / Effortless” and “Sept. 5th.” There is an ethereal quality with the former that is most reminiscent with Drake’s Nothing Was the Same. Despite these similarities, the producer has seen some growth, as his beats on Sept. 5th include a fuller and more organic sound.
On the flip side, little is known of vocalist Daley apart from his pristine falsetto and controlled vocal riffs. Daley’s voice in “Angela” resembles American R&B singer D’Angelo’s performance in “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” perhaps because of the similarities in build, although Daley does not retain much of D’Angelo’s rasp, but shares his softer, melodic qualities.
The album’s first three tracks are more upbeat and light in tempo, but the remaining take on a more soulful approach as Daley croons for love and loss in “Do it Well” and closer “The Line.”
The first track, the seven-minute-long “With Me,” draws you in with a groovy instrumental you can’t help but move to, while Daley speaks to our desires to get with that special someone. It begins somewhat childishly as Daley tries to convince his girl to get with him, but matures towards the end as he sings, “But the truth of it all is more profound and I will make you fall in love.”
“The Line,” as the album’s last track, begins like one of those songs a jazz singer would perform as everyone leaves to go home, with its raw piano and Daley’s pretty vocal runs. However, when the beat hits with its booming bass sound, it immediately grabs your attention, pulling everyone back to the dance floor for that one last slow dance. The subtle use of backing vocals helps support Daley’s voice without overpowering or masking his skills, a production flourish which is also heard in other songs such as “Too Deep.”
dvsn’s debut effort shows Canada making moves in the realm of modern R&B. dvsn provides an interesting contrast from Majid Jordan’s dance tracks and PartyNextDoor’s trap-influenced R&B. By combining soulful vocals and pulsating beats, the duo makes a great addition to OVO Sound’s lineup of Canadian hip-hop talent.
