Eddie Muney, a native of Detroit's east side, is not quite a prophet in the truest sense of the word, but he does strive to help his fellow man through adversity. Oh, and there was that time he died and came back to life. His debut album, Drugs of Everyday, or D.O.E. for short, explores the psyche of a man trying to be a better version of himself.
The smooth production provided by the JayGenius team creates an imaginative atmosphere with expertly utilized samples, including Coldplay's "Yellow," on Muney's track of the same name. The blend of jazz, synthetic string orchestrations, and, at times, even dream pop serve as a wonderful backdrop to the contemplative, hopeful lyrics.
Much of the lyrical content deals with Muney's vices: drugs, women, and, well ... more drugs. However, throughout the album, themes of vulnerability, paranoia, and uncertainty weave a tapestry, eventually revealing the greater concept as a whole, the power struggle between Muney's ego and his id.
Borrowing the C.R.E.A.M. tenet from Wu Tang Clan, E$ uses the term as a title for both a skit and the following song. On the former, which is more of an interstitial narrative rather than a skit, a question arises: Is it worth it to work so hard that all you have to be proud of is the number in your bank account?
While D.O.E. has its fits of aggression, Muney trades in hostile and confrontational lyrics for reflective meditations. His thoughtful and sometimes brooding lyrical style complements his laid-back vocal approach. Instead of feeling like you're being yelled at by the MC, you feel as though you're listening to a man recall his misfortunes as cautionary tales. Aside from fessing up to his shortcomings, Muney uses his lyrics to implore honesty and loyalty from his fellow human beings, as evidenced in the last line of "Cloud Catchin,'" "Keep it true. That's all I ask."
