Dayo | “Don’t Judge a Book” EP, 4-Tracks of Real Rap

Tampa’s very own Dayo is making waves in Florida with the release of his brand new EP, “Don’t Judge a Book”. The 4-track project encapsulates a plethora of emotions & a complete sound that one could expect from 12-track album. It’s laced with sharp bars, captivating interludes, and Dayo’s signature cut-throat approach on his verses. Right out of the gate you can expect impressive word play, and pace that reminds us of hints from the Twista days. “Don’t Judge a Book” is an indie hip-hop listener’s favorite diamond in the rough. If you’re a rap fan, Dayo cultivated this EP just for your ears.

“They wanted chains all over me since I was a little boy Young smart n***** got them annoyed I am the lord Pay up your homage or else all my goons are gon run at your door Black man black man with a spear and a scythe Speak to me nice or I’m f****** your wife” – Dayo

Right from the gate, the intro track “Misunderstood” is aimed at your head. He fills the instrumental with machine-gun cadence & bars that ripple holes in your noggin. He also pulls the sample from the famous Nina Simone record “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”, hence the title of the record. It’s clear that this first record was to set the tone and let you know that Dayo can really spit with the greats. That much is apparent. He doesn’t want you to think that’s all he can do though, that’s why on the next track “Imperfect”, he shows us the versatility with a more calmed down approach & apparent pain. This is one of our favorite records off of “Don’t Judge a Book”, because it really shows the trials that Dayo has had to overcome, while toting a smooth & sonically pleasing chorus that contrasts the last record in a beautifully transitioned manner. It seems as if his intent was to keep the listener on an unexpected tip, because the next two tracks “pc”, and “Note to Self” follow the same switch-up in genre with “pc” showing Dayo snapping off, and “Note to Self” closing the EP like an outro on a
J-Cole album. There’s a lot take in on this EP, and we were lucky enough to gain some insight from Dayo where he told us,

“I decided to divide my album into 4 EPs of 4 songs each to promote the release of podcast episodes. My podcast show is the same name as my current EP. Next season of the show will be accompanied by another EP which would be another portion of the album. It’ll be titled Don’t Judge a Book 2” – Dayo

With a lot of people to prove & a ton of work to show for it, Dayo is constantly working on multiple aspects of the game. Providing insight through his podcasts, and good music through his releases- he’s creating a recipe for success by venturing into different lanes. By all standards, “Don’t Judge a Book” can be enjoyed by anyone who genuinely enjoys Hip-Hop & appreciates lyricism and complexity. Dayo told Rap Fiesta that he’s got a ton more music to drop, and podcast episodes on the way. For now, you’ll have to stream “Don’t Judge a Book” on your favorite streaming platform & follow Dayo on Instagram to stay in the loop.

Stream “Don’t Judge a Book” below:

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