IAMDDB: Love is War, Volume 6 review - urban jazz meets fiery trap, a war on love

(WAEV Entertainment)

IAMDDB, an “urban jazz” pioneer, unleashes her latest project, fusing jazz and trap elements across 15 tracks in a compelling exploration.

Since her debut in 2017, the Manchester-based artist has been celebrated for her innovative blend of hip-hop, jazz, trap, and soul, creating a blended concoction that doesn’t fail to deliver. 

Featuring just two collaborations, the standout is Masego's feature on "RASTA PASTA”. The track featured reggae-infused production with layered warm vocals from IAMDDB that drift around in your ear. This is complemented by Masego's silky voice and saxophone skills. 

The record is a story told in three parts, the album transitions from upbeat, summer vibes reminiscent of Nia Archives on track “WHERE DID THE LOVE GO?” to gut-punching bass and trap elements akin to Rico Nasty.

KOUNTING CHICKENS is the standout of the trap tracks. The production is dense with a reverberating bass, synths and layered vocals from IAMDDB.

In the last few songs, IAMDDB returns to the woozy R&B sound that many identify her with, delivering personal and introspective tracks like "SAVED," with its spiritual message and prayer-like mood. 

The 14th track, "GLOW IN THE DARK," would have been an ideal outro. With fewer vocal layering compared to the rest of the record, the song offers an intimate instrumental experience that makes you feel as if you are floating. 

However, the actual outro  “STOP PLAYING WITH ME (ft Len) contrasts sharply being a remix of the bass-heavy trap song “BET”. This serves as a jarring conclusion, perhaps encapsulating the album's title, "Love is War."

Despite its diverse sonic landscape, the album maintains a narrative and offers a compelling listening experience from start to finish, with no tracks feeling skippable. It showcases IAMDDB's growth as an artist while also serving as a reminder to her dedicated fan base that she remains a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.