Don Q “Corner Stories”. Long awaited, highly anticipated mixtape from Don Q “Corner Stories” has been in heavy rotation since it dropped. So much so, that I felt compelled to review it and raise the antennas of those who aren’t familiar with the Don.
The tape starts off with Rob Markman, of Genius.com, telling Don this feels important and monumental. The dialogue continues throughout the project and gives listeners an in depth look at where Don’s mind was during the creation.
“Intro” (produced by Honorable C.N.O.T.E.) [3:06] Don compares and contrasts his past and present to properly illustrate how far he’s come.
“stories on the corner as I roll my marijuana, suburb home owner; I still know the coke aroma. I remember Motorolas, couldn’t afford minutes. had Honda Accord visions, now we flossin’ gold pendants.”
“2 Perks” (produced by Murda Beats) [2:38] This is a nice display of Don’s versatility as it pertains to switching his flow and stepping outside the “NY rapper” box. A catchy, yet still lyrical record.
“my business established, I fly out to Cali and pick up a package. make sure you zip it and wrap it, I’m really that ni**a, my city can back it.”
“Chosen One” (produced by D. LO & Nick Fresh) [3:21] Don tells Rob Markman you either chase charts or a legacy, and he’s here for the legacy. Easily my favorite song and the reason I almost didn’t make it though the rest of the tape because I kept it on repeat.
“I made em believers, they gave me a shot to suit up and lace up my sneakers. remember they told me to wait on the bleachers, now I walk in and I shake the arena.”
“Chasing These Bands” f/ PNB Rock & Fabolous (produced by Bizzy The Genius) [3:15] My favorite part of this record is PNB’s contribution on the vocals and hook work. Don and Loso most definitely held it down lyrically and I could see this being bigger than just a mixtape cut.
“new ni**as they was never round, I know that pop would be very proud. smoking cigars with Kevin Liles, f*** is you ni**as gon tell me now.”
“Take Me Alive” f/ Jadakiss x Styles P (produced by Scott Storch) [3:20] Don uses this Kiss & SP assisted gem to speak about what motivates him and how he learned how powerful his gift could really be over the years.
“Who am I? just a n***a that was on the corner sellin, wit wanted felons. it was all a lesson, now I use my thoughts as weapons.”
“Don Vito” (produced by Nick Papz) [2:18] By far the most braggadocious track on the project, Don floats with Aladdin’s carpet level elevation. One specific line is a true story, which he shared on “Desus & Mero“.
“I Told You” f/ A. Boogie (produced by Ness) [3:52] As the title insists, this is the quintessential I told you so track. A very detailed open letter to those who doubted him instead of seeing the vision.
“I jump in the Wraith and I make a wish. they squinting they eyes when I wave the wrist, my chain and my bracelet, so it’s need for the flash when I take a pic.”
“Young Veterans” f/ Loso Loaded (produced by Ness) [2:45] Here we get more of the big boy talk from Don, explaining how still at a young age he’s moving and being seen as a vet.
“ni***a coming with their sob stories, like Don do you got a job for me? Coming up it was hard for me, now they talking thousands when they call for me.”
“100 Mil” (produced by Ness) [3:59] Rob Markman expresses his displeasure with rappers striving to say the worst lines instead of the best. Don proceeds to show exactly which side of the fence he’s on.
“lil boys should be ashamed, ashes fallin on the Mains’. remember starving on the train, now I’m drinking Barney on the plane.”
“It’s All Love” f/ Dave East (produced by Nick Papz) [4:19] Don uplifts the homies who may be locked up, the young women who may not realize their true potential just yet, and anyone who motivates him. Dave East paints vivid pictures of escaping the streets and still taking care of those close to him dealing with effects of the game.
“I came a long way man I never seen it coming, 10 diamond chains; trust me you gon see me coming. something clean outside, yea you see me stuntin. I just came to grab a b***h, told my driver leave it runnin.”
“Get Up N Get It” f/ Zoey Dollaz (produced by KE On The Beat) [3:45] As the title suggests, a story from playing the bench to getting up to make plays outta pure necessity and a hunger for more.
“I walk in the club and they make announcements, play the couches while the ladies crowd us. pistol on me cuz I paid the bouncer, cuz they wanna out me but I can’t allow it.”
“Corner Stories” (produced by D. Lo) [2:29] As the tape reaches its end, Rob asks Don if this feels like his “50 Cent Is The Future”, “Kush & OJ”, “So Far Gone”, “The Come Up”. Not to compare material, but to compare impact as it pertains to leveling up and being a defining moment.
“I’m perc poppin, Louis shirt rockin, if the work pop I take her purse shopping. I put Céline on my main bitch, Chanel for my second and third option.”
Overall, I thoroughly enjoy this tape from the Don. For me it showed his versatility without compromising his lyrical ability. His ear for production and ability to adapt to different beats is a key trait.
One thing that stood out to me the most is the fact that he didn’t waste time with filler bars. The pride in his pen is evident and I expect him to be here for a long time.
