I feel like there are not many artists in Milwaukee who have contributed to its Underground music culture as David Lopez has in the last few years. Of course, one would typically think of household names like Chicken P or 414bigfrank when referring to Milwaukee Hip Hop, but David Lopez has heavily contributed in his own unique way. His multimedia company Passion Park Entertainment has hosted events for local artists to perform at for years. David Lopez has also contributed a great deal of his own music to the Milwaukee music scene over the years. He has been very prolific in his output, having put out several great projects in the 2020s alone(a few of which we have covered on Eastside Vibes). One thing that is great about David Lopez and his artistry is that it is impossible to actually pinpoint it. He has created music with so many different sounds and styles, and is always evolving. Late last year, he dropped a very good album called 90 Miles: I94 (which you can read about on this blog after this if you have not yet). Not too long ago, he dropped its sequel album of sorts, 90 Miles: Havana Nights. This one totally has its own flavor and style, which is prevalent. Below, I wanted to highlight my favorite songs from 90 Miles: Havana Nights, as well as give some overall thoughts on it. Let me know in the comments below how you feel about this record!
ANOTHER NIGHT
David Lopez starts off the record with a song that feels familiar and different for him at the same time. The calm and jazzy nature of ‘Another Night’ does feel like a callback to some of his older music, but the sexy drill beat on this track stands out among his artistry. The melody for this song is very light and soothing. It is driven by melancholy horns and synths that almost sound distant when listening to the track. The drums on this track would probably usually be put on a more high-key song in most instances, but the snappy nature of the beat actually fits the relaxing nature of the song very well. David Lopez raps with a fast but chilled-out flow that fits the timing of the beat so nicely. On ‘Another Night,’ David Lopez reminisces on his come-up while also thinking deeply about someone he cares about a lot.
- WALK OF FAME
When the instrumental for ‘Walk Of Fame’ comes on, it immediately makes me think of Drake. The pacing of the beat and the Poppy and dirty-sounding melody are so reminiscent of some of Drake’s best party music. The fact that the instrumental is so Drake-like is so relevant, considering David Lopez literally interpolates the song ‘Nokia’ in the first verse of this track through the lyrics. The simplicity of the melody of this track works so well. The little flute tone makes the song hit. Walk of Fame’ has the kind of fast-paced Pop-Trap beat that could get any dance floor jumping. David Lopez’s flow on this track is perfect for the beat. He really amplifies the fun nature of the instrumental. On ‘Walk of Fame,’ David Lopez gasses up his girl and asserts how much he admires her.
RUN AWAY (FEAT. HEYZEUS, MAMI ZADDY, NEZZIE)
There are many very fun and adventurous tracks on the album; ‘Run Away’ is easily one of the most fun tracks, though. Like a couple of my favorite songs later on the album(which you will read about below), ‘Run Away’ has a Dance music feeling to it that really stands out. In fact, this song probably lines up with the title of the record as much or more than anything on the record. The melody and beat definitely have a Latin energy to them. The horns and guitar riff that drive the melody are so groovy. The beat almost takes on a Pop-Trap Reggaeton feeling that stands out. Every artist on this track stands out and adds something fun to the track. The two verses from HeyZeus and David Lopez hit hard. The hook we get from Mami Zaddy adds Latin flavor and gives a sweetness to the track. Nezzie brings a brief chaotic energy to the bridge that is exciting. ‘Run Away’ is a cute love song that could get anyone grooving.
WHERE DO YOU GO
Like the song above it, ‘Where Do You Go’ is a song that could get the dance floor bumping. This song has a bit of Hi-NRG or groovy House sound to it that is very cool. The melody for this song is very bright and uplifting. The melody is driven by various little keyboard riffs, and it is complemented by some synths and horns that come in and out. The beat has a bit of a glitchy and very quick House tempo that is so appealing. Even though this is probably not the kind of song David Lopez is used to rapping on, he does such a great job. His flow and overall energy of the track go so well with the energy of the instrumental. On ‘Where Do You Go,’ David Lopez wants to know what a girl is doing and how he can become locked in with her.
NO PASA NADA (FEAT. EF AY AND KEAV)
‘Like the song preceding it in this list, No Pasa Nada’ is one of the coolest and quirkiest tracks on this record. I am always attracted to a funky Dance music number, and ‘No Pasa Nada’ slides right into that sound. I really like the contrasts in the twinkling sound of the melody at some points and the bassline that also drives the track. Similar to ‘Where Do You Go,’ this song has a bit of an underground House music sound that I dig so much. ‘No Pasa Nada’ has a more grimey sound, though, which I appreciate. The beat is fast and punchy, and it goes so well with the energy of the melody. All three artists on this track more than match the energy of the instrumental. I love how each Keav, Ef Ay, and David Lopez each add their own flair to the track with their individual styles. In short, this one is just a fun banger. On ‘No Pasa Nada,’ these three artists let their emotions fade away so they can enjoy the night.
BROKEN HEARTS AND CEILING FANS (FEAT. JULIAN GROSS)
‘Broken Hearts And Ceiling Fans’ that most totally feels like it has some Drake influence to it. This is one of the slower songs on the album. It takes things back to early-career R&B Drake with the instrumental and delivery on the chorus. The melody for this one is driven by a slow and groovy guitar riff that is complemented by a sweet keyboard riff. The melody is very slow and laid back. The beat certainly aligns with this feeling; some of the drums even give the song a floaty feeling during some sections of the track. Julian Gross’ vocals on the chorus on this track are just great. He really gives this track an emotional element. David Lopez’s more raspy tone contrasts with Julian Gross in a cool way and gives the song texture. On ‘Broken Hearts and Ceiling Fans,’ David Lopez and Julian Gross talk about needing someone to help them through their mental pain.
Over the years I have been covering David Lopez, I have always admired his ability to adapt and switch up his sound all the time. You can never put him in a box, and it always seems like he is improving his craft. I have to say, I think that 90 Miles: Havana Nights is his best release yet. He truly put it all together on this record in so many ways. 90 Miles: Havana Nights is a thematically super complete record, but it also sounds so diverse and eccentric. There are many different sounds on this project, but they all flow together so well. There are so many enticing songs; the ones that I picked may not be the favorites of everyone, which means there is so much good music to listen to here. The production on this record is just awesome. It explores so many genres, and does so so adequately. On 90 Miles: Havana Nights, we get Dance Music, Pop, Trap, and other kinds of Hip Hop. Ther is something for so many different kinds of music listeners. Vocally, David Lopez expands his repertoire more than ever. He has always been able to rap with a variety of flows, and he shows off even more on this record. All of the features on this one are great as well. Every artist that comes on the record contributes something special. David Lopez always opens up lyrically in a way that is relatable in his music, and he once again does so on this album. Overall, 90 Miles: Havana Nights is just a great project. David Lopez did his thing on this one, and it deserves to be heard by as many people as possible.