…..Given that Dave’s skill set has flourished over the years rather than flaming out, he doesn’t need an army of Auto-Tuning super-producers to get the job done. Veteran hit-makers Warryn Campbell and Eric Dawkins combine their expertise and past experience with Hollister to flesh out songs that are tailor-made to fit his personal and professional maturation. Being a husband, father and pastor (of Antioch, CA’s Word Assembly Church) may mean less time in the streets, but his approach is still savviness over simping. “You need to make up your mind, you can’t stay there forever,” he purrs in the simmering mid-tempo, “I’m Waiting,” “Cuz’ you know what you got over here, and you ain’t gon’ find better.” He’s a man wishing to feel indifference rather than adoration in “Cold,” but the undulating “I’m Different” approaches a potential lady love with all assurance of a certified mack: “Don’t ask me for a Black card (I’m not that easy), way too early to be buyin’ cars (just ride with me)/Play your position, pay your dues/there won’t be nothing I won’t do for you.”

Growth and change isn’t always a breeze though, even for Dapper Dave: “I Wish You Well” is a fitful farewell to what could have been (“I hope you have a plan B, one that don’t involve me/cuz’ I’m done, I’m done, so done”), he resolves to….(click here to read the full CD review at soultracks.com)