The Making of a Monster – Jay Portal & DBLCRSS

In this review we will be going back in time to the local hip-hop project “The Making of a Monster”, by local Hamilton artist Jay Portal produced by DBLCRSS released in May 2019. This project was special because it really demonstrated his ability to invigorate and express the headspace of an artist, hedonistically indulging in the urban night life around him. All while dealing with the inner toll this lifestyle brings, amidst the rise of his profile and popularity within the local GTA/ Hamilton scene.

The problem with this project is that aside from the clear visceral spirit Portal brings to the mic, this project does not demonstrate anything creatively new to the genre or sound, which is sonically unique or exciting. The lyrics Portal raps also do not carry any creative wordplay or substance, with many of his bars reflecting the current popular aesthetic of hip-hop’s trap genre. This aesthetic being the angry, hedonistic, libido crazed, drug influenced, head-banging, and one could argue, misogynistic trap lifestyle/stereotypical rap image, which is leading the charts.  Although, this spirit never fails to get the mosh pits and the kids moving. 

Now, this lack of lyricism on this project does not suggest that Portal does not bring forth his own unique identity via his lyrics or that he can not communicate his uniqueness. 

Upon hearing his first words in the first track “Demons” you can feel the headspace of Portal and the direction of this musical project as he angrily decrees through autotune, “This is not a song this a making of a monster/ All you do is talk and act like I’m gonna fucking bomb first”. It is in moments like these on his project, where Portal viscerally communicates this spirit into a catchy melodic hook, bringing life to DBLCRSS generic trap beat, which creates some interest into what he has to say next.  

The issue that arises is that what is next is essentially a pendulum swing of lackluster bars, and generic club trap production that never really changes or challenges itself. At it’s lowest, the project becomes dull and annoying, especially when Portal raps about his encounters with females on tracks like “Day 2 Day” and “Freak”. At it’s highest like on track’s “Demons” and “Awh Yeah” Portal delivers his own melodic style that  delves into his own introspective ideas about his environment, wondering if he can ultimately secure ‘the bag’ and help his mom out financially, but also deliver musically to his loyal fan base. 

To his fans his music output has been consistent, and it is unreasonable to suggest that they would not be satisfied with TMOFAM. Overall though, Portal does not demonstrate uniqueness or depth, and DBLCRSS production is too dry to compliment or raise the weight to Portal’s bars.  Although it is evident, some tracks do express this punk ‘f*** you’ energy that succeeds in conveying a bopping  trap mood embodied by “The Making of a Monster”, which at the very least, is entertaining. 

Rating: 6/10

Favourite Songs: Demons, Awh Yeah

Least Favourite Songs: Day 2 Day, Freak, Really