#FMSpotlight: Austin Dean Ashford – ‘Durags N Bonnets’ (Listen)

Austin Dean Ashford constructs an electric atmosphere that will get you going in his new project, Durags N Bonnets. The 7-track offering influences humankind to keep their nose to the grindstone. To be specific, the Bay Area-based multi-hyphenate uses his endeavors in hopes of prompting others to pursue their dreams. Yet, Durags N Bonnets also emphasizes the need for R&R. The central theme that Durags N Bonnets adheres to is investing in your happiness. 

“This album has a range of emotions with a little bit more maturity, all aimed at the idea of radical rest,” Ashford says. “I think we are heavy in grind culture even during a pandemic. When we should lean into rest because rest allows healing. On this project, there is still ukulele, beatboxing, witty wordplay, and 808. But you can hear my growth as a storyteller in how I am approaching a topic.”

Packed with introspective lyrics, animated rap deliveries, and clever punchlines, the musician’s sophomore project yields positive affirmations and upliftment. The ultimate kicker is each instrumental, which perfectly blends different genres. Listeners can expect to hear ukulele chords, guitar loops, flute percussions, violins, and passionate hymns. The beats dabble in R&B, jazz, Latin, pop, and rap. Expect to resonate with one record off Durags N Bonnets. Ashford does justice in deciphering the feeling that comes with joy, sorrow, and dedication. 

Songs like “This Is It,” “Souljia Healin’,” “Phree Lunch,” and “Phaith” find the articulate wordsmith reflecting on his own progression as a musician, individual, and scholar. These tracks also give voice to the audiences’ self-doubt, giving them an ounce of hope. 

“Gone” is a verbal adieu toward a former lover, and while “Sleep Angel” draws a similarity, it’s more of an optimistic send-off towards a loved one who passed away. 

To give you more intel, the second track, “Gone,” sees the “Sophisti-Ratchet” artist rapping about an ex who he doesn’t want to reconcile with. Backed by smooth vocals and a nostalgic multi-genre instrumental, the rapper unveils how his feelings have died down for a woman he wanted to marry. His main concern is honing into his craft. He iterates that he “don’t really talk to that girl.” 

Additionally, Ashford vocalizes that he refuses to deal with women who can’t appreciate him for who he is. He hasn’t had the best experiences with certain women, given the lyrics. If a lady doesn’t have his best interest at heart, they can exit respectfully. He also thinks back on a previous relationship where a woman seemed more intrigued with his finances than his passion. 

He spits, “I’ll be single all my life just to get it right.” Also, “I can see your fangs/You smile during sunshine/Ask about my money but don’t ask about the grind?”

“Sleep Angel” highlights Ashford’s excellent singing skills. The pop-esque instrumental gives the musician room to send well wishes intended for a deceased loved one.

He sings, “Don’t forget your halo, when you go back through those heaven gates/When you fly high/I-I sing.”

Overall, the three-minute tune is crammed with warm regards for those who aren’t there physically but are forever in our hearts. 

Durags N Bonnets is act two in a trilogy that will finish next year. Austin made some of the songs in Colombia while he was touring before being Latin Grammy Nominated for a collaboration. It’s his first web3 album. Ashford has a cryptocurrency called “DADA,” which means Dr. Austin Dean Ashford coin. Soon enough, he will be having an NFT that goes with the album that can also be purchased in his coin. 

Read more about the megastar here.

Listen to Durags N Bonnets by Austin Dean Ashford below:

By: Natalee Gilbert