2012 is still fresh, so it’s only logical we sit back and reflect on 2011 and all the music the year produced. No serious conversation concerning rap can exclude the many wonderful offerings by our ace homies Mello Music Group and their well-stocked roster of rap all-stars. We all know how cream will always rise to the top, but at times we are unaware of such delicacies. Not because we don’t know any better, it’s just that sometimes good things get overlooked and obvious choices go unchosen for lack of awareness. Case in point. The extraordinaire rap-duo: Dunc and Toine. With confidence they saddle up to the spotlight turning bravado into an asset and a positive tag worth wearing on battle ready rolled-up sleeves. Dunc’s production is above par, and in fact raises the bar for would be contenders. Dunc’s work, and indeed his style are veritable nods to rap heavyweights J Dilla, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Pete Rock, among others. Yet, he doesn’t’ mimic so much as he incorporates points of reference with new life, which propel his sound into the stratosphere. But if production is the of the river Styx, separating the world of supreme beats from that of the common mediocre fare. Then by all means Toine’s lyrical adeptness is the proverbial manna from above, leading those who once fed on saccharine enriched music to an abundant and organic menu which satisfies the soul. His is words leading boys into manhood. Turning singular alphabets into mature statements culled from reason and wisdom. Together DTMD Makin’ Dollars is collectively more than a physical entity, combined they are an audible representation of two young men making their way in the world, clearing a swath wide and exact. And they ain’t followers. Naw, never that! They’re improvisers aspiring to reach Rap’s promise land; the mountaintop of your notice and the audience of your well-tuned ear. Peace.