Tank - Diary of a Mad Man

Is it just me, or has R&B been getting a little dark lately? Whether due to the influence of fresh blood like Frank Ocean and The Weeknd, a change in the tides, or some mysterious circumstances beyond my understanding, even your straightforward love/lust songs have begun to develop an ominous edge—and I have to say, I’m really digging it. On the title track off his Booth-hosted street album, Tank embraces the trend wholeheartedly, departing from the romantic themes of his past hits to offer listeners a glimpse into the Diary of a Mad Man. “The Composer handles production duties, layering synth arpeggios, reverb-drenched guitar riffs and ghostly backing vocals over a slow-burning rhythm section as the veteran crooner schools us on a few harsh truths (“I’m bout to spill the truth on these n*ggas, and I’m bound to lose a fan…”). How about it, readers—are you feeling the power of Tank’s words? If so, make sure to work a visit to The DJBooth into your Black Friday plans; Diary of a Mad Man is set to hit our mixtape page for free streaming and download on Friday, November 25.