On Probably, he raps about people's concerns of being "South Auckland enough, tryna be a G, tryna talk tough, we already hear that more than enough, the media seem to be a little caught up."
He also reveals his personal struggles; going without when he had no money, the fight between making art and making money, whom he can trust, and dealing with his new life in comparison to the old.
And tracks like Fit In and Hood Country Club address the latter issue head on, saying: "I'm done trying to fit in ... I ain't tryna be down with this crowd".
The title track also examines the effect of US hip-hop culture on Kiwi hip-hop fans - "F*** plans for retirement, got cash for the Yeezys we buying it, things we learn on rap vids we applying it".
Foregoing the usual rap fodder, Dallas has left a lot to unpack on HCC, and between that, his undeniable skill as a rapper and some catchy melodies, this album is one hell of a comeback.
David Dallas, Hood Country Club
Artist: David Dallas
Album: Hood Country Club
Label: Universal
Verdict: Hard-hitting hip-hop dropping some Kiwi truths
