Do you know OF someone? That is to say you’ve heard their name before, maybe you’ve heard their name a lot but you don’t KNOW the person.

Well, that’s how I feel about Danny!, a South Carolina rapper slash producer (and a Kappa I believe, word to Randy Exclusive) that has been doing this thing for a while. And although am a huge homer, for whatever reason I can’t get my hands on more that one or two songs of his a year. I’ve emailed him directly, I’ve tweeted him on Twitter. Nothing. And for the record, I’m not salty about that either. I’m sure he is a busy dude and people hit him up all the time for random stuff, so no love lost. Then out of the blue the Randy sends Danny’s new album, Where Is Danny? to my inbox. Success! I guess patience is a virtue.

Apparently his label, Def Jux, didn’t want to clear all the samples and then it got leaked on Imeem. Whatever the case, it’s here now and it’s free and I just finished listening to it. I like it and I might end up loving it after a few more listens.

His production skills are CRAZY GOOD! And if I may play devils advocate, I can totally understand why his label wouldn’t want to clear the samples. There are SO MANY that I’m sure it’s a logistical nightmare and a huge commitment of time and resources. But with that being said I would have still like to see this album get its due and been properly released.

Danny! is hella random but the album is still very well put together. It’s random like Abbey Road (and NO I’m not saying this album is the next Abbey Road–relax) so if you like that album and you are a fan of hip hop, then I think you’ll appreciate the effort.

The final verdict: I like it. In fact, I want to hear more of his music. I want to BUY it as well. That’s really all any artist or musician or blogger or designer can really ask for; you see their efforts, like it, then decide to stick around because it’s only then can a brand build longevity.

Download: Danny! – Where is Danny?