Album Review: Dom Kennedy – Class of '95

Dom Kennedy’s Class of '95 feels like a nostalgic but grown-up return to form, with his signature laid-back, conversational flow. As someone who's been a fan for years, every new Dom project always brings the expectation that it will sound a certain way—but somehow, it still manages to surprise.

From the very first listen, you can tell this album isn’t something to breeze through casually. The verses here aren’t overly polished or edited in the way a lot of contemporary rappers do it today, where punch-ins create that disconnected, robotic feel. Dom, on the other hand, lets his verses breathe—literally. You can hear him pushing through a full 8-13 bars before catching his breath, making the tracks sound more raw and natural, like you're catching him live in the studio. It’s a vibe you don’t see much anymore, a sign that he’s staying true to the original Dom Kennedy his fans grew up with.

Intentional and Conversational Lyricism

The intentionality behind Dom’s lyrics is undeniable. His bars are often conversational, like catching up with a friend, but they require more than a surface-level listen to really appreciate. His projects are not fast food; they’re meals that need time to digest. You can't just hit play once and understand it fully. Much like a Kendrick or J. Cole album, Dom’s lyrics are something to sit with for a few days, reflect on, and then come back to. That’s part of what makes Dom special in today’s rap landscape—he makes you think while still giving you something that feels good to vibe to.

The Essence of Dom Kennedy

For longtime fans, Dom’s work has always carried a certain authenticity. He doesn’t rush his music; he cares about record selection, placement, and vibe in a way that ensures you’re getting a cohesive project, not just a handful of singles. This is an album you can comfortably play around both the homies and the homegirls, and it still hits. That’s what makes Class of '95 such a solid offering—it’s Dom Kennedy staying true to himself while also allowing us to grow with him. At this point in his career, he's not just a rapper from L.A., he's become a true "player," the kind of artist who exudes cool without the need to be flashy.

Top 3 Standout Tracks

1. Legendary – This one stood out the most. The record has this energy that just keeps you locked in, and the sample at the end ties it all together in a way that makes it one of Dom’s best records of all time, in my opinion. It’s a track that feels like Dom just rapped straight through without ever taking a break, and it works perfectly with the smooth, West Coast tempo that slows down to that signature Dom vibe.

2. Gallery – Another beautifully produced record, with a standout bar that flips the old “money doesn’t grow on trees” saying into something fresh and positive. It’s the kind of line that sticks with you long after the music stops.

3. Class of '95 – The title track wraps up the album on a note that feels classic Dom—a track for the ladies, filled with playa talk that reminds you why Dom has always been the cool, calm figure in West Coast rap.