Come be a Fly on The Wall in Fresh DiBiase's Therapy Tapes

Hip-hop is often at its best when it feels personal, reflective, and deeply human. That’s exactly the feeling I got when I pressed play on Therapy Tapes, the upcoming project from DiBiase, an artist from the South Side of Chicago who sent me an early copy—and let me tell you, I’m so glad he did.

This project isn’t just a collection of tracks thrown together for streaming numbers. It’s an experience, a journey through the mind of a man unpacking his past, his struggles, and his growth, all framed within the context of a therapy session. Immediately upon pressing play, you hear the central theme: DiBiase in a therapy session, each song a new topic and a direct response to his therapist—done masterfully, I might add.

From the first track to the last, Therapy Tapes feels like riding solo in the whip down the same Carolina roads I grew up on, thinking about my life, my flaws, and how to become a better man. DiBiase doesn’t just rap—he leads you through that journey.

A Story Worth Telling: Highlights From the Album

One of the most powerful moments comes on “Daddy Raised”, where DiBiase dives deep into his early life, his relationship with his father, and the trauma of losing him too soon. As someone who also lost my father far too early, this track hit me in the chest. It’s rare that a song can make you stop and think about your own life, but “Daddy Raised” does just that. It’s honest, raw, and perfectly encapsulates what Therapy Tapes is all about—reflection and healing.

That vulnerability carries through the whole project. “Therapy” and “Self vs Them” offer smooth, soulful production that gives DiBiase the space to paint vivid pictures of his life, his personality, and his shortcomings. These tracks make you feel like a fly on the wall in his therapy session, listening as he lays it all out without hesitation or apologies.

In a time where so many artists just throw together a bunch of disconnected songs with no cohesion, Therapy Tapes is a welcome reminder that albums with a true narrative still exist. DiBiase understands the power of a concept, and he executes it beautifully.

The Rougher Side: Balancing Vulnerability and Grit

While much of the project is introspective, DiBiase doesn’t shy away from the rougher side of his life. Tracks like “JayJay Watt” and “Breathe Easy Freestyle” give us a look into his time in the streets, offering a grittier perspective on his journey. These moments balance out the more emotional tracks, showing the duality of his world—the struggles, the mistakes, and the lessons learned.

One of the most poignant moments comes when DiBiase reflects on the loss of his grandmother and the sale of her house—a place that was likely the family’s gathering spot. He paints the picture of driving past, seeing another family living there, knowing they’ll never understand the loss that house represents for him. It’s small details like this that make Therapy Tapes feel so genuine and lived-in, almost like reading through someone’s personal journal.

Old School Meets New School: A Perfect Blend for All Hip-Hop Fans

Sonically, Therapy Tapes is the perfect blend of old-school and modern rap. It appeals to both hip-hop purists who crave storytelling and newer listeners looking for something fresh yet deeply meaningful. The production is smooth and intentional, allowing DiBiase to shine as a lyricist while keeping the vibe cohesive throughout.

This isn’t just music—it’s a moment.

Final Thoughts: A Project That Deserves Attention

After my first listen, I was blown away. As someone who has sat in thousands of studio sessions, I can tell when an artist puts real time and thought into their work, and DiBiase absolutely has.

At just 8 tracks, Therapy Tapes is a bite-sized listen, but it’s so layered that it leaves you wanting one or two more tracks just to round out the journey. I certainly wouldn’t mind diving deeper into his stories, his pain, and his ability to turn life experiences into cinematic music.

Therapy Tapes gets my full stamp of approval. If you’re someone who appreciates real storytelling, powerful themes, and an artist putting their soul into their work, this is an album you don’t want to miss.

DiBiase has something special here, and I can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next.