DaBoii “Sidewalk” Review: The Vallejo Legend’s New Pop-Infused Sound

DaBoii Just Flipped the Script: Why His New Single “Sidewalk” is a Massive Pivot

If you’ve been following the West Coast scene since 2016, you know the name DaBoii. As the high-octane engine behind SOB X RBE, the Vallejo rapper made a career out of “raw” and “relentless.” We’re talking about the guy who gave us “Calvin Cambridge”—a track so high-energy it felt like a punch to the chest.

But his latest drop, “Sidewalk,” hits different. It’s not just another street anthem; it’s DaBoii proving he can play the pop game without losing his soul.

From Vallejo Streets to Global Playlists

Born and raised in Vallejo (1997), DaBoii grew up in one of hip-hop’s most legendary pressure cookers. When he linked up with Slimmy B, Yhung T.O., and Lul G, they didn’t just make music; they created a movement. They were kids posting videos online and racking up millions of views before the industry even knew their names.

By the time his first solo mixtape, Y.W.N. (Young Wild Nigga), dropped in 2017, the blueprint was set: heavy bass, aggressive flows, and zero filter.

The “Sidewalk” Sound: A New Chapter

“Sidewalk” feels like the natural evolution of a kid who has seen it all and is ready for the world stage. It’s got that North Bay bounce we love, but with a melodic polish that’s built for heavy rotation.

• The Catchiness: The hook is an absolute earworm. It’s the kind of track you’ll have on repeat during a night drive.

• The Growth: You can hear the maturity. He’s not just rapping at you; he’s craftier with his pockets and more intentional with his vibe.

• The DNA: Despite the pop sensibilities, he’s still Vallejo to the core. He hasn’t traded his authenticity for a radio hit—he’s just expanded his toolkit.

A Quick Look Back: DaBoii’s Journey

• 2016: The SOB X RBE era begins, changing the Bay Area landscape forever.

• 2017: Y.W.N. drops, featuring heavy hitters like OMB Peezy and Mozzy.

• 2018: The crew lands on the Black Panther soundtrack, taking that Vallejo sound global.

• Now: “Sidewalk” signals a shift toward a more versatile, melodic era.

The Verdict

It’s rare to see an artist transition from the “raw and relentless” style of their youth into something more melodic without it feeling forced. DaBoii pulls it off because he’s always been one of the most charismatic voices in the room. “Sidewalk” is a win for the North Bay and a sign that DaBoii is nowhere near finished evolving.