South Sound MC/producer Q Dot makes a grand regional statement on “State of the Union,” the opening track on his new LP, Declaration of Dopeness. You might remember the song, which was released way back in January 2011, as a call-to-arms of sorts for hip-hop artists in the Pacific Northwest. As Q tells it, the machinations of industry politics occurring even here (albeit on a relatively microscopic scale) prevent the region from garnering greater success on a national level.

I’m not sure if Q is suggesting the abandonment of Seattle-Tacoma hip-hop’s competitive ethos altogether, or if he’s just encouraging more artists to get out and represent their national/global brand. However he meant it, it’s a nice sentiment. I just wish he’d offered more concrete ways of elevating the region’s game. For example, a show-and-prove in the form of some high level local collaborations would have been welcome, a move which would also have made for a greater listening experience on the whole.

On songs like “State of the Union” and the title track, Q settles into a relaxed conversational flow and consequently connects with resolute statements. Unfortunately missteps elsewhere drag Declaration into painfully derivative territory, as on the swag rap snoozer “I’m On,” the inane club joint “Groupie Girls,” and the requisite soul-infused love jam “Ijuswannaluvya 2.0.” The expertly touched pop sway of “There She Go” shows why Q Dot was Grammy-nominated and the lean piano ballad “Indivisible 2.0” brims with confidence and individuality and ends the album on good terms. It’s too little too late though, as the majority of Declaration of Dopeness succumbs to formulaic type.