The-Dream still calls himself Radio Killa, but recently that boast has begun to feel like a stretch. While the songwriter/producer has remained a dependable independent contractor, penning hits for stars like Rihanna and Beyoncé—if not quite mega-hits on the scale of past successes like “Umbrella” and “Single Ladies”—his solo career has stalled. The singles he’s tossed at radio since 2010’s Love King have bounced right back at him, and his label made clear its waning confidence by repeatedly pushing back his long-promised fourth album. An artist with The-Dream’s track record will always have a place in the music industry, but these signs suggest his place might be behind the scenes, though an egotist like The-Dream would never want to be limited to that. Thankfully, having something to prove has a way of bringing out the best in some artists. With prominent, deftly employed guest shots from Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Kelly Rowland, IV Play feels like one last all-in attempt for The-Dream to prove himself to the charts, on his own terms, without caving to the dance-music trends he abhors. If his career is a sinking ship, he’s at least milking one last luxury cruise out of it.