posted by Brandon | 10:16 AM
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Prince of the Plains
Audio Awareness
About Me
- Name: Brandon
- Location: Hollywood, CA, United States
As an influential Howard University Alum and LA based writer/reporter, Brandon has specialized in editorial research for the likes of InStyle, ELLE, Black Enterprise, Seventeen and Marie Claire to name a few. Brandon also flexed his muscle as a contributing writer for Allhiphop.com, Hiphopdx and XXL magazine. His latest achievement is an Emerging Artist Fellowship with the Jacob Burns Film Center.
- Music Review
- Road 2 Riches08 Track 08.m4aPowered by Castpost
- Excerpt from Prince of the Plains: "Road 2 Riches"...
- Music Review
- Chapel aka The Prince
- Music Review
- Listennn! Track 4 Night Lights
- Listennn! Track 3 Speed Demon
Friday, December 19, 2008
Monday, July 31, 2006
Music Review
Artist: Chapel
Album: Prince of the Plains
Words: Cherisse Harris
Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster! Chapel's back with his third CD, Prince of the Plains – a mixtape of infectious hooks and slick rap talk that balance out selected Neptunes' instrumentals. In his latest effort, Chapel ably schools listeners on how to keep it real, the ABC's of club-hopping and of course, having lots of bling – "'cuz what's sex without the floss?"
Lyrically, Prince of the Plains is on-point, though production on this mixtape needs closer inspection. The first song, "Genesis" is a strong, bass-heavy track with gritty lyrics. "I send a kiss to the bitch in you/recognize God in the physical/how you survived in the streets is a miracle…" This kind of clever wordplay is fluent throughout the CD but later tracks, "Return of the Prince" and "One Hitter Quitter" drown in weak instrumentals. Luckily, Chap rebounds with "Get Up." Like a quiet storm, "Get Up" creeps in and explodes. Chap definitely earns the "Prince" title with this one. Rough, sexy vocals over synthesized chords and handclaps make for an ass-shaking club banger.
"Speed Demon" on the other hand, is damn-near perfect. With Chap's buttery L.L. Cool J-like flow and the track's smooth melody, you can almost dismiss the way he poorly handles the bridge: "Drive thru Mickey's/ drive thru Wendy's / drive thru Burger King / when I wanna jump I don't even try to front / got my mind on hittin' those skins." I say almost because it's hard to ignore shaky vocals when they're a cappella.
Just when you wonder what the Prince will come up with next, he surprises you with a rare jewel, "Road 2 Riches." Chapel works magic with an inspiringly familiar chorus, "On the road to riches and diamond rings / real brothers do real things." If you listen close, you might even hear 2Pac or Biggie singing a verse/hook. No, not really but his lyrical swagger is strikingly similar. These days, it's difficult to separate real lyricists from busters but with Chapel it's easy. You can't deny his skill.
To read more from Cherisse Harris follow the link below.
Neyo
Album: Prince of the Plains
Words: Cherisse Harris
Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster! Chapel's back with his third CD, Prince of the Plains – a mixtape of infectious hooks and slick rap talk that balance out selected Neptunes' instrumentals. In his latest effort, Chapel ably schools listeners on how to keep it real, the ABC's of club-hopping and of course, having lots of bling – "'cuz what's sex without the floss?"
Lyrically, Prince of the Plains is on-point, though production on this mixtape needs closer inspection. The first song, "Genesis" is a strong, bass-heavy track with gritty lyrics. "I send a kiss to the bitch in you/recognize God in the physical/how you survived in the streets is a miracle…" This kind of clever wordplay is fluent throughout the CD but later tracks, "Return of the Prince" and "One Hitter Quitter" drown in weak instrumentals. Luckily, Chap rebounds with "Get Up." Like a quiet storm, "Get Up" creeps in and explodes. Chap definitely earns the "Prince" title with this one. Rough, sexy vocals over synthesized chords and handclaps make for an ass-shaking club banger.
"Speed Demon" on the other hand, is damn-near perfect. With Chap's buttery L.L. Cool J-like flow and the track's smooth melody, you can almost dismiss the way he poorly handles the bridge: "Drive thru Mickey's/ drive thru Wendy's / drive thru Burger King / when I wanna jump I don't even try to front / got my mind on hittin' those skins." I say almost because it's hard to ignore shaky vocals when they're a cappella.
Just when you wonder what the Prince will come up with next, he surprises you with a rare jewel, "Road 2 Riches." Chapel works magic with an inspiringly familiar chorus, "On the road to riches and diamond rings / real brothers do real things." If you listen close, you might even hear 2Pac or Biggie singing a verse/hook. No, not really but his lyrical swagger is strikingly similar. These days, it's difficult to separate real lyricists from busters but with Chapel it's easy. You can't deny his skill.
To read more from Cherisse Harris follow the link below.
Neyo
posted by Brandon | 11:21 AM
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0 comments
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Monday, July 24, 2006
Excerpt from Prince of the Plains: "Road 2 Riches" verse 1
I got it poppin' with the gold discMy n***a Bisc' had the picture perfect plan of getting money at a low risk
"Multi-million dollar deals f**k an O or a brick
Let's get rich and have the Plains cracking out this bitch!"
Cuz everybody from The Man to your mans wanna slay you for the grams and show love with the other hand
I got a plan to get your brother out the can, cop a Hummer in the summer doing numbers I'm a stunner man!
Why kill when I can build with your mother, man
Why squeal and leak info to the government
Now I can mold you into being soldiers
I'll hold a n***a down with a pound when it's getting colder.
'Cuz Big Chap's got your back f**k looking over shoulders
If he fakin' I'll be sprayin' like a shaken soda
Get on your mottorola
Because it's time to unite
You tell n***as that I'm here and I'm trying to get right...
posted by Brandon | 5:11 PM
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1 comments
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Music Review
Artist: Chapel
Album: Prince of the Plains
Words: Lost Child
With Chapel's resurgence on the music scene after, The $100 Mixtape, The Redemption EP, and now claming the title “Prince of the Plains,” his body of work is rapidly growing. On his third go around, Chapel brings to life the walk, talk, and (shit I hate to say it) swagger of his hometown. White or Blak Plains, Chap provides a soundtrack to the place where he lays his head and theme music to the complex life he leads. Wanna get drunk and high, smut a few slores? Chap’s got it. Want a positive message that’s inspiring and hella thought provoking? Chap’ll hold you down. Want “versatile verses that vary and violate, with beats leakin' through the speakers vibratin' thoughout the tri-state” or anywhere for that matter? Chap’s got your back… fuck looking over shoulders.
Prince of the Plains is a back to basics of sorts for Big Chap. Where as prior, on The Redemption EP, he attempted to show his versatility as a true artist playing with different concepts, production, flows, and so on, Prince of the Plains fits this Boss like a fresh pair of size 13 custom Mauri Gators. Chapel shows growth, maturity, artistry and craftsmanship all in 21 minutes and never hesitates to hit listeners with hot lines, slick metaphors, and consistent jewels. On “Get Up,” a hand clappin' shout out to all the coasts, the Prince blesses listeners with a gem from his crown of experience, “everywhere I'm lurkin' and searchin' I seem to find fake/ when you keep a tool on your person you hope to find hate.”
Nothing in life is perfect, and Prince of the Plains is no different. Several tracks suffer from ‘lame chorus syndrome.’ With an attempt at capturing the catchy 2006 hip-hop formula, these lack luster hooks tend to take away from the potent lyrics laced throughout the CD. “Top shotta I be hotta in the navy pradas/pull choppas even when the neighbors call the coppas,” makes his “One Hitter Quitter” more like a two piece from a WBC super-lightweight. On “Speed Demon,” Chapel takes a shot at 50 Cent’s R&B throne by crooning “Drive thru Mickey’s/ drive thru Wendy’s/drive thru Burger King/When I wanna jump I don't even try to front/ Got my mind on hittin’ those skins.” While this ode to baggin' hoes is cool, it was definitely executed wrong.
But don't get it twisted, this Diamond Plus Playa has enough promising beats and hip-hop quotables to go around. Ever the artist, Chapel plays with many different flows and cadences to show his skill. Overall, this 8 track jewel shines bright coming from a talented Prince anxiously waiting to take the throne. “I got my rhythm now.” Chapel definitely sounds at home this time around.
To read more from LostChild follow the link below
It's Just My Thoughts, People
Album: Prince of the Plains
Words: Lost Child
With Chapel's resurgence on the music scene after, The $100 Mixtape, The Redemption EP, and now claming the title “Prince of the Plains,” his body of work is rapidly growing. On his third go around, Chapel brings to life the walk, talk, and (shit I hate to say it) swagger of his hometown. White or Blak Plains, Chap provides a soundtrack to the place where he lays his head and theme music to the complex life he leads. Wanna get drunk and high, smut a few slores? Chap’s got it. Want a positive message that’s inspiring and hella thought provoking? Chap’ll hold you down. Want “versatile verses that vary and violate, with beats leakin' through the speakers vibratin' thoughout the tri-state” or anywhere for that matter? Chap’s got your back… fuck looking over shoulders.
Prince of the Plains is a back to basics of sorts for Big Chap. Where as prior, on The Redemption EP, he attempted to show his versatility as a true artist playing with different concepts, production, flows, and so on, Prince of the Plains fits this Boss like a fresh pair of size 13 custom Mauri Gators. Chapel shows growth, maturity, artistry and craftsmanship all in 21 minutes and never hesitates to hit listeners with hot lines, slick metaphors, and consistent jewels. On “Get Up,” a hand clappin' shout out to all the coasts, the Prince blesses listeners with a gem from his crown of experience, “everywhere I'm lurkin' and searchin' I seem to find fake/ when you keep a tool on your person you hope to find hate.”
Nothing in life is perfect, and Prince of the Plains is no different. Several tracks suffer from ‘lame chorus syndrome.’ With an attempt at capturing the catchy 2006 hip-hop formula, these lack luster hooks tend to take away from the potent lyrics laced throughout the CD. “Top shotta I be hotta in the navy pradas/pull choppas even when the neighbors call the coppas,” makes his “One Hitter Quitter” more like a two piece from a WBC super-lightweight. On “Speed Demon,” Chapel takes a shot at 50 Cent’s R&B throne by crooning “Drive thru Mickey’s/ drive thru Wendy’s/drive thru Burger King/When I wanna jump I don't even try to front/ Got my mind on hittin’ those skins.” While this ode to baggin' hoes is cool, it was definitely executed wrong.
But don't get it twisted, this Diamond Plus Playa has enough promising beats and hip-hop quotables to go around. Ever the artist, Chapel plays with many different flows and cadences to show his skill. Overall, this 8 track jewel shines bright coming from a talented Prince anxiously waiting to take the throne. “I got my rhythm now.” Chapel definitely sounds at home this time around.
To read more from LostChild follow the link below
It's Just My Thoughts, People
posted by Brandon | 11:12 PM
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1 comments
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Chapel aka The Prince
What's good all?! Let me take time out to formally introduce myself as Chapel. I've been writing and making music for nearly 8 years. I started when I was 14 ('98) with a few verses and songs here and there. This was before everybody and they momma was MC'ing, only a few cats came for real, the whack/weak dudes were too scared to even open they mouth in public. The music has changed a lot and so has our community. I respect the craft of MC'ing. I can't box myself into any other category but progressive. I've sincerely experienced a lot, other than getting shot, going to jail and being rich. Good and bad together, I wouldn't change a thing. At this point, I'm proud of myself as a man for coming this far, learning from mistakes and having hope for the future. Life is a blessing and art/music is sacred. The creator and listener should cherish it and push for originality and fresh sound. I'm from White Plains New York, I got a story to tell and I love making music. Over the years I've improved/grown and through the craft I've discovered a lot about myself. I will continue to express myself creatively and make good music that will touch people.
Please download the following 4 songs from my upcoming work of music: Prince of the Plains. It will take a few seconds to download each track but please be patient, it is well worth it. Send me an email or leave a comment. Your feedback is very important.
Peace
Please download the following 4 songs from my upcoming work of music: Prince of the Plains. It will take a few seconds to download each track but please be patient, it is well worth it. Send me an email or leave a comment. Your feedback is very important.
Peace
posted by Brandon | 9:47 PM
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0 comments
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Music Review
Artist: Chapel
Album: Prince of the Plains
Words: Patrice Williams
I’m not a huge fan of Hip-Hop, let’s just put that out there. I don’t own any classic albums and I’m not even sure what albums would be considered classic Hip-Hop albums, but I can sing a few Biggie verses when I’m in the club. Maybe it’s the glorification of violence or demonization of women that turns me off, but there are only a handful of Hip-Hop artists whose album I’d actually purchase. But there may just be an artist who’s getting added to my roster of acceptable Hip-Hop. So what makes Chapel stand out in a sea of conformity and commercialization?
Let me start out by saying what Chapel’s Prince of the Plains is and what it isn’t. It is thoughtfully produced, eclectic and promising. It is not too heavily reliant on bangin’ beats, misogyny (though there are a few bitch references, but I’m gonna let that slide) or clever word play.
Overall, the album was listenable, which doesn’t sound like much of a compliment but it is, considering how many CDs have one or two “listenable” tracks and the rest are disposable. Nothing on Prince of the Plains is disposable, though some tracks could benefit from more time in the lab and lengthier verses.
“Speed Demon” could stand to bake a little longer in the oven. I’m not sure, but is this supposed to be the obligatory Hip-Hop song for the ladies? Chapel promises, “I’m the shit girl, give me the chance to show and prove,” but I’m just not feeling it. And it gets confusing as the song breaks down with the Hip-Hopper singing a crooked bridge and promising his lady, “Drive thru Mickey’s/ drive thru Wendy’s/drive thru Burger King/When I wanna jump I don’t even try to front/ Got my mind on hittin’ those skins.” I know all rappers think they can sing, but they shouldn’t. Ever.
Chapel quickly regains momentum and wins back listeners with “Get up;” the hands-down, stand out, get-your-ass-moving track! It was enough to make me stop what I was doing, turn up the volume and repeatedly bob my head. Besides a catchy beat and simple hook, clever lyrics and similes made me give it up for the poet in him (some rappers seem to miss this mark). And I’m a fan of anyone who can use Harriet Tubman and an ass-whoopin’ grandmother as metaphors.
Though I have a (bad) habit of comparing all musical artists (since all artists seem to be reincarnations), I couldn’t box Chapel. And that’s a good thing! Prince of the Plains left me wanting to hear more from this new artist who’s still developing his voice. Chapel promises he’s “About to take it to the next level;” we’re just patiently waiting to see when the Prince will take the throne.
To read more from Patrice Williams follow the links below
Campus Philly
Album: Prince of the Plains
Words: Patrice Williams
I’m not a huge fan of Hip-Hop, let’s just put that out there. I don’t own any classic albums and I’m not even sure what albums would be considered classic Hip-Hop albums, but I can sing a few Biggie verses when I’m in the club. Maybe it’s the glorification of violence or demonization of women that turns me off, but there are only a handful of Hip-Hop artists whose album I’d actually purchase. But there may just be an artist who’s getting added to my roster of acceptable Hip-Hop. So what makes Chapel stand out in a sea of conformity and commercialization?
Let me start out by saying what Chapel’s Prince of the Plains is and what it isn’t. It is thoughtfully produced, eclectic and promising. It is not too heavily reliant on bangin’ beats, misogyny (though there are a few bitch references, but I’m gonna let that slide) or clever word play.
Overall, the album was listenable, which doesn’t sound like much of a compliment but it is, considering how many CDs have one or two “listenable” tracks and the rest are disposable. Nothing on Prince of the Plains is disposable, though some tracks could benefit from more time in the lab and lengthier verses.
“Speed Demon” could stand to bake a little longer in the oven. I’m not sure, but is this supposed to be the obligatory Hip-Hop song for the ladies? Chapel promises, “I’m the shit girl, give me the chance to show and prove,” but I’m just not feeling it. And it gets confusing as the song breaks down with the Hip-Hopper singing a crooked bridge and promising his lady, “Drive thru Mickey’s/ drive thru Wendy’s/drive thru Burger King/When I wanna jump I don’t even try to front/ Got my mind on hittin’ those skins.” I know all rappers think they can sing, but they shouldn’t. Ever.
Chapel quickly regains momentum and wins back listeners with “Get up;” the hands-down, stand out, get-your-ass-moving track! It was enough to make me stop what I was doing, turn up the volume and repeatedly bob my head. Besides a catchy beat and simple hook, clever lyrics and similes made me give it up for the poet in him (some rappers seem to miss this mark). And I’m a fan of anyone who can use Harriet Tubman and an ass-whoopin’ grandmother as metaphors.
Though I have a (bad) habit of comparing all musical artists (since all artists seem to be reincarnations), I couldn’t box Chapel. And that’s a good thing! Prince of the Plains left me wanting to hear more from this new artist who’s still developing his voice. Chapel promises he’s “About to take it to the next level;” we’re just patiently waiting to see when the Prince will take the throne.
To read more from Patrice Williams follow the links below
Campus Philly
posted by Brandon | 11:18 AM
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1 comments