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
1 Comments:
Great-honest-review! It's always interesting hearing the thoughts and feedback from one who is not a self-proclaimed 'Hip-Hopper.' You clearly covered the bases of 'Prince of the Plains' and showed that Chapel is an imperfect artist with potential. Rappers should keep the singing to an extreme minimum, but the biggest compliment came when you stated that the artist couldn't be boxed in. Good job and keep writing.
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