che – “closed captions” review

che is a 16 year old recording artist from Atlanta, Georgia emerging as part of the 4ersona collective under the original moniker murkio before settling on cheRomani+ & later abbreviating it. But it wasn’t until more recently where he decided to build a solo catalog for himself by putting out the debut EP 3 over a year ago & followed it up this past February in the form of X, which was supposed to be the original version of his 3rd EP over here to my surprise. So with that in mind, I had to give the final product a listen almost 2 weeks since former MLW National Openweight Champion Alex Kane became the new MLW World Heavyweight Champion.

“blueberry bakwood” was a dope choice for the final single whether it be CXO’s trap production with undertones of both Chicago drill & plugg or che dedicating it to his personal favorite flavor of Backwoods blunt wraps whereas “sativa” works in a more atmospheric instrumental talking about the titular strain of marijuana although I’m more of a hybrids guy personally. The futuristically bombastic “fangs” flexing that he be toting heavy pistols & is able to tell who smokes wack shit, but then “????” gives off a more energetic sound talking about his lifestyle.

Moving on from there, “sol” blends some hi-hats & synthesizers telling his girl to slide through his spot on top of coming clean that he isn’t looking for closure prior to “canary” enhances the euphoric mood refusing to go out bad. The lead single “blac chyna” fuses trap with Chicago drill letting the drum off just before “sos” returns to an otherworldly vibe to the beat talking about his girl calling him papa & copping expensive Balencis.

The penultimate track “draco draco” gives off a more euphoric drill edge instrumentally acknowledging that he still be popping tags & wanting all his bread in the mail while the closer “frank ocean” produced by SOULJASPIRITS talks about not being with the bullshit & getting a foreign hoe some vetements over a wavy ass trap beat. The bonus cut “flip” officially caps off the EP with a synth-laced drill instrumental calling your hoe a dirty skank & going so cray.

Given that 3 was a solid beginning in che’s career & X started off the year by giving us a taste of what was to come, Closed Captions has cemented him as my personal favorite 4ersona member & he has more than enough room to grow artistically down the line. The trap production is cloudier with a hint of Chicago drill mixed in as opposed to some his previous works putting his life on wax by delivering some of his infectious performances of his career

Score: 4/5

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Rich Amiri – “Evolution” review

Rich Amiri is an 18 year old recording artist from Boston, Massachusetts who’s been turning heads since the fall of 2021 off the strength of his debut EP Ethereal. The 4ersona member would go on to follow it up with 6 more EPs before signing to Internet Money Records not too long ago. So considering a new label deal, it’s only right for Amiri to shake things up harder than normal in the form of a 12-track/25 minute full-length debut.

“Mention” is a spacey trap opener produced by Taz Taylor, Nick Mira & Rio Leyva referring to himself as a top dog & telling this chick he genuinely loves her whereas “Don’t Feel Ya” works in some synths & hi-hats from Vendr talking about drawing a million as well as being the one taking risks whippin’ bricks. “Best Friend” keeps things in atmospheric trap territory detailing a hoe trying hard to get close to him just before the wavy “Friend of Mine” talks about hitting the lottery.

Moving onto “Salty”, we have a bassy yet hazy banger showing off his sticks until Lil Tecca tags along for the vibrant pop rap cut “Poppin’” that eventually became the album’s 3rd single to talk about the famous lifestyle that both of them are living these days. “Ballin’” finds him telling his girl that he wants to have fun with her tonight on top of a minimal yet rubbery beat, but then “Don’t Exist” comes through with a vulnerable letter to his ex.

“Ace” blends some pianos & hi-hats to brush off any & all nonsense that people try to send his way while the song “Casket” is a catchier jam about living lavish & running up the bag. The penultimate track albeit “Dirty Money” opens up on the benefits of his newfound success over a pluggy instrumental & to round things out, “Can’t Die” finishes the album with him over a rage beat Cxdy made talking about cutting off old friends & copping new bands.

TyFontaine was my favorite Internet Money signee up until he left the label quite some time ago, but Amiri most certainly continues to fulfill that roll with Evolution here. The production is as strong as it was on For the Better last summer & dude really does display how much he’s grown within the last couple years with some of his catchiest songwriting yet.

Score: 3.5/5

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