Album title: ‘The Preview’

Artist: Chiddy Bang

Genre: Hip-hop/Rap

Sounds like: B.o.B meets Passion Pit

Sound waves: 3.5/5

Release date: Oct. 12, 2010

‘The Preview’ is a fresh and fun extended play album that will attract listeners from all spheres. With electronic and alternative musical influences that draw samples from modern artists, Chiddy Bang’s sound is appealing and relevant. Yet the group’s style is a bit more defined: Clever lyrics and sharp deliveries give this album a consistent hip-hop feel. Although short, this EP is a solid preview of what to expect of Chiddy Bang when it releases its full-length album next year.

For those who don’t know, Chiddy Bang is a Philadelphia-based duo comprised of emcee Chiddy and DJ and producer Xaphoon Jones. The pair of 20-year-olds, if nothing else, proves that breaking conventions is a successful formula nowadays. By borrowing samples from artists like MGMT and Passion Pit, the duo taps into a fan base of younger listeners — college kids and teenagers — and appeals to their tastes.

Likewise, the music is fun, upbeat and catchy. Chiddy raps about standard topics for a 20-year-old: college, relationships, success and feeling invincible. Album opener ‘The Good Life’ captures this sentiment, with Chiddy desiring a life of luxury and relaxation, as well as one free of problems. Over a catchy beat produced by N.E.R.D. frontman Pharrell Williams, Chiddy demonstrates an attractive flow that features straightforward rhyme schemes and varying rhythmic deliveries.

‘Truth’ is a bouncier song, complete with a high-pitched sample from Passion Pit’s ‘Better Things’ and a cheerful dance beat. Synthesizers are a defining trait of Chiddy Bang, upon which the recent electronic-indie movement has clearly not been lost. Chiddy matches the upbeat vibe with a rapid fire of concise metaphors that are clever without going over the heads of listeners.

Perhaps no track captures the Chiddy Bang style better than ‘Opposite of Adults,’ a witty reworking of MGMT hit ‘Kids.’ Borrowing that song’s celebrated melody, this electro/hip-hop fusion is unbelievably catchy. Chiddy’s controlled flow and dense wordplay compensate for a lyrically weak hook, and the overall energy prevails. This could be the track for which people remember Chiddy Bang 10 years down the road.

Chiddy Bang’s style of bending genres encourages innovation, even from guest collaborators. ‘Here We Go’ features iconic rapper Q-Tip, who steps outside his comfort zone and sings — quite well, at that. Despite being twice as old as his Chiddy Bang counterparts, Q-Tip sounds young and rejuvenated over a wild beat that manages to incorporate dubstep into the mix. Similarly, ‘All Things Go’ is a marvelous effort, working in a sample from indie hero Sufjan Stevens as Chiddy raps about coming up and dealing with his newfound fame.

Despite a wholly unique musical sound, Chiddy Bang’s lyrical themes and subject matter are lacking. ‘Nothing On We’ might as well be Kanye West’s ‘We Don’t Care,’ with obligatory themes about chasing dreams, getting money and dealing with haters. If it was done tongue-in-cheek, the track would be acceptable, but follower ‘Bad Day’ confirms Chiddy still has a lot of work to do as a lyricist. The song about breakup bitterness and wishing the worst upon an ex is a bit juvenile and contradicts the mature attitude he established earlier in the album.

Album closer ‘Neighborhood’ is a track about how things used to be at home, with personal lyrics that recount Chiddy’s adolescence. However, he doesn’t communicate much of a struggle. His braggadocio lyrics sound immature in comparison to guest Killer Mike’s meditative verse on teenage pregnancy in his neighborhood. Although undeniably talented, the truth is Chiddy is probably too young to tell emotional stories right now.

All in all, ‘The Preview’ is a cool and cutting edge release that should remain popular until a full-length release drops. Despite Chiddy’s age, his rapping is refined and polished throughout ‘The Preview.’ Chiddy Bang makes cool, carefree music that shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Hence, the young duo shouldn’t be overly criticized for lacking the maturity of some of hip-hop’s older acts. But take Chiddy Bang as this: a talented emcee and a talented producer, making music they enjoy. Can’t hate on that.

ajhaeder@syr.edu

Published on October 18, 2010 at 12:00 pm