Review By A-Plus
There’s a war going on in hip-hop, and you’re either with “us” or “them.” Hailing from the “Windy Sin City” (Chicago and Las Vegas if you missed it) is the Chapter and they’ve clearly mapped out the lines of fire. Comprised of emcee Verbal E. and producer 3-Sixty, the two-man collective (which is backed by a live band at shows) have been praised by peers and fans a like. They’ve been tearing down stages in Las Vegas for years but were formally introduced to the world by ?uest Love of The Roots via Okayplayer. This debut succeeds where many others fail because it’s honest and natural, free from the grips of money hungry record execs. The Chapter is ready for war, and losing is not an option.
“Manor Mindstate” leads The Chapter’s charge into the mainstream (there is also a remix produced by Nicolay of the Foreign Exchange). Verbal E. kicks two verses over a mellow piano beat about the pitfalls of life. A little heavier than 99.5% of things on the radio, but the smooth hook will win over the hardest of pop fans. If you’re expecting a deviation from the lead single, sorry… there isn’t one. This is album lacks tales of big screens, blunts and bitches. And speaking of the latter, even the topic of scandalous women is covered in a manner that would make C. Delores Tucker smile.
“Ahkil Hill” is a story of one faithful sex addicted man and one unfaithful woman. As totally expected I’m talking bout the lie/Punched that bitch in the eye like/Okay I thought about it/What we really did was talk about it Verbal E. spits on the topic of infidelity.
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Adding another chapter to the “niggas vs. blacks” battle is “…I do despise.” Verbal E. lashes out, spitting the black man’s under pressure cause the nigga’s gone mainstream…/niggas will put lead in your head/just to rearrange your dreams.
There is no shortage of topics covered on this 15 track set. The crooked music industry (“Soundwave Slavery” and the title track), the government (Hand Claps) and the wisdom of parents (Pop Said) help give this album depth. Even the mandatory “where I’m from” track (Life in The City) is done in a manner that gives you a true taste of where they come from and not a “rah rah, we kill people ’round here” anthem that plagues much of rap.
While producer 3-Sixty opts for laid back grooves instead of club beats, his style compliments Verbal E.’s lyrics, displaying a true chemistry not seen on many debut albums. The album provides no filler and while some songs are better than other’s nothing is worth skipping. The Chapter succeeds because they offer you an honest look into their lives. In the battle of “us” and “them”, it’d be wise to side with Verbal E. and 3-Sixty.
