Chiddy ’s ‘Breakfast’ stale, unimaginative

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Music to My Ears

Chiddy ’s ‘Breakfast’ stale, unimaginative

This piece represents the opinion of the author:

Ryan Erskine

Columnist

March 30, 2012

Anyone who has been a fan of Chiddy Bang since their first mixtape—"The Swelly Express"—will be disappointed by the hip-hop duo's lack of passion in their latest release. Their first release was brimming with a heartfelt desire to stay young—"I ain't ever growing up!" Chiddy says in "The Opposite of Adults"—as well as a hope to make it big in the rap world.

But on "Breakfast," it no longer appears that Chiddy Bang cares wholeheartedly about that message anymore. It is as if they have grown comfortable with the youthful concept, realized that it is popular, and continued in that vein without the same enthusiasm.

Chiddy Bang is comprised of two Drexel University graduates: rapper Chidera "Chiddy" Anamege and producer and DJ Noah "Xaphoon Jones" Beresin. Taking advantage of the success they enjoyed following the reception of "The Swelly Express" and its immensely catchy, MGMT-sampling single, "Opposite of Adults," the twosome released three mixtapes leading up to the debut of their first album, initially scheduled for the summer of 2011.

Though these mixtapes helped to build a larger fan base, they did not quite reach the high bar set by "The Swelly Express." Some of the hype surrounding the duo may have diminished given the debut's delayed release—"Breakfast" came out in late February 2012—perhaps the result of Chiddy spending too much time preparing to beat the record for the world's longest freestyle. (Last May, Chiddy beat the previous record by freestyling for nine hours, 18 minutes, and 22 seconds—three minutes longer than the previous record set by M-Eighty).

On "Handclaps & Guitars," the third track on "Breakfast," the hook repeats "I just came to party;" the rest of the song's lyrics are equally unimpressive. I cannot help but feel let down when I hear Chiddy rap, "And that's quite amazing if they ask me / Shit, does somebody have a L that they could pass me? / I upgraded to a little more classy / I guess I got this in the bag, we should have tea."

Then on the album's first single, "Ray Charles," Chiddy impersonates the blind singer when he raps, "I make music with the soul of a blind man / They be amazed how I get them ladies to climb in / And they try to do it, but they're blind to the fact / That they're stuck in a trap and stayin' right where they at." Though these lyrics are only marginally more creative than those on "Handclaps & Guitars," they at least relate to the song's gimmicky theme. The third-to-last track, "Baby Roulette," passes muster for the same reason; this time Chiddy seeks to avoid dealing with the consequences of unplanned pregnancy by resolving to wear condoms.

Thankfully, Chiddy's smooth rapping voice laid over the album's quality beats is what saves this album from being a complete disappointment.

Much of the credit must then go to Xaphoon Jones, the mastermind behind the album's construction. It is just as clear in 2012 as it was in 2009 that Xaphoon has an amazing talent for using samples and creating tunes brimming with harmonious synths and addictive drum patterns. Ignoring Chiddy's lyrics, "Handclaps & Guitars" is actually a wonderful song to listen to. The same can be said for most of this album, especially "Breakfast" and "Mind Your Manners."

A remix floating around the Internet of the lyrics of Childish Gambino's "Put It In My Video" laid over the "Mind Your Manners" beat is leagues better than the original. I can no longer listen to Chiddy's version without wishing I were listening to Childish.

The one time the duo tests new water is in "Does She Love Me?"—a much slower and smoother jam with a high-pitched vocal sample and an awesome lead synth. We don't need another introspective Drake or J. Cole in the game right now, but the song proves that Chiddy just needs a new direction in order to showcase his potential lyrical talent. The one merit of Chiddy's work here is that he has learned how to rap in a way that takes advantage of the way he sounds, and not merely what he says.

But unless Chiddy sets his lyrical sights higher than anthems about never growing up or verbal play with blindness, there will not be much space for this duo in the future of hip-hop. Until then, "Breakfast" will take a backseat in my library while I wait for a more satisfying lunch.

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