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Introduced to the world via their infectious hit ‘Opposite of Adults’, which sampled the MGMT smash ‘Kids’, Chiddy Bang have since become one of the most sought after duos in music. Championed by the likes of Snoop Dogg and Kanye West, their breakout hit, which sold in excess of 500,000 downloads, cleared a path for their brand of electro hip-hop to be heard in a way that inspired a generation of beat makers and talented rhymers to dabble in musical experimentation whilst forming a popular new sub-genre in the process.
Due to a heavy tour schedule and intricate recording process it’s taken a little while for the group’s full-length debut album to reach shelves - ‘Opposite of Adults’ was released in 2010. However, the wait might just be worth it for those who like their music youthful, hip and positively consistent.
Opening with an intro, the low tempo gem, which stands at just one minute and 22 seconds in length, is very similar to something that Kanye West might have put together for his 808’s & Heartbreaks album. The heavy drum kick and occasional electronic interjection leaves you wondering whether or not Mr. West might actually come in over it. Flipping the script instantly, the album’s title track hears frontman Chidera Anamege switch from pop enthusiast to rap wrecking machine. With lines such as, “I’m feeling flyer than I’ve ever been/ Flyer than them cos’ you flying where they’ve never been,” leading the charge over a Neptunes inspired instrumental, those that question the validity of these Philly kids, as far as hip-hop goes at least, might just need to stand up and instigate a round of applause for this one.
A few of the tracks on Breakfast run the risk of sounding exactly like what the older generation like to call noise - ‘Handclaps & Guitars’ and ‘Happening’, and while ‘Baby Roulette’ features some infant-esque production which might have been put in to place for a reason - check the title, the Gameboy sound effects do nothing to help its cause. However, aside from these few mishaps, next single ‘Ray Charles’ plays like one of the album’s stand out moments. Upbeat, witty - “MC Hammer with this shit, like why the fuck would I quit? Unless I hire 40 people and get like 40 cars/ And I wouldn’t even drive cos I would be Ray Charles,” and with a sample-tastic backdrop, there’s actually no catchier record out right now.
Overall Breakfast is a good effort by the viral sensation that is Chiddy Bang. In-house production, an emcee with a penchant for dropping clever one liners, and a pretty big following should equate to a fairly successful LP. However, with the album dropping this late after the group’s initial buzz, the saying, “Strike while the iron’s hot’ should definitely have been something the label instigated with these guys.
