Review Summary: Pretty Much Amazing
In the short space of about two years, Chiddy Bang has gone from getting, “attention like a soldier in the military,” to one of the most unique artists of 2011. But what sets Chiddy Bang apart from other hip hop artists? Chiddy Bang is a genre changing blend of hip hop and electronica. Chiddy Bang masterfully manages to merge the distinct genres of hip hop and indie music with catchy synth and auto-tuned harmonies. The only noticeable previous attempt to mix these two genres was on Kid Cudi’s “Maniac” which featured St. Vincent.
Who are these guys and where did they come from? The rising and alternative-hip-hop artist Chiddy Bang is a dynamic duo consisting of Chidera “Chiddy” Anamege and Noah “Xaphoon Jones” Beresin. The two met at Drexel College in Philadelphia, but have since dropped out of college to focus directly on their musical career. In February of 2009, the group released a free mixtape named “The Swelly Express.” The album was set up as their trip from Philly to NYC to meet big wigs. The mixtape received much internet popularity and within two months, Chiddy Bang was signed to EMI, the British recording label. In April of 2010, Chiddy Bang released a shorter second mixtape “Air Swell,” which sampled and remixed popular UK artists like the Gorillaz, La Roux, Ellie Goulding and even sampled a song from Mary Poppins. This past October, “The Preview” EP was released. This latest release samples Passion Pit as well as features the unique Darwin Deez in “Bad Day” and Sufjan Stevens in “All Things Go.” Between the mixtapes and EP have also managed to sample and remix Cee Lo Green, Tom Waits, and Radiohead. Their studio album “Peanut Butter and Swelly” is due to come out sometime early this year.
Chiddy Bang raps from topics ranging from conflict in Nigeria where Chidera’s parents immigrated from, to the typical love of the game, stories of slum to fame and party anthems. They bring a new freshness back to the songs that they sample. The song “Opposite of Adults,” starts off with the intro to “Kids,” that telltale sound of children’s yelling, but quickly turns to upbeat synths that catch the feel of MGMT’s song. Although some of their songs can get repetitive quickly, on the whole Chiddy and Xaphoon Jones merge their fresh beats and playful lyrics harmoniously. With no other artist presently aiming or seemingly even thinking about aiming for the same spot in the music scene, Chiddy Bang has nowhere to go but up.
