Chika's major label debut EP, Industry Games, is a challenge to review, for a fantastic reason. The breathlessly enthused Alabama MC packs so much meaning, metaphor and sheer syllable density into every line that it can be tough for a thoroughly impressed rap critic to type up and quote her finest turns of phrase for a review.
Rather than butchering her deft lyricism in the attempt, I'd rather recommend you simply bask in her layered wordplay, which has endless replay value on songs like the bone-rattling, hanger-on-admonishing "Designer," and the rapid-fire, rival-slaying title track.
Impressive as her rapping is over a variety of beats — be it synth-laden and thoroughly modern trap or throwback soul samples — Chika's most memorable turn on Industry Games is her pop-chart-worthy performance on "On My Way." It vividly depicts a queer romance, thanks to Chika soulfully singing and then spiting her heart out for her boo. Yes, she's a downright double threat as a rapper and a singer.
As she speak-sings on the intro, over heartstring-tugging piano: "I hope this album make you think." Let's just say that hope isn't dashed on this fantastic debut.
(Warner)Rather than butchering her deft lyricism in the attempt, I'd rather recommend you simply bask in her layered wordplay, which has endless replay value on songs like the bone-rattling, hanger-on-admonishing "Designer," and the rapid-fire, rival-slaying title track.
Impressive as her rapping is over a variety of beats — be it synth-laden and thoroughly modern trap or throwback soul samples — Chika's most memorable turn on Industry Games is her pop-chart-worthy performance on "On My Way." It vividly depicts a queer romance, thanks to Chika soulfully singing and then spiting her heart out for her boo. Yes, she's a downright double threat as a rapper and a singer.
As she speak-sings on the intro, over heartstring-tugging piano: "I hope this album make you think." Let's just say that hope isn't dashed on this fantastic debut.
