The words "gone too soon" feel trite, but there's no phrase more fitting when listening to Chinx's second and final studio album, Legends Never Die. Murdered last year in a drive-by shooting, the Coke Boys signee was brimming with potential, a fact that is reinforced throughout this final effort.
In an era where most New York rappers are masquerading as Southerners, Legends is oozing with refreshing East Coast charm — pure, unadulterated Queens from start to finish. It's not Chinx's best, but it manages to dodge all of the risks that come with a posthumous release: it doesn't sound disjointed, dated or forced. In fact, Legends is eerie in its seamlessness.
Those who came to know and love Chinx through his countless mixtapes are in for more of the same on Legends: easy, infectious hooks; formulaic lyrics and very ringtone-esque production from street tape mainstays like Harry Fraud, Remo the Hitmaker and Blickie Blaze. The album isn't particularly impactful, but it contains easy wins for the streets and the club, namely "Top of the Year," "Like This" and "Match That."
These are successes that the 31-year-old should have been around to enjoy. Despite its bright production, "All Good" is especially chilling — Chinx trading bars with the late Stack Bundles is a pleasure to hear, but in the same measure, overwhelmingly sad.
While sonically, Legends is far too regional to have widespread appeal, it's a solid album considering the grave circumstances. Chinx fans will be more than pleased. It's a send-off fit for a legend.
(Riot Squad/NuSense/Coke Boys/eOne)In an era where most New York rappers are masquerading as Southerners, Legends is oozing with refreshing East Coast charm — pure, unadulterated Queens from start to finish. It's not Chinx's best, but it manages to dodge all of the risks that come with a posthumous release: it doesn't sound disjointed, dated or forced. In fact, Legends is eerie in its seamlessness.
Those who came to know and love Chinx through his countless mixtapes are in for more of the same on Legends: easy, infectious hooks; formulaic lyrics and very ringtone-esque production from street tape mainstays like Harry Fraud, Remo the Hitmaker and Blickie Blaze. The album isn't particularly impactful, but it contains easy wins for the streets and the club, namely "Top of the Year," "Like This" and "Match That."
These are successes that the 31-year-old should have been around to enjoy. Despite its bright production, "All Good" is especially chilling — Chinx trading bars with the late Stack Bundles is a pleasure to hear, but in the same measure, overwhelmingly sad.
While sonically, Legends is far too regional to have widespread appeal, it's a solid album considering the grave circumstances. Chinx fans will be more than pleased. It's a send-off fit for a legend.