[ALBUM REVIEW] CHOPS – “Strength in NUMBERS”

Official release – January 28, 2014

The concept behind the album “Strength in NUMBERS” is clear. CHOPS assembled some of the latest and greatest Asian American performers and put together an album to showcase their talent and his skills as a producer. As a whole, the album is solid and contains some very powerful storytelling. Here we’ll break down some of the strongest tracks on the album.

The first three tracks on the album are impressive and show off how versatile CHOPS can be as a producer. “Come Go With Me” and “Keep On” featuring vocalist Ann One. “And This Goes Out To You” features Catzie of Yellow Rage and the entire track is spoken word. Catzie’s lyrics are impressive, brought to life by this CHOPS production.

“Put It On The Line” is one of the stand out tracks. It debuted a few months prior to release on KEXP in Washington where the artist Prometheus calls home. Also featured on the song is Bambu and together Prometheus and Bambu have put out several projects together which are highly recommended if you are an avid Asian American Hip Hop follower. Personally Bambu stole the show with a punch line about MC Hammer but both Bambu and Brown are lyrical giants in the scene right now.

To discuss “Mission” without addressing CHOPS production on this track would be unforgivable. CHOPS updates a standard Reggae style to assist Hopie’s storytelling. Hopie’s verses discuss a rocky relationship while Erika David lends her vocal talents on the emotional hook.

After “Mission” the album takes a different turn with “U Not My Girl”, “Turn It Up”, and “All About Mine.”

“U Not My Girl” feels a bit dated. Yellow Boyz verses are reminiscent of a Soulja Boy B-Side. I can appreciate that this can be a fun party song but in the midst of the emotional storytelling and lyrical quality of the other songs on this album it feels a bit out of place.

“Turn It Up” is the most Pop track on this album. The song features Tiger JK and Tasha AKA Yoon Mirae. Tasha sings the hook while Tiger comes in with the verses. The song is a brilliant pop offering that needs to be sent to radio yesterday. While this album is entirely Hip Hop beats this song shows off CHOPS versatility as a producer yet again with a track that today’s’ pop divas would kill to get their hands on, but could never pull it off like Tasha does. Tiger’s verses are done in English and Korean and are executed perfectly in a way only Tiger JK can. He reminds you that he is “married to a goddess” and we can’t help but agree.

CHOPS serves up trap beats on “All About Mine” that sound current and perfect for modern urban radio. Joanlee sings the hook. Nikko Dator provides the verses.

The album slows down a bit with “That Real Thing” and brings together Paul Kim and Lil Crazed. Paul Kim is known for his smooth R&B vocals and CHOPS provided him a Motown-esque beat to showcase his talents. Lil Crazed verses paint the picture of an honest relationship and his quick flow and tone give the song a nice contrast to Paul’s smooth as silk voice.

“Top of the World” is a very boastful anthemic track. Thai provides powerful verses, “I stay far from worthless,” Thai’s aggressive and proud delivery sells the mood of this song. The song is an excellent example of the strength and dedication of Asian American rappers.

“Tossin’ and Turnin” is a brilliant R&B track. The track would fit in seamlessly in discographies like Destiny’s Child or Xscape, and Baiyu’s vocals are on par with R&B soul artists like Keri Hilson or Kelly Rowland. The song has an essential R&B quality but feels so current. I cannot say enough good about this song. Everything from the storytelling to every instrumental choice made on the track is perfect. Baiyu and CHOPs created a classic with this one.

“No Turning Back” is Paul Kim’s second contribution to this album and features Dumbfoundead. Once again bringing the amazing R&B sound with his vocals, Paul Kim joins Dumbfoundead on the new track. The song already has a music video featuring the two artists and the song already gained attention from fans.

“Chain Swingin,” “To The Top,” “Revolution,” “Beez That Way” and “Oh Yeah” take the album more uptempo and show a lot of diversity from CHOPS production skills.

“Girl Like That” is another song I felt was a bit out of place on this album. El Gambina and Peril-L exchange verses about their ideal types of partners and while their flow and style is commendable the lyrical content falls a bit flat.

Now, when I said that this album had incredible story telling I meant it. The entire album has many high points lyrically. However  these next two tracks are absolutely the most powerful out of this entire album. “Stories of My People” and “Mary Lou” are incredibly personal and emotional. So lets get into just what makes these songs so great.

“Stories of My People” feels like an Asian American History lesson set to a beat. Bambu is a great lyricist but he has truly outdone himself on this one. Ann One has several contributions on this album but her haunting vocals on this hook create an emotional mood that sets the perfect setting for Bambu’s storytelling. The struggle of people who came to America in hopes of a better future is told in this song. The harsh reality of their children resorting to violence in response to their mistreatment and social ostracism comes through Bambu’s verses and make this song one of the most powerful songs released this year period.

“Mary Lou” is the standout track on this album. First of all, Rocky Rivera is one of the greatest MC’s today. Rocky’s flow and punch lines are on an entirely different level than her contemporaries. Rocky rhymes about a young female MC finding herself as an artist. Secondly, The storytelling is effortless on this CHOPS beat. “All I need is a fresh beat and a pot to piss in.” Rocky delivers honest hip hop and this song feels like Rocky rapping her life-story. The realest example that you can’t “talk a gal down. cause she’s comin’ for the crown!” Rocky is EVERYTHING. Get into her island accent on this track and be hypnotized.

Now this entire album traveled through different facets of R&B and Hip Hop but always stayed true to a very urban sound, creating a very cohesive piece of work. However the final song on this album “I Do” takes the album to a very different place. CHOPS has no doubt proven his skill and versatility in his career working with artists like Nicki Minaj, The Lonely Island, Bun B, Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy and even Kanye West to name a few. That being said he has never surprised me like he did with “I Do.” Connie Lim provides vocals on this track and it is a trip. Connie’s vocals are emotional and sweet. Her delivery is similar to Sky Ferreira, Lana Del Rey, or Jewel on this song but still have this unique quality that is only Connie Lim. The song is honest and full of longing and CHOPS beat creates this atmosphere reminiscent of songs like “Bang Bang” or “Born to Die” but it sounds so current and indie.

Through this album not only did CHOPS flex his artistic muscle he also showcased the variety of talents in the Asian American music scene. This album goes through various subject matter, themes, and genres, but manages to stay cohesive. It’s a brilliant introduction to anyone not familiar with the Asian American Hip Hop scene.

Must Listens: “Put it On The Line,” “Mission,” “The Real Thing,” “Turn it Up,” “Stories of My People,” “Mary Lou,” and “I Do.”

You can order the album on Amazon or iTunes!

Written By: John L. || Edited By: Mari