Chance's debut mixtape was originally conceived during his 10 Day suspension from the high school that he was attending in Chicago, as you can kind of decipher from his lyrics. In order to give you this review the best way that I can, I'm going to go through this song by song and sum it all up in the end. That's how Ghostface does it, and since he has the best blog that I've seen, that's how I'm going to do it. LehGo!
14,400 minutes - Chance let's you know his inspiration immediately as he raps "I got suspended, ooh you got suspended/for chiefin' a hundred blunts fourteen four-hundred minutes". The beat kind of is like this goofy, circus kind of introduction which is kind of perfect to go with Chance's unorthodox delivery. It's more of an introduction to himself as a rapper and where he's from and his situation of being suspended than an actual song. We have to get introduced before we get to know someone right?
Nostalgia - Aww man, as soon as this came through my speakers I knew I'd be riding to it next time I was Black Betty (my black Malibu). Chance takes a moment to have a flashback to his childhood and previous experiences that he has had in his life as some smooth drums and a sweet piano paint a picture that allows the listener to imagine each moment that is relived.
Missing You - I'm not a huge fan of the distorted voice on this one. It makes him sound like he recorded it on a amateur home recording mic with rocks in his mouth. The beat is solid for the first 2 minutes, nothing spectacular though. Then all of a sudden he gets his Trey Songz on and swoons to his passed homie for a bit, while the beat slowly transitions into an Alicia Keys song... Not really my favorite song on here.
Windows - Now THIS is the Chance I like. He's just spitting about how wack he thinks his school is and sending shout outs every which direction all over Chicago. Also, another Windy City native that you probably haven't heard of that features on here is Alex Wiley. He looks like Andy Milonakis, but he's got some solid bars on here, so we'll let him live today.
Brain Cells - This one was definitely made for all my druggies out there. He captures the vibe of the track with his lyrics and chorus that says: "I burned too many brain cells down/to be worried bout my brain cells now" It's definitely a cool track to just chill with.
Long Time - This is a bit of a darker song from Chance as he describes some of his tougher times coming up off of this rap hustle. Going as far as describing his passed great Grandmother and how he imagined seeing her face in the water of the toilet bowl after having a long night, which I KNOW about 93% of you have experienced. He samples a band called Beirut that has an ominous sound to go along with the beat and lyrics.
22 Offs - This joint here is just another one of Chance speaking on his suspension from school and how the whole situation unfolded. The beat is some throwback Lupe Fiasco, soulful, Buddhist priest doing tai-chi in the mountains of Tibet type tish. Anyways, I like it.
U Got Me F***** Up - Definitely a favorite off the tape. It's just Chance rapping off-kilter about how not to mess up anything between him and his money to another smooth beat that you just put the windows down to in the summer and cruise.
Family - Chance and his homies get on their thankful tip on this joint. It's nothing too crazy, but it's always nice to hear someone be thankful for the things that they have instead of always having to tell us about the next car, Jesus Piece, or latest vacation. Yo! Message to rappers: Your fans can't relate to any of that, we're normal people living normal lives, so bring the extravagant lifestyle down a bit.
Juke Juke - Is that a Biggie sample I hear at the beginning?! This is too smooth from the jump. It's just some more of Chance that we've gotten used to throughout the project. I has a perfect sound for a chill party or a slower dance song for the club. Chalk up another win for Chance.
F*** You Talm Bout - Oh Boy... This is a problem right here. The beat sounds like some stuff that you'd see Tight Eyez crump to while Lil' Jon screams "YEAH!" over and over until you understand how tough this song really is. Chance took a visit to the mean, Chief Keef, murder capital side of Chicago. If you're a fan of that hood stuff then this is probably where you should start.
Long Time II - I don't really understand why there was need for 2 versions of basically the same song on the same tape, but it's whatever. It just has an extra verse and switched up the beat and sample.
Prom Night - Between this one and the next, I can't decide which is my favorite. This one has that College-Dropout-Kanye feel to it because of the soulful sample of it. Chance is rapping on his Prom Night and giving us a portrait of what prom is like in the hood. It really is just a smooth cool track. It kind of makes you want to relive Prom Night all over again.
Hey Ma - What's a classic debut without a momma song? Chance takes a moment to tell his mom and all of the other influential women in his life not to worry because one day he is going to make it. I swear this makes me just want to give my mom a hug and kiss while this plays in the background. Shout out to my mom, gosh dang it! Love ya! Anyways, I really love this one too.
Welp, as you can see, I am a huge Chance the Rapper fan, and if you are a fan of hip-hop, you should be converted if you actually listen to the tape. He's got a soulful sound with a bit of an awkward, but dope flow that makes him instantly recognizable on any song that he appears on. It just goes to show that every rapper isn't trash, and there are some with real skills that do it for the art itself. Go get 10 Day HERE. He also is supposed to be having another mixtape come out in a few weeks or so, so you know I'll be on the look out for that too. But umm, comment and suggest to me some ideas on the right side of the page if you’re on your computer or touch the arrow next to the follow button if you’re on your phone. Go follow us on Twitter HERE, ‘Like’ us on Facebook HERE, check THIS out, and the YouTube account is still coming soon. I haven’t done the YouTube thing yet because I don’t know what people want to see or hear yet, so it up the comment or question section to give me some ideas. I'm about to start the Today on Tuesday ASAP. Manti Te'o, I'm coming for you. Deuces Brodies!
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