over the script

OVER THE SCRIPT: MIX TAPE REVIEW

                                 Malik Champloo’s debut mix tape titled Over the Script is a very cohesive and unique piece of work. It shouldn’t come as a surprise because of this kids interests.  Growing up Champloo became a die-hard fan anime cartoons, Japanese rap groups and Japanese artwork. The name Champloo is inspired from a Japanese Cartoon titled Samurai and Champloo which is a unique combination of Japanese music, graffiti styles, hip hop soundtracks and different jazz samples. All of these ingredients are applied to the mix tape and is very effective. The intro track is a smooth blues inspired track titled Average which perfectly sets the stage for what’s to come. Champloo talks about how he’s an average kid from the inner cities of Brooklyn; just trying to do something positive with his life. Champloos potent rhymes along with vocals by singers  Jacqua Cooper and Narissa on top of the jazzy track is a breath of fresh air. The catchy chorus is tailor made for the radio. Cooper and Narissa sing angelically ‘’I aint a pimp, I aint a Crip I aint a blood or a hustler just an average Motherf***er. This infectious track is what hip-hop should be all about. Honest lyrics mixed with a smooth beat which is very reminiscent of a Tribe Called Quest track.

            

The 23 year old Brooklynite keeps the listeners attention on the second track titled Luv Sic. Champloo touches on another recurring theme on his mix tape ; which is women. On this song he raps fiercely about a beautiful female who has his nose in the air. On his opening verse he spits ‘’Last time these women had me gutted like some fishes, you came along and keep me together like some stitches.’’ He showcases his ability to rhyme over smooth beats, and his versatility as well. The old saying is if it’s not broke don’t fix it. Malik Champloo sticks to the script with another smooth beat titled Lost in Translation.  On this standout track Champloo weaves in and out of the beat with great lyrics, and constructive content which is rare in today’s hip-hop. The theme of a kid from the inner city lost in the world, lost in relationships is very common for any kid from any ghetto in the world. Hard hitting lyricism is on full display as he raps on the opening verse ‘’See im just a ni**a who grew up fatherless I’m coming from the hood but not a fan of its politics, I’m in to art while others are into hollow tips.’’ Track after track you get the feeling that this artist has a good feel for the art of hip hop ,and just flat out knows how to make good music.

At the halfway point Champloo gets very personal with his track Babel.  This is his most insightful cut off the mix tape as he delves into his thoughts and beliefs. He discusses the hardships of his life which is the core theme of this song. Champloo somberly raps ‘’Father was a sailor he didn’t bother to harbor others left scars on my back I’m anticipating their departure.’’ His approach to this record has to be lauded, because it’s rare that a rapper lets fans into their respective worlds in such a candid way. While talking about his past demons and weaknesses he also shows these past shortcomings made him the strong determined person he is today. Hip-hop purists feel that content is very lacking in the genre today, but without a doubt Champloo’s Over the Script project would make them proud. Champloo uses this project as a party-starter, a spirit-raiser, and a consciousness-transformer.  A great hip-hop record can be all those things, especially when the beats, lyrics and content Is right.

Malik Champloo’s propensity to mix great content on rap tracks are effectively showcased on his track People Say. He raps about the brainwashed youth, racism, and religion some unusual themes used in hip hop. The slow beat is the perfect backdrop for Champloos hard hitting lyrics. In the opening verse he spits ‘’Lord please look out for these generations t.v. dreams eyes glued to every station. Don’t know the meaning of black but always racist, don’t know the meaning of work but paper chasing.’’

 From top to bottom this project has a little something for every kind of hip-hop fan to admire. Also the up and coming rappers use of Blues, jazz, Japanese rock, r&b, pop and hip –hop  is are fused together to make great music. It also lets other fans in that are outside of the hip-hop community. “Over The Script” Malik Champloo’s first project is a solid effort that showcases the up and coming rappers many different talents and bright future. He was awarded Reverbnation artist of the month in November which shows that underground rap fans still have a deep appreciation for rap with a purpose.

STANDOUT TRACKS: LOST IN TRANSLATION 

AVERAGE, LUV SIC 

AVERAGE VIDEO: http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/artist_videos/1314644