Artist: Chuck N Lock
Album: Hole In The Wall
Tracklisting:
1. The Dive
2. Gone Fishin’
3. Kahunaville
4. Rest Stop
5. CERN Lab
6. Money On The Line
7. Last Call
It’s been a while since Chuck N Lock dropped some new music, and well, since I have actually written a full-length review and good things just happen to coincide from time to time. Hence this write-up.
Here you have the Delaware wordsmiths teaming up with producer, Grant Burgess. It’s not a long project and it doesn’t need to be as there is much potency packed between the lines and the beats.
This is a case where emcee and producer blend perfectly and with consistent depth. And the reason I say, “depth”, is because you have to listen intently to Chuck N Lock’s bars to catch not only the wordplay but also the nuances in between. They’re crafty with their sixteens so pay close attention.
On the opening track, The Dive, it’s an instantaneous jump into the music. It’s not an intro, as you are off and swimming into the deep end of the pool. The production from Grant Burgess starts off almost as ambient letting our emcee just ‘unleash’ and then drops the drums and rhythm to give the track some step and cadence.
Shit I’m clowning but your whole team is not in contention / and your loss isn’t memorable /. Washington Generals / Lobbies of henchmen / Got your attention / I’m hopping the fences / On some off in the wind shit
They ignore marketing ploys and gimmicks and have stuck to refining their craft which you can really hear throughout their career and discography. They are true artisans.
Gone Fishin’ shows some advanced story telling skills with tightly woven lyrics wrapping themselves around Burgess’ piano keys and the sounds of the street. It’s a burglary gone bad as Chuck N Lock take you right from the game plan to the execution, and then the set up. They paint a vivid picture of every point with acute wordplay. I am pretty well versed with the duos music and I feel like this song particularly showcases a different element of their skills than I had heard before.
I have already touched on my favorite track, the lead single, Money On The Line, but the accolades bear repeating. This joint really showcases the chemistry and wordplay of the emcees, and represents the best of Grant Burgess as well. The horns, the bells, the dusty vibe, and that vocal sample is addictive. I love this joint and this is part of one of my favorite verses:
When duty calls, most of yall just ignore it / Let it go to your voice mail recording / Never check it if the message is important / I get it, I just don’t endorse it / I never force it / Unless I am kicking it off the door hinge / I’m at your neck like the headless horseman / Full of endorphines / Special forces and a furious pen / I’m working lat one out, first one in…
Hole In The Wall comes in only at 15 minutes long but it is a seamless 15 minutes. The songs and sound literally fall right into each other, much owed to Burgess, making this more of an experience than a traditional EP. I am all in on Chuck N Lock as with references to the Fer De Lance and The Shining they continue to test the listener’s mettle, always keeping you on-guard for the next rewind moment. Don’t miss out.
Hip Hop Dependency 