The first time I heard Chiddy Bang, I was instantly impressed by their sampling of MGMT’s “Kids.” Their unconventional sampling methods, and even sounds, are fresh and different, combining hip hop with so many different realms in music, producing an end result that is successful and satisfactory. This continues to be the case in their latest release, Peanut Butter and Swelly.
Providing listeners with a little snack before their debut studio album Breakfast drops, Chiddy Bang still keeps things spacey, creative and light-hearted in Peanut Butter and Swelly. Rapper Chidera Anamege and his Travis McCoy-esque delivery blends well with the mixtape’s production. A combination of old-school samples (Martha and the Vandellas’ “Heat Wave”) and modern-day synthpop (Matt and Kim’s “Cameras”), Peanut Butter and Swelly captivates in so many different ways, creating a diverse sound that will have you smiling at their unique choices.
In the aforementioned “Heatwave,” guest appearances by newcomers Mac Miller and Casey Veggies and somewhat veteran Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth provide the heat over soulful sounds.
In “Baby Roulette” Train makes a guest appearance, taking a break from talking about soul sisters, and claiming that their love is “super-sized.” Nintendo-esque sounds explode randomly behind poppy synths as Anamege provides the flow.
Did you know that Anamege has the Guinness World Record for longest freestyle rap? If you didn’t, “Guiness Flow” will make you a believer as he confidently refers to his noteworthy, Guinness-approved rhymes.
“Jacuzzi (Lost in the Vapors)” and its feel-good synths, beats and chorus are infectious; you will be hooked as Anamege raps about having a good time. “You Think My Old Shit Hard? You Ain’t Seen Nothin'” is a mouthful, but the track is banging. The hook and its bumping bass are great, and when it transitions back to a half-time, dubstep groove during the verses, is amazing.
“When You’ve Got Music” finishes off the mixtape with a guest appearance from The Knocks. The buzzy, drilling synths and minimal handclaps and percussion sounds are absolutely enjoyable, and the matrimony between Chiddy Bang and The Knocks (Chiddy Bang sampled The Knocks’ “Blackout” for a song before) is apparent as everything just flows on this standout track.
Peanut Butter and Swelly shows that the dynamic duo still has what it takes to make eclectic, feel-good danceable music; Anamege’s delivery is something similar to the aforementioned Travis McCoy and party rapper Schwayze; it smoothly creates a narrative about having a good time and enjoying the finer moments of life. A great listen, and definitely something to keep the fans satisfied until Breakfast drops, Peanut Butter and Swelly will have your head bobbing and your feet moving from beginning to end.
