The Pancakes and Oatmeal of Breakfast

It is widely acknowledged that pancakes fall amongst the most beloved breakfast entrées. Meanwhile, to most, oatmeal is looked upon as a sub-par bowl of grains that is hard to get excited about. In this spirit we review the much anticipated first meal (album) Breakfast, from the young duo, Chiddy Bang.

The Pancakes (Good)

1. Damn, he sounds good. Chiddy, known for his witty rhymes and a flow that makes his vocals almost a smooth percussion instrument of their own, only improved on his rapping abilities. Chiddy’s verbal abilities clearly shine in the twelve track album. He seems to have taken a step up and Breakfast is a product ready for the global market.

2. Chiddy still had rhymes left. After rapping for nine hours, sixteen minutes, and twenty two seconds to break the world freestyling record it would have been understandable if Chiddy Bang had exhausted his repertoire. It is a testament that he still had crafty lines left to spit on Breakfast.

3. At least one song will top the iTunes charts. Say what you will about Breakfast, but there is no denying its catchiness. It is full of tunes that are radio-friendly and will appeal to the masses. Furthermore, Chiddy Bang acquired a strong base with The Preview. I expect Breakfast to be for Chiddy Bang, what Blue Slide Park was for Mac Miller: a chart topper.

The Oatmeal (Bad)

1. It is nothing you have not heard before. Granted, Breakfast contains a lot of unique and absorbing beats that you will find yourself bobbing your head to. It has a lot of clever lines that you will find yourself reciting. Maybe, that is all we should expect from Chiddy Bang. Nevertheless, I was disappointed that the rap duo did not show more innovation on their second album. The general themes consist of partying and Chiddy’s successes and struggles with the opposite sex. The themes themselves have become somewhat monotonous in twenty first century hip-hop. Moreover, it can be argued that the lyrical illustrations of Chiddy’s nightlife do not capture the listener’s imagination, and the stories of his love life are inadequately intimate. (However it should be said that these characteristics may appeal to many listeners not seeking a classic hip-hop tape, but looking for more of a new aged, pop and rap blend.)

2. At least one song will top the iTunes charts. The same catchiness that will sell millions of copies of Breakfast, and get it lots of plays on the radio will dishearten hard core rap enthusiasts. Breakfast is closer to pop than it is to alternative rap. I expect Breakfast to be for Chiddy Bang, what Blue Slide Park was for Mac Miller: an album that will elicit mass appeal, but potentially turn off some of their earliest niche fans.

All in all Breakfast is a strong project. It is hard for an artist to maintain all of their integrity while trying to be heard universally. Breakfast still has all of the major elements that have taken Chiddy and Xaphoon as far as they have come, and complements them in a way destined to be a mainstream success. The album was a fun listen and is being sold relatively cheap for $7.99 on iTunes.