10 Apr 2011

Transition Review | Digital Spy




1. 'Transition' 
The title track's rock hard beats and slick rapping immediately marks a maturer sound than his debut. "I made a transition," he claims, insisting: "It's Mr Munk now." He sounds confident and, unlike before, 100% in control.



2. 'Follow my Lead'
Featuring rising singer-songwriter Eric B, the track has a sturdy, militant melody and skyscraper chorus to match, in which a defiant Chippers states: "Never blinded by the lights but always had stars in my eyes."


3. 'Flying High'
A similarly uplifting number that makes great use of the phrase "hakuna matata". Built around an African-style chant of "Ey-ooh-yeah, you know we flying high", it's also ludicrously catchy.

4. 'Champion'
In the context of the rest of the album, this Chris Brown-assisted trailer sounds all-the-more poignant - especially as it's an extended version of the track, clocking in at 5m55s in total. 

5. 'Foul'
Having exhausted chunky beats and stadium-sized choruses, this is a straightforward, two-finger salute at those who have criticised his break into the mainstream. "I never once said f**k grime," he insists in sing-speak fashion, before dropping a - as he puts it - "foul", gritty and squelchy beat that "deserves two yellow cards". Destined to become a fan favourite.

6. 'In The Air'
Given what we've heard so far, this still feels like an easy and uninspired second single choice. That said, hearing Keri and Chippers side by side isn't as odd as we first thought.





7. 'Then and Now'
The record's first slowie has a Kanye-inspired beat thicker than a Maccy D's milkshake, and discusses the subject of money in the music biz - or lack of it. "Just write the cheque, I've got to make it," he asks. This one's a bit too self-indulgent for our liking. 


8. 'White Lies'
Featuring Diddy-Dirty Money's Kalenna Harper, Chipmunk deals with the backstabbing he's experienced since finding fame. Driven by a slick, cantering beat and hectic melody, it's hard to see what all the fuss is about.

9. 'Every Gyal'
About his newfound ability to pick up any female in a club, it's a much-welcomed - albeit somewhat obvious - change of pace. Guest rapper Mavado's Jamaican twang adds an element of fun without sounding cheesy.

10. 'Take Off'
"It's like you didn't want me to take off," Chipz and Trey Songz nonchalantly admit on this number about the difficulties of being in a relationship when you're famous. With an Eastern European-influenced melody and some razor sharp production, we reckon this one could be a grower.

11. 'Armageddon' 
Featuring fellow grime star MC Wretch 32, 'Armageddon' combines gritty synths and heavy beats over lyrics about remaining determined no matter what. "There ain't no liar in me, just fire in me/ I don't know how to quit, blame the trier in me," they insist.

12. 'Picture Me'
"Sometimes the negativity can be worse/ I tried to make them jealous and obviously it works," he notes in this hook-laden and thoughtful track about taking control of your destiny. It also features a curious cameo from former American Idol contestant Ace Young.

13. 'Pray For Me' 
A straight-up, no-nonsense rap number that lays bare his current frame of mind. "Suicidal tweets, can you blame me?" he asks, before commenting: "My confidence is made of titanium."


Transition is an impressive effort that focuses as much on the lyrics as it does production - both of which are slick, on point and considered throughout. The album suffers from being two tracks too long, particularly as there is little deviance in subject matter, but it's nonetheless a significant step up from his debut that ultimately leaves us excited for his next metamorphosis. 

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