DG Woks & CE Savage - Hustlers Chapter
DG Woks & CE Savage embrace positivity and faith with “Hustlers Chapter”. A refreshing take on hip-hop, this brings the listener into their own distinct lives. Quite revelatory, they bare their very souls over the course of the album. Production here stuns for a distinct polished perfection to it. Genre-wise, they bring together elements of the aforementioned hip-hop mixed with Afrobeat, gospel, pop, and rock into a cohesive whole. By far the true center of the album rests with the life-affirming lyricism. Verses virtually cascade one on top of the other resulting in a truly spirited dialogue.
A lot filters into the mix as far as influences go. On a contemporary kick, they bring to mind the joyous approach of Chance, the Rapper in terms of the undeniable optimism of the whole work. There is a hope here that guides the tracks along. Deep within their Nigerian roots, the group touches upon the inspirationally funk grooves of William Onyeabor. Hearing the way that they let these grooves play out is a particular thrill, for they definitely defy listener expectations every single step of the way.
From the piano chords the song unfurls on the opener “Praying”. The song trades in its subtle hues. A nice degree of distortion “Big Star” has a clear-eyed ferocity to it, all the way down to the swagger of the rhythms. “Big Star” brings things to a much faster tempo, with the snares doing rather fantastic work, giving it a drill quality in its hard-hitting way. Much mellower “Sexual (feat. Upgrade)” has a tenderness to it. Nimble to its core “Ten Bottles” has a glee to it, featuring a strong party attitude. Vocals race through on “Get Rich”. On “Street Anthem” they strip things back to their essentials. Dreamy effect swirl about as “Ara” has a communal aspect. Melodies go for an understated quality for “Blessings on Blessings” features some particularly fine flows to it. Good bass frequencies worm their way through on “Fight (feat. TheBranch)”. Percussive effects skitter about as “Big Nyash” keeps it sounding so crisp. With a stately stride to it “Joo (feat. Upgrade)” offers up a commanding stance. Reflective to its core “Facts” has a heaviness to it. Gritty detail comes into focus for “Hustle” has a hardness to it. Toy box melody with fine footwork makes “O /Set” the highlight of the entire album. Playful to its core “Next Rated” has a wildness to it. Stabs of strings give “Bottom to the Top” a defiance. Gently bringing the album to a jazzy finale is the gorgeousness of “Ashi Ashi”.
“Hustlers Chapter” explores a different side of rap, one that shows off the impressive personal journey of DG Woks & CE Savage. (306).
-by beachsloth
