There was once a time when taking years between albums was commonplace. But in today’s crowded Hip Hop landscape, it’s easy for artists to get lost in the shuffle during such a long absence — especially when that timeframe is seven years.
New Jersey’s Rasheed Chappell looks to recapture the attention of past listeners and gain some new ones with First Brick, his sophomore album produced entirely by Kenny Dope. The talented MC has teamed with HipHopDX to bring fans an early listen of the LP before it officially drops on Friday (September 14).
“For those familiar with my first release, Future Before Nostalgia, they will be happy to see that I’ve remained true to form as it pertains to beats and rhymes,” Chappell tells DX. “They will however witness my growth as an artist, lyricist, storyteller and overall MC on this project. To those hearing me for the first time, they will get a glimpse into the world from which I draw my slang, ideologies and influences. I think it provides a balance that reflects my past and projects my future all in the right now.”
Chappell knows he’s dealing with a case of “out of sight, out of mind” but intends for First Brick to be the beginning of more frequent releases. That said, he’s still focused on creating timeless works of art as opposed to dropping music for the sake of awareness.
“Every word I pen is written to stand the test of time,” he explains. “I don’t believe in disposable music. My job is to carefully scribe a legacy. My words will live long after I’m gone, and I hope those that hear them get a sense of the man and the times. I do know that good music stands the test of time. Case in point, it’s been seven years since I dropped an album, and I’ve been blessed to remain on the minds and in rotation of many the world over. That being said, I will never be away that long again. First Brick is the launching point for much more music on the way.”
Check out Chappell’s First Brick stream, cover art and tracklist below.
1. Breaking Ground (intro)
2. My Epic (Portraits)
3. First Brick
4. Shorty Rock (Pt. 1)
5. Aiding & Abetting f. Daniel Son & CRIMEAPPLE
6. Franchise
7. 101
8. Banana King on Broadway f. DJ Scratch
9. Street Corner Shit f. O.C.
10. Kingsmen f. Recognize Ali, Hus Kingpin, Napoleon Da Legend & Lil Fame
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In a world of subpar bars exists an artist with substance RASHEED CHAPPELL!! I feel he easily could have dominated in the talented 90’s roster with his lyrical content & delivery! We are definitely blessed to have a truly polished artist along side the legandary KENNY DOPE presently giving us this pure uncut product! This is hip hop at its finest!! This Album is an instant classic ya’ll need to cop this asap it is everything an album should be! Word!!!
The story telling is flawless on “Shorty Rock Pt. 1” and “101” and the flow is immaculate. It’s been a long 7 years, but we finally got that new work. Salute my dude… Back to the music…..
One of the illest joints out right now we gonna have this in heavy rotation on our show keep making that real boom bap salute
A Great Mc and Album. I’ll spin this music soon in my show. Big Up to RASHEED CHAPPELL !!!
beast!
5 Mic ? ???? Album! Complete Fire! ?????Wordplay, Metaphysics, Production, the whole 9! Props to the King Rasheed & KD! HipHop Heads you need “First Brick” ??
Album is crazyyyyy dawg! Respect!
Okay would it be Fair if I said this is Another Rasheed Chappelle Masterpiece!! “Sunflower Seeds and “Mrs.Berry’s Ices” You have to have Lived that Time Period to Know what He’s Talking About. This is About as Hip Hop is J.Cole’s and Kendrick’s Projects, Clean Vocals, and Crisp Beats makes this just as Acclaimed as any Mainstream Artist Out!!! Big Ups Sheed
My first brick by Benny is a houston classic
Front to back bangers. Good to see and hear the brother back on the scene.
one track in and already fire!
Really glad to see Rasheed Chappell back at it, hos 2011 debut was tjat Dylan straight fiyah. Will check ASAP. Props for posting some actual content amidst all the Twitter drama and corny young BS artists. Nice to see OC on there too, i imagine their voices and styles compliment each other perfectly.
Straight fire beginning to end.