Successfully branding himself as a hometown favorite, Compton native Problem has seen his profile rise then dip off to remain at a midpoint between obscurity and stardom. Since following up a breakout moment on E-40’s 2012 hit “Function” with smash single “Like Whaaat”, he’s yet to show much in the way of crossover appeal while staying miles ahead of the average aspiring rap act starving for recognition. Despite his authenticity, poise and aggression all suggesting an untapped potential to represent his city on a larger scale, his latest release Chachiville, may fall on deaf ears as he’s considered a relatively local sensation compared to his peers basking in the ongoing limelight.
Making no secret of his story’s inspiration, “Lightwork” ends with the present day ghost of Caine from Menace II Society saluting Problem’s Diamond Lane crew. This most genuine cinema reference reinforces how deeply rooted he is in California’s gangsta rap prime; luckily his creative versatility displays a range far stronger than what appears at a glance. Contributing more to the game than sheer bravado and meaningless tough talk, he speaks on behalf of lost souls from his environment while exploring his own interpersonal struggles.
“Keep On Pushin’” finds Problem seeking to grow past the cyclical trappings of hood life, while “Did It For The Culture” takes a dramatic look at the prison industrial complex with intricate insight into how homicide and robbery come about. Having grown up undoubtedly entrenched in the gang member shenanigans that are glorified online, Problem sincerely advises Chris Brown to reconsider his hazardous choices on “Ain’t Fuh Me”, and the celebratory “All Year” aims to unify Bloods and Crips alike.
Though Chachiville is primarily consistent in its goal to make Problem worthy of attention in 2017, the less stellar moments are dedicated to women. While the slow and spooky “Moneeey” is practically unlistenable (along with the exhausted Auto-Tune that ruins “Play”), he makes greater strides when putting his best foot forward musically on “Melrose”. A well-composed attempt at raunchy R&B, here his cheesy lyrics and end up bolstered by famed 1500 Or Nothin’ vocalist Uncle Chucc.
The pop-friendly “Don’t Belong To You” warns against chasing after promiscuous groupies, a rather cliche idea only salvaged by Problem addressing the roots of poor parenting. Fitting in with Los Angeles’ predominant sound for the past few years, “Betta Watch Yo Self” blatantly replicates DJ Mustard’s three-note formula while remaining catchy nonetheless. Likewise, “Don’t Want No Smoke” copies the recently popularized trend of recycling ‘90s classics with its Fugees homage, an already menacing song complemented by the narration of podcasting jailbird Taxstone.
Steadily making a living off of rapping, Problem rarely leaves his comfort zone which risks complacency inherent with remaining a regional celebrity. Perhaps Chachiville is meant to be no more than a step towards perfecting his preferred aesthetic of crafting bangers for those who can most easily relate.
Not sure that the hiphopdx reviewer knows what they’re doing. First of all, all of the songs on Chachiville have slap to them. Problem’s lyrical prowess is apparent throughout, as he showcases on “Pushin”:
“…stop with that boss shit, boy you’s a lookout, pulled up on the side of your whip, you ain’t even look out. You on, but yo homies ain’t, you don’t even look out, getting read by the bitches like you a book out. If I was you, I’d chill with that tough shit before you get took out like meat at a cookout.”
Secondly, the song “Moneey” is a cut. Women and men alike will find themselves singing the hook. Same goes for “Play”. Provocative and sexy, it’s a go. My woman loves to sing it when the kids aren’t around.
“No Smoke” is no joke. Chach may be flipping the same Fugees sample that’s real popular right now, but his wordplay and delivery ride the track so effortlessly that the song gets stuck on repeat.
Combining all of his strengths into one project, Chachiville, Problem has definitely found his lane(?).
3.6 isn’t that far off from a rating of 4 you know…
Diamond Lane!!!
Problem came thru with that real street slap for Da WEST!
Keep puttin on Comptown, my nigga!
He needs to do a whole Album with Dj Quik…… that El debarge smooth but Funky Quik. Problem is dope but his beats be suspect alot. Dj Quik, Terrace Martin. Sounwave and some dope producers is all he needs and slicker concepts at times. work with some young fly singers on some dope universal songs also. Jhene Aiko, October , that white girl on Snoops label. Tink Sza Jeremih
Fake crip alert!! Dude claims Palmer then puts out a red album cover? Suspect AF. In the studio with Quik, he said he doesn’t bang? Nice switchroo, bitch. Why do LA niggas act like normal folk can’t open up the books on them and expose them. Lyrically he is a tad bit better than YG, he is light years behind him in porpularity, money and sales. This coward jumped DJ Mustard for saying beats now cost 20K. LOL. Who’s recording with Mariah, Em and Dre? Not you, punk. Fake crip!