If there is anyone that has kept themselves relevant after major label shake ups then that is Young Chris. From the ashes of Roca Fella and State Property comes his realization that he needs to do for self. From there, he ended up being the flagship artists for Rico Love’s Division 1 imprint. Now back to being signed again, Young Chris has “graduated”. From being a side item to a main focus, it would behoove the listening public to understand why his newest mixtape is called The Revival.

     Production wise, the album is apt with production that exudes the proper backdrops and canvases for Young Chris to lyrically paint on. “Lay Low” is that hard hitting, bell ringing, thumping jam that you would expect an MMG artist to rhyme over. Ironically, Meek Mill is featured on this song. Yet, with songs like “S Class”, “Dead on Arrival”, “Off My Chest”, and “Triple Threat” you can see Cardiak smooth out the production with more sampled/instrumental type flair. So, if anyone is worried about the production sounding monotonous, need not be concerned.

     If anyone is questioning whether or not Young Chris has the lyrical panache to keep up with the rest of the industry, don’t fret: he still has it. “Intro” lets it all out about the Roca Fella fall out and his standing with his own family/crew. “Class in Session” lets loose his “teachable moments” that he gained from the industry and the streets alike. “Murder Outside” is that Beanie Sigel featured jam that epitomizes the frequent State Property featured songs. With “rappers runnin’ out of breath” and needing to get their “fitness in shape”, Young Chris is going as hard as necessary.

     If this mixtape is any indication of where Young Chris is going, then I like what I hear. Sounding more like a seasoned veteran than “Young Gun”, he is working more to make a mark in hip hop territory. Now all he needs to do is trim some fat and come even more complete sonically and conceptually. Yet and still, one can’t deny the prowess and precision that it took to complete this mixtape. The defibrillator can be put away: Young Chris has been revived.

    

Article written by Mark A. Harris, contributing writer for STACKS Magazine

In case you missed it, check out our exclusive interview with Young Chris here!