The album features American artists Keri Hilson, Chris Brown, Trey Songz,Kalenna Harper from Diddy-Dirty Money, Jamaican dancehall musician Mavado and British rapper Wretch 32.
Chipmunk said, "It kinda represents the growth in me as a person since my last album, so the sound has matured as well as I have and that’s the main thing for me with the record - I just wanted the sound, the sound and the feel of the album to feel… I feel like a granddad but you know, just more mature than my first album, you know life’s changed."
'Diamond Rings' was two years ago and the platinum selling debut I Am Chipmunk, the one-time underground MC withdrew from the music scene after criticism came from his original fans for abandoning his roots and a non-stop promo schedule led to a bout of exhaustion. The result of his sabbatical is his aptly titled Transition LP, but does it live up to its promising name? After an exclusive first-listen of the LP, we've broken it down track by track.
Great cover!
1. 'Transition'
The title to this track speaks for the track, rock hard beats and slick rapping immediately marks a maturer sound than his debut. The "I made a transition," he claims, insisting: "It's Mr Munk now." He sounds confident and, unlike before, 100% in control. 4☆☆☆☆
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." 4☆☆☆☆
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. Despite being released midweek, the single "Flying High" debuted on the UK Singles Chart on November 14, 2010 at number 180. The next week, it climbed 108 places to number 72. On November 21, 2010, "Flying High" charted at number 19 on the UK R&B Chart. On its second week in the chart, the single fell 13 places to number 85. 4☆☆☆☆
The music video to 'Flying High' was shot in Africa and was uploaded to YouTube on 11 November 2010 . The video shows Chipmunk in a safari and African themed scene.
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. The song features American R&B singer Keri Hilson, and was released on March 13, 2011. "In the Air" follows up to the rapper's hit single "Champion", featuring American R&B singer Chris Brown, which peaked at #2 in the United Kingdom. 4☆☆☆☆
Its clear he's actually doing something rather more savvy. By drafting in Chris Brown while keeping his sound akin to previous hits, Chip's taken a best-of-both-worlds approach to this latest chart-botherer - a fist-clenching, anthemic midtempo electro-R&B stomper that ponders the glorious highs and depressive lows of fame over a 'Changes'-style piano line. "Some people wait their turn / Some people, but not me / I was born a champion," he insists with utter conviction. Maybe I've just got GaGa on the brain, but could this be the harder, bloke-friendly version of 'Born This Way'?
Check out the video to Chipmunk Feat. Chris Brown - Champion
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.5☆☆☆☆
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. 3☆☆☆☆
Chipmunk said "I've had a love for Keri Hilson since her first album. I feel she is an amazing artist, and an amazing songwriter - plus her swag is on Level Infinity! And, though she was originally meant to be on a different track, when she came to the studio and heard 'In The Air' she straightaway said that was the one she wanted to be a part of!... So we made it HAPPEN! And to me the song represents like the perfect balance of me keeping it credible but at the same time commercial. Check out the video to the song! The song's accompanying music video was directed by Colin Tilley, whom also directed Hilson's "One Night Stand" music video. The video was released on 31 March, 2011. It features appearances by both Chipmunk and Hilson! 4☆☆☆☆
Check out the video to Chipmunk Ft Keri Hilson 'In The Air' 4☆☆☆☆
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. 2☆☆
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. 3☆☆☆
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. 4☆☆☆☆
Check out the video to Chipmunk Ft Movado - 'Every Gyal' 4☆☆☆☆
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. 3☆☆☆
Check out the video to Chipmunk Ft Trey Song - 'Take Off' 3☆☆☆
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. 3☆☆☆
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. 4☆☆☆☆
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." 4☆☆☆☆
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.
