Chamillionaire – The Sound of Revenge

Artist: Chamillionaire

Title: The Sound of Revenge

Label: Universal

Rating: 6.5/10

FILE UNDER:The “Mixtape Messiah” goes mainstream.

CORPORATE LINE: The freestyle prince was relentlessly pursued by major labels ever since his celebrated debut on the Texas indie scene a few years ago. The talented rapper appeared on several compilations, (and is rumored to have sold more than 250,000 mix tapes on his own) and released two acclaimed solo albums, Get Ya Mind Correct (2002) with Paul Wall, and Mixtape Messiah (2004), before signing to Universal. Crafting the much anticipated The Sound of Revenge with a diverse slate of in-demand producers and artists such as, Swizz Beatz, Scott Storch (50 Cent), David Banner, Mannie Fresh , Lil Flip, The Beat Bullies (Big Boi/Outkast), and others.

THE GREAT:
“Void In My Life” – As Cham discusses his mother, who is Christian, and his father, a Muslim, you feel like it’s the rare track where he touches on something close to his soul.

THE AVERAGE:
“In The Trunk” – Chamillionaire can rock they lyrics and hooks.
“Think I’m Crazy” – Cham’s flow strays far from the rest of the album. It reminds me of a cross between Kool Moe Dee and K-Solo.
“Radio Interruption” – When your mind is on making a hit you never make a hit—it still holds true.
“Turn It Up” – Lyrically devoid of potency even while the hook rocks the radio.
“Ridin’” – Ear candy filler.

THE BAD:
“Picture Perfect” – This weak track should have been left behind.
“Peepin’ Me” – Question whether Cham sold-out leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

FRANKLY: Chamilllionaire the “Mixtape Messiah” can drop tight lyrics and hooks that might make him rich—but he’s not a great M.C. The Sound of Revenge isn’t revolutionary or better than most records dropping ever week. Is there potential? Cham definitely has potential to be great and whether you buy now or wait until then is up to you. Cham is no Nelly or Eminem and it is even harder to guage how good he is because of all the guest stars that ruin the show. Had Cham stuck with his roots and stayed from trying to go mainstream so he could sell as many albums as possible this might have been a better release.

+ CC Morris