Album Review: Rich Brian - Amen

YouTube (88rising)

Rich Brian - Amen (88rising Music/EMPIRE)

Released: February 2nd, 2018

Formally known as Rich Chigga, 88rising star Rich Brian has finally released his debut project, Amen. After breaking out online due to his viral single "Dat $tick", Brian has been dropping a handful of trap hits here and there.

Originally from Indonesia, Rich Brian has never been a musician who takes himself too seriously. On Amen, he does continue that theme, but it's not as prevalent as before. On his debut, we find Brian diving into a few serious topics while still remaining true to what made him popular.

Amen is a true representation of what this teen can bring to the table and the future of rap.

This album immediately hits you with back-to-back-to-back bangers.

On the title-track, Brian's quick flow sneaks around a very minimal instrumentation. Using simple melodies and an echoing snare, he delivers a concise two-minute representation of his life so far.

"Cold" is another great song. The production is slowed down but contains these twangy synth keys that are reminiscent of a pop-rock guitar solo (1:45 mark). Brian's bars shine in the second half of the song; making references to his contemporaries as well as his preference in women...

'I just fucked a lady, yea, she 'bout 30 years old'

'Never using triplet flows because i'm not a Migo'

One of my favorites from Amen is "Occupied". The beat is carried by these repeating bells and fluttering synth keys. The kick drum is heavy and full, punching nicely between Brian's flow and snare hits. Honestly, not too much to this song; Brian attacks a very catchy instrumental with his unique cadence.

The 88rising label shows up on "Introvert". A feature from fellow member Joji supports the very moody and sappy instrumentation. A simple kick-snare pattern rides the main piano melody. Brian and Joji fit nicely on the track together. Their flows and stylistic elements mesh with each other effortlessly.



Migos member Offset makes an appearance on "Attention". Again, a solid beat guides the song; carrying Brian and a third of the Migos to another album highlight.

Other standouts from Amen include the three singles "Glow Like Dat", "See Me" and "Chaos".

"Glow Like Dat" and "See Me" are more low-key, laidback and 'chill' songs.

"Glow Like Dat" includes a thick bass section with a beautiful synth pattern, but "Chaos" heads in a different direction. Before the track begins, Brian tells you his age...

'Yo happy birthday to me, I'm 18 now and women can legally have sex with me, shout out based god'

After this goofy intro, he proceeds by delivering his monotone vocal over a siren-esque melody. Very strange, but it fits with the beat too well to ignore.

Overall, Rich Brian came through on his first full-length project. The production throughout, which was mainly done by himself, was very lush, full, and punchy. Each element sounded very clean and well produced/mixed. For the most part, each instrumental was catchy and included a range of styles; fast, slow, nocturnal, moody, bright, etc.

One thing that could veer the listener away from this project is Brian's vocal. Although he delivers tight and catchy hooks and bars, he doesn't step away from his monotone and 1-dimensional cadence too much. He constantly delivers that dark and mysterious flow throughout the course of Amen, rarely changing course.

This album won't "shock the world" by any means, but it definitely provides a more comforting feeling when considering the future of rap. Only a teenager, Rich Brian has proved that he is more than a viral-sensation. Listen below...

Listen: Rich Brian - Glow Like Dat

Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop/Trap-Rap/Dark-Rap/R&B

Rating: 7/10

Fav Songs: Amen, Cold, Occupied, Introvert, Attention, Glow Like Dat, See Me, Chaos


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