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Rich Brian - 'Amen'

Is this the debut fans have been praying for?

By Rap DisciplePublished 6 years ago 3 min read
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Rich Brian's, See Me album artwork. 

Rich Brian has taken the industry by storm. The Indonesian phenom, formerly known as Rich Chigga, has been building anticipation for his debut album for over a year now. So is 'Amen' the debut album fans have been praying for?

At just eighteen years old, Rich Brian has hung out with Pharrell (where he also had a phone call with Tyler the Creator), appeared on the vlog “Hot Ones” and gone toe-to-toe with fellow up and comers on “Gospel,” which features Xxxtentacion and Keith Ape. Brian has come a long way from the hilarious, satirical “Dat Stick” video, where he’s seen wearing a fanny pack.

With his charismatic personality, success is sure to find him.

'Amen' finds him wrestling with this success while simultaneously undergoing culture shock. His journey hasn’t stopped him from being himself though; and it’s clear that he’s comfortable in his own skin. In his music videos, he doesn’t seem to take his celebrity that seriously, nor himself that seriously. He seems to be having a lot of fun.

This comedic flare is apparent on 'Amen.' It’s what makes some of his bars so entertaining. Such as when he exclaims on “Attention” that these rappers can keep their pills, because “everyday I just be sippin’ chamomile.” You know… chamomile tea? (where are the tea connoisseurs?)

Elsewhere, he is evasive and shuns the paparazzi on “Trespass.” It’s a moment that showcases Brian’s ability to weave a narrative seamlessly throughout the verses and into the hook. It’s a moment that finds him being more edgy.

Brian has a good visual presence, and he’s an authentic rapper who’s good at finding a topic. However, 'Amen'’s glaring problems are Brian’s monotony and amateur tendencies. In regards to the latter, he seems to be making it up as he goes along.

He has amassed so much notoriety in a relatively short amount of time, with scarce music available until now. Brian is an ordinary, young man who could’ve easily been your unaccomplished rapper-friend who got lucky and found his big break.

While the “Dat Stick” video is remarkable, Brian was lucky to have been discovered. As tough as it is to make it in the music industry for those in the states, it must be tenfold as difficult to make it from overseas. Brian wasn’t ready to be a star; he’s growing into one.

And with time, the monotony will evaporate as well. He raps with one cadence for the majority of this album, and this album is a snooze-fest at times. There are very few rappers that can pull off a monotone delivery well; Brian should work on this.

Essential Tracks

“Attention” ft. Offset

“Occupied”

“Glow Like Dat”

“flight”

“Trespass”

“Arizona” ft. AUGUST 08

“Enemies”

The Verdict

Brian definitely has a rich personality. He can be funny, slightly introspective, clever, a bit of a troll, and at times… a little corny. However, his charm and his willingness to be himself and not a stereotype makes him appealing to listen to. It’s hard to care about Amen without at least being semi-invested in who he is.

While Brian leaves a good impression about who he is, his artistic ability could use some work. He still carries the air of an amateur into the studio when he records; and it’s apparent almost immediately on this album. He sounds like your boy who just started rapping, but he got lucky so he is forced to be good at it now.

By no means is he a gimmick. However, he still sounds like a raw talent. One whose light will shine brighter as he’s given time to grow into a star. 'Amen' is a C+.

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