Recording Artist Chazmere Releases 'No B-Sides' via HipHopDX

After collaborating with Talib Kweli, Das Racist, and NIKO IS, the Bronx-bred Chazmere presents his self-titled effort out June 10. For a taste of the album now, check out single "No B-Sides" on HipHopDX.

Stream + Share "No B-Sides" Here

Chazmere is uncompromising with "No B-Sides", not ready to release just anything, not letting himself have weaker songs just for the sake of having a b-side. The album sounds lean and new, the hip hop of today, but doesn't discount older jazzy backbeats or even the slightest addition to the production. Though it's a hip hop album with consideration, it doesn't become overbearing or upsetting, instead using backline to keep the listener on to the lyrical content.

While many new artists struggle to establish an identity, Chaz Van Queen, AKA Chazmere, is emerging invigorated and refreshed. His latest self-produced album, Chazmere, comes after years of experiencing and honing, finding the producer, songwriter, recording and teaching artist delivering his most cohesive project to date. Chaz has developed a compelling presence, blending sleek lyrical cadence and savory production into a distinct sound of his own.

On Chazmere, tracks like "10" and "NO B-SIDES" exude insightful bravado, while others like "Something You Can Have" showcase evolved virtuosity. "You release a single, and normally, especially in the 90's and 80's, you would release a single and it would have an A-Side and it would have a B-Side, and the B-Side." Continuing the description of the lead single Chazmere says, "Sometimes it would be really dope and sometimes it wouldn't, and I could do that, but both songs are gonna be absolutely incredible or there will be no B-Side; both of them are just A's."

Even when describing himself as "the future of the hip-hop music maker" it's easy to see Chazmere taking influence from older hip hop makers throughout the LP. Talking about stand out track "10," his attitude exudes old hip hop: "Ensuring that you're actually doing the best that you can and you're giving your best effort as often as you can. It's pretty self-explanatory. Being on "10" all the time. That doesn't necessarily mean working hard all the time. It's not necessarily about how hard you bang against the stone. It's what you use and how many people you get to help you and what tools you use."

To post a comment, you must register and login.