A new album release from Chef Porter hits a lush and robust classic hip-hop vibe and comes through with unique lyrical phrasing that feels warm and familiar while fiery and on point all with this sort of character that you just can't turn away from once you start getting into it.
The de zéro record is packed to the brim with unstoppable energy and a blend of old and new school wrapping and production styles that all make for a release that you can get down with from beginning to end.
This is definitely one of those records where you immediately realize the artists and people involved have a true love for their craft and there's actual heart in this record along with honesty and versatility.
Some of these tracks really hit this almost nostalgic late-90s hip-hop feel and to nail that aesthetic so well even vocally, is impressive because the whole thing feels so genuine.
Even the wrapping is that blend of old and new school feels and approaches so the entire record boasts this persona and a lot of it feels like it could have served as a soundtrack to a chapter in your own life at some point.
This is probably where that nostalgia kicks in of course.
There are layers that can be peeled back throughout the course of this record and while you do so you find yourself getting more attached to that character that's delivered.
A lot of this release packs a punch but it does it in a way that a lot of times can be very relatable and also lets the artist's presence thrive.
This is also pretty big record and there are sort of introductions and intermissions as well so along with the songs interconnecting with each other in different ways, this all feels like a big concept album to me.
One of my favorite aspects about this whole thing is that by the time you got halfway through this record you kind of expect the unexpected because there are a lot of surprises around the corners of this release both in terms of the wrapping and in terms of the production styles.
The record sort of morphs and changes as it goes on but throughout it all you get this wonderful escape where you can jump out of your reality and into his for a little while and you get stories from that.
These tracks do tell stories and the whole album tells the story as well and even though there are more than a few singles that stand on their own two feet very well, this is an album you need to listen to from the beginning through to the end.
This is important because you don't always get that level of dedication.
I mean, when's the last time you heard a full album with more than 12 Songs, that certainly has those singles strewn about, but you just need to listen to the full record.
It's been a little while for me and this was a great comeback to the full-length album which I missed.
So, kudos to Chef Porter just for that factor alone.
I feel like we live in a little bit too much of a single-based society these days and because of that, we don't have the attention span for an album, so artists don't release full albums often enough anymore.
They should be because then you know they're doing it for themselves like Chef Porter.
This speaks volumes for his character as a person and his artistry as a musician.
This was an absolutely killer record and with its release, we wanted to have a sit-down with Chef Porter to find out where exactly it may have come from and what might be coming up next for the artist.
Here's what went down.
Buzz Slayers: How did this release come about?
The initial idea to create de zéro came about due to the success of the release of "Pressure Cooker" , my ode to my time on the Netflix hit series.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as an artist?
I actually started cooking to support my musical endeavors, I've always been involved in the creation of music in one way or another dating back to age 7.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
Everything is a source of inspiration but the things that truly inspire me are matters of the heart, family, aspiration, and my never-ending quest to communicate my thoughts.
Buzz Slayers: This release has some great approaches to it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
My musical influences range from what I would deem as expected to not so typical. Luminaries like Quincy Jones, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Michael Jackson, Prince to Chuck Mangione, Chick Corea, Nas, Jay-Z, BDP, and Lord Finesse.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I am also a chef; in essence I see myself as a creative storyteller and music and food are just my mediums of choice. I innately love traveling and soaking up as much life as possible.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
I have a very eclectic palate when it comes to music, I think variety is super important as a creative. There are some exceptionally talented artists out here that I am enjoying right now. No Name, Raul Midón, and always a steady dose of Nas.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
Live performances are coming in the very near future.
Buzz Slayers: Do you record these at a big studio, or do you have a home studio set-up?
This entire project was recorded between God LVL Studios in Houston, TX and Tha Kitcn my home studio and mixed & mastered at Make Believe Studios, Omaha, NE by Rick Carson.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
They can expect more vulnerability, growth and exploration as in my opinion are the three pillars, I lean on to create.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
I really would love to express my sincerest gratitude to anyone who has spent any amount of time listening to my music, I truly appreciate the love and I will continue to push myself to create art we can all be proud of.
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