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Exploring Chino XL’s “Darkness and Other Colors”: (Album Review)

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The long-awaited album Darkness and Other Colors has been officially digitally released. This marks the first posthumous album by Chino XL. Darkness and Other Colors takes listeners on a journey through hardcore, dark lyrical themes, serving as a follow-up to God’s Carpenter.

The album opens with “Word of the Color of Death” and “Sermon in Crimson,” featuring fast-paced and dark lyrical wordplay that intensely explores personal pain, existential dread, and the struggle for identity. Chino XL showcases a complex blend of bravado and introspection, weaving intricate metaphors and punchlines while addressing personal struggles alongside broader societal issues. This leads into “SEPIA SELFIES FROM THE LAST SUPPER,” where he reflects on his long career in rap, humorously noting that he’s taking selfies from the Last Supper.

“The Red You Deserve” elaborates on heavy emotional weight, intertwining themes of societal neglect and personal turmoil, along with a searing critique of injustice. “Saged Sleep” delves into exhaustion and emotional turmoil, expressing a deep desire for escape. “Byzantium Darkness” features fast-paced storytelling about past struggles and accomplishments.

Chino XL final performance @LaSanta Oc. (Cred: Loe Kee Phlicks)
Chino XL final performance @LaSanta Oc. (Cred: Loe Kee Phlicks)

“Blue Obsidian” digs deeper into his dark journey, reflecting on his previous dwelling in a cemetery. “Burn Ivy” captures his self-doubts and the perceptions others have had of him, with raw, aggressive expression harmonizing the burden of his past.

“Black Room” continues the exploration of personal struggle, artistic integrity, and cultural commentary. “Lumps Sumps” mixes fast-paced flows with a harmonizing chorus, detailing the artist’s battles with personal struggles and the quest for authenticity. “Chardikala” (Chardi Color) delivers a brief poem that conveys messages of hope and unity.

Chino XL final performance @LaSanta Oc. (Cred: Loe Kee Phlicks)

The deluxe editions features 3 bonus tracks. In “Grey Discipline,” Chino XL showcases his advanced wordplay, illustrating his lyrical prowess. “Gifted God’s Auburn” offers insight into his mood and past experiences, while “Vanilla Sky” concludes the journey. In this track, he describes his voice as an effort made in the shade of grey, referencing the film Vanilla Sky and suggesting that his ambitions, much like vanilla, are plain yet profound.

Album Rating 9/10

Pre-Order the Vinyl x CD now courtesy of 1332 Records via WWW.1332RECORDS.COM 

Make sure to keep up with more of Chino XL on Spotify.

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