Contributing Writer
Revered Manchester rapper and producer Chunky unveils his highly anticipated debut album Somebody’s Child, out 3rd March on Eglo Records.
As a proud Mancunian with Zimbabwean roots, Somebody’s Child’s 11 tracks reflect on Chunky’s journey growing up in Manchester and takes a deep, introspective dive through his inner workings, set to a backdrop of deconstructed grime and rap fused with a variety of Afro-diasporic sounds.
Opener ‘YES I’ introduces Chunky’s masterful flow over heavy bass shimmers, before ‘Daylite’ sets a tranquil mood with whispered lyricism and a delicate bare-bones arrangement. ‘Ballin’ showcases Chunky’s lean production skills, looping and layering distorted vocal samples, while previous singles ‘Meh’ and ‘GNG (Guts N Grets)’ both spotlight the rapper’s peerless flow over muscular beats. Third single ‘Dancin On Tables’ injects a dancehall influence, before the minimalist ‘Spare The Rod’ closes the album with a collage of gospel vocals in a touching tribute to the rapper’s Zimbabwean roots.
A regular MC and host for the likes of Swamp81 and Hessle Audio and a long time affiliate of Loefah, Zed Bias, Chimpo, Dub Phizix, and Manchester’s Levelz crew, Chunky’s voice is synonymous with the sounds of the UK’s underground club scene. Revered as one of the city’s finest MCs and producers, his music is soaked in depth and experience, unafraid to push the envelope and create a space all of its own. Somebody’s Child is a major opening statement from a fast-emerging artist from the UK underground scene.
The debut album will be unveiled in its entirety at a launch party in Manchester on 10th March at Mint Lounge. Tickets for the Eglo Records showcase are available here.