Bay Area rapper and producer Chow Mane recently unveiled his new long player, AZN Dragon: Cake Long, his play on the popular animated series, American Dragon: Jake Long.
One of the pillars in Asian American hip-hop, Chow Mane includes several of his big hits on AZN Dragon: Cake Long, such as “ABG 2,” “Beyblade,” and “Go Back 2 China,” as well as new material highlighted by Chow Mane’s matchless flow, cultural themes, and infectious melodies, all balanced on elements of West Coast hip-hop, alternative R&B, and pop.
Recently, Chow Mane performed the new project live at the first and largest Asian music festival, Sabaidee Fest. Chow Mane plans to deliver another performance of the full project at San Jose’s Regency Ballroom with Latin American rapper Kung Fu Vampire.
Chow Mane has received placements and high praise from some of Spotify’s top editorial playlists including Beats & Rhymes, Internet People, Fresh Finds Hip Hop, Monday Spin, and New Music Friday Philippines. Chow Mane is establishing himself as an artist on the rise and AZN Dragon: Cake Long showcases his talent and creativity.
Encompassing a dozen tracks, the album begins with “BEYBLADE,” opening on syncopated percussion rolling into subterranean flavors topped by Chow Mane’s deluxe flow, tight and right, with its tasty rhymes and polished phrasing.
Entry points include the booming rhythmic pulse of “San Jo To K-Town,” featuring heavy, dark resonance as Chow Mane struts his delicious delivery, with slightly rasping tones shifting to smooth melodicism. While “ABG 2: The Revenge of Kevin Nguyen” travels on a thumping rhythm as psychedelic textures form a blooping topline, infusing the tune with luscious, undulating surfaces.
The chiming, almost nursery rhyme-like intro to “Go With You,” sets the sonic stage for savors of R&B merged with sparkling hip-hop harmonics. Featuring FLANNEL ALBERT, the song alters from low-slung grainy tones to R&B-laced dulcet timbres.
A personal favorite, “Go Back 2 China,” combines the truth of prejudice with charismatic, satirical lyrics, imbuing the tune with scrummy rhymes rapped out with nonchalance.
Brimming with potent hip-hop rhythms, perceptive rhymes, and the swanky flow of Chow Mane, AZN Dragon: Cake Long hits the sweet spot.
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