Infinite Sounds UK: Dopamine Hit - Chrome Pre-Release Review

Dopamine Hit by Chrome

Pre-Release Review

Chrome has been prominent on the UK scene since back in the mid-eighties when he was part of Def Tex. In 2010 he had his first release with Ill Inspired and they would eventually go on to release the classic The All CnI in 2015 on B-Line Recordings. Since then Chrome has had a number of features for other artists.

Many of you will have been among those who have eagerly awaited a new release by Chrome. Earlier this year you were rewarded with the release of Shockwave, B Side Cookin’ up parts 1 & 2, on Naked Ape. This heralded news he was working on a new LP, Dopamine Hit, to be released at the end of the year. This new album would feature both tracks from the new single.

It was a huge surprise, even though I had put the request out there, when the man himself asked me to review the Album prior to release. So, for the last two weeks or so, I have put the album to the test.

Dopamine Hit is 14 tracks deep and is to be released on B-Line Recordings and the end of December. So, let me give you my track by track thoughts:

The Album kicks off with DOPAMINE IN, an intro that pulls no punches in showing the direction the album will be taking with lines regarding Social Media addiction and its relationship to the human need for that pleasure hit and Dopamine is the chemical that helps us reach that pleasure hit as it directs our behaviour to reach the desired outcome.

Just as we are digesting that thought and feeling our own little dopamine hit, a familiar voice counts us down into NO IDOL featuring Uncle Mic Nitro. The familiar voice is that of Blade taking us into the track and the tempo has you instantly nodding your head. The basic message delivered here is that none of us need an Idol or a hero. We are our own Idols and our own Heroes and no one is above anyone else. Chrome provides production and cuts for this one and he is joined by Southampton native Uncle Mic Nitro (Why do I find myself saying his name in the style of Specifik from the Cold Krush radio show?) who provides ample assistance, in his instantly recognisable style, to Chromes energetic rhyme style.

Up next is OLD MAN SPORT, which features Bristol’s own KELZ and Sir Beans OBE on the cuts. Just because he has been doing this since 1985, does that mean this is an Old Man’s Sport with Old Man’s Music? Does it mean adjusting things to fit with the up to date view of things? I dunno about you but, I gotta say a huge NO. Chrome and Kelz skilfully take us through the track keeping the energy up and flow tight. Again Chrome provides the production and I love that little Ennio Morricone sample in there.

Fourth track in and the energy is not letting up as Chrome sends a SHOCKWAVE through you. The track features Andy Cooper of Ugly Duckling fame who co-produces with Chrome. This is just one of those tracks that has you nodding your head no matter where you are, in your car, in the bath or walking down the high street. The infectious tempo of the beat, Chrome’s high tempo style and Andy C’s skilful word play just have you buzzin’ from start to finish, electrifying for sure.

Just because the tempo of DOPAMINE HIT is not as high energy, the key here is the message and Chrome’s story telling. The track is all about society’s addiction to social media and how it has become our drug of choice in the modern age. Tell me i’m wrong? Chrome provides all production, cuts and rhyming and really delivers a serious message in a format we can all relate to while keeping some fun in there which keeps us buzzin’ along.

The tempo is back up as Chrome is COOKIN’ UP a proper feast for us. Taking us on journey through how he prepares, cooks and delivers the goodness. Another solo effort from Chrome this track demonstrates his versatility in all areas. Providing another infectious beat with flawless verbal delivery and expert cut’s, it also had me reminiscing, for some reason, back to a time when these kind of feel good tracks were more common.

Side A finishes on a slower more serious note with THE PRODUCT (sure D Remix), where Chrome provides co-production to SURE D (DJ Sure Delight from Def Tex). I found myself feeling several things from this track but, it really spoke to me about the things we often buy into in our lives and the fact that sometimes we have to walk away from that product we have brought into for the greater good. Just because this track is a drop in tempo and on the more serious note it is still in keeping with the albums vibe and good to see Chrome working with Sure D again.

Just as you are digesting everything from Side A, you flip the record and Side B opens with a DOPAMINE EXTRA reminding you that you might need a bit of hit as you might have come down a bit by flipping the record over but, your hit is right here.

There is no messing about here either as Chrome now takes you TO THE MAXIMUM with partner Illinspired. This track appears to pick up where The All CnI left off with Chrome and Illa dropping lines and bouncing off each other with skill and perfect timing. The chemistry these two display is truly phenomenal with every beat and rhyme. Chrome’s cuts and production is again on point and this track catapults you back to dizzying, pleasurable heights.

There is no break here as you are straight in to LESS IS MORE, which features the talented Stepasaur on the mic alongside Chrome. This track demonstrates exactly what the title suggests. Here less is more with simplistic and raw production but, giving you no less of a hit. This raw hit is the perfect stage for both Emcee’s to display their skills.

The heavy bass of PUSHING BUTTONS kick’s in next with Chrome back on the serious tip. Here the lesson is all about how there is too much negativity in the world around us and how we need to crush that negativity and live life with a more positive direction. Ricky Lix and Buckers the Realist provide back up for Chrome on this track and prove more than able to step up and perform over his heavy beat.

A REINTRODUCTION TO CUTTIN’ is next to drop with a more light hearted feel good energy as Chrome introduces us to his Dj, Super JB and celebrates his skills and his role. This is one of those tracks that takes you back to days when every Hip Hop album that came out had the obligatory DJ track. The DJ is such a huge part of Hip Hop is refreshing to get that feel again and something mainstream Rap has forgotten. Having seen Chrome and Super JB at Rope-a-Dope 4 this year, I can vouch to the fact he has the skills on the 1’s and 2’s no doubt and of course he provides all the Cuttin’ and Scratchin’ on the track...

The penultimate track on the album is TEACH ME. Another solo Chrome track with a high energy rapid fire delivery that doesn’t let up from beginning to end and delivers an audible view of those who seek to be in control or prey on others but, do not take the time to consider their actions.

Finally DOPAMINE OUT slowly brings us down from the high we have been on since the start of the album but, it also reminds us that when we need our next fix, we can put down our phones and pick up Dopamine Hit instead...

With Dopamine Hit, Chrome has crafted a winner on many levels. Not just hitting us with his verbal and writing skill’s But, demonstrating his production and DJ skills into the bargain for our listening pleasure. He proves that if you have the skill’s and the drive, then anything is possible.

In fact Dopamine Hit is as polished and relevant as anything you will find on the mainstream market today. Everything works with this album from the diverse verbal skills and top notch production to the choice of guest artists and the deft skill in keeping the listener focused from beginning to end and leaving them feeling breathless with a feeling they have just been schooled on a whole new level.

It is obvious from this album that Chrome truly loves and enjoys what he does. I honestly believe you will not be disappointed here. Dopamine Hit has two huge things going for it. It is an album you can easily listen from start to finish without skipping a track and it also stands the test of time. I have listened to this nearly every day for the past couple of weeks and it just never gets old. I will also be honest and say that it has been hard to do this album justice in words alone.

My whole review could be summed up in this one line...

Do yourself a favour and order a copy now. Don’t take my word for it, listen to it and take a Hit.

Dopamine Hit is released on B-Line recordings and comes with some awesome art design from James Dawe and layout by MrTibbz, another good reason to pick up a copy as it will look as good as it sounds.