New Philly Alternative Hip Hop: Chiddy Bang

Ever since I bought Illmatic at the age of fourteen, I have been an avid listener of hip hop music. Soon enough, I began listening to more hip hop artists such as The Wu Tang Clan, KRS-One, Rakim, M.O.P., Gangstarr and the list goes on and on. In the early days of my listening to hip hop, I focused more on that raw New York-style hip hop, commonly referred to as "hardcore hip hop." As I grew older and learned more about hip hop, I started getting into more alternative-sounding hip hop such as Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common, A Tribe Called Quest, etc. In recent years there has definitely been a change in hip hop music where artists such as Kid Cudi and Kanye West are bringing a new sound to it by mixing other genres such as electronica and rock with with it. It was only very recently that I discovered this alternative hip hop group who come from my college called Chiddy Bang. While conversing with a fellow student about music, I learned that there was this amazing alternative hip hop band who had been sitting right under my nose. Sampling everyone from MGMT to Radiohead to even Tom Waits, Chiddy Bang bring a unique sound to hip hop by using classic samples and electronica. I would even say that listening to their music really reminded me of electronic artists such as Passion Pit and Animal Collective who I am in love with at the moment.

The group consists of front man Chidera "Proto" Anameg, keyboardist Noah Beresin, drummer Zach Sewall, and vocalist and guitarist Pat Braz. I still can't believe that they went to my school and are younger than me. Listening to their witty lyrics and sick production make you believe they are much older. I can't even really pick a favorite song but some great songs include "Truth," "Opposite of Adults" and "Ice Cream Man." Check out their myspace page and find out where they are playing because I am sure they are amazing live. One of my favorite songs has to be "Because" probably because they sample one of my favorite bands of all time-Radiohead. So if you're ready to listen to some new hip hop artists with actual talent take a listen to Chiddy Bang!