This kid is someone you need to know. Chester Watson is a young rapper from Florida by way of St. Louis. I wanna clear the air about a few points first: Yes, he is 15 years old, and yes, his age, flow, and voice force impulsive comparisons to Earl Sweatshirt but we have to get over that. Of course older artists influence new generations of musicians, but it's borderline insulting to up-and-comers to have to live as The Next ____. That's why I really don't like drawing comparisons; it's a lazy way of describing someone. These are artists, and artists take their crafts very seriously. I'm sure Watson hasn't spent his brief rap career solely attempting to emulate Earl. In fact, based on his sample selection, he's got a pretty well refined ear for beats. He uses samples from movies like Aladdin and The Wizard Of Oz, production from established veterans like MF Doom, MF Grimm, and Chuck Inglish, as well as his own self-produced beats.
His Nu Age crew may be very green, but there's no lack of talent here. Phantom is packed with smooth flows, clever rhymes, and the occasional instrumental track which give a refreshing change of pace to the mixtape. Highlights include the opener 'Phantom', 'Infamous', 'Slut Muffins', 'Ancient', 'Magic' (instrumental), and 'Pollution'. I'm sure you'll find your own favorites, though. Chester was born after the golden age of conscious rap, and it seems that some of his idols are nearly three times his age, but this is one of the strongest hip-hop releases I've heard in a long time. Seriously, get on board with him.
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