Che's "Sayso Says" Album Review
by Taylor P.H.
In recent years, the popularity of underground music, particularly rap artists, has surged thanks to the significant influence of TikTok advertising on social media. One of the artists who has caught the attention of the underground scene in the past week is Che, formerly known as Cheromani.
Che is an American rapper hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, whose music has one of the most distinctive sounds in the underground rap scene. He sounds like something you would hear if you took a time machine to the next century, strongly because of his music’s futuristic aesthetic. Words that come to mind when I think of Che are innovative, jarring, and extreme. Over the past weekend, Che released his highly anticipated album, "Sayso Says." Having listened to the album multiple times since it was released, I can confidently say it is probably one of the best of the year so far.
The album, named after the rapper's alter ego "Sayso," is his second studio album and is arguably the most creative project of the year, owing to its unique sound, flipping the common trap & rage sound on its back. Trap, for those who may not know, is a subgenre of rap originating from Atlanta, Georgia; trap music is known for its simple, rhythmic production that utilizes synthesized drums, snare drums, and bass drums.
Every single song on the album is solid, but there are some stand-out tracks featured, such as "CUT OFF YOUR HANDS," "I Rot, I Rot.," and "ENJOY YOUR LIFE." These songs showcase the notable strengths of the album, with the tracks displaying heavy production, melodic vocals, and catchy lyrics. For example, in the track "ENJOY YOUR LIFE," the repetition of the phrase "enjoy your life" shows to be a catchy hook, despite its simplicity. While the lyrics in most of the tracks may not hold much substance themselves, it is the sound of the album that truly makes it a one-of-a-kind listen from start to finish.
The album is heavily influenced by dance music, especially in tracks like "Interlude" and "It's My Party and I'll Die If I Want To." These songs blend trap and electronic music, reminiscent of early 2010s experimental dance and house music. The change in sound was a surprising choice from Che, as his previous project, the nine-song EP “Crueger,” featured intense predominately trap instrumentals.
Although the album has many strengths, the sound itself may not appeal to everyone, as it requires a certain acquired taste for the genre to fully enjoy and experience the music. For example, some viewers might not like the dance elements and the heavy autotuned vocals throughout the project. Regardless, it has something that any rap fan could appreciate.
The album has been widely acclaimed across all the major social media apps, with numerous people deeming it the album of the year. Overall, the online consensus regarding the album has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its creativity and musical innovation. Legends WIll Never Die, an online music site, shows immense love for the album saying, “I have no doubt in my mind that Sayso Says will take che to newer heights.” He also compares the project to his past projects, with him saying that it “basically surpasses expectations set out by his early EPs.” It’s safe to say people are loving it.
In conclusion, Che utilizes a blend of trap and dance music to create an otherworldly experience on "Sayso Says". Though it may not be for everyone, it’s a must-listen for any rap fan seeking something new. I’d give it a 10/10 and would highly recommend the project if you have a liking for artists like Chief Keef and Young Thug. “Sayso Says” was released on August 30th, available on all major streaming platforms. Give it a listen and see if it’s worth the hype!