Eighteen-year-old rapper Brian Imanuel is one of the most widely known underground hip-hop artists in the community and on the 88rising record label. After growing up homeschooled in Indonesia and spending most of his time on the internet, Imanuel released a semi-serious rap song, “Dat $tick” under the moniker Rich Chigga. The song and accompanying music video went viral, launching Imanuel into the public eye and inspiring him to continue making music. After signing to 88rising and releasing a few more singles, Imanuel dropped his very first studio album “Amen” on Feb. 2, under the name Rich Brian. While the record does carry some of the charming signature aspects that made Imanuel famous in the first place, most of the tracks sound too similar instrumentally, vocally and lyrically to make it stand out.
Best Cuts
Over the course of the 14 track record, three of them really exemplify Imanuel’s talent. The first, “Cold,” is the second track on the record and features lyrics that contemplate Imanuel’s changing attitude and personality now that he has been thrown into the spotlight. He brings in a lot of relatable anecdotes and sentimental stories that really push the emotional aspects of the writing. His flow is clear and concise and carries the same deep-voiced swagger that it normally does. But, depending on who’s listening, that may a good thing or it might just be too much more of the same. Either way, there is a slight disconnect between his writing and his performance. Since he carries the same flow and mannerisms that he normally would, the more emotional lyrics attached to this track lose some of their impact. The instrumental is simple but effective with its combination of electronic synth riffs and heavily modulated piano chords on top of a jittery trap percussion line.
“Introvert” features fellow 88rising rapper Joji and features a smooth and calming melody constructed from ‘80s style synths and drums, almost like it belongs in a hazy disco at one in the morning. As the title suggests, the lyrics on the cut feature heavy introspection from both Imanuel and Joji about the challenges that come from being famous. They reflect on the experience of going from being nobody to known all over the world in a very short period of time and missing some of the more private aspects of life before fame. While the flow Imanuel uses to deliver his lines is more or less the same as on the other tracks, he does take the time to slow down and be more deliberate with his performance, making it a bit more interesting and fitting to his writing. Joji brings a good juxtaposition to this with his usual breathy and wispy inflections.
“Glow Like Dat” was one of the singles Imanuel released leading up to the album and it’s one of the crowning jewels of the whole project. The instrumental is a beautifully syrupy, flowery collection of blossoming acoustic guitars and subtle piano chords on top of the usual tinny snares and hi-hats Imanuel employs on his beats. The lyrical content is less thematically interesting on this cut, being about Imanuel’s ex and how he misses her. However, the context surrounding his experience with this girl makes it a little more personal and engrossing. Imanuel was in a long distance relationship with this girl while he was being homeschooled in Indonesia and she was living in Maryland; meaning that she was one of the few people he was in frequent contact in the years leading up to “Dat $tick.”
88rising is known for featuring unique and unconventional hip-hop artists, and Rich Brian definitely fits both of those criteria. However, it seems that it’s too early in his career for him to have completely figured out his creative process. While the collection of tracks on “Amen” aren’t bad, they aren’t too new or too interesting either — with some exceptions. However, as one of 88rising’s flagship artists, it’s doubtful that Imanuel will stop here. Whether his next release is more engaging or not remains to be seen.
