This week we head over to Portland for the self titled debut album “The Dutchess”. The Dutchess made waves in 2018 when she became the Coast2Coast Live Showcase-Seattle winner. This set her up for a big 2019. She has packed clubs in Seattle and the Bay Area. The Dutchess has also released a music video for the track “Go Shit”. So let’s dive right in with our breakdown below.

Our Thoughts on the Project

1. Function: The Dutchess is fire, I have goosebumps. She speaks clearly and her delivery is perfection. This song is a great way to start the album. I’m probably going to be saying “I came up her to function” from now on.
2. Go Shit: The visuals are on point and go with the song. I love the colors and scenes. It’s a hype song and the visuals are there to match. It’s a vibe. The Dutchess definitely knows how to capture an audience with her catchy hooks and pop culture references.

3. Cocoa: This song is a bit slower than the others and not so much of a club anthem. This one is a ladies anthem style song. The hook and chorus are very sensual and tell a dude what she likes which I second.

4. No Loyalty: This song starts heavy and fast. The Dutchess wastes no time and goes in. Even with the speed you can still understand what she is saying which can often be a downside when speed spitting. The Dutchess has it and she has no shame in telling everyone how raw she is.

5. Mange: Everyone needs to stay in their own lane because The Dutchess gives zero fucks. She bout her paper and her music and she ain’t got no time for you fugayzi ass hoes.

6. Irrational: The Dutchess slows it down on this song at first to talk about building her empire. She then speeds it up a bit to continue her story. She has worked to get to where she is now and isn’t letting anything get in her way.

7. Queen Koopa: When I saw the tracklist I was most excited to hear this song because of the title. She did it justice. This song is all about her and her “big clit energy”. This is a banger and may be my fav song.

8. Tsunami: The Dutchess ain’t lying when she says “My wave hit like a tsunami, they craving me just like I’m some chocolate” because I am definitely craving more from her. Perfect way to end the album.

Final Thoughts

The Dutchess is a real spitter and true artist. I was pleasantly surprised by her bars and ability to convey her message. In recent times, we see many artists spitting nonsense and female artists will often focus on sexualizing themselves to sell. The Dutchess is not like that, she has the star power and talent to back it up. We will be following her journey very closely. If you want to hear more follow these links:

TheDutchessMusic.com

https://youtu.be/6RozcNolzac

If you have an album or project featured on http://www.mellystarz.com send it over to mellystarzsubmissions@gmail.com or head over to our contact page.

This week we take it to my hometown with Chicago based artist Chronicle. He brings us a 10 track album titled Saturday. You can stream the album on Spotify or right here:

So let’s get right into the track by track breakdown and our overall thoughts.

What we thought of the project

1. Clarity: The first minute of this song is a lot of harmonizing and reminds me a bit of an old Evanescence song. Yes, that is a major throwback and probably ages me a bit lol. The song then picks up and Chronicle gives us a faraway flow. It is a smooth track.
2. Noname: This song is a must listen off the project. I can’t find the words to describe how unique and deep it is.
3. Say Goodbye Before You Go: This song is a bit different than the previous two and really showcases Chronicle’s vocal range. It is a beautiful ballad to an former love.
4. Scuba Diver: This track is funky and I want more.
5. Mush: This is more of an interlude at only about 45 seconds. It is smooth.
6. Smoke: Trippy nights out is what this song is all about. It’s a bit of a blur.
7. Staying Home: Pianos and poetry about Chicago cut me deep. I have literal goosebumps and watery eyes. Way to get me in the feels and missing home.
8. Small Talk: 30 second guitar riff with few words.
9. Orchard: I wish I had more to say about this track but there weren’t many words. It seems Chronicle is a man of few words but when he speaks they are meaningful.
10. Saturday: OOh the RnB vibes are heavy on this one.

Final Thoughts

Chronicle is a rare gem with a unique sound. I was not expecting that from a younger artist. His talent is undeniable, I just wish his songs were a bit longer. That is literally my only complaint is that I want more. Chronicle is an old soul and I added much of this album to my personal collection of music.

If you enjoyed Chronicle’s Saturday, follow him on Instagram for more music. Sending love to all Chicago artists and looking forward to more from Chronicle. If you have a project you want featured on one of the top hip hop blog sites send an email over to mellystarzsubmissions@gmail.com or head over to our contact us page.