CHIKA’s Sophomore EP- ONCE UPON A TIME
Almost exactly a year after her debut EP INDUSTRY GAMES, CHIKA dropped her fairy-tale new EP, ONCE UPON A TIME.
CHIKA has been killing it since dropping her first project; she was a Grammy nominee for best new artist and made it onto Obama’s top musicians of the year in 2020. Earlier this year, her Spotify singles actually blew me away with her advanced lyricism and candid nature.
On ONCE UPON A TIME, CHIKA reflects on childhood stories and fairytales.
The opener “FAIRY TALES” is a sick collab with BJ The Chicago Kid. The song starts with BJ singing his heart out and CHIKA takes over with a pretty chill, relaxed rap. At the end of the track, CHIKA actually drops bars like I’ve NEVER heard. She is an absolute queen and this song is a guaranteed hype song.
On “HICKORY DICKORY,” CHIKA raps about staying humble and staying level-headed with growing fame. CHIKA’s use of these old childhood rhymes and stories is really intricate and adds a fun element to the whole EP.
“CINDERELLA” pt. 1 and 2 are about the classic: “Cindy or Ella-D.” CHIKA puts a spin on the Cinderella story and makes her fall in love with a girl, instead. CHIKA has been open in past songs and videos about her bisexuality and wants to “shift the paradigm” as she sings on pt. 2. These are definitely my favorites of the project and I honestly think CHIKA had a genius idea with a childhood story about sexuality.
CHIKA dropped “FWB” in December of last year and it’s about the horrifying title of ‘Friends With Benefits.’ CHIKA wouldn’t agree though – she sings about how she likes having friends to fill some voids and pass time. CHIKA reminds us it’s okay to be emotionally unavailable for everyone but yourself.
She finishes strong with “SAVE YOU” and tells us to let that shit go! The continuous rhythm sounds dope with her slowed-down singing in the chorus and sped-up raps. CHIKA’s message is “only you can save you” and to let go of the past that doesn’t serve you.
ONCE UPON A TIME is a beautifully crafted project with a fun spin that actually has some deep, honest truths. CHIKA is a badass and spits out some crazy lyrics on this project.
Honestly, CHIKA wasn’t standing a chance to Meg Thee Stallion for the Best New Artist Grammy after “WAP” this summer, but this EP definitely keeps her up there and I don’t doubt her becoming a fan favorite in the rap game.
