The late Chino XL returns with his fourth posthumous album, Prelude to the Mantis, as a follow-up to his previous release, Ascen7ion. The project is filled with dense lyricism, layered metaphors and the sharp puns that have defined his legacy.
Opener “The Mantis” immediately sets the tone with Chi’s signature complex metaphors and imperative delivery. “Bluebird” begins with an emotionally driven spoken word offering personal perspective and reflective themes. On “I Know,” Chino delivers fast, powerful lyricism, emphasizing who the listener is dealing with and asserting dominance over the vocal chorus.
“Steezy” showcases up-tempo, masterful wordplay over a club-style beat mixed with soulful elements that perfectly match the song’s title and vibe.
The heavyweight collaboration “Terminally Ill,” starring Tech N9ne, Rittz, KXNG Crooked, and Statik Selektah, brings together elite hosts to talk about their journeys and personal battles, reminding listeners why each of them is considered the top. “Blood, Sweat, and Tears” with the theme of “Indifference” emphasizes rapid flow and meticulous thinking about sacrifice and persistence. “Guillotine” centers on execution as a metaphor, conveyed through sharp and calculated bars.
In “Love You,” a collaboration with M-Eighty, both artists reflect on selfless love amid struggle and hardship. “Shots Through Ya Vehicle” unfolds with fast rhymes, and Chino achieves lyrical purpose through aggressive punchlines and complex structures.
“Chi Chops” is a showcase of technical skill, with layered wordplay built around the concept of lyrically “chopping” your competitors. “Acapella” strips everything down to a brief improvisation without a beat, highlighting raw language prowess. “Basquiat” uses artistic metaphors inspired by Abstract Expressionism to creatively construct lyrical destruction.
KXNG Crooked and Copywrite’s “Triple Seize” is a menacing performance of high-level puns, with each host twisting language into pointed perspectives. “Paradigms” focuses on the mindset, patterns, and structures behind lyrical mastery.
Featuring Cappadonna, Planet Asia and KXNG Crooked, the all-star cipher “He Rapture” delivers heavyweight verses from start to finish. “Chemistry” features fast, free-flowing puns that emphasize natural lyrical connections and instinctive expression.
“We Just Spit Bars” starring Canibus is a pure lyrical melee. Canibs and Kino both lay claim to greatness and continue to break the beat with relentless technical precision.
Cruel World explores the multiple metaphorical outcomes associated with suffering and negativity, while Champions, featuring HRSMN (Kuruput, Raskas, Kira Priest), is a declaration of victory from seasoned legends.
“On My Grind” continues the theme of lyrical complexity and layered metaphorical punchlines. The project ends with a “Grand Finale,” in which Chi references religion and spirituality while flowing quickly, bringing a powerful closing energy. The final track, “Still Sailing (Vodka Gravas Remix),” plays like a reflective symphony built from personal experiences and metaphors.
Overall, “Prelude to the Mantis” is a powerful legacy that solidifies Chino XL’s reputation for lyrical sophistication, conceptual depth, and technical mastery.
Album rating 8/10
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