Seemingly identical to other trap EPs, a closer listen reveals NLE Choppa’s “Top Shotta” isriddled by insight into the young artist’s life. Having broken big with Warner on 7th August, Choppa’s new album portrays his honest sound.
A tad long for an EP with twenty tracks, the music follows from Choppa’s humble beginnings. As the progression of sound matures, the listener realizes the intricacies of the artist’s life.
Despite much criticism of average production, the album does show how the artist has built from his last album and managed to link up with personas like Mulatto, Roddy Ricch, Chief Keef and Lil Baby.
Possibly most ludicrous is the number of times Shotta Flow comes up in the EP. But this too shows distinct personalization by the artist. Like the name of the EP itself, paying homage to Choppa’s torso tattoo, these tracks provide insight into his journey and growth as an artist, a person and a collaborator.
The common listening consensus rates the second half of this EP to be more tasteful and better produced than the first half. With all the trappings of the genre, this might well be true.
However, Camelot remains a total banger, reinforcing the optimism, romanticism and the steady hopefulness of NLE Choppa’s sound.
Beginning with “Daydream” and ending in a track named “Depression”, this album may be defined as largely performative. Several consumers might even find unfathomable the delicacies of what can loosely be termed as an aggressive, normalized rap flow. To the haters, look beyond.
What really works for Choppa is his boundless energy. At merely seventeen, he is a young artist with the wealth of abundant experience. His rough-cut lyrics, spontaneous movement and, frankly, cheeky delivery makes his music both admirable and affable.
The second most viewed song in the EP, “Top Shotta 3”, depicts exactly this.
If you can look past the blatant sexualization, as is present in various streams of pop culture, this album is truly enjoyable. NLE has definitely portrayed high hip-hop energy and his sound is ultimately fun, entertaining and beats to let loose to.
About the artist:
Memphis-based artist Bryson lashun Potts, aka NLE Choppa, is an American hip-hop artist. Rising to fame in 2019, his sound rides the delicate line between animated rap and hi hat trap sounds.
Merely seventeen, NLE is truly fun to vibe with, where his music lays it all on the table. Despite criticism into the honesty behind his words, NLE Choppa gives a personal voice to his lyrical flows.
His latest album “Top Shotta” shows his growth, both in his professional and personal life. It’s truly incredible how the young man has remained positive despite harsh realities. A great, fun and natural musician.