Rising rapper/songwriter/singer CHRYS THOMPSON caught our ears with his latest project 40. The 10-track body of work is a detailed account of his life as an indie artist and his progression from a kid to a grown man who aims to get better with time.

“Intro- Full Circle” helps set the tone for the project with its sombre and heartfelt approach. Over the solemn and sublime soundscape, he starts with a short proclamation that delves into his life as a 40-year-old musician with the resume to back it up. He sums it up in the second half when the beat changes into an atmospheric downtempo vibe with lines like “I keep going, letting go of what’s not serving me/What’s the motive if we rolling show me courtesy/Working on myself with some urgency”. CHRYS sounds confident and intentional with his thoughts on this track. The next track “Daydream” is an anthemic and aspirational tune that explores the mindset of a goal-getter who acknowledges his shortcomings and the fortitude that comes with knowing his strengths and weaknesses. This leads into “Wish For (Sleep)”, a reflective track that digs into the never-ending struggles of a young man battling his demons. Over the moody soundscape, CHRYS gives audiences his true feelings with lines like “And then you get to guessing/Doesn’t feel fair then you get to stressing/Too much to bear then incomes the question/In a room full of characters, don’t get the wrong impression” and ties it up with a solemn melodic hook.

“Distant” sees the rapper detailing his experiences during the downtime and how he manages to cope with it. In the same vein, he also sends out a reassuring message to everyone going through similar situations reminding them that tough times don’t last, you only just have to hang out. This is followed by the solemn “End of an Era” a retrospective track that shows CHRYS’ growth as he steps into his new stage in life while letting go of the past. From old friends, habits and childish things, CHRYS shows maturity and aims to be a prime example of a better man. This leads to the conscious “SLOW DOWN” which blends rich melodic runs and a timeless message of hitting the brakes and smelling the roses before it’s too late. CHRYS pens an open letter to his seed in “My Son”, reminding him that he will always be there for him. This track showcases his vulnerability in the purest form and listeners get to see a different side of CHRYS as he steps into the pivotal role of fatherhood. “Better” is another dive into his growth and the spirit of self-development over material and nonsensical things or activities.

The final two tracks “Understanding Family” and “Fly Home” help cruise the project back home with a round of heartfelt and poignant themes that center around the essence and power of a tight-knit family and celebration of life. “Understanding Family”  employs a soulful boom-bap backdrop and sees CHRYS detailing his movements with his family and day ones who supported him from the jump while “Fly Home” follows CHRYS through his adventures right back to where he is loved the most.

Overall 40 serves as a snapshot of a man who has found his true calling, walked through the fire and came out better than anyone could have imagined. He doesn’t shy away from showing his scars while basking in his wins as well.