(Tribe House Records) Making the most of this year as an MTC Defiance Awards recipient, Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year Award winner and regularly hitting stages this summer, Cassie Chantel has proven her prowess over and over again as an Athens’ hip-hop heavy hitter. Chantel’s newest 10-track album RICCH AUNTIE is proclaimed to set the tone for what her label Tribe House Records has to come, an expectation set from the first track “Signed Myself.” The establishment of her go-getter brand and style, influenced by her own “RICCH” aunt, can be felt in the bouncing beats and velvet flows intertwined with oozing confidence. There is a luxurious vibe delivered throughout RICCH AUNTIE that sounds as expensive as the name. “Extreme,” “Festival” and the bombshell last track “Yeah Yeah!” transport you to the middle of an Atlanta club surrounded by arms waving and people saying “ayyy!” as you can’t help but nod your head. “Merrygo” and “Vibes” have a wavy, poolside ambiance with upbeat tempos and catchy singing that switch up the mood. It’s a short, digestible listen at under 30 minutes, with just enough depth and a whole lot of energy to play through again.
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