The Pacific Northwest region has boasted one of the biggest hip-hop communities since the days of Sir Mix A Lot in the early eighties. Seattle, Washington alone has claimed top ranked DJ/producers like Vitamin D and Bean One whose beats have translated into massive underground success. There are also some strong family ties within this hip-hop family as Vitamin D’s sister is the neo-soul sensation Choklate, who has teamed with D and several other Seattle’s cream-of-the crop beat masters on her self-titled 2006 debut and her 2009 sophomore project, To Whom It May Concern. Their assorted pop, jazz, blues and soul orchestrations and samples augmented by live instrumentation and Choklate’s brutally honest storytelling and expressive voice were certainly potent ingredients that propelled the alternative urban market forward into region’s public consciousness. This intoxicating recipe also reeled in fans around the world that were appreciative of Choklate’s no-nonsense artistry.
With her latest Fah La La La La The Christmas EP, Choklate stays true to form as she once again calls upon the Seattle hip-hop production gurus. This time, it is Kuddie Fresh and Bean One who spice up Choklate’s earthy and gritty alto vocals. Choklate sends warm holiday greetings on the first single, “Tis the Season,” a dreamy R&B ballad with a stylish Christmas loop of strings and bells. “Christmas Time Again?” is anchored with Fresh’ pulsating keys and Choklate’s matter of fact narrative, philosophizing that families should not be restricted to the holidays for keeping in touch: “It hasn’t been forever/But it’s been long enough/Since the last time we shared/Time to catch up on what’s up with you.” Choklate starts leaning toward her playful side, tossing a scat or two, with the R&B remix and reconstruction of “The Christmas Song” re-titled “That Christmas Song Roasted Chestnuts.” Fresh’s snare brushes’ hit that perfect whimsical beat on the updated track. Where Choklate goes into sass overdrive is “Santa Sucks”: “Hey Santa I think you got my order wrong.” Producer Bean One’s whips out a genius sample in the pop country novelty hit from 1967, “Sugar Town” by Nancy Sinatra.
Despite only four tracks and two interludes, Fah La La La La rings loud and clear, especially when Choklate locks into her storylines and unleashes the humor on “Santa Sucks.” However, the shortcomings occur when Choklate’s vocal presence sometimes lack dynamics and range, occasionally interrupting her usually interesting vocal flow. That aside, Fah La La La La The Christmas EP is another positive step for Choklate and the Seattle hip-hop/R&B underground movement.
Vocals: 2.5 stars
Lyrics: 3 stars
Music: 3 stars
Production: 3 stars
SoulTracks Call: Recommended
By Peggy Oliver
