One of Chi-town's Finest
Even those vaguely familiar with the scene will be quick to tell you that there's no shortage of hip hop emcees and producers working their respective crafts in Chicago. But with such an abundance of players in the game it can take more than a little hard work and moderate talent to catch the attention of an audience outside Chicago’s city limits. I guess that makes the recent release of Psalm One’s The Death of Frequent Flyer on Minneapolis’s reputed Rhymesayers Entertainmentall that much more impressive.

Psalm One, a Southside native born Cristalle Bowen, released her latest project this summer under the same label as the once-underground phenoms Atmosphere and the soulful, crowd-rockin’ Brother Ali. With Frequent Flyer Psalm firmly established her rightful spot in the lineup by stepping up confidently with an undeniably solid hip-hop record of her own.

Loaded with diversely delivered rhymes addressing her various life experiences, Psalm spits fluidly over production impressive throughout the album. Beats are handled primarily by her former Birthwrite cohorts Overflo and Thaione Davis, with additional contributions from Maker, Madd Crates, V-Traxx and Rhymesayers’Ant. Over the production Psalm masterfully meshes her vocals in a multitude of styles. From chilled-out cuts like “Macaroni and Cheese” and “The Nine” to the more up-tempo, double-timed “Beat the Drum” the skilled rhymesayer delivers consistently.

Despite multiple producers and an array of rhyme styles The Death of Frequent Flyer has a unified feel across the record and delivers a quality hip-hop album, a tough feat to accomplish. With her undeniable mic skills, host of producer connects, and the support of a qualified, respectable label, one can’t help but expect great things to come from this talented Chicagoan.

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