League of My Own II explained

League of My Own II
Type:studio
Artist:Chip
Cover:League of My Own II cover.jpg
Released:11 August 2017
Recorded:2015–17
Length:64:12
Label:Cash Motto
Prev Title:Power Up
Prev Year:2016
Next Title:Ten10
Next Year:2018

League of My Own II is the third studio album by British rapper Chip. It was released on 11 August 2017 by Cash Motto Limited.[1] The album is the sequel to Chip's breakthrough mixtape League of My Own (2007) and marks its 10-year anniversary. It is Chip's first album in six years since Transition (2011) and parting ways with Sony Music. League of My Own II includes guest appearances from Giggs, Ghetts, Jme, Wiley, Donae'o, D Double E and Loick Essien, among others, as well as production from Dready, Swifta Beater and The Fanatix.

Background

After the release of his second album, Transition (2011), Chip was released from his record label and was signed to American hip hop recording artist T.I.'s Grand Hustle Records, putting out the London Boy (2012) mixtape. Upon seeing little progression, Chip began releasing music independently under his Cash Motto label, distributing numerous EPs and mixtapes such as the Believe & Achieve series (2015) and Power Up (2016), making his return to grime

The album was made available to pre-order on 29 June 2017,[2] while the tracklist was revealed on 24 July 2017 by Chip via Instagram.[3] Commenting on the album, Chip stated: "League of My Own really helped push my career forward even though it was a mixtape. Now 10 years later I'm here again with my first independent album via my own label Cash Motto and I couldn't be happier. League Of My Own II is my most passionate, versatile piece of work to date and I hope the people enjoy it."[4]

Promotion

On 28 June 2017, Chip released the lead single to the album, "Gets Like That" featuring Ghetts, accompanied by its music video. The second single, "Honestly" featuring 67, was released on 11 July 2017, along with a music video uploaded to Chip's YouTube.[5]

Numerous promotional singles and music videos were preceded by the album's release. "Snap Snap" was released on 16 July 2017 with a lyric video, followed by "34 Shots" on 26 July 2017. A music video for the grime posse cut "Scene" was released on 9 August 2017. On the album's release day, the music video for "Amazing Minds" featuring Giggs was uploaded.

Critical reception

In a positive review, Tara Joshi of The Guardian commented that the album "largely finds Chip walking the walk. The strength of his bars is evident. The album has varied production that encompasses bashment ("Snap Snap"), wavy R&B ("Hit Me Up") and even drill ("Honestly"), along with far-ranging features (Wiley, Giggs, Ghetts and more), this is as much a statement of intent as an assured retrospective of what he's already achieved."

Notes and References

  1. Web site: League of My Own II by Chip on Apple Music. iTunes Store (GB). 13 August 2017.
  2. Web site: Chipmunk's anticipated album 'League of My Own II' is now available for pre-order!. The Link Up. 29 June 2017. 13 August 2017.
  3. Web site: Chip reveals 'League of My Own 2' tracklist. GRM Daily. 24 July 2017. 13 August 2017.
  4. Web site: League of My Own II by Chip. Amazon.co.uk. 13 August 2017.
  5. Web site: Listen To Grime MC Chip's New Album League Of My Own II. The Fader. 11 August 2017. 13 August 2017.