Chino XL, the illustrious MC from East Orange, New Jersey, is throwing some salt in the game again with his seventh studio LP. This time it is a posthumous masterpiece, which is his second after his death. Chino first burst onto the hip-hop scene in the mid-1990s. He signed with American Recordings and came in rock hard with his debut album *Here to Save You All*, which was immediately considered a classic. Despite his beef with 2Pac, which may make some people hesitate, Chino XL's career cannot be ignored. *I Told You So*, *Poison Pen* and the epic *RICANstruction: The Black Rosary* contain tracks that just throw salt right in your face.
Stu Bangas was previously called upon to put together the album *God's Carpenter*, and that became a comeback of sorts. Later, with *Darkness & Other Colors* recorded in 2020, he continued to expand his legacy from the afterlife. In honor of what could have been Chino's 51st birthday, we now bring you *Map of Bones*, a project he recorded between 2008-2012.
The album kicks off with "Hard to Kill," where Chino XL raucously tells you not to come in with half-assed threats to him. "Die 4" is a fire track full of aggression, where he defiantly asks if anyone wants to go to war with him. In "Not Ok," he embraces prominent sounding horns before going loose about sanity. "Monster" showcases his beastly status in an unprecedented raw style.
"I've Seen" takes you through Chino's experiences in the music biz over a heavy beat. "'Til Death Do Us Part" is a loving ode to his wife, now widowed. In "Capable," he fights the doubts people have about his skills, while "Keep Diggin'" tells of staying true to your roots through a chaotic boom bap atmosphere.
"The Search" takes you to the ocean waters Jesus once walked on. In "Numb" featuring Roc C, they are triumphantly back on the streets. "You First" has a unique combo of EDM and boom bap, blood-curdling and intense. Every line of "Still Sailing" is like a symphony, while the title track ends with a heartbreaking story of the dark thoughts that ended his life.
Although the future collab with Dheezy, *The Mantis*, is still up in the air for late 2025, *Map of Bones* feels like a complete and well-thought-out record, similar to *Darkness & Other Colors*. Although Body Bag Ben's production is beloved on the latter, DJ Fokus offers a refreshing style. Chino XL remains impressive and surprising in his posthumous work, making his continuous predictions of his own death even more impactful.
In short, we give *Map of Bones* a big 8/10. Chino XL proves once again that his work has a salty impact on the hip-hop scene and his legacy endures. What do you think, is this album as gritty as we think? Let us know what your vibe is!
#hhz #houhet salt #hiphop #chinoXL #newmusic
