Ahead of his sophomore output, CMRNPRKR goes coast to coast to restore the feeling.
CMRNPRKR has a new album on the way, and in familiar fashion has found another notable instrumental to freestyle over, to keep fans fed until the main course arrives. Last time around, Cam made a statement on the Ovrkast-produced “Red Button” (Drake) ahead of his debut solo project, Park Angel. On this current run, the Suffolk, Virginia born emcee took fans on a trip out west to spit-over the Alchemist-produced “LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL”, and now touched-down back home with the Mike & Keys-produced “GOT IT ALL” (Wiz Khalifa, Chevy Woods).
This week, came the latter of the two songs, and finds CMRNPRKR paying homage to the blog era titan Wiz Khalifa through his darning of signature camouflage shorts and Converse Chuck Taylor’s. Not enough can be said about the impact of Wiz on CMRNPRKR’s generation, sonically and stylistically. Visually, the scenes captured by childhood friend and longtime collaborator DAZED PLACES depict the artist in an area that is well known by its residents and carries personal influence to each person involved in the picture’s creation. For years, Bennett’s Creek Park & Skate Park has been a hub for family enjoyment and youthful recreation, so being able to film a music video there ahead of an important project is significant to the artist’s background.
Let’s get into what is known about CMRNPRKR’s upcoming album. The title is presumed to be AMERICAN RAPSTAR and we’ve heard one track so far: “DAY LIKE THIS”, which Parker performed at the first annual Vibe Check Festival in Virginia Beach, VA. There is one presumed but not yet confirmed feature: Kiree 3600, a fellow Suffolk, Virginia-bred emcee who raps in a style more versatile and expressive in nature. What is also known about the project is that it will arrive around the same time as Let God Sort Em Out (executively produced by Pharrell Williams), the Clipse’s first offering in 16 years (which falls on the same day as Woodbridge, VA alt-rap artist Saekyi’s anticipated LOST IN AMERICA installment). With that being said, there are three high quality projects coming from three different styles of hip-hop from different levels. One that is peak luxurious lifestyle street rap, another that is soulful and more motivational, and another that is reflective and influenced by live instrumentation. Knowing this, there’s no reason to doubt that rap will rule this Summer, and regionally, music and arts will thrive and shine brighter as the gaps are bridged within long-overlooked Commonwealth.
