Portland’s finest – Starchile (front) & DJ Reckless - Image courtesy of Jammin 95 Support NW Hip Hop: Starchile - TWIST: Genesis Chapter 1- $12.00 Got feedback for Starchile? somthing to say about NW Hip Hop? SPEAK ON IT! - Click here for the Seaspot Forum

 

     Game, game and mo’ game from some of Portland’s finest – Starchile. The Portland radio personality and MC comes strong on (what I believe is his first actual release) TWIST… The city known for roses, trailblazers and rainy nights can add a dope MC to their list of things that must be seen (and heard).

Starchile, who can be heard on Portland’s Jammin’ 95 FM represents, as he says is not for the Bs and Cs, but for the Ps. The Rose City lays it down, and Starchile makes sure that it is known and recognized as he busts on his “Intro” with a game-laced kat known as Good Times. He quickly follows the advice from a mack with the ambitiously titled “Crown Royal” where Starchile proclaims his dominance over suckers in general. On “Uh Huh” Starchile affirms his position as an MC prepared and ready to bang on any challenger with a microphone, proudly rhyming “I’m the top choppa /Northeast side block walker”, but what is most impressive is his independent rhyming and thinking that becomes apparent throughout the album. Starchile, although he may have a crew of homeboys, doesn’t have to cosign or have them cosign – he comes confident with a hat and shoes to match. “How Ya Like It” drips with game for the laydeez in the 503 and beyond as he references names as diverse as Mr. Mister, The Ultimate Warrior, Prefontaine and Finster and McManus (of The Usual Suspects). He rhymes over the smooth vibing track, “Starchile the small wonder with the devilish grin/ had hoes and flows since I peddled a Schwinn.” Starchile continues to keep’em laced tight with the comical skit “Mic Check (Journey Tribute)” and the reminiscent-of-four-homies-in-the-car-at-9:37 PM rollin’ to nowhere in particular “My World.” “My World” features Starchile flowing so-pimpish on the laidback beat, that sounds like it should have been the American Pimp soundtrack, about life and what is in his (imaginary and real.)

Although he is technically from the West Coast, Starchile maintains a signature sound that is sure to make Portland and the rest of Oregon (and the Pacific Northwest) proud. Still his style is not one-dimensional as in “Afta Party” featuring Bleek and Starchile in a trade of verses over a funky track reminiscent of Brandy’s “Best Friends” hit. However, on this track the playas’ best friends would most likely be some honeys and good times after the party. The summer sun and fun can

Starchile hosting PO Club Nights... Image courtesy of Jammin 95

 practically be felt on the ridah-esque “Microphone Thizzle” featuring E Blaze and an infectious beat, complimented by well-thought out lyrics from some MCs and female vocals on the hook. The funk gets that much funkier on the dangerously produced “Special Delivery.” Although, much of Starchile’s album is about bragging and lifestyle preferences, that’s Hip-Hop and “Special Delivery” hits unsuspecting yokels in the crowd smack dab over the head as O.G. One joins in on the mic and they spit “how the Northwest does it.” And they represent it right! On the MC anthem “Pure”, Starchile raps, “I’m sucker MC and lactose intolerant / now I know why Marvin Gaye was hollerin.” Starchile is full of sharp lyrics to compliment top shelf beats by O.G. One, DJ Reckless, 20 Below, No1Else and Torry Ward.

Starchile closes TWIST… with some bangin’ tracks also filled with lyrics and beats. “One Hitta”, “Soon As The Beat Drops” and “Jus Another – Part 1” close TWIST… in grand fashion. The track listing and order also contribute to making this album a northwest classic. But more than that – listening to TWIST… is like a tourists map and third eye giving listeners an idea of the innerworkings in Portland’s scene and of the diverse dimensions of the kats who romp in the Rose City. Overall, Starchile has scored an excellent album, which like all other things could use improvement in areas, but criticism is minimal with the way the he laid his gauntlet down. Starchile came orginal, came creative, came real, didn’t have to fake any thuggin’ (and Portland is thugged out in spots) and he just rapped about what he and his peoples claim to know – effectively. He did not make an album with too many hard to believe concepts, like shooting up the mall, pimpin’ 1,000 hoes and just endorsing negativity, Starchile has his own agenda. TWIST is for those who want quality material in their ride and stereo. Check for Starchile, because he’s definitely certified.


J.S. Gutierrez Jr.
DJ Luvva J