The late Chino XL returns with his fourth posthumous album, Prelude to the Mantis, serving as a follow-up to his previous release, Ascen7ion. The project is packed with dense lyricism, layered metaphors, and the sharp wordplay that defined his legacy.
The intro track, “The Mantis,” immediately sets the tone with Chi’s signature intricate metaphors and commanding delivery. “Blue Bird” lifts off with emotionally driven spoken word, offering personal viewpoints and reflective themes. On “I Know,” Chino delivers rapid, hard-hitting lyricism, asserting dominance while the vocal chorus reinforces exactly who the listener is dealing with.
“Steezy” showcases fast-paced, masterful wordplay over a club-style beat blended with soulful elements, perfectly matching the track’s title and vibe.
The heavyweight collaboration “Terminally Ill” featuring Tech N9ne, Rittz, KXNG Crooked, and Statik Selektah brings together elite emcees trading verses about their journeys and personal battles, reminding listeners why each of them is considered top-tier. “Blood Sweat and Tears” featuring Apathy highlights rapid flows and detailed reflections on sacrifice and perseverance. “Guillotine” centers on execution as a metaphor, delivered through sharp and calculated bars.
On “Loving You” featuring M-Eighty, both artists reflect on giving love selflessly while navigating struggle and hardship. “Shots Through Ya Vehicle” launches into rapid-fire rhymes, with Chino taking lyrical aim through aggressive punchlines and complex structures.
“Chi Chops” is a showcase of technical skill, with layered wordplay built around the concept of “chopping” competitors lyrically. “Acapella” strips everything down to a short freestyle with no beat, highlighting raw verbal ability. “Basquiat” uses artistic metaphors inspired by abstract expressionism to frame lyrical destruction in creative terms.
“Triple Seize” featuring KXNG Crooked and Copywrite is a display of threatening, high-level wordplay, with each emcee bending language into sharp perspectives. “Paradigms” focuses on mindset, patterns, and the structure behind lyrical mastery.
The all-star cypher “He Rapture” featuring Cappadonna, Planet Asia, and KXNG Crooked delivers heavyweight verses from start to finish. “Chemistry” features fast, free-flowing wordplay, emphasizing natural lyrical connection and instinctive delivery.
“We Just Spit Bars,” featuring Canibus, is a pure lyrical slugfest. Canibus and Chino both stake their claims to greatness and proceed to dismantle the beat with relentless technical precision.
“Cruel World” explores multiple metaphorical outcomes tied to hardship and negativity, while “Champion” featuring HRSMN (Kurupt, Ras Kass, Killah Priest) is a victory statement from seasoned legends.
“On My Grind” continues the theme of lyrical complexity and layered metaphoric punchlines. The project closes with “Grand Finale,” where Chi references religion and spirituality alongside rapid flows, bringing a powerful closing energy. The final track, “Still Sailing (Vodka Gravas Remix),” plays like a reflective symphony built from personal experience and metaphor.
Overall, Prelude to the Mantis stands as a strong posthumous release that reinforces Chino XL’s reputation for elite lyricism, conceptual depth, and technical mastery.
Album Rating 8/10
Check out 1332 Records for this exclusive release