On her new 11-track instrumental beat tape Chops 4 Breakfast, Baltimore based multi-hyphenate PRETTY (Shantele “Pretty” Pretty) masterfully channels the warm, timeless essence of the producers in her lineage—Dilla, Madlib, Premier—while carving out a distinct and intentional lane of her own. Framed as a soulful “morning ritual,” the project is a cohesive journey through classic boom-bap and jazz-inflected grooves, where dusty samples and raw, head-nodding drums create a richly atmospheric experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly present.
The tape’s narrative flow is anchored by several standout beats. The opening track, “Steady Wins The Race,” immediately sets the tone with its patient, rolling groove and immaculate sample chops, inviting the listener into PRETTY’s curated world. Midway, “Where We Goin’” captivates with a hypnotic, wandering bassline and shimmering melodic loops that embody a sense of exploratory soul. At the other end, the closing “Don’t Stop Now” leaves a lasting impression with its uplifting, soul-drenched melody and driving percussion, functioning less as a finale and more as a motivational send-off that perfectly encapsulates the tape’s theme of ritual and momentum.
For its impeccable craftsmanship, intentional vibe, and soulful execution, Chops 4 Breakfast earns a solid 8/10.