Reading Time: 2 min read

3.5 out of 5 stars

Rich Chigga, Gospel © 88rising/EMPIREIndonesian rapper Rich Chigga, South Korean rapper Keith Ape, and Floridian rapper XXXTentacion drop a malicious, hellish sounding banger in “Gospel.”

Three young rappers come together for one epic banger.  That’s right, Rich Chigga, Keith Ape, and XXXTentacion join forces to bless us with the “Gospel.” Okay, okay, they’re not saving souls in a moral, Christian sort of way, but they do muster up a hard-hitting banger.

XXXTentacion kicks things off as unapologetically as ever.  Arguably, XXXTentacion doesn’t get as gutter as “Look at Me,” but he’s still brash AF.

“F*ck with my n*ggas, catch a d*ck in your throat.”

Sex, and rough sex at that remains on the rapper’s mind.  To his credit, he admits, “I am a ho.”  On the hook, he continues with great profundity:

“F*ck wit it, f*ck wit it, f*ck wit it, f*ck wit it…”

Keith Ape takes the reins next, rapping in both English and Korean.  While he’s not quite as edgy as XXXTentacion, he “gets it in.” His English bars comprise of drugs, violence, and hellishness.

“I got opiate in my motherf*ckin’ vein, yuh / I got orca blad in my motherf*ckin’ hand, yuh / Kill my enemies then they go bleed to death, yuh / Wrist from underwater and my Gin on some Satan, yuh.”

Finally, Rich Chigga closes things out:

“Born in ’99 and I got 99 chicks in my crib.”

Yes, the aforementioned line is absolutely ridiculous, but give him a break – he’s 17.  For the most part, the Indonesian rapper flexes like his colleagues, dropping an f-bomb or two.  Does he say anything particularly meaningful? No, but for him and his bros, this is indeed “Gospel.”

Final Thoughts 

Ultimately, “Gospel” serves its purpose – it’s a banger.  The production matches the tough-minded rhymes from each rapper.  By no means will this gospel saves souls – more like it’ll damn them to hell – but the energy is undeniable.

Rich Chigga, Keith Ape & XXXTENTACION • Gospel – Single • 88rising / EMPIRE • Release: 5.12.17
Photo Credit: 88rising / EMPIRE

the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.