Chuck Strangers first started rapping as a member of Brooklyn, New York’s Pro Era, a rap collective led by effortlessly cool superstar Joey Bada$$ and the brilliantly eccentric Capital Steez (rest in peace). Since his early years, Strangers aged well. Compared to his early discography, such as his feature on Joey Bada$$’ 1999’s “Fromdatomb$”, Strangers has matured.
A Forsaken Lover’s Plea, his first solo album released for Lex Records following a 2023 EP for the label, is a reflective and serious project; an anthem to a lone G wandering and understanding a broken land.
A Forsaken Lover’s Plea: Chuck Strangers Grows Up
He went from writing bars about being “pretty good at beer pong” to being lied to who his whole life. On “Ski’d Up” he raps, “One day no one else beside you / You gotta let the lord guide you / Still bossing up in my Air Max / It’s our anniversary.”
Strangers comments on the meaning of the album’s title, A Forsaken Lover’s Plea, comparing his relationship to the music industry to, “a shorty you might have had a fling with, you know what I’m saying? And you’re trying to be serious about it, but it really wasn’t that deep to her.” He told Sports and Hip-Hop with DJ Mad Max. “So, this is like a last ditch effort to show said person this is how I feel. I hope to see how people take it.”
He goes on to explain he does not see music as work, but really just loves to do it. He likes the idea of music “energizing his fanbase.” His energetic philosophy is evident throughout his works. The title track “A Forsaken Lover’s Plea” features uplifting jazzy beats with a pitched-up vocal. On the song he raps, “A forsaken lover’s plea / too G to take a knee / Still I gave you all of me.” His contagious positivity is evident throughout his discography. This album serves as a great confidence booster to anyone who feels heartbroken; resistance from outside forces trying to take a G down from their throne.
Strangers is known for producing his own tracks, building his legacy as a producer for Pro Era. On A Forsaken Lover’s Plea, however, he collaborated with numerous other crate diggers, a unique decision in his discography. These names include the legendary Alchemist, known for his work with Mobb Deep and Odd Future stars like Earl Sweatshirt.
The album also features Animoss, Graymatter, and Zoomo. On top of these producers, the album features rappers including Bada$$, Erik The Architect, and Obii Say. These collaborations generate a diverse musical and lyrical atmosphere, identifying Strangers as an experienced artist with wisdom and confidence.
A Forsaken Lover’s Plea: A Powerful and Stoic Gallery
Ironically, despite his teamwork, Strangers writes from a solitary, confident, and even unfriendly perspective. His introspection and maturity shines through in tracks such as “Sunset Park” in which he pens “My father was advanced / Still a mortal man / Our deepest teachers ran / And how I intertwined / Or how I’m getting mine / I hear this voice when it’s raining / Bro, I’m sure it was home training / All we know is maintaining .” This track is an existential and melancholic ode to learning from his history and mistakes.
He portrays himself as a much more grounded and collected person than the Flatbush teenager coming up on the Brooklyn streets with Pro Era. Strangers corroborates this description by admitting to Cabbages Hip-Hop that he felt like the senior producer on the album. He said the other producer’s beats felt like “samples” he used as tools to achieve his direction.
Strangers has worked on some of the songs for the album for up to six years. “It was songs that we had that never went anywhere,” Strangers told Cabbages regarding the uncertain-future song “Ski’d up.” Strangers said that the newest song on the album is “Flatbush N*****.” “I had to re-record that song because I sounded way younger,” Strangers comments, stating the Erik The Architect (of Flatbush Zombies) feature was delivered later “If you listen to it, he nails it more than me on the Flatbush thing.”
No doubt, Strangers is a craftsman who understands the virtue of patience in not rushing his creative process. He lets his ideas develop overtime and finishes them if they’re necessary. These decisions are further testament to his age and wisdom. In classic Pro Era fashion, he does not feel pressured to make creative decisions for anything but the integrity of his own vision. In other words, Strangers is a true artist. He sets an example for how creatives should approach their craft.
Final Thoughts
Strangers’ final words on the album describe his straightforwardness. “If I really like your music, if I find myself listening to your shit on my own time, and we catch a rapport, then I really want to work,” he told Cabbages. “We hang out, we laugh, can joke, smoke some weed? We should probably do some music. It’s not really rocket science for me.”
For More Great Content
Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.
Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!
Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.
