Cj TopOff’s Helter Skelter part 2
Mid August is when Ft Worth hip hop artist Cj Topoff released Helter Skelter part 2 on all streaming platforms, the continuation of Helter Skelter Part 1 he released in May 2019. Cj’s, what some might speculate, mild obsession of the Americans criminal and cult leader Charles Manson has continued to be the primary influence of the album.
Much like Part 1, Part 2 contains similar visual representation and sample content of the late 60’s cult leader that’s scattered across the album. The noticeable difference is that there isn’t quite as much of it as it was showcased in Part 1. The amount of sample content didn’t meet my expectations, less than what I expected. By no means did this devalue the project, just simply wasn’t enough in my opinion.
Although there was a lack of sample content, what made up for it what the lyrical content that continued to present traces of Charles Manson’s influence, i.e Hippie Cult Leader, Helter Skelter and Peace and Love. His ability as an artist to portray himself as cult leader, similar to Manson, in his music is what keeps his fans interested in his tunes. There’s some sense of truth in that, considering there isn’t any current psychedelic hip hop artists that come to mind. Regardless of the influence, Topoff remains true to his art and continues to paint the picture into his world of psychedelics and marijuana. As an hip hop artist, he never shyed away from expressing his sociopolitical thoughts and raps about the current state of injustice and oppression, i.e, Magical Mystery.
The overall sound of the album is a tad all over the place as it contains many musical influences but the overall mellow, nonchalant vibe is a trademark for Topoff. Songs like Peace and Love, Yoga and Race War carry sound that’s similar to the 60’s, probably influenced by Earth, Wind and Fire, which ends up coalescing in some way with the theme of this album. Slangin Psychedelics and Crystal Clear presented a Texas tradition with the parts of the song “screwed up” that’s much appreciated for fans of the southern underground scene. Part 2 showcases features, unlike Part 1, including Trash Dallas, BlxckMale and the highly favored PatRon featured in the track, Spirit Glow.
To give this album a listen, tap the button below
