By Odeisel

Since he hooked up with Rico Love, Young Chris has been on a tear, ripping the streets up with a few mixtapes (The Network series, The Reintroduction, etc.) designed to keep his name hot in the streets. His latest, L.I.F.E is predicated on showcasing Chris’ R&B sensibilities.

The tape features beats from some 90’s hit R&B records, most times with inferior singers trying to re-ignite the spirit of the originals. There is a guest appearance by Fat Joe on “Heavy” over the Big Pun “It’s So Hard” beat with singer CJ failing to get his proper Donnel Jones on. There’s a co-opting of Biggie’s verse from “Me and My Bitch” as well, which isn’t necessary.

Frank Ocean’s “Novacane” is used for the foundation of “Novacaine” and Boyz II Men’s “Hey Lover” is used on the track of the same name. Femcee Sofi Green delivers a strong performance on the penultimate track “Hit the Middle,” the he-say-she-say track on the album. The album concludes with “Touch Me Tease Me” which apes the beat from the Case and Foxy classic. While the crooning of singer Emjay isn’t up to Case’s energy and execution, singer Cherlise, who appears throughout the album does an able job as the female vocal.

L.I.F.E. has a few flaws. It’s stuck as a period piece and narrated by an annoying Dominican girl who is supposed to add sex appeal but really just sounds random. As mentioned above, the singing guests aren’t as good as the genuine article but they do enough to put Chris in the proper frame to execute his verses.

Young Chris is agile as ever behind the mic and credible in his transition from the streets to the (hotel) suites. He’s comfortable and the tape is enough evidence to warrant a placement on any contemporary R&B track. It’s not as good as his native street stuff but it’s cool.

3.25 out of 5

Follow Odeisel on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/odeisel

Follow Us on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/planetill

Join Us on the Planet Ill Facebook Group for more discussion

Follow us on Networked Blogs