#IndieSpotlight / unsigned hype

Mr. P Chill Returns With “Funky Uncle Chill” — A Crate Digger’s Dream

Mr. P Chill is no stranger around these parts; he’s remained one of those fixtures who stays true to the grind/hustle without wavering. Flying under the radar, he’s continued on the road, bringing positive energy and a love of Hip Hop across the nation. His 13th solo album, Funky Uncle Chill, is a testament to his non-stop journey, a realization and acceptance of his OG status, and a simultaneous nod to loop diggers everywhere.

You can almost picture P in his studio surrounded by stacks of dusty vinyl while putting together this tracklist. From the onset of the super laid back breakbeat of “The Rhyme,” he laments that 25 years later in his career he’s far from finished. He also fondly reminisces about the early days (golden era) of the culture which birthed him.

The theme of keeping it moving is present in a few spots. He revisits it most notably on “More Time,” where he asks for “a little more time” to reach his dreams. “I Don’t Care,” dripping with a funky almost vintage Too $hort vibe he raps “till the day of my death and my very last breath, spread knowledge on tracks trying to do my best.” He does this of course, as the chorus suggests, whether you’re feeling him or not.

Some shining moments on the project see P take slightly different approaches to the album’s big-picture arc of riding out an innate need to reach goals within our lifetime. “Summertime” is a laid-back ride through Sacramento; top down, blunt rolled, sunshine beaming.

The production is noteworthy as hell. Handled by OmegaZ, Elephant Gerald, Joe Doose, and P himself, it has a meticulous aura about it; tracks like “4 AM,” the super poignant message to gun-happy police officers “Don’t Give Up The Fight,” and even the title track (which is an instrumental) are laden with funky samples worthy of a standalone Tidal playlist.

Overall, P stays true to himself. It’s something he contextualizes best on the last track “Reach You,” where P accepts that he continues down the same path with a throwback sound that may be hit or miss; however, he continues to craft songs packed with honesty, relatable truth, and an endearing dedication to the culture. All — as he notes — to reach you.

Give Funky Uncle Chill a spin!

AA Hip Hop Staff About Author

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