Sham1016 & Walt Mansa Drop “CHAMP” Collaboration (Album Review)

Sham1016 and Walt Mansa dropped their first collaboration album “CHAMP” and it has already proven to be one of the coldest linkups this year. Recorded in the Slauson Hills, what began as a 5 song EP quickly turned into an 11-track masterpiece, giving listeners something they could enjoy in any setting; from a date to a cookout or just vibing with your homies. 

“Crazy to think this was only supposed to be a 5 song EP,” said the Los Angeles rapper. “But we was like I don’t even know why we lying to ourselves let’s keep this s*** going. We was in a mode that was too wavey too easy, I charge it to us recording off Slauson in the hills, already felt like money.”

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With that being said, it’s no surprise that Walt would be the power producer-engineer to maintain the flow of this musical ride. His versatility as well as his chameleon-like ability to adapt to any style serves as the perfect match for Sham’s monotone mannerisms and wordplay. On the cover, we see the duo “thinking of a master plan” sitting laid back with unbothered energy, a narrative that Sham has projected in previous projects like “Foul Play” and his latest single release “Get A Grip.”

At the top of the album we have “To the Roof,” a public address exposing those that want to be seen, yet fail to live up to the hood standard of keeping it player. “He got a 30 he gon’ really shoot, all that’s just for decoration he don’t really troop. They gon flip sh*t if that rental coming through…all from starving in them trenches I’m the living proof.” Mr. 1016 also stays true to his routine of “talking his sh*t” with lines like, “Weird n****s got all that drip on and got no juice…” and “practice all that gangster sh*t n**** you’s a f****in nerd, it’s to the roof and I’m charging up for every word.” 

You can feel this same energy displayed on “Ritchere”, “Tiny Crash Out”, Passport”, and “IRL.” Walt gives us a consistent beat flow with these four tracks; the perfect vibe for sliding through the city no matter the time of day while Sham shows us the cool, confident side of his persona, reminding us why he’s Him and not them.

“Thought he had that sh*t on, I walked in this b*tch.” – Ritchere

“Set up b*tches get packed up, they can get chipped too. Leave you at the back door you was tryna get into.” – Tiny Crash Out

“I know, I know you could turn my 50 to 3 bands, and everything I’m not made me everything I am.” – IRL

“Why your cholesterol higher than your self-esteem? B*tch get that hate up out your heart just know I’m heem.” – Passport

Standout track “Manhattan Village” is an ode to the broken hearts of Sham’s past. Melodic vocals from featured artist Tiffany Gouche help the emcee navigate through his “dating” experiences with women delegated for only one thing, When the matter of choosing up on a late night, a drunk text [and the decision to accept or decline] accompanied by a possible booty call mission is a topic I know we all can relate to. 

“You know I’m on sh*t when I hit your phone. Can’t help it when I stumble to your door, these type of nights only time we on. Can’t believe you go for it, but you go for it even though you want more. Try to show for it…these the only nights that I search for, hardest part choosing who I’m making work for.” – Manhattan Village (feat. Tiffany Gouche)

This same narrative of choosing up and [maybe] sneaky linking with your favorite person continues with “We Know”, “4 Me” and “Bad Luck (Interlude),” a SoundslikeTC produced track. However, this storyline takes an interesting turn on “Bitch Did You Just” when privacy and trust are violated after a friend with benefits gets in their feelings and becomes comfortable enough to go through your phone.

“CHAMP” is available on a Pay How You Play basis, where fans and supporters can name their price for the album via www.champishere.com. Congrats Sham and Walt on this amazing body of work, we can’t wait to see what y’all cook up next!

Stream CHAMP below