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A Page from My Life
Artist: Chuckie Perez
Label: Tag Artist Group
Time: 10 tracks / 32:54
Released: May 2005
There are many things to like about A Page From My Life and they start with the moody title track. Although this CD was first released in May of 2005, it bears reviewing and will serve as a teaser to the upcoming Phantom Tollbooth interview with Chuckie P. To say that A Page from My Life is a good CD would be a lot like saying a Picasso or a Degas is satisfactory. It is a colossal understatement. The CD is a work of art. This album wasn't slammed together; it was thoughtfully and carefully orchestrated..
"Legacy" highlights the artist's outstanding silky smooth vocals. Perez's R&B grooves rank up there with Tony Terry, James Ingram and Gregory Abbott. I had to keep checking the CD cover to make sure he is Latino and not some black dude.
"My People" has the best flavors and spices that Hispanic culture can offer us. This is Trini Lopez with soul. When I spoke with Perez I asked him about some similarities between "My People" and the tune that went all the way to number one in 1960 "Stay" by Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs (originators of "Little Darlin'"). Later generations may know "Stay" as it was covered by The Temptations and Jackson Browne. Perez said it was not until the song was recorded that he recognized some similarities but they were coincidental and not contrived. "My People" has something however, that "Stay" can never claim and that is the rapping of rhymes about two thirds of the way through the song. It provides a nice change of pace before the mood eases back into more vibrant Spanish colors.
Perez is often overlooked as one of the original pioneers of hip hop and rap. In fact, the sad fact is most people who claim to be hip hop gurus don't even know that Chuckie Perez was doing this gig before the homeys thought it was cool. Although, you have to dig pretty deep before Perez will talk about it he will tell you that he was flat out told by churches that invited him 'back in the day' that if they had known he was Hispanic he would never have been asked to minister to their congregations. How is that for love in the body of Christ?
Despite the fact that Perez has been making music for seventeen years this is a CD that definitely has appeal across all generation lines. "The Party" should appeal to the younger set while Break Free easily ranks up there with any tune Boyz II Men ever put out. "Break Free" has lush R&B vocals that passionately tell a story of a man looking for identity in a world that has pushed him down. The singer reaches out to God and seeks the Lord's help to set him free.
If you are African American, you will find Chuckie Perez to be hip. If you are Hispanic, he is culturally relevant. If you are a white cat like me then brace yourself for a cultural kaleidoscope. A Page From My Life presents the gospel in a fun party atmosphere. Having said that it is neither disrespectful nor is it flippant. DJ Andy Hunter brought the gospel to the streets through dance and spinning tunes. With songs like "Hip HopCrasy" and
"Malicious" Perez keeps knocking down the barriers and putting the gospel in the language of the street.
Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of A Page from My Life. "Couldn't Keep Me Down" chronicles the career of Chuckie P. a man who oddly enough is destined to reach legendary status later in life rather than when he first began in 1989. Just like the song says, "Guess who's back in town?..that's right all Chuckie P's back in the house."
By Joe Montague, exclusive rights reserved
Joe Montague is an internationally
published journalist / photographer. His ministry is dedicated to the memory
of his late son Kent David Montague who went to heaven at the age of 18.
All copyright and distribution rights remain the property of Joe Montague.