We’re living in an era that is being shaped by the voices of female rappers, and Nina Chanel isn’t about to become a footnote in the history books. Her new single, appropriately titled “Big,” is set to make a big statement about what her game consists of this March, and although it’s one of many intriguing track/video combos dropping from the hip-hop underground in 2022, the broadminded aesthetics its composer presents us with definitely set it apart from the competition. Chanel has an attitude to match the name of this song, and she doesn’t mind using it to maximum capacity in this performance.
This rapper doesn’t just follow the beat – she rides the groove into the chorus if for no other reason than to foster as much fluidity in the verses as possible. You can tell that she’s no rookie when it comes to finding a positive flow, and the dynamic she has with the bassline in this single does a lot to highlight how efficient she can be with the mic. Even though she isn’t trying to steal anything from the instrumental componentry, it’s impossible for a player like Chanel not to own the spotlight with complete and utter discipline in a single like this one.
Watch the video for “Big” below
The groove here is notably more stylish than some of the other trap crossovers I’ve been listening to in the past year, and while the track lasts a bit longer than it probably should just for radio considerations, I can understand the desire to exploit the tension forced off of the beat as much as possible. “Big” leaves some of its melodic elements intentionally underutilized, but for a reason – in leaving the harmony potential on the table, Chanel is indicating to us how much she can flex with the beat. She doesn’t need the pop pleasantries – if anything, they just get in her way.
If you hadn’t heard of Nina Chanel before reading this article, I think taking a peek at what she’s doing in the music video for “Big” should give you a clue why critics like myself are very interested in what she’s cultivating artistically. This is definitely a moment in the history of hip-hop where female rappers are finally getting a fairer cut of press attention, but Chanel isn’t earning her spot on the food chain because of a movement. She’s got mad chops in this piece, and I want to hear for myself how much she’s going to evolve as time presses on.
