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The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

Justin Bieber drops surprise Easter EP

Justin Bieber drops surprise Easter EP
The singer bears his soul and shares the gospel message in “Freedom.”
Lauren McBride, Senior Copy Editor April 6, 2021

While people relaxed in their homes celebrating a restful Easter afternoon, Justin Bieber surprised everyone with the release of a gospel EP titled “Freedom.” With his newest album “Justice” having been released not even three full weeks prior, “Freedom.” comes as a bigger shock to fans,...

NF’s “CLOUDS (THE MIXTAPE)” is cloudy with a chance of existentialism

NF’s “CLOUDS (THE MIXTAPE)” is cloudy with a chance of existentialism
The 29-year-old rap prodigy reaches new heights in his first major album since 2019.
Lydia Snow, Freelancer March 27, 2021

Triple platinum-certified, Dove Award-winning hip-hop artist Nathan John Fuerstein, better known as NF, is back on the saddle with his heavily teased release “CLOUDS (THE MIXTAPE).” QUESTIONING FAME “CLOUDS (THE MIXTAPE)” appropriately begins with a storm of sorts. In the first track, “CLOUDS,”...

Lil Uzi Vert’s long-awaited album disappoints

Lil Uzi Vert’s long-awaited album disappoints
Regurgitated lyrical content and lack of variety makes this a disappointing follow-up.
Chris Charpentier, Staff Writer March 12, 2020

Since the release of his 2017 album “Luv is Rage 2,” famed trap artist Lil Uzi Vert has accumulated many fans because of his unique voice, melodies and pioneering efforts toward “emo-rap,” a genre that fuses the technical abilities of rap with the lyrical content of emo music. In 2018, Uzi...

“Jesus is King” is powerful, yet unsatisfying

Kanye West releases his first gospel album "Jesus Is King."
Kanye’s anticipated gospel album entertains, but does not live up to his previous releases.
Sammy Newcomer October 31, 2019

After multiple delays, Kanye finally delivered “Jesus is King” on Oct. 25. The release, in typical Kanye fashion, was surrounded by controversy. This time, the calamity surrounds Kanye’s “rebirth” and conversion to Christianity. While some Christians fear Kanye is using the name of Jesus as...

From Yeezus to Jesus: Kanye fans should not fear his gospel attempt

Kanye West shifts his music to gospel instead of secular music.
Kanye’s attempts at gospel during his live shows have proven that fans should not fear a spiritual Kanye.
Sammy Newcomer October 5, 2019

With his new album “Jesus is King” releasing this fall, Kanye West once again turned to his pre-album release routine of making bold claims to keep himself in the spotlight. Although the album has been pushed multiple times from its original release date, select fans had the opportunity to hear the...

Anderson .Paak’s “Ventura” fuses together past and present

Anderson .Paak’s “Ventura” fuses together past and present
.Paak’s fourth studio album fuses classic soul with today’s modern hip-hop.
Chris Baeza, Freelance Writer April 18, 2019

In their heyday, soul and funk dominated the airwaves. Smooth harmonies from The Temptations and themes of love and heartbreak characterized ’60s and ’70s music. Artists like Parliament, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and the Pips and Diana Ross alike paved the way for many African American artists...

Rapper Darnell Boone finds footing on SoundCloud

Rapper Darnell Boone finds footing on SoundCloud
Boone solidifies himself as an artist by collaborating with fellow students to make insightful, entertaining hip-hop.
Adam Pigott, Staff Writer March 30, 2019

(This story was originally published in print on Mar. 28, 2019). Blending soul, R&B and hip-hop, sophomore cinema and media arts major Darnell Boone stands out as one of Biola’s most versatile student music artists. The Corona, California native has been uploading his music to SoundCloud for...

Kehlani’s new mixtape scores big

kehlani album cover
Big name producers, strong lyrics and influential features come together in this nine-track EP.
Adam Pigott, Staff Writer March 2, 2019

Two years after the release of “SweetSexySavage,” Kehlani’s latest mixtape “While We Wait” released on Feb 21. The mixtape features skilled and prominent artists such as Ty Dolla $ign, Dom Kennedy and 6lack, elegantly expressing her varied feelings throughout different romantic experiences. RELATIONSHIPS The...

Prepare for the semester with our back-to-school playlist

Here are a few songs that can hopefully help you get back into the groove of school.
Chris Baeza, Freelance Writer January 19, 2019

Winter break has come and gone and classes are in full swing. If you have not been listening to music this week because you have been too busy waiting in line for books or trying to figure out how to do homework during a blackout, this back-to-school playlist may be for you. With songs ranging from indie/alternative...

“Championships” Review: Gangsta rap and storytelling fill this hip-hop album

“Championships” Review: Gangsta rap and storytelling fill this hip-hop album
Meek Mill defeats prison time and releases an impressive LP.
Adam Pigott, Staff Writer December 6, 2018

Editor’s Note: This article features an artist who uses obscenities and references violent themes in his music. Reader discretion is advised. Meek Mill has had an interesting life these last few years. His sophomore album “Dreams Worth More Than Money” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and...

“Creed II” Review: Redemption and hip-hop highlight this sequel.

“Creed II” Review: Redemption and hip-hop highlight this sequel.
The latest installment in the “Rocky” uppercuts expectations.
Adam Pigott, Staff Writer December 3, 2018

(This story was originally published in print on Nov. 29, 2018) Adonis Creed, portrayed by Michael B. Jordan, came a long way in the first “Creed” film. He has journeyed from juvenile hall and prison to becoming the light-heavyweight boxing champion of the world. “Creed II” director Steven Caple...

Welcome to winter playlist

Listen to some songs to get you on your feet or bundle you up during the chilly winter months.
Chris Baeza, Freelance Writer December 2, 2018

The winter season is in full swing now that the first big rain storm has passed through Southern California. Sure, during the months of winter one would think of hot cocoa, candy canes and the overplayed, overproduced Christmas music playing over the speakers at every mall one visits. Well, if you get...