Words By: Jordyn Kieft

Ending the year on a high note, rapper and accomplished HBO writer Chris Gabo has just released his sophomore mixtape Price of Anarchy. In Price of Anarchy, Gabo takes us on a journey of betrayal and heartbreak with fourteen tracks worthy of a Hollywood studio lot. Price of Anarchy is a hyper lyrical follow-up to his previous mixtape Exit Interview which was known amongst fans for pushing the boundaries of genre and complex melodic soundscapes. Price of Anarchy delivers a refreshing dose of vulnerability and lyrical prowess perfectly well-suited for appeal with a wide array of audiences. A powerful collaboration with producer Branius, Gabo offers a mix of electronic fueled bangers, heart-breaking ballads, and metal-inspired hits that pair seamlessly with his confident lyrical delivery. As a Columbian-American artist, Gabo taps into a diverse range of musical influences that pair seamlessly with his impressive talent.

Price of Anarchy begins with “Flowers On the Table,” a track that situates us in Gabo’s current life and situation. Blooming with vocals right out of the gate, there’s no time for an instrumental introduction. The electronic sound that permeates throughout the mixtape hits hard in this track, pulling us into the vibe that Gabo is providing for this mixtape. Although the track is slower, there is no lack of strong beat and entrancing instrumentals. Gabo gets vulnerable as he sings, “I’m not the danger/But I’m not an angel/You can take anything/I don’t have anything.” This song is the perfect introduction to what we already know will be another stellar career moment for Gabo.

“Runner UPS” and the previously released track, “Hype Man,” follow maintaining an upbeat electronic rhythm. “Runner UPS” hits heavier with electronica style, pulling us out of the depth of the previous track and into a confident and cocky rap. While this track’s predecessor really showcased Gabo’s talents as a vocalist, “Runner UPS” shows off Gabo’s rapping expertise. He asks “What’s it like running with the runner-ups?” By the end of the empowering track, you’ll be asking the same question, your veins infected with the confidence that Gabo radiates throughout this track. While Gabo keeps the upbeat electronic sound flowing through “Hype Man,” he adds in moments of slower, sickly-sweet melodies. Don’t sleep on “Hype Man” though — he keeps the confident and cocky lyrical genius from “Runner UPS.” The catchy lyrics, combined with the bopping beat, make “Hype Man” an instant hit for anyone that listens.

The middle of the mixtape features two previously released tracks — “One of Those” and “He Would.” “One of Those” starts off slow, with a percussion of beats that keep the track consistent. While this single houses a slower beat, the electric charge from Gabo remains. From the moment we hear Gabo, raw emotions radiate the airwaves. At one point, he adds “I wasn’t born to be like this/I am what the fuck you made me.” But it’s not all anger and frustration with Gabo — in “He Would,” Gabo gets extremely vulnerable as he slows down even more than previous tracks featured. He sings about not being able to sleep and having bad thoughts running through his head. He adds that he knows that the ‘he’ of the track would come if he called, and that is exactly why he does not call. The lyrics are heart-breakingly real — you are bound to shed a tear or two when you listen. Within this track’s accompanying music video, Gabo is shown in various rooms with an aura of colored lights surrounding him — making the mood shift telling.

As we near the end of the mixtape is non-other than its title track. Draped in electronic sound similar to what you would find in a video game, Gabo hits every beat with rhymes about anarchy and rising up from the turmoil. If you have not found yourself vibing and nodding along to the beat so far as you listen, then this track is bound to change that. This track is charged with venom and heat as Gabo argues his ability to teach others humility. The mixtape concludes with “Try Not To Stare” — a strong and unique finish. Within this track, Gabo trades his rap stylings for a more soulful vocal moment but keeps the piercing electronic beat. He releases more pent-up anger, yelling throughout and ending with a message that will leave us reflecting on the track and mixtape as a whole.

Currently contracted to an overall deal with HBO, Gabo has written six episodes for the recently aired reboot of In Treatment. Also acting as the consulting producer for The Weeknd’s show The Idol, Gabo’s involvement in music shares a seamless synergy with his background in film/TV. Gabo has collaborated with Cakes Da Killa, Lazerbeak, DJ Trackstar of Run the Jewels, and more. He has also opened for Ana Tijoux and DJ Rob Swift, while also licensing music to Hulu’s Broad City as well as the independent film Coldwater. Gabo’s work has been recognized by the Sundance MENA Theatre Lab, the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference, and much more.

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Featured Image By: Nikki Arya