Asia
ChronicalZ wants to escape his personal matrix on ‘merah atau biru’
The Malaysian rapper’s first release since his debut album
Since he started rapping at 15, ChronicalZ has always looked to challenge the societal perceptions of modern Rap by exploring deeper themes and proving to his home country of Malaysia that there is more to Hip Hop than flexing and braggadocio. This was best heard on his 2023 debut album, Professional Overthinker, as he reflected on his journey through the highs and lows of fame, from the stress of overloaded schedules to the indulgence of success.
‘merah atau biru,’ his latest single, is a Melodic Rap track inspired by the likes of Don Toliver. The song draws on the iconic "red pill or blue pill" dilemma from The Matrix, with ChronicalZ yearning to escape the mundane realities of everyday life with an unnamed partner. The lyrics delve into themes of breaking free from societal constraints, once again a recurring motif in his music.
The music video features ChronicalZ performing in various urban settings, gradually losing his identity within the city's concrete jungle. The visual narrative mirrors the song's themes, depicting his struggle and desire to escape alongside the video's heroine.
The Desa Pandan-based rapper has been a force in the Malaysian Hip Hop scene since he gained early recognition as part of CDN Squad alongside members like Addy Khayal and AlienXin. ChronicalZ broke into the big leagues with his viral single ‘Bata Got Hype’ in 2018. Since then, he's become a prominent figure in collectives like Apollo XIII and City Bois Worldwide, known for his distinctive tone and style.
Watch the music video for ChronicalZ’s ‘merah atau biru’ below.