Secondly, the artists felt that if they were to position themselves for a larger platform, and transform into a national phenomenon, they would need to restrategise. Their purist hip-hop sound, though pleasing, was not going to afford them what they called "national artist status" - that explains their sporting a much more poppy sound -  a fusion of Pop, R&B, Hip-Hop and Soul - as evidenced on their Gitxx-driven jump-off debut single "Buzzin". "I Like It", their unreleased follow-up single, is set to continue in similar vein. Their hope is that this fresh new sound would be an avenue not primarily to propel them into the music stratosphere, but more so to help them become an agent of change. 'Transformation' is a big word with the group, and they're realising their mandate is not just to make banging beats, but to begin to positively impact their generation. By smoothing out their sound, they feel they are able to reach a wider demographic than just the hip-hop loving fan.

And if that's not radical enough, check out Astar's proclamation - one that may not only court controversy, but, to some, may even sound near heretical. "A Gospel song does not neccessarily have to have the word Jesus in it". The group's contention is that many people are bound by religion, and are yet to experience the freedom of relationship with a loving God. By coming at them with everyday chit chat (pun intended), and subtly introducing them to a lifestyle of loving God, defenses begin to get broken and the message of the Gospel becomes more palatable."

Astar says, "We call ourselves Chit Chat because we want our music to spark conversation. We'll talk about everyday things that happen to everyday people. And as people continue to engage with us, and realise that our values and message are driven by the Gospel, we hope to spark change".

Their approach is novel. And bold. Chit Chat are set to blaze a trail some may have considered but never ventured. And to affirm their seriousness to their new approach and direction, each group member has ceded their personal ambitions to see this work. All their individual careers are curretntly on pause, as they work together to establish Chit Chat. that means that upcoming albums from Michelle, and the crazy wicked Astar-Brian King (Votaries) collabo album, will all have to be on hold. To put this in perspective, Rigga no longer exists as a single entity. Neither does Michelle, Astar or Bupe. Whereas Hip Hope was a coalition of individual artists, Chit Chat is a single entity of established artists.

So what's next for Chit Chat? Well, don't look out for an album. Astar says "There is no thought of a full-length record on the horizon. At least not yet. Our focus right now is on releasing singles and using them and their music videos to impact the youth through media and the arts".

Chit Chat are also in the middle of their schools tour in conjunction with K-Krew, and are looking at reaching out to one hundred schools throughout the country. In addition, later in August they anticipate the first edition of School's Out, the event that replaces their much-loved Hip-Hope event.

No doubt their fans will be keeping their eyes open, ears peeled and mouths ready to chit chat some more.

To download BUZZIN, their latest single, click HERE .
 
To view their BUZZIN music video, click HERE .

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