The typical formula for introducing a new artist is to list the artist’s influences and then explain how said artist embodies and differs from those influences. Not only is that a lazy method of introduction, but Chynna, an 18 year-old rapper from Philadelphia, doesn’t wear her influences on her sleeve, so that approach isn’t applicable here anyway. Accordingly, we’re going to introduce Chynna the same way she was introduced to us: with the music.

Chinois is her debut project and features production ranging from mild boom baps to bass-driven, drippy synths to echoing cloud beats and other things in between and beyond. Chynna follows suit, variously rapping quickly, slowly, frantically and confidently. There’s no unifying narrative to Chinois, but Chynna speaks on sexual privacy, relationships, and maintaining uniqueness, among other things, and she does it in an often engaging way. Some tracks sound a little older (notably “Stigma”), but the overall vibe is fresh. Listen below.

Note: On “For a Minute,” she actually does list some of her influences.

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