Chiddy Bang

Chiddy Bang

Chiddy Bang is an alternative hip hop group from Philadelphia, United States, formed in 2008 and active from 2009. The group consists of Chidera “Chiddy” Anamege, Noah “Xaphoon Jones” Beresin and DJ Benzi.

Origins and membership

Chiddy Bang begins when Anamege and Beresin meet at Drexel University. The act works as a duo in its earliest phase, with Anamege and Beresin as the core members, and later is also associated with DJ Benzi. Anamege is also identified as the group’s US rapper.

Early releases and label signing

After attracting attention from underground music blogs, the group releases its debut mixtape, The Swelly Express, through the blog Pretty Much Amazing. The release leads to a recording contract with EMI in January 2010. Their first commercial single for the label is Opposite of Adults, taken from The Swelly Express and built around a sample of MGMT’s Kids.

Breakthrough

Opposite of Adults brings the group international recognition in 2010. The single reaches number 12 on the UK Singles Chart and later peaks at number 90 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. It also places within the top 20 in several other markets, including Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Belgium. A second single from The Swelly Express, Truth, reaches number 50 in the UK.

Later releases and recognition

Following this success, the group issues a second mixtape in the UK containing remixes and adaptations of British artists including Tinie Tempah, Ellie Goulding and Kate Nash. In October 2010 it releases Chiddy Bang: The Preview, an EP made up of earlier singles and new tracks, as a lead-in to a debut album planned for spring 2011.

Chidera Anamege’s freestyle record

Chidera “Chiddy” Anamege sets a world record for the longest freestyle on 28 April 2011. The freestyle lasts 9 hours, 18 minutes and 22 seconds, with looped beats provided by Xaphoon Jones.