Album Review: The Root of All Evil — Caper & Chrome Rockwell
With The Root of All Evil, Bronx lyricist Caper joins forces with producer Chrome Rockwell to deliver a grim, reflective, and razor-focused body of work rooted in the harsh realities of survival, power, and temptation. This is underground hip-hop in its purest form — cinematic beats, layered wordplay, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.
Chrome Rockwell’s production sets the tone immediately: dark sample chops, haunting melodies, and dusty drum textures that feel lifted from a forgotten reel-to-reel crime score. The beats don’t overcrowd the vocals — instead, they create long shadows for Caper’s voice to move through. There’s tension in the atmosphere, a constant reminder that the title isn’t metaphor alone — it’s commentary on systems, greed, and human nature itself.
Caper’s pen remains sharp throughout. His verses balance street-level detail with philosophical framing: reflections on loyalty, betrayal, economic struggle, inner conflict, and the ways money corrupts everything it touches. He delivers his bars with weight and intention — not just rapping at the listener, but pushing them to sit with the themes. References to history, mythology, spirituality, and city grit add depth without ever feeling forced.
What also stands out is the cohesion. This isn’t a playlist — it’s a project with purpose. The sequencing flows, the mood is consistent, and the narrative thread holds the listener from start to finish. Guest features (where present) feel carefully chosen, matching the tone rather than chasing exposure.
The Root of All Evil thrives because it refuses to dilute itself. There are no gimmicks here — just dense lyricism, rugged production, and a clear creative vision. It speaks to fans who still value albums as storytelling vehicles rather than background noise.
For listeners craving substance-driven hip-hop with moral weight and street-born wisdom, Caper and Chrome Rockwell have crafted something both timely and timeless. It’s reflective. It’s uncompromising. And it lingers long after the final track fades — like an echo in the alleyways where the truth never sleeps.
Purchase the Album on Bandcamp
