The Hidden Genre (C. H. H. Ain't Dead 01)

chapter two

THE RAYS of the sun hit the city with full force, but the conditions mattered not when one entered North City Mall. The thick walls kept heat trapped inside whenever there was a lack of it outside. In this case, the air-conditioning kicked in to have the mall a place to run to as if seeking shelter.

Inside, a couple entered the CBM store, "Good afternoon. Yes, we are looking for the album of the artist that is currently touring his country?"

"Oh, wow . . ." Ruth Rennells was stunned, for that question rivaled the blue book query of earlier. "Normally artists tour their latest album," she said, "the best we can do is check new releases."

Ruth had the customers follow her past the books and into the music section of the store. It wasn't nearly as big as the reading content, but it served its purpose well.

"I see you guys have rock and rap albums," said the girlfriend, "I don't know if it will help, but it's a hip hop album we looking for."

"Yes," Ruth took a sharp turn. "That narrows the options, thank you, mam."

"For a youngster such as yourself, I would defs recommend some Aaron Cole," suggested another staff member, guiding a customer, in the section Ruth and the couple passed.

The boyfriend's eyes wondered without the knowledge of his girl.

"Do you remember any songs from the album?" asked Ruth.

"So Enjoyable . . ." slipped out of his mouth.

"Yes!" reacted the girlfriend, "sorry, I didn't mean to be loud. So Enjoyable was the song I heard on the radio. Thanks, babe."

"Hmm? Yeah, don't mention it," said the boyfriend, still halfway in his daze.

"Sorry, nothing's coming to mind," said Ruth, "but this here is our new hip hop releases," her hands were followed by their eyes. "Perhaps you'll recognize the name of the artist."

"Let's have a look," the girlfriend browsed at eye level, "I'm not noticing anything, babe, are you?"

Her boyfriend narrated as he browsed along with his fingertips, "Hmm, ASAP Preach, Bryann Trejo, I've heard of Bizzle through that Devil's Work response. I'm a Christian, know what I mean, so that song was really on point. Hmm, let's see . . . Dillon Chase -"

"Chase! Babe, I think it was him - where do you see that?" jolted the girlfriend in excitement, recognizing the surname. The boyfriend got the latest EP off the shelf, for Ruth was like a little girl who couldn't reach the cookie jar. It didn't bother her though. It was one cookie jar she had no intentions of reaching for anyway. She knew that the boyfriend would soon put the EP back.

It was obvious based on the way the girl reacted upon hearing the surname. She wasn't looking for this Chase's music. She was looking for another Chase's music. She was looking for his music. The Amborian born rapper clearly made a name for himself, locally and internationally. Good on him.

"Sooo, we found what we looking for?" Ruth asked, hoping she was wrong.

"Nooo," So Enjoyable wasn't listed. "It isn't this Chase," replied the girlfriend.

"Okay, if it isn't Dillon, could it be Luke Chase?" asked Ruth, fully aware of the coming response.

"Yes!" reacted the girlfriend, "sorry, about that. Yes, I think it's him."