Album Review: New Day by Chima Anya – A Hidden Gem in UK Hip-Hop
Released in 2010, New Day by Chima Anya is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It’s not flashy or overhyped, but it carries a raw authenticity that sticks. Falling under the genres of Hip-Hop/Rap, this project feels like a love letter to the golden era of rap while still bringing its own flavor to the table. With tracks released via Not On Label and Gold Suite Records, it’s clear Chima wasn’t trying to play by anyone else’s rules—and that’s what makes this album stand out.
The album kicks off with “Intro,” setting the tone right away. It’s short, punchy, and grabs your attention without overstaying its welcome. But if there’s one track that really hits home, it’s “Krs One (Oxford).” The beat has this gritty, almost hypnotic loop that just pulls you in. Chima’s flow here is sharp, and he drops bars that feel both personal and universal. You can tell he’s paying homage to the legends while carving his own lane. This isn’t just another rap song; it’s storytelling at its finest. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded why hip-hop will always be the voice of the streets.
Another standout is “Hey (Revisited).” If you’re looking for something smooth yet hard-hitting, this is it. The production blends perfectly with Chima’s confident delivery. What makes this version unforgettable is how polished yet unapologetically real it feels. It’s like hearing an old friend share their story—familiar but fresh enough to keep you hooked. These two tracks alone show Chima’s versatility as an artist who can switch from introspective lyricism to straight-up bangers.
The rest of the album flows nicely too, with cuts like “Cupid’s Net” adding a touch of soulful vibes, and “I Love Rap” serving as a reminder of why we fell in love with the genre in the first place. Even lesser-known tracks like “Astrosnare” and “Eye Choose You” have moments where you pause and think, “Damn, this dude’s got range.”
Looking back, New Day feels ahead of its time in some ways. Sure, it didn’t blow up globally, but maybe that’s part of its charm. It’s the kind of album you rediscover years later and wonder why more people aren’t talking about it. Maybe it’s because Chima Anya wasn’t chasing fame—he was just making music that mattered to him.
Final thought? Listening to New Day feels like finding a mixtape tucked away in an old shoebox. It’s nostalgic, honest, and full of heart. And honestly, isn’t that what great music’s all about?
