We are thrilled to announce that the Albumism family has expanded with the very welcome addition of Mark Chappelle. Mark brings a wealth of musical knowledge and passion to our team, coupled with a striking clarity and conviction within his written voice.

“Albumism’s writers consider trajectories of artists’ careers, cultural context, music history, and fine sonic details,” Mark explains. “This is a language I speak fluently not only as a fan, but also as a trained singer and musician myself. This community loves music the way I do. This is why I’m thrilled to write for Albumism.”

We encourage the Albumism community to stay tuned for much more from Mark, and in the meantime, check out his recently published debut Albumism article, a thoughtful 40th Anniversary tribute to Teena Marie’s third studio album Irons In The Fire (1980).

More about Mark:

Mark Chappelle is a Los Angeles-based writer, graphic designer, singer, and musician.

His mother claims that as a toddler, he was always disassembling record players with a screwdriver. And he still uses every tool to get inside the music. Usually reading about it. Sometimes writing and recording it. Many times marketing and packaging it. Often critiquing or advocating for it. Always collecting it.

Mark’s love of music begins with R&B, jazz, and gospel. It splays outward into neighboring areas of pop, dance, hip-hop, rock, folk, and the cross-sections between them. Special reverence is reserved for Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Chaka Khan, Q-Tip, Prince, and Joni Mitchell who can virtually do no wrong.

In his downtime, he watches Living Single to pretend it’s still the ‘90s, and endeavors to make the world a better place by explaining why the phrase “I could care less” makes no sense.

You can find more of Mark’s writing on Medium and follow him on Twitter via @markchappelle.

Mark’s 5 Favorite Albums of All Time: