In an era where most album merch is a Gildan t-shirt with a screen-printed logo, the Chixtape 5 ZIP Top stands as a relic of creative merchandising. Tory Lanez understood that nostalgia is not just heard; it is felt and worn. The horizontal zipper is a design flaw in the eyes of minimalism, but a triumph in the language of R&B maximalism. Searching for that specific "zip top" today is an act of archaeological recovery—trying to unzip a moment in pop culture that has since been sealed shut by time and controversy. It remains, however, one of the most ingenious physical representations of an album’s emotional core: that some things are better when you have to work to open them.
Chixtape 5 is the fourth studio album by Canadian rapper and singer Tory Lanez, released on November 15, 2019. As the fifth installment in his long-running Chixtape series, it serves as a massive tribute to the "golden era" of 2000s-era R&B hits. The Vision: Nostalgia Reimagined
Unlike previous entries in the series that were often limited to SoundCloud or YouTube due to uncleared samples, Chixtape 5 was the first to be fully cleared for major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Lanez and his team reportedly cleared between 30 and 40 samples, working with 19 different lawyers to ensure every legendary track could be officially released.
The project goes beyond simple remixing. Lanez recruited the original artists from the sampled tracks to deliver new verses or vocals, creating a unique bridge between 2000s nostalgia and modern R&B production. Key Tracks and Legendary Features
The 18-track project features a "who's who" of R&B icons from the early 2000s: Here's How Tory Lanez Cleared Every Sample on 'Chixtape 5' tory lanez chixtape 5 zip top
Review of Tory Lanez – Chixtape 5 (2019)
Chixtape 5 isn't just another mixtape in Tory Lanez’s sprawling discography; it is widely considered the magnum opus of his "Chixtape" series and one of the strongest projects in his career. Released in November 2019, the project serves as a love letter to the 2000s R&B era, executing its nostalgia with a level of precision and legal budget that mixtapes rarely achieve.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the project.
1. "The Take" (feat. Chris Brown) This is arguably the biggest hit from the tape and a perfect opener. It flips Ginuwine’s "So Anxious." The chemistry between Tory and Chris Brown is palpable. It captures the essence of the "King of R&B" debate that was happening at the time, proving both artists can glide over a classic instrumental with modern flair. In an era where most album merch is
2. "The Splash" (feat. Lil Wayne) Flip: "Splash Waterfalls" by Ludacris. Tory Lanez has always imitated Lil Wayne’s flow, and getting Wayne on the track feels like a passing of the torch. The way they trade bars over the "Splash Waterfalls" sample is infectious. It’s high-energy, raunchy, and purely fun—capturing the peak 2000s club energy.
3. "The Dub" (feat. Mario) Flip: "Differences" by Ginuwine. This is a slow-burn highlight. Mario is an underrated R&B veteran, and his presence here legitimizes Tory’s tribute. The song deals with relationship turbulence, and the production retains the piano melody of the original so effectively that it triggers instant muscle memory for the listener.
4. "The Run" (feat. Fabolous) Flip: "Superwoman" by Karyn White. This track is a storytelling gem. Fabolous is the king of the 2000s rap feature, and his verse fits perfectly into the narrative of a relationship on the rocks. The sample of Karyn White’s "Superwoman" gives the track a somber, heavy weight that balances the album's more sexual tracks.
The Chixtape 5 era ended abruptly for Tory Lanez due to his personal legal issues. However, the music has aged like fine wine. Searching for that specific "zip top" today is
Given that counterfeit vinyl is rare but mislabeled listings are common, here is how to ensure you are buying the actual premium product.
| Feature | Standard Retail Vinyl | "Zip Top" / VMP Exclusive | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Color | Black | Clear w/ Red Smoke or Magenta Swirl | | Sleeve | Standard cardboard gatefold | Thick, resealable zip-top outer sleeve | | Numbering | None | Foil-stamped numbered edition (e.g., #423/750) | | Bonus Item | None | usually includes a lyric booklet or art print | | Price (Resale) | $30 - $50 USD | $120 - $250+ USD |
Warning: Do not buy a listing that claims "Zip Top" but shows a standard black record. The zip top is just a sleeve; the valuable part is the colored vinyl inside.
If you type “Tory Lanez Chixtape 5 zip top” into Google or eBay, you will encounter a mix of results. It is crucial to understand that “Zip Top” is not the official name of the release, but rather a colloquial term used by collectors to describe premium vinyl jackets that feature a resealable protective outer sleeve.
Why is the zip-top aspect so important to fans? It comes down to three factors: