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Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
a year in the life of oscar the slouch: review
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clear your mind
Ohhhhhhh! So this is what happens when you get one of the UK’s underrated clan and the Krate Krusaders crew (well at least one of them anyway) together in the studio. Over The Great Divide is a socio-political, yet spacey, take on life as we know it (with a few bragging rights thrown in), through the eyes of one of UK Hip Hop’s unsung heroes. Clarity reminds me a bit of Ghostface Killah. In that he puts his rhymes together with some out there phrases thrown into the mix. So there are times when you have to rewind and listen closely to decipher what it is he is conveying. But make no mistake, the method in his madness (ish) is most definitely there for anyone who listens properly to hear. As for Bad Habitz beats, your headphones maybe for Clarity’s rhymes but your stereo speaker were surely made for beats of this kind. I had to take my guinea pig (yes, guinea pig) into another room cause the rumbling b-line was driving him mad. Boom Bap is right with added emphasis on the boom. A very nice 2 pronged attack by Clarity with an album that is easily digested whether your in a mood for beats or lyrics. Superb stuff. Buy it now for £4.00 via Bandcamp or you can grab one of only 100 copies of the CD from the same place (thanks Darren).
africanism
I am this review while trying to get over a mean spirited chest infection that just will not go away. The extra strong cup of ginger tea sitting next to me is my 3rd cup today and the taste seems to get worse with each gulp. The empty tub of celebrations chocolate now masquerading as a spit bucket -complete with tissues- isn't a pretty sight either. Plus my Guinea Pig keeps giving me worrying looks everytime I cough. But the (soon to be) new release currently under my spotlight is providing me with some West Africa inspired aural relief. Richy Pitch stayed in Ghana for 2 years and Ye Fre Mi Richy Pitch is the outcome. Hip Hop, Uptempo Grooves, Ragga and Dubstep are all given an African Rhythm injection and the result is -to borrow a word from my current physical condition- infectious. I dare anyone not to move their hips or shake their arse/ass while this album is bumping in the background. I simply couldn't stop myself. The whole album is a spirited immersion of all the catchy, groove inspired aspects of the urban tinged genres. Its melodic backing is superb in its under the radar simplicity while the bouncy percussion just implores you to hit the extra bass button. Originality is second nature here and it has to be said that the guest list, most of whom I have admittedly never heard of, are not merely making up the numbers. M.anifest being an obvious example on the albums first single, Black Star but everyone shines and I would expect to see many of these names on future projects. But this albums best quality? It's feel good factor. At only 3 tracks deep my mood had risen from gloom to boom and I temperarily forgot all about my not-so-well being. The uplifting vibe of the album is immense. And not only is that a testament to Richy's production skills but also to the country that helped him create this wonderfully inventive album. Ye Fre Mi Richy Pitch is available at all reputable download sites and music stores on 7th June.
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edit: track removed by request. sorry Richy... forgive me?
edit: track removed by request. sorry Richy... forgive me?
his Braydz are like a shield of.... Iron
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something Special
When your catalogue to date is as critically acclaimed as Ty's is, you have to wonder if it gets any easier to keep producing the goods. And to do it while ever-so-slightly pushing the boundaries in his own unique way? That takes a 'Special Kind Of Fool'. Yeah yeah cheesy intro I know but the sentiments it represents are spot on. Ty has a happy knack of delivering one quality genre stretching album after another. Let's cut to the chase, Ty's albums are never born in the conventional mould but it manages to alienate no one. Whether your a Hip Hop fiend or your new boyfriend/girlfriend is only just introducing you to the ways of the force, this is an easy pick up and the lighthearted vibe will offend nobody. With that said, I dare any so called 'real head' not to break a neck to these beats. As good as most albums are. You have to have a taste for that branch of the genre to appreciate its niceness (I've never really been a Master P fan but he lives a life of luxury for a reason). I think that Special Kind Of Fool is an album that easily goes beyond that with the airy melodic production being the reason. The Ty and Drew parnership shows no sign of a creativity crises any time soon and the choice of guests MC's and vocalists is spot on. Sway especially steals the scene on Heart Is Breaking and I must have had Falling on repeat for about half an hour (no exaggeration) when it first hit my ears. The drum pattern and sounds are a masterstroke. That may be my standout but it's a standout on an insanely original album that should be pushed until the money runs out... And then pushed some more. Any MC can spit as much superfluous fire as they like but in my view the best are at their best when they are letting us in. So after all my (possibly overindulgent) praise of this album, it is simply the ups, downs and whatever comes in between, of the man's life put on CD/download. Special Kind Of Fool is the most satisfiying listen i've had for a long time. Bloody awesome!
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Special Kind Of Fool: promo mix
re diverted
I actually reviewed Diversion Tactics latest project a couple of months ago. But since it has actually just been released ,considering my man Aiden has a great interview with them over at his place and considering how nice it is, I thought i would give it the reup tretment.
FINALLY!!! My favourite Hip Hop everymen are back with their latest opus. Their sound, courtesy of Zygote & Jazz T still has that feel of regimented, jazz infused cacophonistic greatness (if that makes any sense at all). J-Zone is still hitting sixes (or homers for the US contingent) with the beat he provides for the album. The now established pub regulars Tim Dog and Percee P still know how to get it done. And the Chubbster is still just as witty and crudely insightful as he always was. Yes with Careful On The Way Up, everything is as it should be. Usually I would spout on about evolving with a new release and showing your growth. But so good is the way that these guys go about their Hip Hop that I would probably shed a 'metaphorical' tear if they decided to come through any other way. The superb reminisce inducing beat and back in the day matter of fact lyrics of Back To School (aaah Grange Hill) is enough on its own to keep me going until the next one. But on top of that you've got Tim Dogs good old fashioned verbal tongue lashing on the final verse of NY To The UK. You've also got Blade and D. Gritty showing top form alongside Chubby on the fire that is Three Card Brag. Or you can look to the weed anthem Lifted (fellas, Keith would be proud). The momentum never let's up with deep b-lines, cut and scratch hooks and intermittent jazzy hat crashes a staple throughout. Everything seems to take its cue from these elements and moves along nicely. At only 35 minutes one could argue that its all over too quickly. But I must have pressed the rewind button at least once (and in some cases several times) on every track, so it damn near doubled in length for me. That in itself should tell you all you need to know. Expect the album to drop around Christmas time. until then peep the taster below.
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chocolate Barz
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As you may have noticed, I don't have 'thing' for big name artists on this sight. The Jay-Z's and Lil Waynes of this world get so much promo from some of my blogging brothers and sisters that little old me is never going to create and great lift or dent in these guys units sales. It wasn't even a concious decision its just the way things worked out. My usual modus operandi when I first get alerted to new music is to skip through about 10 seconds of the first few tracks. I will then add it to my ipod and my first impressions during those few seconds usually determine (sunconciously) how long it takes for me to listen to an album from start to finish. Thus to give the up and comers that little extra bit of shine for providing us with great music is what myself and Mr. Mischief (yes he does exist, eezzee chiefy!) Are all about. As such I have always given a mention and a little paragraph of props to many an album (besides the reviews) since starting out in the blog game. Sometimes I have given such a paragraph to music that deserves a lot more than that. Chris Barz has created such an album with 'Class[sickz] Out The Dark. I will make the immediately obvious comparison (obvious to me anyway) both in sound and vocal style but only becaause this is an album that in my view is easily worthy of such company. Lupe Fiasco! Although I would says Class[sickz] is a lot more Food And Liquor than The Cool with its overall sound, it is such a great piece of work that there is a case to be made for Chris Barz to be given the kind of shine that lupe was afforded with his first effort. Creativity, quirkyness, charisma, variety and a sense of fun are in abundance and allied with Chris' obvious technical ability, although the slight drawl to his flow makes for a more accessible listen. I get a sense that, in a way, Chris' is holding a little back for his next outing. Whereas someone like the Clipse for example, seem a little at pains to stray from the roots of crack references (and for the record, I do love the way they get down), Class[sickz] seems to be merely acting as an introduction into Chris' world. I am still somewhat incredulous that music of this quality is free and an immense big up must go out to Best Kept Secret who on this evidence has chosen the perfect moniker for himself. Surely somewher someone with a little pull in certain circles is listening to this and seeing just how good this guy is. I hope that he gets his radio play and the recognition that comes with it and things kick on from there. I suspect that he won't and it will be left to people such as myself to keep on spreading the word. p e a c e
Chris Barz - On The Radio (She Crazy) feat. Tabi Bonney
Download Class[sickz] Out The Dark
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2 touch training
While he was a UK resident, Lewis Parker built up a double barrelled CV/resume that is awesome in its consistency. This has actually been written while my ipod makes its way through Mr. Parkers entire catalog with half an ear open for a weak beat or couplet here or there but (obviously) found none to speak of. I remember picking up the Masquerades And Silhouettes EP a few times before I actually purchased it. Being a bit of a green horn at the time i hadn't actually heard of Lewis before yet something was telling me to make the purchase. What I was treated to drew me into UK Hip Hop (I'm not afraid to admit) and I haven't looked back from that day to this. Now of course he hangs his hat across the pond (Ghostface and Dynas will tell you) and after the superb Mixtape: Volume One we get hit with a 1 2 combo. His own latest opus 'The Puzzle/Episode One/The Big Game' & River Nelson's 'The Rise And Fall Of....' And the connection between the two? Both are entirely produced by the man himself. The trademark dusty drums and chopped, obscure, off kilter samples are still the bedrock of what takes Lewis from good to great. For anyone that remembers the re runs of any of those old school 70's TV and cinema shows (or even when they were originally shown) listening to some of Lewis' beats will 'take you there'. Lyrically he seems to have stepped up his game since he first embarked on his american dream. As a foil, River has some abrasive words and can fire of plenty of syllables but is laid back with his delivery, so you can easily pick up what he has to say. With many of todays releases it is easy to disregard the MC's flow and contend youself with snapping your neck to the pops and whistles that are served up as beats. They key to albums such as these is as good as the beats are, they never compromise the presence of the MC. Lewis Parker and River Nelson have put together a perfect case in point.p e a c e
Lewis Parker - Man Up! feat Dynas
River Nelson - Rise & Fall feat. Panama
he doesn turn Trix, he Flips 'em
I remember once hearing a boxing critic saying "any undercard who truly deserves his chance won't stay an undercard for long". The logic may be slightly flawed but it's essence is correct. Those who put the work in are the ones most likely to reap the rewards. If you've ever been to a live UK Hip Hop showcase or club night, the chances are that the name Fliptrix was scrawled somewhere on the second or third row on the flyer. Think of an Amir Khan (or Floyd Mayweather for the US heads) saturday night undercard. Kashmere, Foreign Beggars, Jehst and Verb T are just a few of those who have taken a breather in the dj booth while Flip has been doing his thing. Said undercard status is more than likely to change once Theory Of Rhymes hits stores. Ably backed by Jehst, Kashmere, Verb T (in some cases both in the booth and behind the boards), Flip gives his take on London life and the morality that can go with it. Easily weaving between the staccato flow of Deep Set Thoughts to the atmospheric head nods of Dream Coat and Own Zone, Flip shows the versatility nesseccary for anyone wishing to get a foothold in the scene today. But don't think he doesn't take care of the business that is letting the neighsayers know how good an MC he is. A very solid debut that is sure to propel Fliptrix on to bigger things. Undercard? Not anymore!p e a c e
Own Zone/Turn Of Phrase/Madness/My Soul: Promo mix
ain't too proud to Beg
Put simply, the Foreign Beggars do things as only they can. Moulding and twisting the varying colours of the Hip Hop spectrum to great effect. There music is of a type that at times struggles to be typecast. The elements applied are easily identified. But its the way they are put together that starts the conundrum. Straight bangers like Keep It Coming and Higher providing the base colours for the contorted genius of tracks like Seven Figure Swagger, Break Free, Shake It or the brilliant No More to stand out even more. Its as if you are being lulled into a false sense of security before being bomarded with the complete palette. The undeniable swagger that accompanies all things FB is evident throughout and after repeated listens everything still sounds just as fresh as my first listen. The mix of influences, the monstrous kicks, the off key snares, the quirky drum patterns, it all just...fits. Not a skippable track to ne found and all that's before I mention the guestlist: Kashmere, Phat Kat, Kyza, Jehst, Dubbledge, Guilty Simpson, Dr Syntax. Yep, they got quality contacts too. Like I said, the Foreign Beggars do things as only they can.
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Fire & Ice
Ever since my initiation into what this crew is about, via M9's High Fidelity, I have yet to be disappointed with any aspect of a single one of this crews releases thus far. Their longplayer's soundscapes are by and large an ode to Boom Baps time of greatness. A supreme collection of beats either taken from, inspired by, or akin to, what many call 'The Golden Age'. But what makes all these releases stand out even more are the constant gems being dropped all over each release. The perils of Gang warfare, terrorism, the 9 to 5, paying the bills, parenthood, education and more are topics that are regularly broken down and dissected for the masses. The latest to step out from such esteemed shadows is Phoenix Da Icefire. Baptism Under Fire follows the aforementioned formula to a tee. It ain't broken and due to the vast back catalogue of golden tinged loveliness they can call upon, and the awesome beatskills of peepz such as Chemo and Beat Butcha, is probably never going to be. As usual, you'll recognised some of the beats on show while others will be on the tip of your tongue (Shazam was no use to me either). Mos Def's Ultramagnetic, ODB's Brooklyn Zoo and Capone N Noreaga's Illegal Life are the most well known of Phoenix's backdrops of choice. In some ways you could say that using such well regarded source material is an obvious Course of action. Yet with the amount of third rate mixtapes doing the rounds these days maybe it isn't. Some more established MCs/crews release albums that are inferior to most mixtapes. These guys release mixtapes that are far superior to most albums. Phoenix is no exception.
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Phoenix Da Icefire - Aryan sky
Phoenix Da Icefire - Purple Mist feat. D21
Phoenix Da Icefire - Right Timing (Album Snippets)
Organized Noize
FINALLY!!! My favourite Hip Hop everymen are back with their latest opus. Their sound, courtesy of Zygote & Jazz T still has that feel of regimented, jazz infused cacophonistic greatness (if that makes any sense at all). J-Zone is still hitting sixes (or homers for the US contingent) with the beat he provides for the album. The now established pub regulars Tim Dog and Percee P still know how to get it done. And the Chubbster is still just as witty and crudely insightful as he always was. Yes with Careful On The Way Up, everything is as it should be. Usually I would spout on about evolving with a new release and showing your growth. But so good is the way that these guys go about their Hip Hop that I would probably shed a 'metaphorical' tear if they decided to come through any other way. The superb reminisce inducing beat and back in the day matter of fact lyrics of Back To School (aaah Grange Hill) is enough on its own to keep me going until the next one. But on top of that you've got Tim Dogs good old fashioned verbal tongue lashing on the final verse of NY To The UK. You've also got Blade and D. Gritty showing top form alongside Chubby on the fire that is Three Card Brag. Or you can look to the weed anthem Lifted (fellas, Keith would be proud). The momentum never let's up with deep b-lines, cut and scratch hooks and intermittent jazzy hat crashes a staple throughout. Everything seems to take its cue from these elements and moves along nicely. At only 35 minutes one could argue that its all over too quickly. But I must have pressed the rewind button at least once (and in some cases several times) on every track, so it damn near doubled in length for me. That in itself should tell you all you need to know. Expect the album to drop around Christmas time. until then peep the taster below.
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Lifted/Where I'm From/Twelve Steps promo
Long Haul, Bonecrusher, Hook & the other 2 make...
It seems that sweden is fast becoming a hotbed for Quality Hip Hop. Pajozo, Speech Defect, Up Hygh, Aaron Phiri and now, Beatsmith and turntable maestro DJ Devastate has added his name to the list. Aided by a cocktail of drummers, keyboardist, guitarist and composer, Dev has put together a a collection of superbly crafted beats. A variety of rich meaty drum patterns, deck skills and samples are allied with live instrumentation that takes its cue from a variety of sources. Anyone from Funk, Disco, Jazz, The Blaxploitation era and more can all be found and have been used to great effect. There's an open airy vibe that accompanies but doesn't overpower the albums Hip Hop base. So why, if the beats on show here are indeed that nice, do I still feel a little unfulfilled having just sat right through it? I had never heard of this guy before and you have to admire the fact that he has taken the more difficult route of employing virtually no vocal talent for a debut release. But... As much quality as this album obviously possesses, when it comes to Hip Hop albums, beats minus an MC and to a lesser extent vice versa, can only go so far with needing the other. Its with this in mind that I have to wonder how much more recognition this album would have gotten if Devastate had let some MCs loose over his beats. Peep the proof!
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DJ Devastate - The Sound feat. Segerfalk
DJ Devastate - A Days Work feat. Segerfalk & Fredrik Rixman
Unchained Melodies
Marmite, that little brown tub of culinary unrest. We are all very familiar with the old adage, you either love it or hate it. For those in the Hip Hop know, Melodiq also falls into such a catagory. His voice is one that for some, straddles the fine line between dominant and overbearing (think of a Jeru The Damaja and Barack Obama vocal lovechild). I for one however, just about fall on the dominant side of the line. However this conundrum is further deepened by .Mel's at times over simplistic wordplay. This is something that a Q-Tip has at times gotten away with simply because of the charm of his voice. But Melodiq's problem is that his voice is of a type that accentuates these liabilities even more. Hip Hop fans can be fickle SOB's and I fear that the gems that he does drop will be easily overlooked. Yet when he is accompanied by music that's suits his voice, everything clicks very nicely indeed with tracks like Let Your Light Shine, The Next Chapter and The Overseers being prime examples. It's moments like these added to his ear for lovely soulful soundscapes, that makes Straight From The Soul a worthy addition to any Jazz Hop collection.p e a c e
...and not a Hootie in sight
When I first heard the name (and I had no idea who they were associated with) Squid Ninjaz sounded to me like a slightly harder version of Busted... or Mcfly. I've been at this for long enough to know that i should not be judging any books by their covers. A vast ensemble of MC's & beatsmiths, The Squids could be labelled alongide the Wu in the way they approach their sound. The dark undercurrent the runs right through Revenge Of The Blowfish is of the type that I haven't heard on a UK release for quite a while. Whereas a few of the more recent releases show sporadic examples of such an atmosphere, the Squids have kept it at the forefront for the entirety. Slowed to a crawl piano loops, samples paired together that fit when they sound like they should be nowhere near each other, drums that should be in desperate need of some EQ; and it's all superbly put together. It's a relatively risky ploy sticking with the same overall tone throughout and towards the end it shows. But such is the constant ferociousness of all the MCing talent on show that this is something that can be forgiven.. Definitely worth the purchase. Wales stand up!!!
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Squid Ninjaz - R-Type (Cervantis, Joe Blow & Skamma)
Squid Ninjaz - Mimic (Cervantis, Pergyl, Joe Dirt & Joe Blow)
Cushty Rodders, Cushty!!!
What do Cappadonna's Pillage, Lord Finesse's Brainstorm, Raekwon's Rainy Dayz, Nas' Live Nigga Rap & Pharoahe Monch's Godsend have in common? Such are their ears for a beat, Cyrus Malachi, Masikah, Kyza & M9 have assembled these tasty morsels (amongst others) to form part of the 17 courses of niceness that make up White Noize. It would be very easy to dismiss such a mass recycling of such greatness as beyond lazy. But in the words of any one of the X-Factor judges (which is kind of ironic seeing that pop acts get a 4 way tongue lashing on the album) 'they made the songs their own'. That they do this to such an extent that I was struggling to remember a couple of tracks from the list at the top of this review, is a testament to the mic skills on show. From start to finish the equation is simple. (Verbal ferocity x constant gem dropping) + constant neck snappers = Orphans Of Cush, White Noize. This has to be UK Hip Hops stand out release so far this year and at only a £4.99 (HERE), only a crazy man (and perhaps Louie Walsh) would pass this up
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So, what happens when two of the UK's finest MCs get together for a musical outing? They have a great journey of course. The key to The Shows appeal is in the chemistry. Inja and Skuff (no it doesn't sound better the other way round) have an obvious advantage via The Delegates of Culture. Not only are both superb MCs, they also complement each other really well. Skuffs monotone twang is the yin to Inja's permanently agitated yang. These 2 already had a nice penchant for 'keepin it real' and the trend is continued here. Tales about the downsides of UK life is intertwined with lines observing our governments downward spiral and the pros and cons of todays MC. The beats are an nicely compiled mashup of a verying tempo and at times progressive soundscape. Mid tempo head nods are preceeded by high octane busrts of braggadocio beats and succeded by deep grime laced b-line or folksy guitar driven greatness. The Delegates, be they together, in pairs or standing alone have done no wrong up to now. This show is no exception.
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That's Me/Enter The Albatross/Forward Motion (promo mix)
Funky vibes
Damn near 13 years is a long time for any MC. Yet for a UK MC to still be relevant, not just on these shores but in other continents as well, is quite some feat. To do that while still following the same basic formula that got you started in the first place in damn near unheard of. I have said -critically- before that the man’s flow has hardly changed since my first Funky DL purchase (Circles, 1997) and his requiem for making beats has followed a similar path. But having been encouraged by this, his latest opus to revisit some of his past exploits, something soon became apparent. DL has simply found a way to move with the times without compromising his core elements. Some MCs have to come full circle, while others never manage to make it back at all. For a man to never have strayed for so long shows his dedication to both his beliefs and the genre. It’s just a shame that The Interview isn't actually an interview. The misleading premise is nothing more than an elongated skit broken into intro sequences for each track on the album. This wouldn't be a problem if these skits actually felt like an interview. DL could do with getting at least a little personal at times and I was expecting the album to reflect this. The one time he does this (God's Daughter) he gets everything just right. However the beats are so nice, the album as a whole is so nicely paced, and he fits the beats so well, that I'm hard pressed to hold it against him. Oh... and the London Allstars posse cut is still blowing my mind There's no way you can bring out such an banger and not have an album to follow it!!!p e a c e
Fine Dyning
Your home is your sanctuary. Whether you work in a studio, a bank, a store, the city or Mcdonalds, the one place where you are always thankful to be after a hard days work... Is Home. Most of my memorable moments in life -good or bad- took place when I was at home.. The Apartment is an album that takes this very theme & takes a deep breathe. With varied subject matter that covers the good and the bad, Dynas has kept family at its core. Real issues are covered throughout from shady relationships to the possible tribulations of childhood & many more in between, which, although may be nothing new, the delivery and execution is second to none. Dynas' ear for beats is superb. Jazzy Jeff, DJ Spinna, and the late J Dilla all lend the considerable talents and this is some of the best work I've heard from all of them for a long time. But as good as they are, none of their work overshadows the charisma and flexibility Dynas' carries from start to finish. One of my new favourite tracks of the year so far, Family Jewels, is a perfect case in point. Buoyed by an on form 'Uncle' Slick Rick and some old school infectiousness, Dy ups his tempo to make the perfect counter for Ricks laid back flow. As is Totally Tanya, that sees a superb opening verse of Ragga tinged niceness. It seems to me that this dude has it all. Thanks to his ear for beats i'd put him in the Ghostface catagory of nice. I'd be willing to wager that Dynas' catalogue is gonna grow into something just as consistent as Toney's. Any 'True Head' would be undermining his status if he/she doesn't add this to the collection. Easily one of the years best.
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& around & around again...
I recently wrote a piece that I am still unsure whether to post or leave behind. Their is a part of that piece where I acknowledge the relatively recent pool of talent that makes up the current crop of UK Hip Hops bold and brave. I remarked on impending decisions for some of our great and good. It seems that with his 2nd effort, Micall is intent on grabbing the proverbial bull by the horns. Such is the crisp, sharp quality and execution of this album that you have to wonder how all of these producers are still only well known figures in Hip Hops underworld. Parky the MC is still the working mans champion. Lines like "I've come so far, I'm a man with a plan I ain't no rap star; I'm a man with a fam I ain't got no car, its my wife who can drive all I got is bars" are a testimony to what the man is about.No gimmicks, no banter, just real world lyrics with out of this world production. The engineer also deserves his props as the whole package is superbly mixed. Oh and having your son tell us not to 'bootleg my dads cd' is genius (as is the Erick Sermon inspired hook on Holdin' It Down). UK stand up!!!p e a c e
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