Cognitive DISS by Carpetface - Pre-Vinyl Album Release Review

Cognitive DISS by Carpetface

A Review

By Steve Rider

I will be honest right here, right now! Prior to 2016 Carpetface was a name that was on the fringe of my UK Hip Hop knowledge. He first released The Friday Night Sniper EP back in 2002 at a time when my focus was not as deep into Hip Hop as it had been or is today.

So, as I began to hear his name more, I did what I could to get acquainted with some of his music. What I heard was someone who, to me anyway, has a voice is as instantly recognisable as, say, Chali2na of J5.

Then on 29^th July this year I was at B-Line’s Rope-a-Dope in Bristol. Carpetface is instantly recognisable, with his Tattoo’s but, seeing the Flower of Life tattoo on the right side of his head, gave me this feeling this guy is deep. When I heard his set that evening, I was blown away and knew I wanted the album. My son, who was with me that day, kindly, ordered the vinyl for my birthday. So, with the vinyl release now immanent, I have been waiting a couple of months since my birthday for this, I mentioned on Facebook that I would like to review it and the man himself contacted me and kindly sent me a Digital Promo pack.

So, let’s get into a track by track breakdown, followed by my overall thoughts.

Kicking off with the short Intro-Note to self, only a few seconds long but, says a great deal “How can you be an Artist and not reflect the times.....”

Then we’re straight into banging track to make your head nod. I’m Fine, is a track that on the surface may appear to be a wicked flowing stream of lyrical nonsense? But, the more you listen, the more it says. Not just that but, it takes you back, way back, to Hip Hop club bangers and you’re just like, ‘I fucking love this...  Cuts on the track are by Djar One, who also co-produces the track with Carpetface.

Make it Right is next up and another club banger style track. Well that’s how I was feeling it anyway! This track, again for me, speaks from the very essence of what Hip Hop is about, Unity, Being one with everyone. The track also features nice backing vocals from Lucy Rice and cuts by Djar One, with production from Carpetface and Yuniq.

Looking out for the World takes us on a funky trip, looking at what’s going around us and to look deep inside ourselves because it’s there we will find what’s needed to make tomorrow a little better. Lucy Rice brings us a sung chorus that fits the track perfectly. The beat here is provided by Ugly Duckling’s Young Einstein and production is by Carpetface.

Next we are into a B-Boy party vibe with title track The Cognitive Diss. But, this is not just a dope track to get down to? It’s a track asking you to wake you the fuck up, open your mind and look deep inside. Are you being your authentic self? Lucy Rice again features on backing vocals, along with J. Russell and production comes from Carpetface and Nonstop.

The Hip Hop legend that is Donald-D, begins Painstaking Arranger, by giving a shout out to the Harlem Jazz clubs from back in the day. A wicked jazzy track which keeps you rocking the whole way through, and how can you not vibe to Carpetface and Don-D, word! Awesome horns come from Carl Woodison, Backing vocals from Lucy Rice with production and live instrumentation by Carpetface...

Mud Sticks is nice little interlude again with a message you really need to listen to. Again this track has live instruments and production by the man himself.

Time to slow it down a bit with Highs and Lows but, still hit you with a banging beat (from Djar One). Another deep message here about the ups and downs of life, something that we can all associate with. Again we hear Carpetface’s versatility as he plays the live instruments. Cuts come from Incredeeple.

The realness keeps coming as You Are Each (Br)other hits us with a nice, up tempo mix. What more do you need, listen to the man and be nice to each other. After all we are all one..... The beat, cuts and co-production comes from Djar One.

One Small Light is a track that takes you back to the RUN DMC sound of Hip Hop beats and rock guitar breaks. I love this track, a hardcore banger with Carpetface reminding us that it only takes one small light to eradicate the darkness around us.... Beat and co-production comes from DJ Moneyshot, with backing vocals by J. Russell.

Time to school those fake gangster rappers out there! Take it Back is a straight up banger that reminds us that Gangster rap has its place and that place is not glorifying violence or making yourself out to be something you ain’t! All you do is give yourself and Hip Hop a bad name. You gotta keep the Hip Hop feel and keep it real. The track features co-production from Djar One.

Carpetface flips the script on the next track and brings it Ragga style with Work it out Now. For a second you might be thinking what the.... But, it just shows that Carpetface is multi-talented and this track is no less relevant that the others and grows on you the more you hear it. Backing vocals come from Lucy Rice, Horns by Carl Woodison and everything else by Carpetface.

 Kicking it back on the last track, Old as Hip Hop! A nice chilled out track that has a simple message, Have no regrets.... Do what you gotta do day to day but, at the end of the day don’t regret anything... Beat and co-production from Djar One.

Damn, I must have played this album umpteen times over the past few days and it just never gets old. It is also not what I was expecting? From his performance at Rope-a-Dope, I was expecting something kinda with a Hardcore edge But, I was surprised when I listened to this for the first time because Carpetface is taking it back to the essence. Every track has a message, a deep message, even if you’re not immediately aware of it. The vibe of this album speaks to your very soul in places and it does feel to me that Carpetface brings the energy of the spiritual warrior to his music.

On the face of it this may seem like an above average Hip Hop album but, in truth it is a very cleaver Hip Hop album brimming with consciousness and drawing on what is going on here and now in this moment. Hip Hop music is energy and the energy of music can change your mood and speak to others in a way that is universally understood no matter your culture or beliefs, you can understand music.

 Photo Copyright S.Rider-Infinite Realities Images 2017

I’m not saying that this sound or vibe is for everyone. I am sure there will be those who don’t quite vibe with it. But, it is a solid album for sure and one I can see standing the test of time.

I don’t think I can say much more than that. Three years in the making this Album is intelligent and bold. It boasts superb production all round and shows an amazing versatility from Carpetface. You can feel how he has channelled his energy into a project that reflects everyday life but, also shows there is hope.

With the up and coming projects and a remix album following, I am looking forward to the future of Carpetface and his label New Bias Recordings.

Cognitive Diss was put out in association with the one and only B-Line recordings. A label that, I feel, is becoming the UK’s premier underground Hip Hop Label.

Carpetface and New Bias recordings are also supported by THTC – The Hemp Trading Company.

As an exclusive for you lucky peeps out there, the re-worked album art that you can see as part of this review, is its first viewing by anyone... Yep, no shit, you heard me right! Re-worked by the tallented Mr.Tibbz from Carpetface's original concept artwork for the digital release. There will also be an album insert but, you will have to get your hands on the product to check that out. So, what are ya waiting for, go order it.....Do it!... Do it Now!....

I give huge thanks to the man Specifik and Mr.Tibbz for allowing me the honour of bringing this exclusive to you.
Massive thanks, of course, goes out to Carpetface for sending me such a wicked promo pack and giving me this chance to bring you this review.

Pre-orders on the link below and Specifik has informed me that orders start shipping on 14th October.

Check the links below for more from Carpetface.

One Love...

Steve

Infinite Sounds UK

Pre-Order from B-Line Recordings - Click Here


Carpetface official Website

Carpetface/New Bias Industries - Official YouTube Channel

Carpetface on Mixcloud

Carpetface on Soundcloud

Remember, Check out Carpetface on all the usual Social Media Platforms and stay informed...