This is Where We Dwell/No Compromise Franky Roar and Alikazam - Single review

This is Where We Dwell/No Compromise

Frankie Roar & Alikazam

With 2019 already delivering some stunning Hip Hop, and with a huge portion of that being from the independent labels, it is wicked to see the 7” single being utilised.

This hot release is the first on the DIGMAG Records label (formerly Style Warrior Records). The double sided single This is Where We Dwell/No Compromise is brought to us by German Producer Franky Roar & the Alphabet Assassin Alikazam (Dookie Squad).

As always to get a feel for this on a deeper level I asked the guys some questions and where relevant I’ll drop a few quotes in for you.

This is Where We Dwell – The countdown eases you into a heavy bass drum driven beat that immediately has nodding and moving. Alikazam’s lyrical delivery is fluid and easily flows over the track. Verse by verse he keeps your attention focused on the track while all the while delivering kinda hardcore lyrics that can feel deep down in the very core of your being. Frankie Roar’s production is totally on point here, as are his cuts. Every element, Production, cuts and lyrics complement each other to bring you nothing short of Hip Hop gold. There is also a message here. You don’t have to be gangsta to be hardcore.

No Compromise – Rorschach’s speech from Watchmen sets the tone for the track, which also features Specifik on the cuts. Turning up the BPM a notch or two for this one the beat kicks, the cuts slice through your eardrums and Alikazam’s lyrics flow through your awareness like an explosion of automatic verbal gunfire. The title says it all, there is No Compromise here. It is all about the music, Hip Hop through and through. Doing what you love to give the listener’s what they love. Nuff Said...

This is pure and simple a killer release and brings together the best from Germany and the UK. Spanning borders and bringing everything together for one outcome, the enjoyment of good Hip Hop music.

Both tracks were Produced, Mixed and Mastered by Franky Roar himself who, along with Alikazam’s lyrical expertise, has brought us two tracks of pure Hip Hop perfection.

I mean there is seriously nothing here not to like and if this is the shape of things to come, man the future is looking Hard as Hell.

I asked the guys exactly how they felt about the two tracks:

Alikazam: Love them. I don't blow smoke up my own arse but, the beats are hard AF & make it easy for me to write to.

Franky Roar: I really love both tracks...don't know which one to prefer!
Both tracks got first versions sounding a bit different...but once we get to the point they are sounding like know....we said yesss that's it...uncut raw.
Chris is killin it on both tracks and it is an honour to work with him.
Simon Frankland was killin’ it on the cuts on No Compromise and told me that he nearly break his hands while he was recording.

Next I wanted to know how the Collaboration came about:

Alikazam: The last gig I did in Berlin, it was either Toda or Monkey man Dan played me a tune & it was dope & said it was Franky Roar but it was for somebody else. Then I think we got chatting on fb & the rest is history.

Franky Roar: Like Chris said it was 2016 in Berlin.
I gave Daniel from Naked Ape Records a Usb stick with a couple of beats for several projects and he played it in Todas(Britcore Rawmance) Flat, where Chris was hearing the Beats!
After that we connect on FB and Started to be creative!
The record took a while! Lol
So I really want to thank Daniel Monkey Man Dan for Linkin’ us both up and Toda of Britcore Rawmance because he was always askin’ and pushin’ me with the Music!

I also wanted to know how they see this Hip Hop relationship between the UK and Germany. Especially in light of what is happening in Europe at this time:

Alikazam: For me it won't make the slightest difference we are together before we will be together afterwards...

Franky Roar: There was always a big musical connection and always will be I guess....there are a lot of great collabos and as far as I'm concerned music as a universal language sees no borders.

Lastly, I wanted to know, what’s next for them. Is this a one off or is there more to come:

Alikazam: The future is bright we are working on album...

Franky Roar: Workin on the Album like Chris said.

So, with an album on the way from these two the future is indeed bright and I for one am looking forward to that one for sure.

It has to be noted here that huge respect has to go out to Martin Lovegrove (DIGMAG Records) for help in financing the project and for the cover art. Without his backing who knows what might have happened to this project.

Alikazam: Many thanks to Martin its cats like him putting his money where his mouth is & having faith in our music.

Franky Roar: And yes a big thank you to Martin for the artwork, which in my opinion captures the atmosphere of the record and puttin money in and all the work for this.

Another person worthy of a special mention is none other than Simon Flankland aka Specifik. Not only did he provide the dope cuts for No Compromise but, has been instrumental in supporting the project from day one and dropping plays of the release on his Cold Krush radio show on Trax FM these last few weeks.

It is the backing, trust and support that make’s these independent releases possible. So, please show your support by grabbing a copy.

OK, so there you have it what more do you need to know?

If you have not brought this record yet, then go get one. There is only a limited run of physical copies so; they may already be gone by the time this goes out.

If you do have this then enjoy it, I Know I will be. It’s gonna be on rotation for some time.

So, on that note I’m gonna leave you to it.

Peace out till next time.

Steve.

Buy your copy through DIGMAG Here 

Check out more about DIGMAG Here