Album Review: Who We Are by Peter Sparker and STS

 

Who We Are

By

Peter Sparker & STS

 

Released today is the debut album from Peter Sparker and STS which is being released through Hidden Hobby Records. Now, before we go any further, it seems only appropriate here that I give you a little more info on the duo.

Peter Sparker is an emcee out of Atlanta in the U.S. who has been in the game since the eighties and, aside from his own material, has also worked with the likes of Mr Roka (Can’t Be Copied), Prevmarco, Masta Conga, Twisted Pete, Threepeeoh and more. Producer STS (aka Skyrock 72) hails from Paisley, Scotland and also produces his own material while working alongside the likes of Remark, One OZ and Prevmarco, he also likes dabbling in a bit of remixing along the way.

I actually first got my ears round this album just prior to it being picked up by Montener The Menace and Hidden Hobby Records. I was enjoying what I heard and so was toying with the idea of reviewing it when I saw the post from Hidden Hobby and that kind of decided things for me. The album is sixteen tracks deep with features from Hellz Yeah, DJ TAG and Prevmarco.

The best thing to do here is let the guy’s music speak for itself, so join me on a trip through Who We Are…

What better way is there to kick things off, than with a greeting and HI kicks things off with a horn and guitar heavy sound which has an infectious beat that serves as the perfect intro for the album and setting the stage for what’s about come and that is simply dope Hip Hop with boom bap beats and slick lyricism, no mumble rap here. Now you have an idea of what to expect, it’s time to Stop & Look as the bass and guitars, mixed with some funky percussion, grabs your attention fully. Once the music of STS has you hooked and Peter Sparker (PS) begins to drop his bars, you realise that this one is about attention and not just paying attention to the music but, paying attention to everything that goes on around you; don’t let life pass you by but, focus on yourself and your dreams, cultivate your strengths and be who you are. Don’t try to be someone else or what you think other might want, just stop, and look at who you truly are and be that person. The sound of dripping water mixes with drums and a heavy electronic vibe that vibrates through your entire awareness on Speak To Me. Here the influences of Hip Hop pioneers shine through here as PS gives us the lowdown on how rhyme, the tool of the street poet, runs in his veins. It’s not just about where it comes from and where its at but, its about what you do what that talent once you realise it. PS is the poet and his commitment to that is what he shows here. Drums and double bass form the basis of the sound for Mister Winter giving this one a heavy feel that sends a shiver up your spine.  Everyone knows that Hip Hop has always had a way of flipping the meaning of words and here we get the definition of that as PS give us a display of lyricism that’s so damn good its cold as ice, and when you constantly hone your craft, the one thing it does is speak to people…

Sharks features HellzYeah alongide PS and STS, there is a proper funky vibe to this one which will have your head bobbin’ from start to finish. Here we get a crackin’ display of lyricism as the guys go all in with a delivery that is as sharp as a sharks tooth, and these guys will circle and attack with the force of a megalodon and a bite to match. Heavy strings, keys, flute and a wicked drum beat form the boom bap background of Bars Over Bullshit. PS impresses the importance of the quality of bars on this one. Everything you say has to be on point and delivered with laser like precision, not only that, but it has to be entertaining or be relatable and have purpose. You might have the flows but, if you’re not saying anything and people can’t relate, it’s just bullshit. DJ TAG rounds off the track by slicing up the competition with razor-sharp cuts. Next up, jazzy horns and a funky beat bring an energy infused, up lifting sound that will get you moving. PS becomes the Bone Collector, in this case collecting the bones of those who mumble along the way. Funk bass and drums merge to create the perfect stage for PS to play with words, moulding them into form that suits his needs. There is dash of fun and a sprinkling of braggadocio here too, but when the rhymes are this good does it always matter what they say? Maybe not but, what does matter is that there are some that are gonna get hit by the Shapnel…

Pathological Rhymer hits with an almost soundtrack like vibe coming from guitars, horns, and a solid beat but, before we know it the beat switches to a more chilled sound of strings of a heavy drumbeat. In a second you flip from bouncing to a lyric focused vibe as PS switches up his flows and demonstrates the kind of rap braggadocio that Hip Hop music is based on, something that takes me back to the days when rappers would show how ‘bad’ they were just by bigging themselves up with cleaver lines of intricate verbal mastery. Time Bandits finds Prevmarco joining PS, with STS providing a beat that pounds every part of your awareness, making every cell in your body vibrate with those heavy drums. Here PS and Prev spin tales around the very concept of time and what it means to us as we navigate life journey. Not just that you also get a sense that its not all just the concept of time but, what you can do with the time you have. Both of these concepts can give you much to think over but, don’t spend to much time on that right now as its time to move on. Something We Do is up next and finds STS hitting us with an intro of horns before dropping a solid boom bap beat with keys in the background. This sounds gets you bouncing around like you were at a block party in the eighties. PS drops the kind of words that resonate so deeply, especially with us older heads who grew up with this sound. He gives us his take on what it is to live that in the real Hip Hop vibe and noting what the teacha said, that rap is something you do. As I sit here with my mind cast back to the 1980’s, STS drops the beat for Backspin which has that authentic breakin’ vibe; PS also drops in with a few lines dedicated to all the B-Boys and B-Girls worldwide. It reinforces those memories taking you back but also makes you think of the more recent conversations around Breakin’ and the Olympics, and made me think of one thing, as hard as they might try; they will never take the Hip Hop out of Breakin’ or the Breakin’ out of Hip Hop…

Moving into the final quarter of the album STS gets funky for The Brakes, another phrase that keeps my mind back in the days, the drums and funky guitars get your head nodding along. Not to be confused with the Breaks, which is something completely different in Hip Hop, no here it’s not about putting the brakes on, far from it in fact, PS keeps it going because there isn’t the time right here to stop, this is Hip Hop music and its gotta keep going, and the guys do that with This Is The Way, where the drumbeat takes the forefront with some faint guitar vibes floating in the periphery. It’s the RUN DMC sample on this one that gives you the focus for this one, PS literally expands on the notion of what it is to be an emcee and what they do, which is to just ‘rock the house.’ There is not much more you can say except that alongside the emcee, rocking the house is always completed with the DeeJay, nuff said. Into the album’s penultimate track and it’s time for a Revolution. This is really the albums outro of sorts as STS provides a chilled beat with guitars and keys. PS reminds us he can also drop lyrics that speak the truth and educate so, listen to what he has to say here, in just a few words, which is no less poignant than a verse or two. The album ends with a remix of the track Cotton Ball that PS and Prevmarco originally did with Mr Roka back last year. The Cotton Balls Remix finds STS providing a pounding beat backed by bass and sounds that could a Guzheng harp and even a chavichord, which mixes together giving this one a deep mafioso gangster feel. This one is aimed fairly and squarely at those who make themselves out as something they are not. When you think about it, it’s not just those kinda wanna be gangsters or those talking the talk when they are not walking the walk, this could be aimed at anyone who choses to be fake or a fraud.

 

I sum up so many albums, EP’s and the like by going deeply into the messages behind them and the effects the music can have on people but, it was nice to have an album where there was not so much of that. Who We Are is one of those Hip Hop albums that sounds so great today but, has its heart back in the dawn of Hip Hop.

Together Peter Sparker and STS have crafted an album that encapsulates the feel and energy of the 1980’s Hip Hop and Rap sound, and they have planted it in the now, and in doing that they are opening up a whole new era to that real Hip Hop vibe but, they are also speaking to those of us who grew up with Hip Hop and enjoyed those early days of Hip Hop, electro and rap braggadocio, it truly takes you back and sends shivers up your spine. Peter Sparker has a great voice and his flows and wordplay really grab you and hold you throughout every track and from top to bottom of the album. There is no dipping into more modern rap flows and styles as he uses straight up rap bars for the real Hip Hop heads. The production from STS just pounds boom bap into your mind all the way but, with little nods to some other genres along the way but, he gives us a sound that is rooted in that real Hip Hop vibe.

I could spend hours and more paragraphs on just how much I loved this album and go into far more detail about the vocals and the production and the solid guest appearances, but, the best way for you get that feeling is not from me writing page after page, it’s by getting this on your speakers and really enjoying everything it is. The features from HellzYeah, Prevmarco and DJ TAG all complement this album by adding just the right added essence to each track of what is an essential party vibe Hip Hop album. This in one you simply just have to enjoy and feel to the fullest. It is a statement that real Hip Hop music is far from dead, it might have retreated to the underground but, there it is free to be what it is supposed to be, and that is a sound for the people by the people.

 

Who We Are is out today on Hidden Hobby Records and keep watch for a possible limited-edition vinyl run…

My huge thanks to STS for the initial contact and bringing this to my attention. An additional shout out to Montener The Menace for giving me the chance to review this for his label too.

Time for me to be out,

See ya,

Steve.

LINKS

Get your copy of the album here:

https://hiddenhobbyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/peter-sparker-sts-who-we-are

Peter Sparker on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/therealpetersparker/

STS on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/skyrock_sts_/

Hidden Hobby Records on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hidden_hobby_records/

 

Album Review: Overview Effect by FR4NKIE

 

Overview Effect

By

FR4NKIE

 

Overview Effect is the latest release from Manchester, UK Grime artist FR4NKIE. This album is his sophomore release and will mark the first time I have reviewed a full album from the grime genre. The album includes features from underground artists including LPNoID, Illy From Da NW Side, Cosmo Laurie, Trapson, Dizmack, Masovelli, and Manchester Hypes. Production comes from Trolley Snatcha and promises to blend Road Rap and Grime influences with such elements as Folk and Guitar music as a backdrop to showcase FR4NKIE’s versatility.

Now before I get into the album it seems only right that I detail some background on FR4NKIE for you. The Manchester based artist was formerly know by the name XP Burstgang, and over the years he has achieved international recognition for his contributions to the Grime scene. Alongside collaborations with the likes of Mike Skinner and President T, his career has also seen victories in Lord of the Mics and Red Bull’s Grime-A-Side. Although his roots are in the Grime scene, he has also built a diverse discography that spans the likes of Trap, Drill, and some genre-defying ballads. This latest release draws on the experience gained throughout his career to bring a release that has a well-rounded and mature approach to street music.

So, with that said, let’s get into Overview Effect…

The album kicks off with To Be Frank, featuring LPNoID, the organ notes ease you into this one but, soon the heavy bass hits, ramping up the energy but, retaining those organ notes which bring an eerie and almost dark quality. This one see’s FR4NKIE taking us into the realities of street life in the UK, hence the dark tone of the track, because there are so many aspects of the street life in the UK cites that bring pain and violence, all in the name of making money. With those visions of the stark reality imprinted on your awareness, Brick In The Wall brings a sound that merges that street beat mixed with the folk guitar vibe that has a reflective edge to it. There is a touching element to this track which looks deeply at the struggles of living in a society that is set-up to keep most of us down. In our desire to be all we can be and to rebel against those who judge us, we often lose friends and loved ones along the way but, it is their memories that often keep us striving for more, rather than giving in and choosing to take that one step that will make us fall. Next up is Simon Says which features Illy from da NWside. Here the sound is back to that more classic grime sound with heavy bass, but with a mix of guitar and electronic vibes that tweak your nerves, just a little. The lyrics are delivered with more than a drop of venom and seem to be a demonstration of lyrical prowess of both artists. There is also a heavy dose of that street mentality and vibe here reflecting the reality of what many refuse to see.

Another Day In Britain keeps that grime vibe but, there are elements to the sound that really give this one a reflective air to it. It’s the kind of focused sound that helps you pay attention to what is being said, and here FR4NKIE has a lot to say; it’s a track that really mirrors the voice of so many of us these days. It might just seem like this is just a shot across the bow of the establishment but, more than that, it is the voice of the youth, the voice of those who are unheard in society. This is the voice that needs to be heard by those who refuse and chose not to listen. Janis Joplin merges the heavy bass grime sound with some melodic organ notes, which has the strange effect of making you almost just want to sit back, close your eyes, and listen. There are elements here that make this one seem like a homage to the late great blues singer. However, as you listen there is much about FR4NKIE’s own musical journey here too and that could well link to the inspiration of Janis. Guitars take the forefront on Benzema producing this melodic and atmospheric sound that you can easily lose yourself in. This one seems to flip the idea of the classic ballad as FR4NKIE brings us a track which is seemingly focused on being the best, which is mirrored, metaphorically speaking, by Real Madrid’s Karim Banzema and his achievement of winning the Ballon D’or in football.

Walk Through Fire features Cosmo Laurie and Trapson alongside FR4NKIE over a beat that has a more LoFi Hip Hop vibe with head nod drums, bass guitar and a multi-layered sound that has a chilled quality. This one really seems to take a look at the key experiences we have in growing up, the kind of situations that shape and mould us into who we are, these situations are not always easy but, we remember them and the strength they gave us to get to where we are. With that retrospective vibe still present the sound of rain enters our awareness with easy going keys, when the drum beat hits, the sound still retains a chilled element for One Of Them. This one has that ballad feel to it as FR4NKIE take us on a self-reflective journey that looks at mental health and how we can be too hard on ourselves, which is very much a result of our life experiences in growing up. The message here is really to lighten up and be easy on ourselves, this way we can be more our true selves. Is That You Yeah features Dizmack and Masovelli and has a more heavy bass sound to it which is underpinned by synth and strings to provide a more energetic vibe. This one was far more difficult to read as there was a lot of reflective thoughts and visions of how people are treated but, there is also a lot about striving to be better and believing in yourself.

We move into the final two tracks of the album with the penultimate track Mess, featuring Manchester Hypes, this one has a heavy bassline backed by electronic notes that play with your awareness, which works well with the titles of the track. Living in an urban environment seems to be getting worse and this track speaks on that by noting you see around you or experience day-to-day in the cities. There is violence on the rise, rubbish, pain and suffering all around, it’s a mess but, there is a yin and yang to everything and its not doom and gloom but, it us that has the power to change it. Moving into the final track, On My Own has guitar that takes the to the forefront alongside the drumbeat. Once more there is a reflective vibe to this one, which fits perfectly here with the deeply personal nature of the track. FR4NKIE looks back over some of his toughest struggles and shows how he work through these on his own by drawing on his internal strength to get him through.

 

Firstly, I have to backtrack a bit here. Earlier, in my intro, I noted this was the first grime album I would have reviewed But, after listening to the full album it is clear that this is not just a grime album, there are influences here from many genres including grime, Hip Hop, drill, trap and even EDM, making this a cross-genre album that may very well appeal to many different ears.

This was also a great challenge for me and was definitely not the easiest album I have ever reviewed. There are some musical influences here that are not genres that I ordinarily listen to, and I have never really gelled with the likes of EDM, for example, it was just a challenge to immerse myself in something different and find my own way to interpret what I was hearing. It is clear from the many influences that FR4NKIE is an accomplished artist who is more than able to mix up his rap styles and flows, using his chosen wordplay style to great effect to convey his messages. The use of his own personal experiences, some of which are deeply personal, gives this one an authentic and relatable edge, something that will appeal to many people even if the sound is not immediately to their liking.

There are some great features here and although none of the names are familiar to me, everyone of them works well on the individual tracks and alongside FR4NKIE. There are no points where anyone feels out of place, and they all display their own individual and unique rap talent.

The production is solid and provides the perfect musical backdrop. The wealth of influences really comes through here and shows an adept quality by Trolley Snatcha that reflects someone who has collaborated with the likes of Chase & Status and Flux Pavillion but, is willing to go beyond the type of music that he would normally be associated with and produce some more experimental work.

The title of the album, Overview Effect, comes from an experience that is described by astronauts, while in space and looking back at earth. Described as “a cognitive shift” and “a state of awe with self-transcendent qualities”, you can see why this was chosen as the title as FR4NKIE has put his experiences across life and the challenges of the working class in the UK today into and musical trip that touches on such themes as drug abuse and falling into a life of crime, alongside his musical journey and the cross genre sounds; something which, to me, is as much a cognitive shift as you can get in the underground music scene.

I definitely recommend you give this a listen, because I know there are people who are gonna love this but, also, as much as it was a challenge to me to step outside my normal box and listen to something completely different, I would say give it a listen before you judge it based solely on you own musical tastes, because you might be surprised.

The Overview Effect is released independently and is out now on all streaming platforms.

My thanks to William from the BH.WAV brand for bringing this one to my attention.

 

I’ll see ya next time,

Steve

LINKS

Grab the album on Bandcamp Here:

https://fr4nkie.bandcamp.com/album/the-overview-effect

Link for streaming sites, socials and more:

https://linktr.ee/fr4nkie365

VIDEOS

Another Day In Britain

 

 

 

Single Review: Don't Stop by LAYMAN and Abstract Soundz

 

Don’t Stop

By

Layman & Abstract Soundz

 

Don’t Stop is the latest release from Layman (Stroud, Gloucestershire) and Abstract Soundz (Banbury, Oxfordshire). It is also the final and lead single to be released from their upcoming Don’t Stop EP, which will be dropping soon.

I know that producer Abstract Soundz has featured on the blog before and I was sure that I had featured Layman before but, it appears not and so I have not sorted any sort of Bio for the man to give him a bit more of an intro, I’ll have to rectify that soon…

With the prospect of their forthcoming EP, lets let the music speak for itself and straight into Don’t Stop…

The organ notes that lead us into the track give you an instant impression of a reflective vibe, which is only reinforced as Abstract Soundz brings in a solid boom bap beat with horns and more keys, giving you the energy to nod ya head. You realise that the reflective vibe is a perfect backdrop for Layman to drop a deeply personal track that details the struggles of addiction and coming out the other side to make it past those dark days. This is emotive and deeply touching for anyone who has struggled with an addiction of any kind, which is why this one is so relatable.

The thing is here that regardless of whether it is drugs, alcohol or even an addictive behaviour, many of us are touched with this realisation and we don’t always understand that what we are doing is an addictive behaviour. It is only when we finally understand and accept it for what it is can we look to find the reasons and the help that will bring us back from the addiction and help keep us in a better place with the ones we love.

You really get this sense that what Layman is saying here is don’t stop doing what you are doing in finding a way back to being your true self. By being truly open and bearing his soul on this track, it such an inspiration to others out there to do the same. So, don’t stop and don’t give up, you can do it.

Great track that I found instantly relatable, I had an addictive behaviour that I did not understand could cause so, much pain, and so accepting that and changing the way I was, as a hard thing but, the benefits were so great. The production from Abstract Sounds is boom bap infused but, has a deep vibe about it that makes it work so well with message within. Layman paints a harsh but necessary picture of the struggles behind addiction and coming at the other side. His vocals flow in a way that allow the impact of each line to sink deep into your awareness but, at the same time, there is that energy that uplifts too.

This is a cracking track that will live with you long after the speakers have fallen silent…

Don’t Stop is out now on Definition Records for Download or streaming.

I’m out,

See ya.

Steve

LINKS

Grab Don't Stop from Bandcamp:

https://abstractsoundz.bandcamp.com/track/dont-stop

LAYMAN Socials and Streaming links:

https://linktr.ee/laymanmusic

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1wsP8HVvR3rQGOZp6ICrWp

https://www.instagram.com/lay_man_music/

https://www.facebook.com/layman.man.73

https://layman2.bandcamp.com/

Abstract Soundz social and streaming links:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/abstractsoundz/abstract-archives

https://www.instagram.com/abstractsoundz/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064257392717

https://www.youtube.com/@abstractsoundzuk

Single Review: MATE by Niques

 

MATE

By

NIQUES

 

I have something a little different for you today which is a bit of UK Garage. Now, Niques is a Greek/Indian Welsh artist residing in Wales, so you may or may not be familiar with her music. For those of you who are not so familiar, she has been making music for the last ten years or so, releasing her first single ‘Love Mixed with Aggression’ in 2020. Niques brings a relatable nostalgic UK Garage sound while also dabbling in some RnB as well. Her infectious personality at live shows has seen her share the stage with names such as Grandmaster Flash, D Double E and Jordy, while also receiving radio play from KISS, BBC 1Xtra, Radio 1 and Repersentz Radio. She has also worked with BBC Bitesize and been a nominee for Rising Star at the Youth Music Awards. Niques is currently working on her first EP which will be dropping later this year.

So, its time for you to join me for MATE…

Produced by Chepstow based producer Lupole, this one has the kinda sound that seems to scream summer vibes with its upbeat tempo and organ notes. It definitely has the sound you hear across the long summer nights with an inbuilt feel-good vibe and, after a few listens, I’m sure there will be a lot of people who will get just that from it and not much more. However, if you chose to listen a little deeper then you will find that Niques is doing more than just speaking to your feel-good energy centres. There is an internal dialogue going on here too that takes the song to whole different dimension if you chose to properly listen. Physical health issues have seen Niques battling physical pain all her life, something I can relate to these days due to Fibromyalgia, and what she does in this song is openly speak directly to her pain, that aspect which has challenged her throughout life; and saying that she recognises that pain but, she will not allow it to hold her back from achieving her dreams.

So, as much as this is one of those summer bangers, it is also an uplifting feel-good song for the soul and one that is not just a cathartic expression for Niques, it is also a song that can fuel that same strength within you, the listener. So, have a listen to MATE and then have another listen, a deeper listen and see what it truly says to you because when a song is written from the heart it speaks on so many levels, which level is it speaking to you on.

Now, I might not be a lover of UK Garage, meaning that it is not a sound I routinely listen to but, every now and again I hear a track that I enjoy, which is true of most music genre’s if I’m honest, and MATE is one of those tracks. It has a vibrant uplifting sound that gets those energetic feels running through the body and Niques does a great job of switch between flows and sounds as she delivers a heartfelt message in a way that gets you moving while speaking to you on a different level, especially if you can truly relate to it.

I can see this one being big during this year’s summertime and I can only see things skyrocketing for Niques in the future.

MATE is out now and is definitely one to check out if you’re feeling that Garage sound. Actually, just check it regardless cos it’s well worth it.

Huge thanks to Niques for giving me the chance to bring this one to you.

I’ll see ya next time,

Steve.

LINKS

All the links you need for MATE:

https://linktr.ee/Niques_speaks

Niques Official Website:

https://niquessings.wixsite.com/my-site-5

Niques Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/niquesspeaks/

https://twitter.com/Niquesspeaks

https://www.facebook.com/Niquesspeaks

MATE VIDEO

Single Review: I Luv Her But She Does My Fuckin' Ed In by Cigarettes and Scratchcards

 

I Luv Her But She Does My Fuckin’ Ed In.

By

Cigarettes and Scratchcards

 

It was way back in April last year that I featured Manchester MC, Cigarettes and Scratchcards with his single 1984. That review, see link below, included some bio on the man, so this time I’m just gonna take you straight into the review.

So, let’s go…

 

Now, the title of this one leaves little to the imagination and conjures up a lot of thoughts and images of what this one could be about but, before we go judging the title and what we might hear, lets just take a listen.

As the heavy guitar kicks in, it’s immediately that this one is not my usual Hip Hop sound, this one has a heavy punk sound that is courtesy of live instruments. The vibe is high energy and the sound mixed with Cig’s rapped vocals brings some interesting images to the mind, that will probably appeal to some of the older Hip Hop crowd who, like myself, grew up in the 70’s and 80’s where punk rock was still a huge scene.

So, what does Cig’s have to say one this one? The first thing that you realise is that this single is not focused on an individual but, just like the original punk records, this one is a look at our country and the society we live in. So, the ‘Her’ in the title is Britannia, Great Britain or how ever you chose to see it. This one is, as you might expect, a proper political statement, in parts, with shots taken at the government, the banks, and a lot more. The main message here is that, you might well love the country in which you live but, the way that it is run by those who the people have placed in the highest position of power, plays with that affection; you may have been born here and have so much love for the family and friends that surround you, feel so much connection with countryside and the ancient sites of historical significance however, the struggles placed upon you by government, the banking system, and the things outside of your control, really push you to the point where you question the balance of love for the country over the stress caused by the powers that be.

Overall, you might call this a fusion of Rap and Punk and it is one of those tracks that might appeal to one camp or the other but, there will be a number of listeners that will enjoy that crossover sound and understand exactly where Cig’s is coming from in delivering a message in this way, as it reaches out beyond the rap or punk fans. But the real test for you the listener, is to give this one a go, have a listen and feel what is being said and then decide if it is for you.

For me it was not my normal sound but, that vibe mixed with the strong statements within, really had me feeling this one. OK, so it might not be something I’ll have on repeat necessarily but, it is one of those that you can come back to when you need an escape from the norm or a bit of a rant at the establishment, something that is needed right now, if we’re honest right!

I Luv Her but She Does My Fuckin’ Ed In by Cigarettes and Scratchcards is out now on all the usual streaming platforms.

Big up to Cigs for sending me something a little different to get my head into.

Till next time,

I’m Out.

Steve

LINKS

All the links for streaming this single and more can be found Here:

https://linktr.ee/cigarettes.scratchcards

Cigarettes and Scratchcards Social Links:

https://www.facebook.com/cigarettesxscratchcards

https://www.instagram.com/cigssssss/

https://www.youtube.com/@cigssssss

VIDEO

Album Review : Times Like These by Steg G and Freestyle Master

 

Times Like These

By

Steg G and Freestyle Master

 

Both Steg G and Freestyle Master are no strangers to the blog with Freestyle Master featuring on Steg G’s Demons album back in June last year, they also contributed to the album No Justice No Peace by the Scottish Hip Hop Artists For Equality back in 2020. With Freestyle Master being a major contributor to the recent releases by Steg G, Times Like These comes as a hotly anticipated follow-up to their last full release together The Freedom Frequency (2017).

Conceptually, Times Like These see’s the Glaswegian duo exploring abstractions based around the nature of time itself. The album was released through Powercut Productions at the end of February this year, so there is a good chance that some of you have already heard the album and might have an idea of what to expect but, there will be those of you who have yet to open your ears to this album or even to the music of Steg G and Freestyle Master, so I hope you’ll all join me as I take you through the ten tracks of Times Like These from top to bottom…

 

The guy’s kick things off with Welcome 2 My World which features a pounding drum beat with some piano vibes that have an almost eerie quality to them, creating a heavy head nod sound with dark edge to it. This one is set in the present moment and looks at the harsh realities of life and society in the current world we live in. Although, its not all harsh as Leafdog and High Focus, from my neck of the woods, get a mention, which casts your mind to the work of one of UK Hip Hops dopest, dragging your mind away, albeit briefly, from the dark times around you. The eerie piano vibes continue on Between The Lines, which mixes with other keys, a melodic drum beat and a sprinkling of that more modern cymbal tapping sound, giving this one a heavy sound that seems to weigh heavy on your mind. Here we have a sobering story of how time gets away from you and how drugs and alcohol can also taint your view of how you spent that time. To you the experience may have been fun and enjoyable, when in reality, it was far from that. Next, we move to the albums title track Times Like These. A heavy drumbeat, cymbals and nerve stretching keys combine to infiltrate your mind to put your focus on the lyrics. The mind and how we fight our own inner demons, seems to be the focus of this track; I mean, how many of us have sat in a tough spot we have been in before and thought to our selves ‘how many times is this gonna happen to me’? It’s less about the passage of time here and more about the repetitive nature of the struggles we all face, and yet still we forge forward, no matter the adversity…

All We Got has a sound that brings to mind a nightmarish vision with a sparce beat, keys and nerve shredding electronic sounds on the bridge, all combining to bring a sound that has you questioning the nature of reality. What you get from this one is the imbalance and inequality in social standing. This is an issue that is almost as old as time itself, where the few appear to hold all the balance of power, when in reality it is Us, the many, those looked on as the lower classes that possess the real power and in our current reality we need to look to each other for the strength to use that power in the most positive way. More pounding drums and electronic notes bring a sound that has elements of the electro sound. What this does is to raise the mood slightly to give you a more open mind for Cause And Effect. This might be a shorter track but, the impact of the words are not dumbed down in any way. This is a deep look at the fact that ‘what you give is what you get’ and ‘every action has a reaction’, what you realise here is that things that happen in our past have an impact on our futures. People mistreated in their youth often perpetuate similar behaviours in their adult life, that’s just one example but, leaves you feeling that there is a lot to be said for the saying ‘treat others as you would have them treat you’, it leaves you with much to contemplate. The electronic notes on Spitefully Grimey has a very John Carpenter soundtrack vibe, in fact the whole track has that vibe, making you feel that you are not just listening to something but, being a part of it too; or it that it’s a part of you? That feeling is well placed as this track could be about anyone of us, the good and bad aspects of life and the things we have all done. As you look back at your life, can you honestly say that these words do not describe you too, think about it…!

The Poison is the only track on the album to have a feature as CCTV joins Freestyle Master on vocals. Steg G’s sound here is piano heavy alongside the heavy beat. The cymbal sound and switch up on the drum beat serves to tweak your nerves keeping you focused on the vocals. This one looks at all those individual moments where the negative words and judgements of others impacted on our desire or motivation to reach or achieve something. Although, there are also times when those same derogatory words may even have spurned us to go that extra mile just to prove them wrong. It’s all about who we are and how we chose to take the words and opinions of others, they can nock us back or push us forward, we decide the outcome. Our minds and nerves are once more tested with the electronic sounds and notes that such a part of the sound on She’s A Psycho. The drumbeat is still there and keeps you nodding as you listen to this tale of a moment in time where beauty hid the beast. This could just be a story but, just as easily this is a cautionary tale to be aware that not everyone is who they appear to be on the outside, something that might have happened to anyone of us, it has certainly happened to me in the past. The piano and horns on Rewind, mix with the boom bap drum beat to get the energy pumping and the head nodding with a real uplifting sound. Sometimes you can hear a track that doesn’t just take you back to a moment but, to many moments dotted throughout your life and this is one of those. Speaking on those good friends we meet along the way; the kind of friends we think we’ll always be together. Sometimes we loose touch or those people pass away but, they always hold a special place in our hearts and this one really reminds you of and rewinds you to those moments and those friends. Before you realise it, you’re at the final track of the album Sunset, where organ notes serenade you ears for nearly half the track before the beats drops in bringing more energy but not overshadowing the emotive nature of the sound. That emotive feeling is reflected in the lyrics which look at aspects of human nature But, more than that there is a sunrise and a sunset in all our lives, and it is what we do with the time we have that defines us so, remember to seize each moment and be the greatest expression of who you truly are and create a magnificent sunset…

We measure the passing of each moment we experience under the veil of construct we call time but, this helps us create reference points we can use to remember specific events, things that have happened that have a deep or life changing impact of our lives as we move along the path of life, and Times Like These puts some of these impressions into our awareness in a way that is enjoyable but, at the same time emotive, doing it in such a way as to create something that is easily relatable by anyone listening and who choses to really listen and feel between the lines.

Both Steg G and Freestyle master, in their own way, perfectly emulate this feeling of the passing of time, reflection, everything in-between and beyond. Steg G uses his production skills to craft these stunning musical backdrops that bring these musical triggers for our own emotions. Alongside this Freestyle Master brings his lyrical prowess, flows and emotive story telling that uses his own lived experience to bring our own personal experiences to the surface; together they create this etheric link with the listener, where the individual experiences feel like one shared experience and the essence of time become more than a linear measure and more of place where we all live, separate but, inexorably linked.

Now, all that deep thought aside, Steg G is on fire here with production that captures the essence of each track. The sound has one huge foot planted firmly on the side of Hip Hop but, along the way, there are many other influences that come in, adding extra depth to the sound. I have never been a fan of this this more modern sound that includes this high paced cymbal sound, its just a personal thing however, it does not take anything away from this album, what it does do is to broaden the listener base because Hip Hop heads will love it and the younger generation who like the trap, grime and other vibes, will also get something out of this one too. It has a good cross genre sound and there is nothing wrong with having that because music is more than just one genre. Freestyle Master does a superb job here by bringing his A-game and mixing up the flows, wordplay and using lived experiences to bring a deep level of relatability to every track. He also displays flows that show influences from other sounds too, adding that aspect which will make listeners of other genre’s enjoy what he has to say. What is plainly obvious though is that Steg G and Freestyle Master have this rapport that allows them to work perfectly together, and you get this feeling that each knows exactly what the other is thinking, in a musical context. 

Times Like These is a very deep but, expressive album that really invites the listener to listen, feel and remember what happens over the passage of time and that every experience in any one moment can have far reaching implications but, what is most important is that every moment we experience makes us who we are so, live those moments to the fullest.

Times Like These is out now on Powercut Productions and available on streaming, digital and limited-edition vinyl.

My thanks to both Steg G and Freestyle Master for the chance to bring my impressions to you.

I’m Out,

See ya next time.

Steve.   

LINKS

Times Like These is available from the following links:

https://www.steg-g.com/product-page/steg-g-the-freestyle-master-times-like-these 

https://steg-gandthefreestylemaster.bandcamp.com/album/times-like-these

Social Links:

https://www.instagram.com/freestylemasterpcp/

https://www.instagram.com/steg.g

https://www.facebook.com/Steg3000

https://www.facebook.com/frzamza

VIDEOS

ALL WE GOT

REWIND

 

EP Review: Down The Rabbit Hole by 4Dee

 

Down The Rabbit Hole

By

4DEE

 

Cardiff emcee/producer 4Dee is back with his latest release, Down The Rabbit Hole, on his own Veteran Records imprint. I have featured his releases a couple of times on the blog, first with the album ‘Shots Fired’ and with the singles 40 Years and The WOW Signal. Released at the end of March this year, this is a six track EP that promises some straight up Hip Hop combined with 4Dee’s penchant for not shying away from controversial and maybe a little esoteric subject matter.

So, let’s not hang around here and dive straight Down The Rabbit Hole…

We dive straight into it with Microphone Savage, where a heavy pounding boom bap beat provides the backdrop. In fact, this hits so heavy, it brings enough energy to vibrate every bone in your body. Like so kind of modern-day pied piper, 4Dee uses slick lyricism and a vocal tone infused with more than enough assertiveness, to create a vibe that grips you and sends you down the rabbit hole before you know what’s happening. Spinning lines on why he is savage on the mic, you forget what is going on beyond that sound and you become lost in the Hip Hop music. Now that you are well on your way into the music, drums hit with some nerve shedding organ notes and a hint of guitar too, its time for some Verbal Shadow Boxing. Produced by Acko and featuring DJ Jaffa on the cut, this one ramps up the energy levels, drawing you deeper into the music. 4Dee’s flow and insane lyrical fury takes hold of your awareness and spins you out of control as he pummels your mind with hit after hit of verbal intensity, punching a hole between one universe and the next. With your mind reeling from the intensity, things take a sudden U-turn with Strike Lightning and Thunder. The beat is still heavy but more subdued with a chilled acoustic guitar vibe. Delisha joins 4Dee to take you on a trip that takes you deep into the rabbit hole as they look at a post pandemic country where negativity and despair are the new norms; this is a place where conspiracies and control of the masses abound, a dark place, reflecting what just might be going on beyond the doors, walls and deep in the halls of government. Believe it or not this is where the rabbit hole takes you and it is only some brief moments of soulful vocals on the bridge that give you a glimpse of a more positive future.

Datrilshit sees a return to that pounding boom bap sound where the drumbeat takes the forefront, raising the energy levels once more as DJ Jaffa brings the cuts once more, cutting deep into your soul. Here, we find 4Dee bringing the one thing we all love about Hip Hop, that real shit. It’s all about what makes an emcee who they are, the lyrics, the flows, and their individuality; alongside that is their ability bring the kind of music that makes the crowd go crazy, that’s it, plain and simple. Before you realise it, you’re in the realms of the penultimate track, wondering what’s next and where you might end up. DJ Jaffa is back on the cut once more as Mind Over Matter hits with heavy drums and eerie keys. The beat has you looking this way and that while 4Dee spins bars and verses around one simple message that sinks deep into your awareness subliminally. That message is that you are the architect of your own destiny, you are the one who can make your dreams become reality, you just have to keep those dreams in the forefront of your mind and don’t lose sight of what is most important. Do that, and the only thing that is impossible, is that anything is impossible! The final track drops with a realisation that you’re not lost in the rabbit hole at all, you’re just waking up to the truth of reality. It is the heavy guitar vibes and sparse drums of Acko’s production on Putting In Work that help bring that realisation to life by creating a sound that tightens the frayed nerves and, with the help of DJ Jaffa on the cut, awakens you, bringing you back into the room. 4Dee spits the kind of lyrics that bring focus to your fogged mind. In fact, he continues to allude to message from the previous track, with more vigour, he tells you that by putting in the work, you make yourself who you are, you craft yourself into the true expression of the self.

 

Down The Rabbit Hole takes you on a journey that might seem a lot longer than it is. Within those six tracks and Twenty-Two minutes 4Dee takes you places and opens your mind to thoughts you might never have conceived of had you not exposed yourself to this EP. The Rabbit Hole is a place where you can cast out any thoughts of what you thought reality was. Here nothing is taboo and all the things you thought were just conspiracy theories or someone’s tainted view of the world, now seem to be far more plausible.

There is some great work here that keeps you guessing as to exactly what you’re listening to, in terms of its message, and you can easily just enjoy the whole experience without thinking too much but, then if, like me, you want to give it the time, it can take you to different ways of seeing the world around you and that’s the power of the music and the words contained within.

The production on Down The Rabbit Hole is top notch from both 4Dee and Acko, bringing you Hip Hop vibes that you can really feel the energy of, and also help to bend and merge reality at the same time, which is all ably assisted by the cuts from DJ Jaffa, for me these cuts don’t just scream Hip Hop on this one but, really give that edge to the tweaking of reality. I also have to give props to Delisha who I have not heard before but, who makes a great appearance here with both her rap skills and those soulful sung elements too.

4Dee shows us, once more, that he really is a solid emcee by switching flows and displaying a range of lyricism that has he can switch from being lyrically fun to suddenly being far more complex and intellectual. I also like the fact that he is not afraid to tackle those esoteric subjects and be completely open and honest about his thoughts on the world around him.

For me it’s a no brainer to recommend this one to you, so if you’ve not heard it already, I suggest you give it a listen as soon as possible.

Time for me to be out,

See ya next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Get the EP on Bandcamp Here:

https://4dee1.bandcamp.com/album/down-the-rabbit-hole

Streaming Links and more for the EP Here:

https://songwhip.com/4dee/down-the-rabbit-hole

Veteran Records Website:

https://veteranrecords.co.uk/

4Dee on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mr4deee/