Album Review: Four Four by Legs MC

 

Four Four

By

Legs MC

 

Following on my reviews of the last three of his Grown Up series of albums, Grown Up Too (08, 2023), Grown Up Free (01, 2024) and (What You Actin’ So) Grown Up For? (06, 2024)  I am glad to welcome Legs MC back to the Blog with his latest offering Four Four, a thirteen track album released back at the start of November 2025.

I’m not going to do a long intro myself here, you can check the previous reviews for that. But there is a bit of a story behind this one which I’m going to put here in its entirety:

 

After releasing my last EP, The Anti Social Media, I kind of felt like I had said all I had needed to say for a while.
I had moved to a new area of England, a much safer and community driven area compared to the viscous rat race of life in London and a much more welcoming environment to raise my step daughter and two young boys.
Life has calmed down and being in my forties has caught up.
But then a lot has happened in the UK for us to be weary of and although at times I don't feel like we are in the firing line where we are now but we are still keeping an eye on the major cities and watching as the madness unfolds. At times in London it felt like it really was gonna be a civil war on your door step, now I am up north in a rural town and it all feels like just something I see on TV now. Until it isn't.
Anyway, over the summer I hadn't recorded. My recording setup had broken and I wasn't feeling up to it. Although I would fiddle with a beat or a rhyme every now and then.
So around the start of August I got a new setup, just as things in the world started to ramp up again and the writing began to flow.
I had intended to record 50 songs and put out the best 12 next year but what I have been recording for the past few months was coming out so well I decided to just go with it.
So now its mastered and ready to listen to.
We always strive for perfection as artists but as an individual it is something I aim for but never quite achieve and to be honest at forty four that lack of perfection is something I can accept and even embrace.
I'm happy - it is some of the best recording I have done over some of the best beats I have made so that is good enough for me.

These songs aren't perfect but in this world, nothing is. 

With all that said, lets get straight into the album…

 

With Legs MC mentioning that this is some of his best beats and vocals, the bar is set pretty high, expectation wise, and so we wait with bated breath as it all kicks off with The Baddest. This one hits with a head nob beat, this is almost overshadowed, at times, by this heavy rock guitar vibe, which gives this a raw, gritty sound. Legs goes in hard on this one with a tone that seems to mirror the reality of London’s tough streets. But this one is all about being the baddest rapper, and many of us old school Hip Hoppers with know that Bad means good. So, there is that link to the real Hip Hop vibe where you had to be the baddest, just to be good, and his lyrics seem to reflect that by having faith in himself and doing it for all the right reasons. Up next, is Big Jobs which drops with another heavy sound, but this time the beat is backed by heavy piano vibes which still have that hard edge but, with a vibe that seem to vibrate from you core outward. For a minute, I wondered where this one was taking me, but then something occurred to me as I played it again, it felt just like someone, having taken some time away from things, was struggling to get back to what they once did. The world and the pressures of everyday life weighed hard, and it seemed like a big job to actually get back, before something simple ignites the flame and fire begins to burn bright once more. The presence of strings on Take A Joke makes the vibe feel more laid-back, even though the beat still has a heavy edge. The sound of this one makes you think this one might have a reflective or more personal tone, but as you listen, you realise that the title of this one reflects exactly what it’s all about. It’s one of those moments that you might just take it more at face value, than get the fact that it has a much lighter tone, one that is aimed at no one in particular.

Delete Your Last Post hits with a far heavier sound as a pounding beat merges with a heavy synth vibe to create a sound that has your mind throbbing. This one takes us into the realms of social media and how the real world mixes with people personal views. The message here is more about thinking before you make a comment, as a flippant remake made in the heart of the moment can cause far more harm. This is very much relevant in a world where social media has become for anyone and everyone to be able to comment on anything. Fall of the Goliathes hits with a deep sound a pounding beat is backed with bass vibes and synth sounds. This all merges together to bring a sound that has a heavy feel but, still gives you cause to nod your head. On the face of it this one might just feel like a wicked display of wordplay but, there is something deeper here. It kind of says to you that we live in a world built by goliath’s, people in places of power, but those entities are slowly crumbling, and it is time for us come together, because together we can form the foundations of what is to come. Moody Chandelier is next and hits with a sound full of percussion sounds and more thar gives this one a deep moody feel that seems to hover between light and dark. There is also a reflective edge here as Legs speaks on what you have to do to protect those who are closest to you. These days the big cities have became a far more dangerous place to how they were fifteen or twenty years ago, and sometimes you have to make tough choices to make sure your loved ones can live and grow in relative safety, even if than means moving away from where you call home.

Next up is Four Four Two, which seems like the albums title track, in a way. There is a nice head nod sound to this one with piano vibes and more giving this one the sound you just wanna bounce to. This one has more football (Soccer to some) references that you can shake a stick at. Aside from that this one is also a platform for Legs to drop a bit of that classic rap braggadocio. The boom bap sound gets more heavy with Release The Hostages, where the heavy beat is backed with bass vibes and electronic sound to give you a sound that will have you bouncing non-stop. Legs continues with the slick wordplay and rap braggadocio to drop a track that shows just what can be achieved when you write with the kind of venom when time is short. Real Top Hip Hop MC has this uplifting sound with a slick beat, keys and bass vibes. This one finds Legs MC detailing his dream of being a top Hip Hop MC. This mixes his own experiences, hopes and dreams with classic storytelling and, yes, a sprinkling of rap braggadocio because that has always run through the foundations of Hip Hop emceeing.

Killing The Vibe mixes bass and keys with proper beat to bring a sound that gets you nodding to the keys rather than the drumbeat. There is a deep aspect to this one as it seems to focus on all the things that come externally, that draw us in because we think it will raise us up and help how we are feeling, but so often these things actually detract from how we are feeling and only end up leaving us missing something or even feeling worse off. It is always better to go with your gut feeling and stick to something that will uplift, and fast food, social media and the like are very rarely able to do that, and as for the media, forget it. Another pounding beat with a double bass note brings a heavy sound on Distractions in the Kitchen. This one does get you bouncing and nodding your head as well, as the vibe is kind of infectious. It is often doing the most mundane things, such as washing dishes, where so much can occur to us as thoughts run wild. The things that truths but, we feel cannot be talked about as they seem to be subjects that that are like touch paper to so many. You may well live in this country that has such a varied history but, the minute you begin to speak on that, someone will seize that and take it to an extreme. I know this feeling as I used to do a lot of driving for work, listening to review music for hours on end and the thoughts I would come up with on those solo drives would often lead me to interesting places, not all of which have ever made it into my written content.

We now come to the penultimate track, Ill No Brain, which has a beat and guitar sound that almost makes to feel like slow plodding footsteps, but footsteps that are made with purpose. There is a dark edge to this track, one that focuses on the fact that social media, and certain types of productions coming out of Hollywood do nothing except waste people minds. So many, especially the younger generations are becoming slaves to smart phones and social media. They rely on internet searches for the foundation of their knowledge and contact with others. Is this breading a world of zombies or sheep? The counter to this is to put down the phone and connect with nature, see what is really outside your door and remember how to think for yourself. Now, that last track might have brought some deep thoughts about the world around us but, has it set us up for the final track? Sit with the Worms drops with a pounding beat with keys that brings a sound that teases your nerves one the chorus. Here Legs does a solid job of building on the last message by speaking plain and simple on what he sees around him. This track encourages you not to just listen to what he says, but to really hear those words, and if you can’t do that then need to take yourself outside and have a word with yourself. Only you can make the choice on how you open your mind and hear the messages that are being given to you…

 

So, lets face it here, the first thing that is abundantly clear on Four Four is the fact that Legs MC does indeed deliver an album that is packed full of solid Hip Hop boom bap beats and the kind of cleaver lyrical wordplay that delivers important messages in a way that almost hits you in a subliminal way.

Legs MC gives us a highly enjoyable album that, on first impressions, is packed full of intelligent wordplay, impeccable delivery and a style that mixes deep messages with slick displays of lyrical dexterity and rap flows. However, when you take the time to really listen, those messages almost come alive because they are written in a way that makes them instantly relatable as situations any one of us can experience from one day to the next. This is one of those albums where you think to yourself, if I was an emcee writing lyrics, this is where I would be taking my work, mixing it up, while making it deep and something that speaks to everyone who hears it.

You can easily see why Legs feels this is some of his best work yet, both lyrically and production wise. Everything here works so well, now I have already touched on the vocal aspect but, what about the production? Well, there are a variety of sounds and vibes that permeate the album, with vibes that are darker to those that hit as solid boom bap bangers. You can feel the essence of that real Hip Hop sound coming through from the skilled wordplay to the fact that every beat here gets you moving in some way, it has that pure energy that has always made Hip Hop music a force a way where every beat accentuates the impact of the lyrics.

 

In a way I am gutted that I did not get round to bringing you the review for this when it dropped last year as it definitely would have been high on my list of albums for 2025, and I have to say that now I have heard it properly, it does slide in high on that list and solidifies the fact that Legs MC is a force on the UK scene.

Four Four is out now, so be sure to check it out.

Before I go, be sure to check out Legs MC’s alias Barton Stacey for some detective noir Hip Hop story telling.

 

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

 

I’ll be seeing ya.

 

Steve.

LINKS

Grab or stream the Album Here:

https://linktr.ee/legsmc

Legs MC Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/daddylegsmc/

https://www.facebook.com/legsmc

VIDEOS

Four Four Two

Take A Joke

 

 

 

Album Review: You Got No Fans by KJ

 

You Got No Fans

By

KJ

 

It was nearly two years ago now that I featured KJ with his album Taxi Ride (2024). During that time, he has had a few projects out, one of which in this one, You Got No Fans. This one was originally released a year ago in February of 2025, but I didn’t get a copy until recently. The reason for that is KJ sent me another album, which went awol in the post (a couple of CD’s have done so recently sadly) and so he sent me this one instead, which was cool as I remember all the fun video’s KJ put out to promo the album.

I’m not going to drop a lengthy intro here, so if you want to know more about the Welsh emcee/producer, check the Taxi Ride review for more info. That said let’s get straight into things…

 

The album kicks off with the title track You Got No Fans which features internet legend The Wealdstone Raider (you find plenty about him on the web, trust me), which samples the infamous video he features in from 2013. This one has a nice beat, that gets ya head nodding, backed by keys, bass and more, giving you a sound that is solid Hip Hop, with a little LoFi edge. KJ’s lyrics have a very tongue-in-cheek vibe about them as he gives us look at his wordplay while taking pot shots at the other rappers out there. This one brings that football banter style to Hip Hop braggadocio. Guitar vibes and a solid head nod beat form the backdrop of Skillz.  Here KJ continues a bit of that Hip Hop braggadocio by bigging up the skills he has to do a great many things. The light-hearted vibe continues here too as he invites others to step up by goading them on the chorus by saying ‘Yeah, I got skills, what you gonna do about it’. Simping brings a chilled beat with a big bass guitar vibe giving this one a chilled out edge with the keys and vocal elements. This one is all about being attracted to someone and showing an abundance of attention. It feels like this one is all about the things you would love to say to someone, who might not know or show the same in return, but the desire for attraction and close contact is there all the same.

Siren brings a beat that is backed by horns, keys and vocal samples, giving this one a sound that has that LoFi edge to it. This is one of those tracks that is a dedication to that special woman in his life. But this not a track where things get too soppy, this is a Hip Hop love song where similes and metaphors do all the talking by taking you off to another realm. Samurai is a short track where a pounding beat is backed by Japanese musical sounds to give this one a sound that transports you a place that seems far more personal. There are elements to this one that strike you as a frank discussion on the internal struggles of what you see around you and how you carry yourself in the face of that adversity, so you are able to raise yourself up. Cleaning The Mind (Phase 4) hits with a heavy beat that is back with some electronic sounds that give this on a very reflective air to it. Listening to this one you instantly realise that this is a deeply personal track. Touching on subjects such as addiction, depression, and much more. Reflecting on this type of lived experience is something many of us can associate with. I know there has been many times I have felt like clearing my own mind by opening up about my life. The deeply personal aspect of this one is hard to convey, in truth, and is the kind of track that you just need to listen to and understand.

ART-IST merges acoustic guitar elements with a more chilled beat and electric guitar vibes which give this one a different reflective sound. KJ gives a look at what it means to him to be an artist, doing what he does and bringing a wide range of styles and vibes to the listener. It’s not about the payday but, about the music and what that means to both KJ and those who listen to what he has to offer. Now we have an insight into KJ as an artist its time to turn our attention to I Don’t Battle. This one kicks off and features elements of Cartman from South Park, which should tell you a lot about where this one is headed. The beat is pounding with a nerve jangling flute kind of aspect and vocal samples, which kind of soften things a little. KJ goes all in on this one, in a tongue-in-cheek kind of way with unapologetic and no punches pulled vocals that will probably have you laughing out loud, unless you have some reservations over the content, it’s definitely not for kids by the way. KJ says he don’t battle anymore but, with wordplay like this any battle would quickly descend into chaotic scenes with everyone falling about laughing. Before we realise it we are already at the penultimate track of the album, Marmyte. More deep bass guitar vibes and a pulse pounding beat gets your head nodding to this one from the get-go. Here, KJ mixes Hip Hop braggadocio with just fun kind of wordplay, and just like a certain food stuff with a similar name, you are gonna love it or hate it. For me, I love it personally, just like that certain food stuff. So, just listen to this one and enjoy it with a smile. The final track of the album is Monster, which hits with another head nod vibe alongside an electronic vibe that puts you in mind of some weird lab where a crazed doctor creates a monster. This on sees KJ take us into the mind of both the creator and the monster, using distorted vocals for the monster. It takes us on crazed journey from the creation  of the monster, its rampage, and then the final meeting with its creator…

 

There is a lot to like about You Got No Fans, because KJ had moved away from the boom bap sound and had dipped more into LoFi sounds with deeper story telling vibes, but here he takes himself back to a more solid Hip Hop sound, although elements of the LoFi sound can be heard creeping in here too. KJ also brings together two incredibly important elements of Hip Hop music as the album is kind of two thirds just for fun and Hip Hop braggadocio, and one third deeply personal and relevant storytelling that gives you much to think about. Incorporating these two aspects was something that I felt worked so well. Having deeply personal and relatable content is always something that makes for quality Hip Hop music and keeps this relevant, relatable, and authentic for the listener. But once in a while it is good to listen to Hip Hop that has a fun and uplifting edge which makes you smile as much as you enjoy listening to it, which also means you don’t have to give it too much thought, and there is nothing wrong with that either. We all need a little break from reality every now and then.

You Got No Fans is a quality self-produced album which gives us plenty of slick wordplay, whether it is making us smile, which the appearance of The Wealdstone Raider certainly does, or making us think. KJ shows us that he is more than able to switch things up both in his production and in his delivery and flows. The outcome is a ten track album that really needs little in the way of words from me to tell you what it is all about, even though I have done just that. What this album really needs is for you to give it a listen and enjoy it. I do feel that, although this one is primarily Hip Hop at heart, it has enough additional influences as to make it highly listenable to a lot of people.

So, a huge happy one year anniversary to You Got No Fans and a huge thanks to KJ for giving me the chance to bring this one to you.

 

On that note,

I’ll catch ya next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Check this one link for the Album and all things KJ:

https://linktr.ee/kieranjulio

VIDEOS

You Got No Fans ft The Wealdstone Raider

 

 

 

Album Review: After The Party by Mackenzie

 

After The Party

By

Mackenzie

 

It is not very often that a submission gets lost in the haze of digital clutter. However, that is just what happened with today’s review.

After The Party comes from Scottish rapper, producer, promoter and videographer Mackenzie. The album was released back in Mid-2025, so it had to go to the top of the list.

Mackenzie, a veteran of the Scottish Hip Hop scene, who crafted a name for himself across fifteen years working in multi-disciplines. Alongside having significant impact on the scene and culture, Mackenzie has also made a mark on the battle rap scene across the last decade. He has competed both in the UK and US, across renown platforms such as Don’t Flop, Premier Battles, King of the Dot, and iBattle. Between 2016 and 2023 he ran the Scottish battle rap league Iron Barz which provided a platform for both new and emerging talent across Scotland.

After The Party marks a new chapter in MacKenzie’s artistic journey—a reflection of growth, resilience, and an evolving understanding of both his craft and the world around him. The album, which produced and written by Mackenzie, looks at the ups and downs of the Scottish party scene:

 With a mix of hard-hitting storytelling, sharp social commentary, and a matured perspective, the album also examines the evolution of both the artist and the Scottish hip-hop scene. While some tracks take a tongue-in-cheek approach to party life, others serve as a serious reflection on addiction, excess, and societal norms. At its core, "After The Party" is a project of balance—one that offers both anthems to motivate and uplift, as well as cautionary tales for those lost in the haze of late-night indulgence.

The album also features a mix of featured artists in Wends, who is a powerful female dub and reggae artist, Gluco, a Glasgow based rapper, and RamZee, a female rapper and spoken word artist.

With all that said, I now invite you join me as I take my own look at After The Party…

 

Our night, or nights, out with Mackenzie begin with the album’s title track After The Party. This one has a sound that gets your head spinning, mixing the sounds along the way from heavy bass and pounding sounds to more relaxed sounds. There is a vibe that has a grime, trap edge to it too. Mackenzie immerses us deep in mind numbing vibe that takes you to the very edge of your sanity. This is the place you find yourself in following a heavy party night and what happens afterward, where are you going and where will you find yourself in morning. This is a place where alcohol impacts your memory, but the desire for enjoying moment overrides all else. It is clear, now, that we have been dropped in at the deep end here and now move on to Lie Like That, where the sound is on that grime edge with pounding bass, cymbals ticking and keys tweaking your nerves. This one took we a while to get to terms with but, as I listened there seemed to be this element of wrestling with yourself, and coming to terms with the fact that sometimes it is just easier not to be completely honest with where you are going and what you are doing; and that can be as much about lying to yourself as to those around you. This might not be exactly what Mackenzie was putting across but, it was what it said to me as I listened. Total Satisfaction features Wends and brings more of a raggae infused sound, but still with a heavy edge to it that vibrates through your whole body. Wends not only drops a verse here but, adds some soulful vocals on the chorus that brings a lighter moment to a track that examines how that darker side of your nature will always look to feed its desires, regardless of what is going on in your life. You might be struggling from day to day, and yet you still find the means to go out and feed on whatever brings those good feelings and helps you forget everything else.

Guitar vibes and cuts bring in Slow Down, a proper head nod vibe for all the real headz out there. Juxtaposed to the title, this one will have you bouncing. There are also two parts to this track as the beat switches, a little over mid-way through. This shows the distinct difference those who chose to slow down on a night out, taking it easy when called for. Which is opposed to those who chose to keep going, spiralling downward at full speed, because to slow down would mean to allow the intrusive thoughts to surface. So, they keep going, regardless of the consequences. Long Walk Home features Gluco and a sound that has a pounding beat with a huge horn sound which keeps your head nodding. There are few among us who cannot relate to this one as Mackenzie and Gluco speak on those long walks home after a night out, as the alcohol influence begins to subside and you ponder the nights events, something which can range from remembering everything to the times you question where you have been and who you were there with? Bounce begins with a more chilled vibe with that reverse sound that tweaks your nervous system. Once the beat kicks in it amps things up a few notches. Mackenzie switches his flows here back and forth, mirroring your thoughts as you begin to question your life, looking toward something better, but wondering if that will really happen. This is like the wake up call to a life that has been spiralling out of control, and you suddenly begin to understand that there is more to life.

Don’t Leave My Side brings a far more laid-back sound that is comprised of guitars and vocal samples. This one has a thoughtful vibe about it which brings an energy of someone wrestling with their thoughts and feelings as they look both within and at the world around them. These are the kinds of things that happen to us as we let go of the party life and reconnect with the world. It also makes us realise that we lose so many along the way, in different ways, and all we really want is someone or something which will always be there for us, especially when we need them most. Lift takes the adrenaline levels up once more with a pulse pounding beat, bass notes and synth vibes, which combine to lift you up once more. Here that is a shift in the idea of what the party culture is from a drug and alcohol induced downward spiral, to an energy that speaks to everyone, using you craft to inspire the listeners; bringing the party vibe to uplift, in a way that is not self-centred but, is there for the culture and those who look to you for something more. Don’t Speak (It’s Over) features RamZee and has a sound that uses No Doubt’s Don’t Speak but merges it with a more modern sound which has a trap edge to it, giving the whole thing a heavy vibe. There is a heaviness to this as it looks at a relationship break up, one of the sad things that can happen when you spend too much time focusing on your own selfish needs and not those closest to you, those who truly love you.

The Penultimate track of the album is Poison which has a beat that seems to vibrate throughout your mind, with guitar notes and synth vibes, all of which come together with an energy that seeps inside, holding your attention all the while. This one is a deep track that looks at how the poison is the mind state of the weekend being your escape from everyday life and getting through the week is just something you do in between those moments of escape. The desire to get through the week and the conflict it can produce, means the weekend becomes more of an escape and the poison takes more of a hold. You have to recognise you are poisoning yourself before you can heal. The album ends on With Us. This one hits with a heavy sound and vocal sample that has this powerful sound, with the beat hitting it all combines to bring a heavy sound that has a deep vibe to it. The beat also switches toward the end becoming a heavy drum beat to round the track out. There is very much a vibe to this one which is looking towards a higher power to be with you as you navigate your way in a world away from excess. This is a way to find peace in a world of chaos, be it with god, your own god or even the energy and memory of a passed loved one.

 

Now, every review has its challenges, some are easier than others, and this one certainly had its challenges, some of which may stem from my own situation. This might mean that some of the interpretations might have missed the mark originally intended by Mackenzie. That is something I enjoy about music is that it can take you to many places, depending on your own situation at the time of listening.

Mackenzie has crafted something here that will probably speak to our Scottish neighbours instantly, but it might take time for others to really get into it. However, there is a nice mix of influences within this album which will make it one of those that can be enjoyed by a fairly wide variety of listeners. The roots are in that Hip Hop and rap scene, but there are enough other vibes that it will appeal to those who like grime, trap, and other vibes too. It just takes a good ear to give it the right listen.

Something that is also worthy of note is the depth of the story telling across the album. Mackenzie delivers some just for fun energy while packing in some raw and, deeply personal vibes which come from not just his own lived experience but, those of friends too, and if you take that time to listen, there is a progression to the storytelling in that it covers the fun of a night out but, also speaks on the flip side of that, the addiction to that party culture and the problems that can arise as a result. There is also a grown man edge that opens you up to the realisations of what you have become immersed in and what happens when you take the time to accept that and work to become a better person, finding your true self and letting it shine through.

It is clear that Mackenzie has put the work in over the years developing a wide range of flows and intricate wordplay, giving him a platform to easily be able to pursue a cross genre career if he so chooses. The broad Scottish accent will mean that some listeners will need to give his work an extra listen to fully appreciate it, but this is the authentic sound we want to hear on the vocals and it grounds in Scotland and speaks volumes on where he is from. His production work is solid and gives each track the right sound and energy to allow you to take in the message, at least the message that it speaks to you in the moment. Also, his choice of feature artists is spot on as each, whether you know them or not, bring a solid performance and adding exactly what was needed to compliment Mackenzie's sound and message.

What After The Party goes to prove is that the Hip Hop and Rap scene is huge in Scotland and is helping to keep the scene alive the world over with a diverse range of artists bringing their own energy to the mix and Mackenzie is certainly one of those. So, anyone who has not checked out his work yet, should definitely give him a listen and this album is the perfect starting point.

After The Party is out now.

Huge thanks to my good friend Conscious Route for bringing this one to my attention.

I’ll see ya next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab or stream the Album Here:

https://mackenzie.bandcamp.com/album/after-the-party

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2tcp9R71FS8noRgUrtxwNM

Mackenzie Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/mackenziescottishrap/

https://www.facebook.com/mackenziescottishrap

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

VIDEOS

Don't Speak (It's Over) ft RamZee

Lie Like That

Total Satisfaction ft Wends

Bounce

 

Album Review: Never Really Accepted by PRIDE

 

Never Really Accepted

By

Pride

 

It is always a pleasure to have a new artist on the blog, and this time I welcome one of the UK’s legendary figures and former member of the incredible Suspekt crew. Pride brings his hot solo album Never Really Accepted to the table. An album which has been around three decades in the making, as dropping a solo album has been a focus for Pride since he first got into the game.

Pride and Suspekt, alongside the likes of Blade, Blue eyes, Son Of Noise, Killa Instinct, Deliverance, and others shaped my view of the UK scene. So, it is an honour to be able to bring you my humble view of this debut solo release. I have heard some great things about this release from Remark (who features on the album) and Whirlwind D, not to mention the many posts on social media that have been popping up.

Alongside Pride on this album are some top notch producers and features, but rather than list those hear, I thought I’d break with my normal way of doing things, it’s always good to mix things up every now and again and introduce you as we go.

So, I’m going to keep this intro short, dive in and take you through Never Really Accepted…

 

We kick things off on the A-Side with The Reckoning which features Producer and DJ Haynesy. The sound immediately switches your adrenaline levels past ten, with Haynesy mixing electric guitar elements with a banging beat and cuts to remind you this is Hip Hop. You might think that a reckoning is something that comes at the end, but here Pride unleashes his at the very start, giving those who don’t know an insight into the wordplay and delivery that gives him a pedigree within the UK scene. All those other rappers out there who think they are all that and might consider that artist from years back can’t do this anymore, well Pride has your number and is here show you how its done. After such an incredible start, there is no let up as Monster hits with an original beat from Seek The Northerner, mixed by Guided Mindz, and featuring Remark. This one hits with a funk fuelled sound with proper head nod beat that keeps you moving. The energy in this one works so well as Pride and Remark pull no punches as they take aim at the society we live in. There are references to how the media has been weaponised and how those in places of power only seek to keep us all locked in a place of fear, in order control us and make it look like they are working for our best interests while lining their own pockets. There is only so far you can push people before it creates a monster, the very think you feared the most, and here are Pride and Remark, emcees with an axe to grind and the perfect stage on which to do it. Next up Pride is joined by producer and DJ Stanton Miles for On The Up. This one has a heavy and rough sound with plenty of cuts, bringing a deep sound with an electronic organ sound that threatens to fray every one of your nerves. Here Pride drops a track that focuses on Knife crime as her details a story of one young mad driven to take a stand against others but, who is ultimately taken from the world and his loved ones. This track details a story that is echoed across the country, even the world, as young people fight over nothing, leaving grieving families and pain in their wake. It is a wake up call, a cry to all those young people out there to put down their knives, stop the violence, and ease the pain that touches so many.

The A-Side continues as Haynesy joins us once more on Till My Name Remains. This one has a sound, with plenty of cuts, that hits like kick from Bruce Lee. Lifting you up and slamming you down in the same instance, while inviting you to jump around. Here Pride drops a battle rap sound, hitting out, not at anyone individual, but at anyone who might chose to step up, and particularly those who think they are good enough to expect respect without earning it. Now, you might think that’s a bit much, but when you have been in the game as long as Pride, you have earned some bragging rights; and there has always been this thing in Hip Hop where emcees showed their prowess with more than a little braggadocio. So, respect the pedigree. Hard Yardz gives us our first look at production from Guided Mindz (aka Steve B) who has been working with pride for some time, and here the sound has a pounding beat with some slick guitar and organ notes, giving you a nice funky sound to vibe to. Here Pride gives us a look at just what he can do when he unleashes bars. Each one hitting hard, delivering a potent vocal punch that rocks your eardrums. Each bar delivered is a statement, showing you just how a talented emcee rocks the mic. The A-Side comes to a close with Guided Mindz on production and Murkyman on the cut for Sub Assassin. The sound on this one has a big ragga sound system vibe that will get your whole body moving to the beat. As you listen to this one you get the feeling that Pride is going all out to entertain you with a blistering display of wordplay that fits so well with the energy and vibe of the track. You couldn’t end the side in a better way that to uplift the listener and get them hyped up to get the vinyl flipped as soon as possible.

 

Side-B begins with the albums title track Never Really Accepted which brings an original beat from Seek The Northerner and an appearance from DJ Renegade (Son of Noise) on the cut. Heavy drums, heavy horns and more give this one a sound that seems to have anthem written all over it, it has that elevated kind of vibe. Here Pride gives us the kind of track that will allow you to get out of it, how you chose to listen to it! Give this one a surface listen and you will hear a solid banger that will get you amped up but, chose to listen a little closer and you will hear a track that is packed with skilled wordplay that seems to speak on an underrated artist who has not received the recognition he deserves, despite years of putting his heart and soul into his craft. This is something that a great many other artist can associate with as underground and independent artists. So, listen with the right ears and this one is indeed your anthem and one that encourages you to keep pushing to be the best you can be and to leave a legacy for your children and others to build on. Next up is Mirrorz which features production from Guided Mindz and Drew Stansall (sax, The Specials) alongside Pride. Guitars and horns create the sound with another head nod beat creating a 2 Tone sound that you just can’t help but nod your head to. Great sample from The English Beat’s, Mirror In The Bathroom (1980). There is a definite air about this one that is looking at the scene and the struggles of the artists. From streaming sites who don’t pay what an artist deserves to those who don’t push themselves enough. A lot of the time it all comes down to looking at yourself and how you market yourself and your craft. You can’t just put stuff out there and expect things to happen, it is all down to you to promote yourself. It’s not easy but, only you know your worth, so only you can push yourself you the point where people really sit up and take notice. Pride is joined on Not To Be Liked by DJ/Producer/Emcee and fellow UK Legend Chrome (Chrome and Illinspired, Chrome +). This one has a cracking upbeat sound that tweaks the energy levels and delivers a solid funky sound that gets you bouncing. From Pride’s solid vocals and Chrome’s blistering pace there is an air about this one that says doing what you love is not always about doing it to be liked, it’s about doing it because you love the craft, you love the sound, and you love the product you put out. There is a difference between doing something for the money and doing it for the love of it, when you it for the love of it, you bring passion and authenticity, two things that set you apart from the rest.

 

Midz Connect features DJ Fever and brings a banging sound of drums and bass, and cuts of course. The Incredible Bongo Band, It’s Just Begun sample mixed in gives this one a proper Hip Hop sound that will definitely resonate with the old skool heads as it gets your head nodding. This one see’s Pride reminiscing over some of the moments that had a huge impact on who he is, changing his life’s path and setting him on a journey that all led to this point in time and a solo album that lays his cards on the table and brings you the man and the music. Wabaabaam is the penultimate track of the album and see’s Haynesy return for one last track. The sound here begins with a laid-back sound before really kicking off with a heavy beat and horn heavy sound that seems to fire you up from the inside out. Here Pride takes a look at the grim state the country and society. This is not just a look at the powers that be, but a look at the role of social media, racism, and a whole lot more. It might seem like the sound puts an upbeat spin a very bleak outlook of life in England but, sometimes you just can’t sugar coat the truth and laying it out in this way helps to open the mind to what’s going on around you and perhaps, give you just enough to start the change. The album ends with an appearance from Reggiemental and production from Guided Mindz on Put Ya Mic Down. This one brings that ragga, 2 Tone sound back, but with a more multi-layered sound that switches things up in a way that you can either bounce to you kick back and chill with. The message here is all about knowing your worth and standing by that. At the end of the day everyone has bills to pay, especially in a world where everyone wants something for nothing, you have to stand firm by your values and if money is not there, then it is ok to just walk away. Now this might seem like a strange way to end the album but, this is a very real aspect of what underground artists are faced with. Promoters who will book for shows with little or no fees, and when you are an artist of thirty plus years standing, it takes money to survive and there is no shame in requesting a fee for your time…

 

Now, I know I have said this before, somewhere along the way but, there is an old saying that ‘good things come to those who wait and that can certainly be said of Never Really Accepted. When you have waited thirty plus years to finally put out a solo album and what you are able to deliver is something of this quality, then you could very easily drop the mic now and walk away, job done.

Let’s be honest here, with everything you have just read, you could be thinking that there is not a low point on this album, and you would be correct. There are no fillers and no tracks that are simply ok, every track here is a banger in one way or another. There was no point during the album I thought that any track was any less that any of the others. What I did find was that here are twelve tracks and the best part of fifty minutes of some of the best UK Hip Hop that money can buy, and to be fair I could leave it there, but I won’t…

Pride has worked with Guided Mindz aka Steve B to bring you a solid Hip Hop album that is born of the true foundations of what Hip Hop is about. They have brought in some additional top quality producers to add some substance and then some top quality emcees to add the icing to the cake. Everyone of those guest emcees stand shoulder to shoulder with Pride, as do the producers with Guided Mindz. The guest features are not over done and there is plenty of space for Pride to display the quality of his own craft, which he does with aplomb with a top tier display of wordplay, flows and, at times, emotive lived experience, all with a quality of delivery that speaks directly to you, allowing you to hear and associate with everything along the way. Proving, without a shadow of doubt that he has lost none of his edge and delivers the kind of top quality display of an artist who has taken the time to craft something special for himself, and the listener. 

The basis of Never Really Accepted might be Hip Hop but, with the 2 Tone and reggae, plus the funk vibes too this one has enough variety and substance to keep you going no matter where you are and what you are doing.

What this proves to me is two fold really, the first thing is that Hip Hop, that real Hip Hop sound is far from dead and buried. It might have returned to the underground to flourish, but flourish it is. The second thing is that more and more I see quality UK acts coming up or, in this case, returning to the stage and standing up for the culture and the music that we grew up with and made our own, to a point anyway. It kinda says to you that we are seeing that the quality has been ebbing and flowing and its time to bring it back and that is what Pride is doing here, alongside Steve B, he looking to bring that beat back, bring the soul and the real Hip Hop back.

 

Never Really Accepted is out now with a limited edition vinyl. If you have not heard this one yet, take it from me, you don’t want to miss this.

My humble thanks to Pride and Steve B for giving me the chance to bring you my take on this one.

 

I’ll see ya next time,

Steve.

LINKS

Get your copy of the Album here:

https://www.discogs.com/sell/release/35732956

Album Review: 3 Days, 8 Beats, 1 Take by Jonie D

 

Three Days Eight Beats One Take

By

Jonie D

 

Jonie D has featured on the blog before with Kaos Crew and most recently with his single Journey, back in July 2025. It is good to have him back with his latest solo project Three Days, Eight Beats, One Take, which was originally released back in October 2025 and is produced by LSK.

The Derbyshire based emcee also has some Italian roots and descries this album as follows:

This one is personal and built on the sounds and the movies we grew up with. Each track reflects where I’ve been, what I’ve seen, and what I’m still figuring out after more than 30 years in music and 50 years on our planet. The lyrics are for anyone who’s ever had to stop and take a look at where they came from and where they’re headed. This project means a lot to me, and I can’t wait for you to hear it. 381 is known as the Angel Number and is a combination of the energies and vibrations of 3 (creativity, & self-expression), 8 (achievement), and 1 (new beginnings).

From those few words, you really get the feeling that this is going to be an album that hits some deep notes, especially with the very personal and spiritual aspects.

So, lets get straight into it…

Our journey with Jonie D begins with Call Me and an Intro that gives a brief look at that Italian heritage. The sound of this one has a chilled edge to the beat, this is backed by bass and organ notes that hold that chilled edge, also bringing a sound that has this thoughtful vibe. Plus, I’m fairly sure the chorus comes from Peter Gabriels Sledghammer. The vibe of the sound works so well here as the track is very much a dedication to his children and his love for them. As a father myself, I can feel everyone of these words and being there for your children, just at the end of the phone, mirrors my own sentiments when it comes to my own children. This is such a great way to kick off the album with a hugely personal track that gives the listener a deep look at what to expect, while also touching you deeply. It also leaves you wondering where Jonie will take us next with Apollo. This one has a heavier beat which is backed by horns and keys that give this one a ragga vibe, getting you moving. This one has a broader feel to it, as it looks at the world around us now but also sees Jonie taking a look back over live and some of the key things that have moulded who he is. The reference to Apollo here shows how he remains focused, precise and controlled in how he approaches life and what is important to him. Those ideals of focus, precision and control were all key aspects for the NASA Apollo missions.

Next up is No Strings Attached, which hits with a laid-back sound made up of bass and a solid drum beat. There is also no reference to growing up watching the likes of Thunderbirds and other Gerry Anderson produced TV Series. This one is all about relationships that have no strings attached. However, living that way can have an impact on the other person in the relationship who might see things as more that they are. There is also another aspect to this one, which is about not being a puppet to anyone and having your own autonomy when living your life. I also liked the addition of the sample from Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, The Tracks of My Tears, which adds a nice little, almost light-hearted edge to things. Loose Cannon comes with a nice soulful edge over the heavy drum beat, getting your head nodding as you listen. That soulful vibe lends itself nicely here as Jonie looks at how we change over time, from someone who might have been a bit of a loose cannon at one time, to someone who has truly found themselves through education, self-exploration and perhaps a dash of spiritual enlightenment along the way. This one reminds us of how time and aging, with all that brings with it, does change the essence of who we are, as does the knowledge and lived experience we carry along the way.

As we cross the halfway point of the album our focus is brought to Time, where the sound mixes a solid Hip Hop beat with a sixty’s guitar riff loop, giving this one a vibe that switches up the adrenaline levels just a little, encouraging the head nodding to get a little more heavy along with it. Here Jonie takes us on a ride that looks at the things that we often find difficult to explain or come to terms with as we navigate the journey of like. From the funs and games we had in the past to wading through the pressures of modern day living, there will always be times we wonder how we got here or how we will through the present and into the future. Roses brings another upbeat sound with a beat and keys that bring that ragga sound once more. The light feeling of this one really fuels some good vibes within as you listen. This is one of those tracks, that for me, might mean something different to different people. It says a lot about how we move through life dealing with the struggles from the past and the present, but ultimately, we are aware that within all this, there is somethings beautiful. Like, holding on to roses we see the beauty that they bring, but there is also that awareness that holding onto them brings pain from the thorns that cut our hands. It is that understanding that there is always pleasure and pain through life, we just have to choose the weather the storm in order to see the blue skies that will come.

We move into the final two tracks of the album with Tell It, which brings a heavy beat with keys that has a sound that keeps that upbeat sound going, getting you moving, but maybe in a more mellow way. Here Jonie does exactly what the title suggests, telling it like it is. This is like sitting with a good friend or perhaps with your children, giving them an unfiltered and honest view of life. We pick up so much knowledge as we move through life that there comes a time when we can only speak on where we have been and what we see that comes forth in a way that has no rose tinted glasses but, just how we see it from our hearts. Because, as we grow, we understand that the truth is the only way forward. The album ends with Higher Plane, The sound mixes a laid-back beat with guitar vibes that give this one a more thoughtful and reflective edge, a sound that seems to touch and vibrate through all seven chakras. Now, I might not be on point with this one but, it really made me think about all those people that touch or lives as we walk life’s path. There are times when we meet someone who touches us deeply and we feel that person will always be with us, but they only stay for as long as it takes for them to teach what we need to know. We might not even realise what the lesson is, it might make us feel like life has kicked us in the teeth or deserted us. But there is a level, a higher plane if you will, where we understand what happened and why, and on a level that stays with us forever.

 

Now, I do love it when you listen to music that just allows the words to flow out of you and Three Days, Eight Beats, One Take is definitely one of those. It is probably because of the deeply personal nature of the entire album that allows that to happen. Every track here has a vibe that touches you, from LSK’s emotive production to Jonie D’s wordplay and deeply personal aspects that are locked into each track. It just allows to listen to each and every word, every bar, every beat, and then to allow that to draw out something from within your own lived experiences that allows you to perfectly associate with what is being said.

There is such a wealth of knowledge and personal experience here from Jonie D that makes you understand just how much this album must mean to him. At the same time, it helps you realise how much your own experiences mean to you.

This album has been crafted in such a way that it is not just another Hip Hop album. Yes, as you listen to it, you feel that the roots of the sound are well and truly in that Hip Hop vibe, but there is also more to it. Jonie’s vocals are clear and spoken in a way that allows to hear everything, so as to let the emotive elements sink in, regardless of the flow he uses. LSK’s production, in its sounds, mirrors the emotive nature of what Jonie is putting across, in such a way as to perfectly open up your mind to allow the messages to seep into the very core of your being.

There is a spiritual aspect to the album, which is unavoidable in way, because when you put so much deeply personal information and feeling into a project like this, the music and words become more than just a source of enjoyment, the sound and vibration touch you on a level you might not even realise. But it any track on this album brings up some deeply personal feelings then, you already understand on a deep level.

Three Days, Eight Beats, One Take is one of those albums that you might not put high on your list of classic albums but, it is definitely one you need to listen to and let it sink in and speak to you.

The album is out now on streaming and with some limited vinyl copies available too, so don’t sleep on it.

My huge thanks to Jonie D for allowing me to bring you my humble take on this album.

 

I’ll see you next time.

Steve.

 

Footnote: There is something I want to add here. Now, I always forward my reviews for fact checking before I drop them online, and part of the response I got from Jonie D, is worthy of note here.

There is also some additional information regarding the album title, which is this; The album was recorded over three days, with eight beats and using one take. Jonie D had the following to say about the process:

You hit it on the head with the 'the roots of the sound are well and truly in that Hip Hop vibe, but there is also more’. We kept the 1 take idea to keep it as honest as possible and when we finished it (in 3 quite emotional days) we felt much of what you’ve written. 

When I get feedback like this it really helps me in knowing my reviewing process is spot on. But more than that, that little line about the process of recording the album gives a huge insight in what it is like for the artist, producer, engineer etc in bringing a project like this to the listener.

I hope that gives you a little more of an insight into things from this side.

Steve.

 

LINKS

Here is One link for Jonie D, Inc Bandcamp for the Album:

https://linktr.ee/JonieD

Get the album on elasticStage Here:

https://elasticstage.com/jonied/releases/3-days-8-beats-1-take-album

Jonie D YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@JonieDChannel/videos

 

 

EP Review: Unapologetically Myself by Niques

 

Unapologetically Myself

By

Niques

 

I first featured Welsh multi-genre artist Niques, back in April of 2024 with her single Mate (check the review for more on Niques). Now she is back with her Debut EP Unapologetically Myself, which was originally release back at the end of November 2025.

The EP focuses on some of the challenges that Niques has faced in her life, which is likely to give this one a deep and personal edge. The production comes from Lupole, Beats By The Boy, DJ Zippy and is noted as having a more R&B vibe.

Let’s get straight into the EP which is six tracks and kicks off with Crazy. This one is produced by Lupole and has pulsing beat with electronic sounds and vocal samples with give this one a sound that you can’t help but, nod your head too as you listen. There is a definite uplifting vibe around this one, something which comes from this being an introduction, if you like, to what Niques has had to deal with in her life. It looks at a life dealing with CRPS (Complex regional Pain Syndrome), an illness with no cure and originates in her having to have a club foot fully reconstructed at the age of only six months old. What you get the feel for here is that someone who has spent their whole life dealing with chronic pain, builds a certain strength which comes from that. This is something that few can truly understand unless you have lived it yourself, something that, I guess you could say is the true definition of not judging on appearances alone, because you don’t truly know that person’s story. There is a power in this track, in the lyrics that gives you that understanding, to a point, if you chose to stop and really listen.

We now move on to Filtered Image, Again produced by Lupole, this has one has a heavy sound that brings keys to the forefront that brings a deep sound that seems to touch you deeply inside as you listen. That deep sound is elevated by the pure emotion which comes through as you listen to the lyrics. What is clear is that this one may mean something different to each one of us that listen but, here Niques speaks on the struggles faced growing up. There is much here about trust issues and presenting yourself to world with a mask on, something that doesn’t show who you truly are, it protects you from getting hurt or giving away too much of your true self but, that mask can present its own challenges, both to yourself and those around you. The title says a lot to as you consider how so many chose to present a filtered image of themselves through social media, forgetting that their true self is their authentic self. It might seem hard to present that to the world but, keeping that mask on is a lot harder that simply taking it off.

Lupole produces So Wild and this time brings us a sound that has a heavy sound but, there are a wealth of sounds over this which bring a more upbeat sound, one that also tweaks at your nerves a little, keeping your focus honed on what you are hearing. As you listen to this one there seems to be a juxtaposition between the title and the sound, as the title and sound seem at odds with each other. Getting into the lyrics is where everything becomes clearer, there seems to be a focus on mental health here. The person that everyone sees on the outside, is not always who that person is on the inside, especially when you have the kept the mask on for so long, and it begins to slip. These can be some of the darkest times in your life but, when you finally come through it and see the light on the other side, your true self comes out and look back on where you have been and where you are going and new, different version of wild you can come forth and help left you up to the place where you truly see yourself.

Baby Steps is produced by Beats By The Boy and brings a more chilled sound, there is still a deep bass sound but, the keys and other percussion bring this sound that seems to soften the edge and makes you open to feel more. That emotive edge brings more impact as you listen and understand that once you come out the other side of all the darkness and the hard times, it takes those little steps forwards that define your recovery. The more time you take to walk slowly forward with help you get far stronger that trying too hard by taking leaps forward. It takes help too, something you should never be afraid to ask for as you take those tentative steps to a new you, a more authentic you.

Don’t Do Me Wrong is produced by DJ Zippy, with some additional production from Lupole. This one has a more soulful edge to it with the beat being more chilled and with synths that bring the atmospheric vibe to the track. You get the feeling that this one is a powerful statement of the just how complex love can be, especially when entering into a new relationship. This is something most of us can easily relate to, in a number of ways, either because we have experienced it ourselves or seen others, close to us, go through similar situations. The track comes from the viewpoint of a woman looking at a new relationship and issues of trust and, ultimately, commitment, that come with something new. But there is also the chorus that hits a nerve as it shows the struggle of someone struggling to be fully open and commit, due to past hurt and broken trust. Anyone who has been in this situation, on either side, will know the emotions that come with this and it is likely to hit you hard if you’re not expecting it.

The EP ends with the Outerlude / Philosophy, once more produced by Lupole, bringing us a more stripped down sound that is heavy on synths and keys, before the beat kicks in with a little more strength. This soulful sound, with its stripped down vibe, brings far more focus to the vocals, while still giving you enough to move your body to. This is one of those tracks that you can draw different things from, depending on how you feel at the time. That philosophy of honesty is one of the things that speaks so deeply as you listen. Honesty in any part of a relationship with anyone is something that shows your true character. There is a depth to this track that puts you in mind of being in a place where two people are being most intimate, perhaps just lying together and being at one, these are the times when some of your strongest and most heartfelt things can be said and being honest means that never a truer words can be said.

 

One thing is perfectly clear here from the start of this EP, and that is the fact that when an artist is being so open and honest in presenting their own personal story, it opens the listener up to connecting and feeling the emotive content by way of their own emotive feelings, through shared lived experiences, and that is what makes this EP what it is, an open and honest portrayal of lived experiences that allows the listener to associate with, and feel the nature of what is being expressed through the music. Music is capable of so much and Unapologetically Myself expresses that perfectly.

Niques shows that she has true talent that spans not just R&B, soul or Rap, she is capable of cross genre expression that will not keep her focused in just one arena of music. Here she uses both rap and sung elements to fully express the true emotion of what she has experienced through life. At times her expression has a raw depth when a specific point is needed to be shown, while at other times her flow and vocals bring an expression of her soul that could so easily calm the savage beast. She has such a fantastic range that you feel there is nothing she could not excel at, should she choose to focus her talents on that direction. She has everything that makes her excel as an independent artist in her own right but, she also has the strength to blow up too, should she decide to go in that direction. It is the strength gained from a life built on pushing past hurdle after hurdle that has given her such strength of character and expression.

Let us not forget that the production pays a huge part in helping to deliver the emotions that are contained in any vocals, and here Lupole, Zippy and Beats By The Boy do a standout job of bringing sounds that carry and equal amount of the deep emotive edge, as do the vocals. They deliver vibes and sounds that keep you moving and enjoying every beat, while bringing you deeply touching music that you can enjoy as much as can feel.

As Niques debut EP, Unapologetically Myself is a belter that delivers a solid performance all-round, getting you out your seat and getting in touch with the true essence of who you are inside. This is one you can listen to on your own but wouldn’t be out of place in a party or club setting too.

Unapologetically Myself is out now on all streaming Platforms.

Huge thanks to Niques and the team for letting me bring this one to you.

Be seeing you,

Steve.

LINKS

Check this link for all the Streaming links you need:

https://linktr.ee/Niques_speaks

Niques Socials:

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

https://www.facebook.com/Niquesspeaks

https://niquesspeaks.bandcamp.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@niquesspeaks/featured

VIDEOS

Don't Do Me Wrong (Official Video)

 

 

 

 

Album Review: Vincent//Deconstructed by Uncle Mic Nitro

 

Vincent//Deconstructed

By

Uncle Mic Nitro

 

It was way back in 2021 when I kicked off that year’s reviews with the original Vincent On Horseback from the talented emcee Uncle Mic Nitro, who just happens to hail from my home city of Southampton, here in the UK. I never thought then that the best part of five years later would see me reviewing a remixed version of the album Vincent//Deconstructed.

Well, this is not strictly a remixed version of the original album as the original has been deconstructed and then six of the original tracks heave been remixed, alongside two brand new tracks and, if you grab the digital, there is also a remix of one of those new tracks as well.

Alongside the changes with this album, which is being released through Empty Hand Records, a hot new label located on Australia’s Gold Coast run by Speaks, and whose debut release was Highrize Jamz by Speaks himself (One I don’t currently have sadly), the tracks remixed from the original still feature the likes of Greg Blackman, Joe Burn, Ced Gee (Ultramagnetic MCs), Ramson Badbonez, Micall Parknsun, and Klashnekoff. There are cuts from DJ Tones, Jabbathakut, Krash Slaughta and Outbreak, with production coming from Speaks, Djar One, Krash Slaughta, Ollie Cheebo, Ollie Knight (who also handles mixing and mastering), the legendary DJ Supreme (Hijack), and Uncle Mic Nitro himself. It is all rounded off, once more, with artwork from the one and only John Dyer.

With all that said, let’s not hang around and just dive straight in…

 

First up is Write, which features Greg Blackman and is here in the form of the Speaks Remix. Here the sound is an infectious upbeat vibe, with a soulful edge which is extenuated by Greg’s vocals, that makes you want to move every ounce of your body. The message within this one is still the same as the original, with its reflective edge, looking back on life and the many moments that ignite the passion within UMN to put pen to paper, because the time is right to just write. The deeply personal edge to this one means that, even while you are enjoying the music, you can still relate to every word, something that may well ignite your own personal passion to do something to express that. Such an upbeat start to the album seems to wipe the slate clean of any expectations, and you don’t have to wait more than a second or two before UMN keeps it going with Snap Your Neck (Speaks Remix). This time Speaks gives us pounding beat that is backed by synth vibes giving this that kind of heavy bounce and pound the air vibe. DJ Tones brings the doubled-barrelled cuts with Joe Burn joining UMN on the mic. This one is a blistering display of vocal ferocity, one that hits you with such force that it threatens to snap your neck while you are bouncing and enjoying every second. Before you can take a breath and recover its time for Bod Gets Slapped Up (Djar One Remix) featuring Ced Gee and Ramson Badbonez. Flowing the Ced Gee intro, Djar One gives us a heavy rock guitar infused sound that is sure to see Bod get pounded rather than slapped. Our three emcees take turns to deliver the type of lyrical devastation that comes when you unleash this calibre of emcees. This one takes bod slapping to a whole new level hitting your ears with the kind of wordplay and delivery that has your adrenaline levels soaring, and every verbal hit that is delivered is matched by the razor sharp delivery from Djar One, who is also on the cut here.

As you try to recover from that onslaught, Speaks returns with the Fuck You (Speaks Remix) which also features cuts from Outbreak. Keeping that Coming to America sample, Speaks brings a solid boom bap sound with a funk fuelled edge from the guitars and keys, making sure to keep the adrenaline levels amped up. The original had this almost Hip Hop opera vibe to it, and while this one retains and echo of that, the sound brings a far rawer edge. UMN delivers his own homage to Hip Hop and being a rapper. That line ‘Two Turntables and a Mic’s like all I Need’ seems to say it all with that rapper’s braggadocio mixed in with explicit wordplay gives you all you need to know right here. As you pick yourself up off the floor, its time to get transported to a whole to world for the New Planet Goons (DJ Supreme Remix), featuring Micall Parknsun, Klashnekoff and Jabbathakut, this one brings a heavy beat with bass and some jazzy elements that all merge together at the hands of DJ Supreme to bring a sound that vibrates through your whole body, separating you soul from your earthly being. You drift off as the vocals take you off to the etheric realms where memories, thoughts and dreams all fuse together making you wonder exactly where you are but, you just allow yourself to go with it, flow with it, because this is a far better place to be than the three dimensional world you just left. You come back from this waking dream to the first of the brand new tracks from Uncle Mic Nitro. Heavy Tusk (Krash Slaughta Original Mix) brings a solid and heavy banging sound that has vibe that draws you in, uncapping the levels of adrenaline you can experience, getting you back up and bouncing with reckless abandon. UMN delivers another devastating display  of his lyrical dexterity. This one has a battle rap edge to it too as it hits you with blistering pace and some heavy nature infused wordplay that leaves you impaled by a ton of ivory.

We finally reach the last of our remixes from the original album with Keep Drinking (Eyes Like Dolls Remix) which has a heavy house vibe to it, giving you the kind of sound that you can really see being a proper club sound that gets everyone moving. Here UMN unleashes a no holes barred look at the effects of the use of alcohol and illicit substances to shut out the darkness and bring some level of momentary enjoyment to a tough life. The sound here completely changes my view of this track from the original. There are elements that reflect from that initial interpretation, but here we see how so many use substances, in many forms, to escape what life brings but, ultimately reality catches up with you. Up next, if you have the physical version of the album, is final album track and the second of the new tracks. Cake or Death (Cheebo Original Mix) sees Ollie Cheebo give us a sound that has a heavy pounding beat with this eerie backdrop of strings and keys that gives this one a dark edge, making you want to listen and understand what this one is all about. UMN weaponizes the mic here as he mixes battle rap and rap braggadocio into a raw and explosive display of wordplay, flows and lyricism that shows just how good of an emcee he is. This is one to enjoy and punch the air too as the shear level of vocal mastery is a pleasure to behold. Now, just to round things off, with the digital version of the album comes the Cake or Death (Nappa Remix) what this one does is take a number of instantly recognisable samples, mix them up and give us an upbeat sound that completely changes the air of the track. This remix takes the heavy battle rap edge and flips it to this upbeat sound that has you nodding your head, grinning from ear to ear as you bounce around having a great time just enjoying every line…

 

After listening to this album, top to bottom, there are two things that become clear to the listener, well, if you choose to listen intently, and if you know the original Vincent album…

Firstly, The album is a rock solid display of just how much of a talented emcee Uncle Mic Nitro truly is. As I noted with the original Vincent review, UMN is one of those UK emcee’s who has cemented his place within the scene and possesses a lyrical prowess that is second to very few on the scene. What is also apparent here is that he does not try and saturate to scene with releases that push who he is, settling for quality over quantity, which is something for me that works so well. There is no need to drop release after release to prove your expertise, when a release or two per year, or in UMN’s case, every few years, can demonstrate how good you are, if gives a lot more anticipation of the quality than when you release something every month. Uncle Mic Nitro is definitely one of those emcees who has the quality of wordplay and delivery that puts a rubber stamp on all they do.

The second thing that is immediately apparent here is that remixing tracks can so often revitalise and almost reinvent them. We see here how those tracks from the original that have been remixed for the project, have their vibes changed quite vividly, allowing the listener to listen again, gaining further insights into each. We also see just how much vibes can be changed when you look at the original and the remix of Cake or Death.

Giving us two brand new tracks also adds a little extra to the album, giving you something new to look forward to for the maestro on the mic, UMN. This breaths new life into Vincent and gives him a new world to explore, therefore giving his listeners new music to enjoy along the way. All the production fits so well with the vocals and those cracking feature verses, that it leaves us nothing, we can’t enjoy.

Everything here is top notch. The producers bring old tracks into the present with some solid reinterpretations that give us a new look, and a new wat enjoy these tracks. The new tracks add another dimension to things, giving us something new to enjoy and leaving us with an air of anticipation that perhaps Uncle Mic Nitro is not done yet.  

This is a cracking second release for the fledgeling label Empty Hand Records, and one that shows that they are well on the way to making themselves a force in releasing good music, regardless of whether it is Hip Hop or another genre entirely.

 

Vincent//Deconstructed, due some delays, is released on 18th January 2026 with some limited vinyl copies available, so don’t sleep on these, Pre-Orders are now live.

Huge thanks to James at Empty Hand Records and Uncle Mic Nitro for giving me the chance to bring you my take on this.

 

I’ll see ya next time,

Steve.   

LINKS

Pre-Orders open now here:

https://emptyhandrecords.bandcamp.com/album/vincent-deconstructed

Uncle Mic Nitro Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/unclemicnitro/

https://www.facebook.com/unclemicnitro

Empty Hand Records Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/emptyhandrecords

https://www.instagram.com/emptyhandrecords/

VIDEOS

Write (Speaks Remix)