It was only about a month a go that I brought you the first
in a trilogy of releases by UK producer Cheebo on Empty Hand Records. The
second EP in that trilogy is now dropping today and aptly named 3.2.
This release sees Cheebo aka Ollie Cheebo, continuing where
he left of with 3.1, using those raw, sample driven beats and the Akai MPC to
take you back to the nineties Hip Hop sound with five more instrumental beats
to get you reminiscing.
Let’s get straight into it…
All No More kicks things off with a proper head nob
beat blended with horns and vocal samples to get you moving. As you listen to
this one that faint jazzy horns take you back to the summers of the past, with
the setting sun illuminating the bubbles in you glass as they rise to the top
and then seem to pop in time to the beat. With you head still nodding and your
toe’s tapping in time to the beat, Listen Closely Now Switches up the
beat. Electronic vibes and 8bit sounds seem to drag you back beyond the 90’s to
80’s with a sound that smacks of those early computer games. This one invades
your mind, spinning you into somewhere between a digital computer world and bursting
beyond our atmosphere into deep space. It almost puts on a tipping point where
the old 8bit computer games where about to be overtaken by 16-bit and then
32-bit games of the mid 90’s.
911 drops with a deep chilled out beat over which is
this guitar sample that has a hint of the mariachi sound to it. The deep sound
has you moving as you listen to vocal sample. Here we find a man calling a
series of numbers to try and talk to someone to report a murder. There is this
kinda dark humour to this as he ends up by mentioning he is using a stolen
credit card to call, after repeated attempts appear to get him nowhere. He
then, finally gets connected…
Spy The Formula brings a chilled sound that has a
more funk edge to it with keys and bass vibes get you moving in a lazy kinda
way. As you listen to this one there is this air about it that feels all about
trying to find out what the formula is to create the perfect sound, the kinda
sound that not only gets you moving but, has a sound that seems to make you
quiver as it hits all the right notes in all the right ways. The EP closes with
Here You Are, the sound on this one has a pounding beat mixed with keys
and horns giving it jazz funk vibe with an almost mystic sounding edge. It
really puts you in mind of just kicking back and listening to all your
favourite tunes till the sun comes up, illuminating the world for a new day and
setting the stage for the final chapter in the trilogy.
Now, I know I have said it before, but I’m just gonna say it
again, there is something about listening to instrumental vibes like this. You
get a little tease that it is taking you back to the Nineties and so you have a
little expectation, but when it all kicks in, the music takes you off back to
those days. Not only that, but the sounds then feed off your memories of the
entire decade, bringing back some amazing memories of where you were, who you
were with and what you were listening to at any particular time, and that is
what I love about instrumental music like this. It takes you off down a rabbit
hole letting your imagination and memories run wild.
Cheebo creates another cracking release here which crafts
five short soundscapes that have you cracking a smile as you cast you mind
back. It takes me back to hopping on a train to London to check out the Oxford
Street or Carnaby Street, tagging the trains and buses as you went, finding it
hard to wait till you got home to split the wrappers on the vinyl’s, just
enough to get the wax out. Then swapping tapes with your mates and so on. These
and so much more come to mind as I listen, so I have to give huge props to
Cheebo for eliciting those memories with his incredible sounds. I think that if
I had the skills to make beats, these are the kinda sounds I’d be making.
Respect has to go out to Empty Hand Records too for
providing the platform for Cheebo to get this out there. It really gets you
hyped for what 3.3 will bring to the table.
This one might only take twelve, or so, minutes of your
weekend to listen to, but it will have you bringing up memories for years along
the way and way beyond too.
3.2 is out today so don’t sleep on this one.
My huge thanks to Speaks, the man behind Empty Hand Records
for dropping this one my way.
It was a few months back that Wolf T. Calzone’ and Sicarii
first came to my attention on the album Iron Curtain by Myalansky, which was
produced by Wolf T. Calzone’ and featured Sicarii. That album also had features
from CISE and Haylo Da G.O.D, who also feature here as well.
Now I am always intrigued by music that references subject
matter that I have an interest in. Having an interest in subjects such as
Ufology, you invariably come upon things like, the Hollow Earth theory and
more, so this one definitely captured my attention. Antarctica 2 – Hollow
Earth, Released in March 2026, is a follow up to 2022’s Antarctica which
Sicarii released alongside producer Danny Caiazzo.
Even reading some of the track titles, from both albums,
there is a definite esoteric theme running through and it will be interesting
to see what this all brings up.
So, let’s get straight into it…
We begin our journey with the Intro, this sets up the
tone of the album with hints of the ancient cultures who have stories of a
world within the earth where an advanced race flourished. The sound is
laid-back and carries you into the album with a hint of mysticism. From there
we advance forward to Speaking Rhetorically, here piano notes hit as
heavy as the beat while occasional vocal sounds keep you from going too deep by
screaming you back to reality. The title of this one is not lost on me as the
cleaver wordplay seems to invite you to look beyond superficial and to dig
deeper. It has this air about it that says there is more to life, you just need
to look in the right place and educate yourself. With that thought in mind we
progress to the High Evolutionary. Here heavy drums and guitar notes get
your body moving and your head nodding. This one seems to explore the darker
side of human nature, which feels juxtaposed to title of the track. There is
also another thought this brings to mind, which is the idea that being exposed
to things of a higher evolutionary nature can cause those who are not ready to
understand, to spiral one way or the other.
VantaBlack 2 brings a heavy sound that mixes with
vocal samples and sounds that have a middle eastern vibe, giving this one a
sound that invites the whole body to move. This one appears to continue the
theme of the darker side of things, but here it more focused on the darker side
of what goes on around us, from wars to how clandestine agencies operate.
VantaBlack is the darkest material know to exist. A coating of vertically
aligned carbon nanotubes that absorb 99.965% of visible light. Strategems drops
with banging beat backed by a nerve-jangling electronic sound and some classic
vocal samples that get you bouncing. This one is a mind-bending display of
complex wordplay and lyricism that has you questioning exactly where this one
is taking you. Just when you think you have is worked out, Sicarii spins you
off in another direction once more, making you rethink things over and over
again. The sound of Basuco has a more reggae vibe to it giving you a
moment to sit back and let the words float by. This one takes you off into the
world of drugs and what they can destroy within you, while giving you that
uplifting feel you crave. For anyone not aware Basuco is the name for a
low-grade of cocaine, especially when it is mixed with tobacco and cannabis.
Parliament of Trees mixes piano notes with a heavy
drumbeat. This one gets your head nodding while the lyrics hit you full on.
What struck me about this one was what it said to me as I listened. There was
this distinct feeling that the parliament of trees are those with fixed opinions
and fixed ideas, never willing to look beyond what is right in front of them or
question the very nature of the reality they live in. Here its about being
fluid, filling yourself with knowledge. Those who stay fixed will be the ones
who lead us towards a fate that could reset life. Cise features on Rot in
Purgatory alongside Sicarii. The sound here has horns, cuts, and the type
of drumbeat that is strangely infectious, making you grin and nod you head
along. This one is a solid display of lyricism from both emcees that gives you
a moment just to enjoy things. There are still elements that touch on the
metaphysical, giving you the occasional pause for thought as you catch them.
From purgatory we escape to Mega City 2 where the sound has a jazzy edge
to it with horns and guitars over a more chilled drumbeat. Here Sicarii spins words
that have the effect of making question the reality of what you’re hearing and
looking somewhat differently at the reality you are living in, in the moment…
Humanoids Interlude brings a sound that spins a heavy
drumbeat with guitar notes and vocal samples to brings a vibe that has an eerie
edge to it. The sampled vocals here are of an interview where the woman
involved describes humanoids who are based under the Antarctic ice. I have come
across these stories before and they are the things let you open your mind,
just a little, to what is actually going on in Antarctica. A place where around
30 countries govern under the 1959 Antarctica Treaty System which prohibits
military activity, mining, nuclear explosions and nuclear waste disposal. Haylo
Da G.O.D joins Sicarii for Ouroboros where bass guitar draws us in
before beat hits with an eerie mix of keys, horns and vocal samples giving this
one a thoughtful tone. This one might take a few listens, but the more you
listen, the more you realise that this one is all about cycles and unity. When
you fully unite with something, the whole becomes stronger. Such as the cycle
of life and this is where the title comes in as Ouroboros (Uroboros) is an
ancient symbol depicting a snake or dragon eating its own tail, symbolising
life, death and rebirth. Vespas hits with a heavy beat and big horns
that give this one a vibe that has that soundtrack feel running through it but
still hits hard. Try as I might I could not track down the movie sample used
here, but that is not going to take away from this. This one hits with more
than a hint of that rap braggadocio as Sicarii drops bar after bat that
demonstrates why he is at the top of his game right now.
Khonshu has a pounding beat with keys and guitar
elements that hits your ears with the force of an explosive soundwave. There is
a sense of duality within this one, someone wrestling with a conscience or
higher guiding power. This experience causes you to go from one extreme to the
next as look to understand, control, or work with what is happening. Khonshu is
based on the Egyptian god of the moon, time, and vengeance, Khonsu. Khonshu is
the name used with in Marvel comics as the guiding force behind the character
Moon Knight. The album’s penultimate track is Maelstrom; the sound is
heavy with strings that give this one a lighter tone and slightly more upbeat.
The essence of this one is the turmoil that exists within our own societies and
even within the circles that examine conspiracies and so one. The turmoil
exists as there will always be beliefs that counter each other, even in spite
of the evidence that exists one way or the other. The album ends with Apostrophe
with features Brian Butler on guitar. The beat, flute and guitar give this one
a vibe that provokes a sense of reflectiveness. This one really made me think
and what it really spoke to me was the use of Apostrophe. The origin of the
word comes from the French for elision or suppression, and that really sticks
out here. The suppression of the truth both in the present and the suppression
of historical truths too. So much of the truth has been suppressed over time
that most look on those truths as myth or legend rather that what they really
represent, and that may well relate to the truth of what is going on in
Antarctica and why it is kept protected.
What strikes you immediately is the depth and complex nature
of Sicarii’s wordplay and lyricism. What he does with his words leads the
listener on a search for the truth, the truth of what you are hearing. So, many
will listen and think that every track is fire and hits hard, but they will not
truly understand exactly what is being said. Fewer will here this and want to
listen deeper so that they can grasp the essence of what is said, while still
fewer will listen and immediately realise that there is more to those words and
want to understand.
It is the shear complex nature of Sicarii’s words also
reflect the complex nature of stories and conspiracy theories that surround
subject matter such as Antarctica and the whole Hollow Earth theory. I could
deep dive here into the stories of Admiral Byrd, Nazi Bases, UFOs and more but,
we would be here for ever. Sicarii has taken those stories and merged them with
his craft to bring you an album that does not just look at Antarctica, but also
looks at human nature, society and how truth and lies are so intertwined in everyday
life that we need to be careful what we take as truth and be open to anything
that might reflect the real truth behind what we see and hear. The fact that
Sicarii does not shy away from looking at the more esoteric subjects is all
power to him for shining a light on what most people immediately dismiss.
Wolf T. Calzone does such a great job of mixing banging Hip
Hop beats with a wealth of sounds that create some intense sound scapes that
perfectly reflect the intricate nature of what Sicarii is putting across and
how that mirrors what happens in the world around us. This deep-rooted sound
helps bring the enjoyment from the album but, also gives us the depth needed to
open our minds to the nature of what the words bring.
CISE and Haylo Da G.O.D. bring their own lyrical prowess to
proceedings, and this just compliments the album and does not over complicate
things with too many feature verses.
My advice here is for you to go have a listen and see where
the story telling takes you.
I have to give huge thanks, once again, to the man John
Dugen, JD Hip Hop Reviews for sending this one my way. Big up my man.
Antarctica 2: Hollow Earth is available now through Bella
Ciao Records.
This week I have the pleasure of bringing you the latest
album from Dan Brown. Dan is a Hip Hop lyricist and content creator from
Brighton UK.
Although he grew up in the 90’s ‘Boom Bap’ era, he also
found inspiration in the likes of Motown, Soul, 90’s RnB, Grime, Reggae, Afro
House, and of course the UK Hip Hop scene. Dan was part of the Elite Squad
alongside DJ Skully (UK Battle for Supremacy Champion), he honed his craft on
stage with techniques he learned from watching the likes of Big Daddy Kane, KRS
One and Redman. With a history that is steeped in live performance, Dan has
supported the likes of Foreign Beggars, Klashnekof, Skinny Man, Whirlwind D and
Specifik, KRS One, The Pharcyde, Jungle Brothers, Mobb Deep and many more
besides. He is one third of the South Coast Connection alongside MikeyDubz and
Cuban Jon, and is focused on crafting his art to be the best representation
of himself, his lifestyle and his beliefs with an honest, unpretentious Funk
Based style.
Now, with all that said, An Embarrassment of Riches has a
top line-up of producers and guest artists to get your interest peeked, and
these include production from Speaks (Empty Hand Records), DJ Severe (Habitat
617), STS, Beat Avengers (Germany), MikeyDubz, 6th Floor, Rasheed
Thomas (Detroit), Aroe (who also did the album artwork), Shupi Pie (who worked
on Dan’s previous album) and Murmur. Featured artists are DJ Severe, 7he Perza,
Areli, Mac Perry, Cuban Jon (DJ from Worthing), Whirlwind D, Retro, Remark,
Pastor JP (City 4 Christ Church), and the legendary DJ Format.
There is nothing left for me to say here, except, let’s get
into this…
The album is seventeen tracks deep and kicks off with Infinite
Potential which is produced by Speaks and features DJ Severe. The sound
hits with a vibe that merges a funky beat with elements that have a far eastern
edge to them, which all comes together with the cuts to get you nodding and
bouncing from the moment the beat drops. This one sets up the album perfectly
by not just being a solid display of Dan’s wordplay and lyricism but, also a
message to all the other rappers out there that Dan is constantly honing his
craft, never resting and always perfecting who he is and what he does. After
all the potential here is infinite, just like the sounds. Next up is New Day
which is produced by and features DJ Severe. The beat is heavy while the
background sound brings more of that funk vibe to get you moving. This one has
an uplifting air to it, there is this sense that life is all about constantly
moving and improving in all that you do. People might try to discourage you and
bring you down, but you have the power to look beyond that and recreate
yourself with every sunrise. You just have to stand firm in all you believe
about yourself and the dreams that you hold on to. Façade is produced by
STS and features 7he Perza, Areli and Mac Perry. The sound here has this mix of
guitar sounds over a heavy but chilled beat. The guitars have one with a reggae
vibe and the other being a more funk fuelled sound, giving this a sound that
keeps the energy flowing through you. There is a deeply religious aspect to
this one as it looks at the eternal battle of good against evil. However, the
subjects that it brings up are also rooted in what we see around us every day,
where many place this façade of doing the best for society, when really their
main motive is their own ends. Always go with your intuition and what feels
right, don’t be swayed by false promises and the lure of the carrot being
dangled in front of you…
Languid Love is produced by Murmur who brings this us
this jazzy vibe that mixes bass notes with keys and more to brings an overall
sound that feels quite refreshing and even put me in mind of tracks by Prince.
This track is an ode to that special someone in Dan’s life, it has a very matter
of fact style that you can really feel comes from the heart. The kind of track
that many of us would dedicate to the one we love. I Remain Blessed is
produced by the Best Avengers and features Cuban Jon on the cut. The cuts merge with strings and a pounding
beat to set this one off, the strings and beat continue on to give this one a
heavy, thought-provoking vibe. The religious aspect of this one goes beyond
just a belief in a higher power; it brings a focus to what that belief can
bring to how you see yourself and how you walk forward in life. For me, this
talks to me in a way that really looks at what your beliefs can bring to your
life, how they inspire you and the strength it can provide, especially in the
darkest of moments. MC Mentality is produced and features DJ Severe, it
also features Whirlwind D. The beat is heavy with double bass notes and these
eerie keys, the cuts on the bridge bring you back to reality as the overall
sound seems to take you away. This one sees Dan and D explore their thoughts
behind the mentality of being an MC. What does it mean to be an MC, and how do
you conduct yourself when on the mic and writing rhymes. Its all here, you just
have to listen and just let it filter into your awareness.
Garland of Breath is produced by MikeyDubz who brings
this heavy beat that is mixed with guitar nates and some middle eastern vibes
on the bridge, giving this one a sound that seems to touch you deeply as you
listen. There is very much an air about this one which seems to be all about
living in the moment and approaching every day with a clean slate. Dealing with
the frustrations of daily life and those who seek to bring you down can be hard
too, but it is often best not to give these situations a second breath, just
find the teaching in the situation and walk on. 6th Floor produces Living
Water and brings a more LoFi sound where the keys seem to carry you along,
floating alongside Dan’s words. This is a deeply religious track which focuses
on faith and how that faith touches every aspect of life. Now, whether you
agree with how religion sees things or not, there is always something can gain
from the words and the passion someone has for what they believe, and that is
no different here, but what you take away from it will be different to what I
do. With that thought still running deep we move on to Bring It On which
has production from Rasheed Thomas and features Cuban Jon on the cut once more.
The beat is proper boom bap style with strings and keys that add a little calm
to proceedings, letting you nod your head with your eyes closed, just letting
everything wash through you. This one has that feel of it being a straight up
demonstration of Dan’s lyricism, which it is, but there is a deeper side to it
too that shows that his passion for his craft takes him to the kind of highs
that others need a little herbal help to reach.
Timeless brings production from STS and Aroe, also
featuring DJ Severe and Retro. Heavy drums, flute notes and guitar vibes all
come together with razor sharp cuts to bring a sound that really gets you
moving. This one has a solid message that looks at the timeless aspect of Hip
Hop and rap, at its purest level. Here its not just about showing the quality
of your wordplay, but focusing on the fact that rap, as a vocal artform is
something that never changes. Many will play with delivery, flows and so on
but, rap will always stay rap, as long as Hip Hop lives. All The Time
has production from Shupi Pie and brings a sound that blends that Hip Hop sound
with horns and guitars to give you a fresh uplifting vibe. Here Dan takes us on
a trip to look at some of those who inspired him along the way. From Slick Rick
to Wu-Tang and on to Modd Deep, these artists had a huge impact on how Dan
developed as an artist, and you can really feel that here. Solitude sees
Murmur on the beat once more, bringing a sound that sees a solid beat
intertwined with keys, other percussion and more, including the words of Alan
Watts, to bring a vibe that just allows you to sit back and enjoy what you
hear. This idea of solitude here is all about self-development, constantly
using your strengths to keep moving forward being all you can be. The idea solitude
is perfectly reflected in Alan Watt’s words where it not about loneliness but,
about the beginning of true freedom.
Move is produced by the Beat Avengers and mixes
multi-layered sounds with a head nod beat that gives this one a really
infectious sound that gets you moving and grinning. Now, I’m going to say I
always nail the message in a track. Here this really made me think about always
moving forward and never letting yourself get too comfortable in one place for
any period of time. Keeping moving, keeps you always in the moment, always
relevant, but stagnating keeps you fixed in one place, losing touch with life
and the things that can really matter. Next up is Exit Stratagy which is
produced by STS and features the legendary DJ Format. The pounding beat and
etheric vocal sample gives this one a sound that really seems to raise you up.
As you listen to this one, it first gives you the sense of being a straight up
verbal display of wordplay but read between the lines and you get the feeling
there is a little more here, and perhaps that is all about having a back-up
plan in everything you do. The idea of having an exit strategy, should things
change in the moment is always a good plan and shows that that you are always
thinking forward and considering all options. Restoration is produced by
DJ Severe and features Remark and Pastor JP. The beat has a solid head nod
sound which is backed by guitars and keys which bring a deep reflective vibe. That
deep reflective vibe works so well here as the message is all about looking
deep within and seeing where you need to restore yourself to that truest
expression of who you are. Achieving that restoration might come your belief in
God or Christ, it might also come from self-reflection and an understanding
that we are all a part of the universe, either way we are all one and connected
by a higher power, no matter your personal beliefs and that higher power can
guide you to be who you truly are.
Praise is produced by the Beat Avengers and hits with
a heavy pounding sound, that sound is backed by organ notes and other
electronic vibes that all come together to bring a vibe that makes you want to
close your eyes and listen intently. This one is a humble expression of what
the belief in God and Christ brings to you. There is also another message here,
not everyone holds that same belief and if you listen to this you will find
that giving thanks for the people and the things that happen in your life, can help
you to elevate yourself about troubles of everyday life. The album ends with
Late Hours which features Retro and is produced by STS. Here the piano
takes the forefront with the chilled beat sitting in the background. The
overall sound has a more soulful edge to it, especially with the sung chorus. Listening
to this one really give you a sense of reflection on your craft, the hours you
put in and the fact that not everyone gets the real message you put into it.
You get the feeling of emcee’s musing over everything, relating the passion and
depth they put into their craft and how that extends to life in general. This
is a great way to round off the album giving the listener the opportunity to
feel the foundation of what the music is all about.
Now, I just said that was the last track of the album,
however I do have a bonus remix here as well, so I am going to give you my
thoughts on this one too. The Praise Remix comes from Irn Mnky. This one
takes the message from Praise and puts it to a far jazzier gospel inspired beat.
It transposes the heavy emotive sound of the original and raises it up with a
different energy that you can feel invites you to stand up and move to the
sound. A great way to see how two beats can deliver the same message in
different ways, eliciting differing emotional states along the way.
I think that first off, after listening to the album as one,
you need to just step away a minute and let it sink in. By today’s standard’s
this is a long album, over an hour, including the remix and it has a lot to say
across those seventy plus minutes.
Dan gives you so much to think about from straight up
lyricism to the deeper aspects of life today, and then on to some deeply
personal insights on how his belief in God touches him and helps him navigate
life, and the joy it brings him. What stands out here is his lyricism,
wordplay, and delivery. His words bring rhymes that are deep and at times,
complex but, not too much so that you find it hard to follow what he is saying.
He is adept at switch between flows in a way that maximises the impact of the
words. Dan has to be one of the standout rap artists in the UK right now, and
you have to check his work and really listen to understand that. Because, only
by really listening can you get the messages and feel the passion that he has
for his craft and bringing the listener a true Hip Hop experience.
Dan has done a great job of bringing together some great
producers and artists from across the UK and even one producer from the US.
Production is solid here and creates the perfect backdrop for each track that
Dan paints with his words. The guest artist all brings their own style and
passion to the project, adding deeper dimensions along the way. It would also
be remiss of me not to mention the one thing, for me, that completes the Hip
Hop aspect of this album, the DJs. I always love it when a Hip Hop project has
cuts because that is what cements it as Hip Hop.
I could happily go on for ages about the album and
everything it says to me But, I do have to let you go and check it out.
Overall, An Embarrassment of Riches is one of my
standout albums of the year. The lyricism from Dan and the guests is all top
notch. The musical backdrops from the producers bring deep emotive vibes and
boom bap sounds to get you bouncing and the DJ’s add cuts that have you
smiling. The album brings deep subject matter that will have you thinking long
after the album is over, and might even have you spinning it again, just in
case you think you’ve missed something, which you might well do.
I will leave it there and invite you to go have a listen for
yourself.
An Embarrassment of Riches is released on 13th
July on Dan's own independent label Me, Myself and I, so be sure to check it out.
My humble thanks to Dan Brown for giving me the chance to
bring you thoughts on this inspirational album.
It is a pleasure to have Kemastry back on the blog with his
recent album release Firework Factory alongside London based Harvs Le
Toad. This was released back at the end of February and one I have to apologise
for taking the time to get to.
Now, with everything that is going on personally, I have not
had the time to pull together the usual research I do, so apologies to Harvs Le
Toad for not dropping a bit more about him here. Kemastry has featured on the
blog before with the powerful Revolutionary which was alongside producer
King Boyden, so you can read a bit more about Kemastry there. As for this album
I thought I would let Kemastry’s own words about the album give you a little
sneek peek before I deep dive myself. So, he notes the following:
“Firework Factory is a story of destruction. We started
creating it in Brighton before the project had a name or purpose but after I
had beat a psychological and emotional retreat from the seaside town over 5
years ago. Most of it was written in London to a backdrop of self-inflicted
chaos that I consistently found myself so immersed in. As with most of my music
it's a story of addiction, heartbreak and dreams but I think the difference
this time is I was really trying to understand the cycles of carnage as a means
to find ways to escape them. Whether I achieved that or not you’ll have to
listen and decide for yourselves. I'm immensely proud of this project and it's
really special to me so all your support is greatly appreciated. Ladies and
Gentleman coming to a digital mind control device near you....
Firework Factory”
If that didn’t give you enough to think about, join me as I
bring you my insights into Firework Factory…
It begins with Lovesick which features sax from BNMO.
This one has a sound that has a LoFi edge to it, but the sax adds this jazzy
undertone, at points. The sounds just makes you focus on Kemastry’s vocals
which are almost spoken word. As we sit beside him, we find a man in
reflection, thinking of a life of struggles, hard choices, anger,
self-destruction, and how he treated those around him. He sits in this space as
love has finally found him but, walked away and he finally realises what love
means and how it makes him question everything in pursuit of its return. With
those thoughts hitting home, we move on to Freak Show, which features
Young 40 and bass from Chris Richards, and production comes from Harvs Le Toad
and Pitch 92. The sound on this one has chilled beat with guitar elements and
keys giving a vibe that is emotive, making you want to close your eyes and just
soak it up. There is a feeling here that this one speaks on way we so often
repeat the same mistakes over and over, not truly understanding what we are
doing until the day we finally see the truth and step out of that freak show.
Already with so much to think about, Autopsy brings an appearance from
Jazz T, the beat has this head nod edge to it and the acoustic guitar gives it
a subtle mariachi vibe. Kemastry’s vocals have harder edge, picking up the pace
too. There is a feeling inside, as you listen, that this one is speaking on how
easy it is to just conform and be ‘normal’ and do what is expected, the minute
you step away from that, they try to pick you apart and wonder why you are
doing what is expected. It is a struggle to step outside of what is seen as
normal, and this is what many of us face as we seem to be our true selves, for
our true selves do not conform to everyday normality.
All Breaks No Gas has production from Harvs Le Toad
and Allen Keys, plus bass from Chris Richards, alongside keys and drums that
all come together to give this one a sound has a funk soul vibe and more,
drawing you in and getting you moving, almost unconsciously. The way this one
spoke to me was feeling like you have no energy left, everything is forcing you
to stop and yet you keep going somehow. You realise you need to get away,
recharge and remember who you truly are, but the daily grind keeps you in this
constant state of purgatory, neither one place nor the next, like a battery
that won’t charge above 20 percent. Next up is the albums title track Firework
Factory. This one features sax by BNMO and harp from Szofia Rosza. This one
has a soulful LoFi sound that brings an emotive vibe with it. Mixing rapped
vocals and spoken word, Kemastry brings us a deeply touching track which looks
at the explosive moments of light and colour which are created amidst the dark
days, as we walk the path of life. These are the moments that can change our
direction as we understand the outcomes of difficult decisions and wrong doings.
These moments of clarity, understanding and learning ultimately shine a light
on new directions for our paths. Wasp Hurricane features King Kashmere
alongside Kemastry while Harvs Le Toad brings us a sound that hits harder with
a proper boom bap vibe. This one makes you think, am I sitting here in the eye
of the storm or am I the storm looking around me at where I’ve been and where
I’m going? Perhaps we have elements of both here or maybe it’s more than that
as the storm is all in the mind, and everything else is just a reflection of
what is seen through that filter. We are complex beings and our experiences are
all individual and how our lived experience affects our lives colours our
perception of life around us, at times it is a storm but, one we ultimately
control.
Flood Gates brings the sound back to a more laid-back
vibe with elements that seem to tweak the nerves just a little. This one spoke
to me on many levels as I know how overwhelming thoughts can be, and there are
times when you just have to let it out, write it down, get it out in some way.
If you don’t and you hold onto it, these thoughts will consume you and take you
down a dark path. Especially when the world you see is such a tumultuous place,
where you constantly seem to be beaten down and nothing seems real. From those
deep thoughts, Still brings a sound that seems to lighten the mood
somewhat. A solid drumbeat is backed with xylophone notes, bass and more that
has a vibe that promotes a more optimistic outlook. That optimistic vibe is
reflected in the lyrics, which have a reflective air to them. You get this
feeling that the hardships and struggles might still be going on but actually,
there are reasons to look on the Brightside and there are glimpses of blue
skies beyond grey clouds and rain. Lavenders Interlude has a nice head
nod vibe with keys and bass elements that give this one an infectious sound
that gets the adrenaline flowing slightly. At first you might wonder exactly
where this one is going but, keep listening and you realise that this one is
all about shattered relationships. Those relationships could be with a
significant other or perhaps a relationship with an addiction of a different
type. These addictive and destructive relationships constantly cause to go
round in the same circle, making the same mistakes, before that one day when we
finally break the loop and let go…
Shrapnel features Jack Danz and DatKid alongside
Kemastry as Harvs Le Toad drops a heavy beat with organ and flute notes that
brings a sound that has you sitting back like you just inhaled something
potent, while samples from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas drift into
your awareness. At first, you might be mistaken for thinking this one is an
explosion of lyricism with words as the shrapnel, but it is so much more than
that and seems to continue the focus on addiction, particularly the effects of
drug addiction, and not just the effects on addicted, but also how those who
supply are addicted to supplying it and making money. I might be wrong, but
that seemed to be what I saw within this. Indigo Man has sax from BNMO
and features Verbz and additional vocals from Olympia Vitalis. The organ notes
and laid-back beat give this one a LoFi edge, although there are harder
sections and sax elements which each bring different vibes along the way. There
is a reflective side to this one too, which becomes apparent when the lyrics
hit. It reflects on experiences that brought you to this point but, also
personal thoughts and feelings on how the world around plays a part in the
point where you currently find yourself. There is good and bad along the way
all contributing to your thoughts about the self, who you truly are, and where
that might take you. It’s Not My Fault has a sound where keys take the
forefront giving this a thoughtful air. More of a spoken word vibe this one
speaks on a difficult relationship break-up. This is like one man sitting down,
speaking candidly of the situation, from the deeply cutting harsh words to
understanding that it was never always this way. The ultimate message here
seems to be that no one is willing to take any responsibility for their own
actions and so there is no hope of reconciliation because there is no
understanding of what changed and what caused the breakdown in communication.
It is also worth noting that there is a heavy sound in the background, and if
you are listening on headphones, might make you pause because its sounds like
it came from the environment around you and not the track. This could even be
an unconscious reflection of the message in the track, something that makes you
second guess, think again on what is happening and what the causes might be…
We find ourselves at the penultimate track of the album Jezebels
and Jellybeans, which is produced by Harvs Le Toad and Illiterate, and
features Mazey June. The organ notes and heavy beat gives this one a soulful
edge, especially with Mazey’s soulful vocals. You can’t help but, subtly move
to as you listen. Listening to this one almost feels like a reflection on what
has gone before, and in a way it is. Kemastry invites us to look at the
perceived flaws we see around us in society, and to look for the perfection in
those flaws. The things we see as hurting us, damaging us and so on, always
have something to teach us, and learning from these things is the perfection we
need to understand. You just have to listen to the lyrics to truly understand
and feel what is contained within. I would also echo something else he says,
“music saved my life”, this is a statement that I feel is so important. Music
has the power to many things, most importantly it can change our mood and
energy, use it in the right way and it can change your life. I have felt this
many times myself and can honestly say that I would not be the person I am
today without the impact music has had. Finally, we reach the final track of
the album, Everything Baegyal which features sax by BNMO and additional
keys from Allen Keys. The sound on this one is one that will make you want to
kick back, close your eyes and just drift off. As you listen the soulful sound
merge with the lyrics to create images in your mind, images that elicit
thoughts of why we do the things we do. Life gives us so many opportunities and
different paths to follow, and so many times our impulsive decisions cause us
to think again. Maybe the message here is not to question why, but just accept
it, let go of the second guessing as it brings to much with it and we spend
more time in those thoughts…
Let’s not beat around the bush with this one because the
impact and deep nature of Firework Factory is huge. This is not one of those
albums you can just bung on and enjoy, this one will make you think,
regardless. It almost demands your undivided attention because it speaks on so
many levels.
You could say that Kemastry and Harvs Le Toad have created a
detailed audible map on what it is to create those moments of explosive light
in the moments of darkness. However, it is more than just that through lived
experience, skilled lyricism and skilled production, they have created an album
that both shows you the darkness in society and within and then teases how to
go about looking for cracks in that darkness. Inviting you to look deeper
inside because most of the answers are there. Just have to be prepared to look.
What I especially like here is that Harvs Le Toad has
created a sound scape across the album, that appears to be juxtaposed to the
lyrics. Kemastry delivers some deeply thought-provoking lyricism that is often
hard hitting and at other times almost caring and emotive. You might think the
lyrics and the messages they carry demand a harder rawer sound to carry them,
but that is not the case here as Harvs Le Toad brings a softer more emotive
sound that works just as well, allowing the words to carry more impact.
Something which works so well here.
There is no denying that Kemastry puts a lot into the
wordplay he uses. The bars often catch you off guard and elicit an impact on
your awareness that you were not expecting. Every track here has a deep
insightful edge to it that you really have to listen to, and even if you just
put it on, not thinking, it won’t take long before you find yourself immersed
into each track, and thinking far beyond just enjoying the sound.
The guest artists all do a solid job of complimenting the
vibe of the album and individual tracks. Nowhere do they seem out of place and
add another dimension to the proceedings. Likewise, the use of guest musicians
is masterful as the sound of live instruments adds a deeper dimension to the
sound that you can’t get in any other way.
Overall, Firework Factory will entertain, captivate, and
give you pause for thought. It is one of the most insightful and impactful
albums I have heard this year and will definitely be one of the standout albums
of the year on many levels.
My huge thanks to Kemastry for putting this one my way.
Firework Factory is out now and well worth your time to
check out.
A little while back I was contacted by UK producer Mark L
regarding reviewing his recent EP Saints Without A Church with London
based lyricist Saint Jude. This EP was a cracking listen but, sadly I did not
get around to reviewing it due to the tumultuous storm that is life right now.
So, when he sent me their forthcoming album Righteous and Rich, I knew I had to
get this one on the blog.
Mark L is originally from Cwmbran Wales, but now calls
Southampton his home, and you all know I like to get Southampton based Hip Hop
on the blog when I can as it was my birthplace and it’s always good to connect
with your home.
The album is centred on a core philosophy of "Can
you live with two masters, the gospel and the grind?" It explores the
friction between spiritual alignment and the hustle of daily survival. The
sound promises to be a modern gospel inspired vibe, so it will be interesting
to see how this one speaks to me.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
The ten-track album kicks off with the title track Righteous
and Rich, which features Southampton legend Jonathan Fashole-luke on the keys. The sound brings that gospel vibe from the start with soft
etheric vocals underpinning the beat which is backed by keys and organ notes
which give this one a thoughtful edge. As you listen, you realise there is a
conflict of emotions here, even a conflict of the spirit as the question is
posed that can you both righteous and rich? In a world where most of the rich
seem to have their fingers in dark pies or made their money from the exploitation
of others; while the righteous among us always seem to struggle to make ends
meet, as it seems that being right and focusing on a spiritual outlook does not
make you rich, in a monetary sense. Perhaps the question is answered here
already as being rich in your spirit takes you to a level that money never can.
With that thought rooted in our awareness, Move This Pack drops with a
sound that mixes a drumbeat with piano, organ and more to bring a vibe that
takes you a place that brings the daily grind into focus. This one looks at
struggles of a working life mixed with trying to keep yourself focused on
giving your family a good life while doing your best to be who you are not
crumple in a heap while doing it. Life throws so much at us, in terms of the
food we eat and help we receive, or don’t, that just living is a job in itself
and keeping a work/life balance is tough. Filthy Rich has a sound that
mixes organ vibes and a sharper drum sound, alongside some cut up horn
sections. The overall sound is light but, the lyrics have an edge that seems to
speak on the light-hearted nature of someone speaking on making their money in
ways that makes that money as filthy as ways in which it was made. This is the
sad truth that some treat making money and getting rich like a game, where even
murder is treated as just one of those things, a stepping stone on the way to
becoming rich.
The Break Up has a darker edge to both the sound and
lyrics. The sound plays with your mind while the lyrics seem to speak from one
mans thoughts of life and the things that he has to do. This goes beyond just
that to his thoughts on how his relationship breaks up and how the events
around that situation hit hard and cause him to question everything. The thing
is, by the end of the track you are left with just his thoughts and what he
said about everything, with just one version of events it is hard to find a
balance wonder about all the things that triggered this, who was right and who
was wrong. Ja Blood has a sound that brings in a more relaxed beat, but
with this sung element that puts you in mind of part of your soul screaming
out. There is a sense of turmoil within this one as it looks at the fabric of
society, questioning everything as if someone is having a sudden awakening and
looking at the everything, suddenly unable to understand who is right and who
is wrong, and their own status within this. MSB, which stands for Mind
Soul Body, comes with a heavy beat mixed with piano and strings, giving this a
sound that has a head nod vibe, getting you moving as the lyrics seem to float
into your awareness. This one has an air that suggests that it all about being
yourself, free from what anyone expects, free to be who you are and free to
think and speak on what comes from within, event if that goes against the
societal norm. The mind, soul and body are yours and you should not let anyone
take them from you.
Testify has a far more chilled jazzy vibe to it,
something that gives it a more uplifting sound. This is a short track but, says
a lot in that time as it says that life as an ordinary person should not be so
tough, something that we can all agree with. No matter your spiritual outlook
on life, the daily grind is hard, as there is no balance in our work/life.
Everything is a struggle just to survive and somehow, we do our best to stay
positive and look to a brighter future. The Bullet brings a sound that
almost softens the beat to the background as xylophone notes and sung vocal
elements take to the forefront giving this an air of reflection. Here we are
back to the daily grind of life and the struggles that ensue with each step we
take. But there is also an element here that looks toward creating balance and
finding a brighter way to navigate the gritty aspects of everyday life.
We come to the penultimate track of the album with The
Sitcom, where bass notes, flute, strings and more back a more chilled beat,
giving this thoughtful air. This one seems to be all about making the best of a
difficult situation. There are always times in life where you think, with
everything going on, you couldn’t write this! Life never seems to reflect the
fun times we see on the TV screens in those popular sitcoms, but we still do
our best to bring some light-heartedness into our lives, even though there are
times when it seems like nothing will take away the pain or clear the clouds
from the sky. The album ends with Father Time where the piano notes and
sung elements, bring a sound that lightens our thoughts and gives the sense of
a light at the end of the tunnel. The lyrics reflect this outlook too, with
uplifting vibes that put you in mind of brighter days, summer times vibes and
enjoying life once more. Time might pass us by as we walk the path of daily
life, but as we walk that path, father time eventually brings us sunshine and
clear skies, where we can breathe again and smile…
What you notice about this album is that it looks at a
number of aspects of daily life, such as the daily grind or hustle, inner
turmoil, and then how it affects us and our relationships, but deeper than that
it looks at whether you can function in this way but, still have a spiritual
aspect. The interesting thing is, as I pointed out above, that the overall
question this album poses, is almost fully answered in the first track. Now, I might
have got that impression from the fact that life is not being particularly kind
to me and my family right now, but as low as these situations make us, there is
always these little reminders that pop up to remind us that clearer skies are
coming. Now, your own religious or spiritual beliefs might change how you see
the messages but, they are there, and that is why I think, if you read between
the lines, that answer is there for you.
Once you have the answer, the album then choses to show you
everything that can impact your life, almost reinforcing that through all the
hardships and struggles, there is one thing that will never change, and that is
the fact that you can always tip the balance by belief in a higher power, be
that God, The Universe, or whatever you belief system shows you.
Saint Jude and Mark L do not shy away from mixing gritty
visions of daily life and personal struggles with inspirational and uplifting
quotes that give you a sense that brighter days are ahead. There is also this
feeling that its not always easy and at times you will feel like there is no
end to things but, ultimately, the skies will clear once more.
Saint Jude brings tight wordplay and differing flows and his
own lived experience to give you auditory visions that allow you to draw on
your own experiences by triggering your mind to look at what you are hearing
and then, almost instantly, flicking to what personal experiences closely match
that. Which is something that helps the listener when going deep into an album
such as this. That wordplay is helped by the skilled production from Mark L who
mixes Hip Hop and other vibes with that Gospel sound to bring a sound that has
a fresh air to it but also speaks to a deeper spiritual side of you as well.
Righteous and Rich is one of those albums that will
speak to so many. It will show you that having a belief in a higher power can
not only bring you that sense of righteousness but also make you rich far
beyond what money can bring. That is not to say that you don’t need money, but
it has its place and coming from a place of being rich on the inside will help
you see the place of external richness.
Righteous and Rich is released on 29th June.
My humble thanks to Mark L for sending this one my way and giving me the chance to bring you my personal take on it.
I’ll be seeing ya.
Steve.
LINKS
Saint Jude and Mark L Bandcamp (Check here for the drop on 29th):
It’s been a while since I dropped a single review so, I
thought I’d get this one sorted as it has been one that I have put back due to
time constraints.
Shoe Fits is a recent single release from TASH of the
Alkaholiks and is the first release from an upcoming EP Attention Is The
Drug, to be released through AlkaRhythm. The single is also produced by
Sbvce.
Now, being a Hip Hop head, I have listened to the Likwit
crew on and off over the years, and they have dropped some solid joints over
those years. so, it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you my take on this
single. I also have to give props to my man John Dugan (JD Hip Hop Reviews) who
brought my attention to this one, otherwise it might have been one I missed.
So, lets get into this one…
Shoe Fits see’s Sbvce bring us a heavy bass drum
driven sound with claps and keys to give us a sound that vibrates your mind
from the get-go, getting you bouncing and nodding along. Tash uses his slick
wordplay to bring us a highly enjoyable track that speaks on being comfortable
in your own skin. The phrase ‘If The Shoe Fits’ is one of those phrases that
can used both ways as a compliment or criticism, implying that something which
is said or suggested about someone is true and they should accept it as such.
So, while it can be used to promote humility and self-awareness, it can also be
used in a derogatory fashion as well. Here TASH is simply saying that you
should be comfortable as you are, be the person you want to be, so ‘If The Shoe
Fits, Wear It’, it’s as simple as that.
The message in this track might be plain and simple but.
It’s not one that is often put across in such a matter-of-fact way. TASH gives
us the message plain simple and invites us to wear it as we see fit. It doesn’t
matter what others think, it’s how you feel that counts. You have to be you, in
the best way that makes you happy, and that is the key to this, you being the
best expression of your true self and not something that comes from peer
pressure.
It’s good to have that Likwit sound back with some new vibes
and giving us something to think about as well as enjoy along the way.
As I continue to rearrange things due to the pressures of
life right now, this week I am bringing you the latest release from the
upcoming label out of Australia, Empty Hand Records.
This latest release is an instrumental EP from UK producer
Cheebo, who hails from Bournemouth. This one promises to bring us some 8 bit
sounds that will take us back to the golden era of the 90’s. 3.1 is an EP that
forms the first of a trilogy of releases from Cheebo on Empty Hand Records too.
So there is much to look forward to.
Now, I do love a good instrumental sound as it allows me to
be a bit more flexible with my interpretation, something that I really enjoy
doing. I have to say that I’m not that familiar with Cheebo as a producer, so
this is gonna be a great introduction for me. So, I think the best thing for me
to do is to drive into this one and see where it takes me.
Let’s do this…
It all kicks off with 369 which is the intro to the
EP and this one has a nice, chilled sound that has a funky jazzy vibe that
seems to create this feeling inside that soon takes over your whole body making
you want to move. The vocal samples here also set the stage for the EP and give
you an insight into Cheebo as a producer and what inspires him to create the
music, he does. So, now everything is set up for us, it’s time to really get
into this with Get The Rolex. Here the drums and bass give us this funky
vibe, but over that is this electronic sound that just tweaks your nerves
enough to keep you focused and not drift off. There are vocal samples and cuts
here to that do take you back to those 90’s era sound where it was all about
the money and the status that items like the Rolex would bring. There is also
this little thought at the back of my mind that is saying to me that this
really feels like a great track to be blasting from your car, not sure why, but
its there all the same.
Next up is Track Thirty Three which has this deep
bass and drum sound that makes your whole body vibrate. There is this faint
backing vibe that has keys and strings giving it a light orchestral feeling
that reminds you of the seventies samples that have been used in Hip Hop over
the years. But, this one will not just get you nodding, but will fire you up,
getting those adrenaline levels pumping too and yes, I have to say it, this one
will definitely sound wicked bumping out of those speakers, in your car or
wherever you choose to turn the levels up. We are already hitting the EP’s
penultimate track now with Kick Hat Snare, a track that has a LoFi Hip
Hop sound that focuses on those particular drum sounds, turning them, with the
help of some other samples, into this chilled out sound that gives you a little
pause to sit back and just enjoy life for a few minutes. It really shows how
simple drum patterns have been the life blood of the Hip Hop sound, and if you
know how to use them correctly, there is little that can’t do with it, creating
any sound and vibe along the way. It already seems way to soon to be coming to
the final track of the EP, yet here we are with What I Do. This one has
this slick drum sound over which is this big sound that mixes organ notes,
vocal samples and more to create is big sound that seems to wrap you in its
energy. Once you are in there, those vocals just seem to be almost subliminal,
giving you uplifting vibes that point you towards looking for a future where
success is main aim and making something of yourself…
I have to say that this one seemed to be over way to
quickly, and yet, in that time it not only took you back to that 90’s era vibes
but, it encompassed a number of different vibes. From feelings of high energy
and bumping sounds loud in your car, to a more chilled element that was
uplifting and fuelled thoughts of personal growth and success. 3.1 did
takes me back thirty some odd years, but it also kept me rooted here in the
present, in way that made me think about those times and how far I have come
since. It had this underlying vibe that seemed to speak to you on different
levels, and without a doubt, it had me thinking what a ride it’s been since the
90’s.
Cheebo is certainly a talented producer who knows how to
translate what speaks to him musically, into something that will engage the
listener in a way so as to give them something to enjoy and will also elicit
deep thoughts about there own experiences. That is what I love about good
instrumental sounds, they take you wherever you need to go in the moment.
Cheebo also does a great job of taking a sound that is
rooted in classic Hip Hop vibes and then dropping these elements of funk, jazz
and even orchestral notes and sound that have that soundtrack energy about
them. He them mixes them all into tracks that take you back, hype you up and
then chill you out, all in the space of about fifteen minutes. Masterful stuff.
3.1 is another solid release from Empty Hand Records
and cracking introduction to the work of Cheebo. This one really sets up the
next two releases of the trilogy as something look forward to. I know I will
definitely be watching for what's coming.
My huge thanks to Speaks at Empty Hand Records for giving me
the chance to give my insights into this one.
It is humbling to be able to bring you my take on an album
by an artist such as Chino XL, who has become one of the most outstanding
lyricists of the modern era.
Born in the Bronx in 1974 he grew up in New Jersey. He
started his musical career as one part of the duo Art of Origin alongside DJ
and Producer Kerri Camar Chandler and go on to release his first solo album
Here To Save You All in 1996. He also broke into acting with appearances in
Reno 911, CSI: Miami and the movies Alex & Emma and The Beat. During is
career Chino XL featured on many tracks alongside some of Hip Hop’s greats such
as the likes of Rakim, RA The Rugged Man, Immortal Technique, and Kool G Rap.
Chino sadly passed away in July 2024 to suicide, and my heart goes out to his
family as this is a pain I know only too well.
I could easily write an entire blog post around Chino XL,
his achievements and the respect he has across the world, but I feel the best
thing to do is to let his art do the talking. Prelude to the Mantis is his
fourth posthumous album and a follow-up to Ascen7ion. The album features a host
of production credits including Nick Wiz, Apathy, VoodooLion, and Johnny Slash.
Plus, some incredible feature artists: KXNG Crooked, Rittz, Statik Selektah,
TechN9ne, Apathy, M-Eighty, Copywrite, Cappadonna, Planet Asia, Canibus, and
HRSMN (Ras Kass, Killah Priest & Kurupt). The album is also executively
produced by Chino’s daughters Lyric & Bella.
With that said please join me for a journey through the
Prelude to the Mantis…
The album is some twenty-two tracks deep, which also
includes one remix. The Mantis kicks things off with a heavy beat backed
by guitar notes, produced by Johnny Slash, that give this a sound that
immediately sets the tone, providing a solid platform for Chino’s vocals. Here
Chino’s technical and cerebral wordplay hits with a power that infiltrates your
mind and gives you but a glimpse into his own mind. With the tone of the album
set and the bar raised, Blue Bird, which is produced by VooDooLion, hits
with a sample from the Blade Runner Soundtrack, which gives this deep
reflective tone, even when the heavy beat kicks in. This one is packed with
intense personal narratives and reflective tones that touch you deeply and
allow you to understand that Chino knew who he was and the depth of his own
struggles, channelling that energy into the music he created. I Know is
produced by Nick Wiz and this sound that is infectious first getting your head
moving before the rest of your body follows. Here Chino asserts a dominance in
the rap game with lyricism that challenges you listen and keep up with every
bar as it drops. There is no question here as to who you are listening to, this
is Chino XL. Steezy has a more modern sound with heavy bass, electronic
sounds and a high paced ticking that tweaks your nerves. The overall sound has
a club vibe while Chino unloads fast paced vocals that seem to mash up brain
cells before a more soulful bridge gives you a brief respite.
Terminally Ill sees Tech N9ne, Rittz, Kxng Crooked
and Statik Selektah step up alongside Chino. The beat is heavy with big bass
notes and that modern sound coming through once more. Here we have top tier
emcees dropping verses that not only showcase their lyricism as they trade
verses that give insights into their personal journeys and battles along the
way. This is a posse cut for the modern era that hits hard with a no fuck’s
given brutality to boot. Next, Apathy joins Chino and both produces and
features on Blood, Sweat and Tears. The beat has a pounding sound that
creates an energy that begins in your ears and explodes from there. The
lyricism is fast paced and intense looking at the sacrifices you often have to
make, but also that by consistent perseverance, the right steps forward can be
made. Guillotine has a more laid-back vibe and sees Chino focusing on
execution as the metaphor. This might only be a short verse but says so much
and makes you realise that in the rap game, there is often no room for mercy. Loving
You features M-Eighty and Chino over a sound that is piano heavy with a
pounding drum beat that gives a big sound that vibrates throughout you. This
one looks at love as a selfless energy between two people. Something that
transcends the struggles and hurdles of life to always keep you together as
one. Shots Through Ya Vehicle is produced by Anno Domini (Germany) and
has a heavy sound where piano and flute note come to the forefront, giving this
one a reflective air. Chino drops heavy rapid-fire lyrics that hit with an
intensity that you might expect from vocal drive-by. With aggressive delivery
and complex bars that leave no room to relax in.
Chi Chops hits with a heavy beat and piano notes
giving this a sound that carries you along with the vocals. Here Chino gives us
a showcase of his technical skill as he builds vocals around chopping down his
competitors with lyrical skill. Acapella is exactly that as Chino gives
us a short verse that hits like a freestyle battle rap that highlights his
wordplay and delivery without the need for a beat. Next up is Basquiat
which hits with a heavy boom bap sound with a big orchestral edge which gets
you moving. Chino gives us a display of abstract artistic metaphorical lyricism
that frames the art of creative destruction in the rap game. The title suggests
that Chino’s creative expression in Hip Hop could mirror that of New York
Neo-Expressionism artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Triple Seize is produced
by Terminal 3 Productions and sees Chino joined by Kxng Crooked and Copywrite.
The heavy sound brings rock guitar notes to the forefront giving this one a raw
sound that vibrates through your body. Here we have three emcees dropping the
kind of rhymes that threaten to blow your mind from the inside-out as the
wordplay brings intense mental images into clear focus.
Paradigms once more brings piano notes to the
forefront, this gives this one an energy that makes you reflect on what you are
hearing. Chino brings complex and deep lyrical wordplay that seems to focus on
mindset and a visceral lyrical display that pulls no punches what comes to
taking on competitors. The Rapture hits with an eerie sound that has a
Hip Hop horror vibe about it, putting you in mind of the horrorcore sound; and
Chino is joined by Cappadonna, Planet Asia and Kxng Crooked on this one. Here,
each emcee delivers top notch verses that are packed with the kind of wordplay
gets you fired up and bouncing, leaving you wanting more with a huge smile on
your face. Next up is Chemistry which has a more modern sound it with a
more relaxed sound opposed to the rapid vocals from Chino. This one focuses on
free-flowing rhymes which puts you in mind of freestyle rap. No written words
to read from just what comes to mind instinctively in the moment. Lyrical
powerhouse Canibus joins Chino for We Just Spit Bars. The beat is heavy
with guitar notes and cuts giving this one an infectious sound that gets you
moving. Chino and Canibus trade verses delivering the kind of bars that not
only bring a huge smile to your face but also leave you feeling mentally
exhausted by the end.
Cruel World has a sound where keys take the forefront
and the beat is sparse, sitting in the background giving this one an easy
listening sound that brings the vocals to centre stage. This one might have
multiple interpretations, but as I listened to this one there was a lot that
spoke of hardship and negativity, there was also much that spoke on internal
struggles. The complex metaphorical images created as you listen will tease
just what you see in the world around you. The HRSMN (Kurupt, Ras Kass &
Killah Priest) ride in to join Chino for Champion. The sound is gritty
with a ragga edge to it, which is reflected in the bridge lyrics. Here we have
four emcees trading verses that seem to focus on celebrating their individual success
as artists, but also, collectively as four horsemen, utilising clever use of
metaphorical imagery. The penultimate track here is On My Grind, a
single verse where Chino delivers incredible metaphorical imagery that focuses
on Chino doing what he does best. However, the verse is cut, rather abruptly
and the Grand Finale is the final track of the project. The sound is a
heavy beat that is backed by this almost haunting sound. Chino brings rapid
flows and deep wordplay that references spiritual and religious aspects. This
brings a powerful statement to close the project and giving you much to reflect
on.
There is still one track to go though, a remix of a track
that featured on another posthumous album, DJ Fokus Presents… Chino XL – Map Of
Bones. Still Sailing (Vodka Gravas Remix) has a laid-back beat which is
backed by chilled keys which give this one a reflective edge. Chino brings a
symphonic edge to this one which sees him looking back over key moments from
his life, moments which helped define the person he became and the messages he
delivered within his music. This has an inspirational and uplifting vibe that
is a great way to celebrate his memory.
Photo taken from the Official Facebook page of Chino XL.
When trying to think of the overall impact of this album,
there is a lot to consider here. First up is the fact that this is like a
celebration of Chino XL, his music, and the man that he was. It is also has
this element that is like a thank you to the fans, as we are given some verses
that might have been from unfinished tracks and give us the chance to enjoy
those moments; and reflecting on this does bring some deep feelings to the
surface.
Many of you will know that in 2020, I lost my youngest daughter in same way that Chino’s family
lost him, and when I think of the ways that I have celebrated her memory over
the years, I can really feel the energy that runs through something like this album.
Celebrating a person’s memory is not always about the things you do to remember
them, but also about how you can help others to celebrate their memory too, and
in keeping the music of Chino XL alive, his family are celebrating his life and
his music in so many ways.
Prelude to the Mantis showcases the incredible talent that
Chino XL was. The way he used metaphorical imagery to put across his messages
or to just display his writing is almost second to none, and he is, without a
doubt one of the greatest lyrical talents in recent years. To be honest, I
wonder if my words can adequately put across exactly how talented Chino was, as
the way he used his lyrics and cerebral imagery was almost too much for just
words to speak on. You have to listen to his work to get a real sense of the
quality of his work.
This album brings Chino XL to centre stage but, it also
brings together a wealth of Hip Hop artist to stand shoulder to shoulder with
him, putting their own stamp of respect onto this project. The production
values are also top notch here too. I always mention that some of the more
modern sounds are not always my cup of tea, but that is person preference. What
is does show is that Chino XL was the kind of artist who was easily able to
embrace different styles and sounds within Hip Hop music and to show that he
could seamlessly speak to a wide audience with his music.
Prelude to the Mantis is a solid album that not only
showcases the incredible talent that Chino XL brought to the world, but it
encompasses the deep messages that he interwove into his music. He may have
left this world too early in our eyes, but that was his choice, and he left us
with a legacy in music that will be enjoyed and seen as a beacon to so many.
You might not think it, but there is a light he left us with, and we celebrate
him for that.
Rest In Beats Chino XL, Derek Keith Barbosa, 1974-2024 One Love.
My humble thanks to John Dugan (JD Hip Hop Reviews) for
putting this one my way.
