Album Review: Love 4 The Game by Danny Riggs

 

Love 4 The Game

By

Danny Riggs

 

Danny Riggs was last on the back in March this year with his debut album Better Late Than Never. Since that time the Nottingham based emcee has not been sitting back. He has been hard at work crafting the follow up to that debut.

Love 4 The Game looks to be not just a follow up, but something that looks to be riding that debut wave to bigger and better things. The album is some nineteen tracks deep and features a cracking line-up of producers and guest emcees too. Production for the album comes from Danny himself, alongside Peevee, RY4TK, 2 Cold, D4LT, Jon Joy Ano, A Dee Haych, Maugz Made, Mecca83, DJ Pandamonium, Cali Green, Zari on the Beat, Flight Risk, Brynley Martin, KPryme The Yaeger, Aaleyah Brown, and XavrPryme aka XP. The guest emcees lining with Danny are A Dee Haych, Benny Diction, Glad 2 Mecha, Frisco Boogie, Retro, Lorde Stabley, Flight Risk, Wigz, plus an appearance from DJ IKIT to boot.

As this one is nineteen tracks deep, I’m gonna keep the intro short and straight into it…

 

Love 4 The Game kicks off with the Plan Z (Intro) which is produced by PeeVee and Danny. The organ notes on this one give it a sound that reminds me of the old 8bit video games, but the cuts and head nod beat give it a proper boom bap vibe. Length wise, suggests that this is less of an intro and more a full-on track, but it really does serve as an intro to Danny, his style and his new plan to push himself forward. This looks to be at zero hour, and time implement that Plan Z.

That plan is put in motion with King Things, produced by RY4TK, it brings a heavy drumbeat with bass and piano. This gives you a heavy sound that gets your head moving with a slightly dark edge to it, and I say that as that piano note gives it that on edge vibe. Here we find Danny bringing that rap braggadocio vibe, showing that his putting himself on the throne and showing us why he should be there, using wordplay that sees him taking no crap. Some might say that putting yourself at the top and defending that stance is tough, but it you have paid your dues and deserve that place then why not take it and defend it. Next, we have Good Times which is produced by 2Cold who brings a more laid-back sound giving you time to sit back for a bit. Here we see a different side of Danny who takes time away from the heavy side of things. He gives us a look at his thoughts and feelings on the world around him and how some of the most important things and having good times, but not just that, there is also this desire to world around him change and a nod that what he would change should he ever get the chance to do that. D4lt produces Evolution, which keeps the chilled edge with a laid-back beat and organ notes. This one is all about Danny’s journey with the music and how it saved him. It gave him the strength to make his own music, constantly pushing forward with a desire to always better himself with each release.

Wonder is produced by A Dee Haych and sees horns taking the forefront over the beat. The vibe has a thoughtful vibe to it that makes you sit and take note. That thoughtful vibe also runs through the entire track as we find Danny being completely open about his journey. He is open and honest about always seeking to improve his wordplay and flows, but he is also open about things away from music that have had a huge influence on his style. This honesty is something you don’t always see and a true breath of fresh air to see am emcee being so candid. D4LT returns to production for Force Of Nature where he brings a soulful sound that has a hint that G-Funk and gets your head subtlety nodding. This one feels like fun little just for fun style track that just shows a love for the sound and for the art of emceeing. Up next is It’s On!, produced by Jon Joy Ano, it brings us more upbeat sound that has that infectious vibe and gets you moving from the get-go. This one sees Danny get loose on the mic, flipping us a track that lays his wordplay on a plate. This is solid track that shows Danny is always movin’ and improving as an emcee, bringing vocals that you can here and understand, speaking to you instantly.

2042 is the first track of the album with a feature, as A Dee Haych both produces and features alongside Danny. This one has a more modern style beat, with a grime/trap edge to it. Now I might not be a fan of grime or trap, but this one kinda works. There is this nerve-jangling sound that serves to keep you focused through the track and A Dee’s soulful chorus breaks things up too. This one has a vibe that seems to be aimed directly at the haters out there. You really get the feel that Danny is seeking to solidify his place in the scene displaying versatility and he’s doing a pretty good job here. Soldier On brings production from Maugz Made with a sound that takes things down a few notches, buts it’s still a heavy sound, bringing a vibe that is reflective. Danny looks at the state of the world around us, reflecting on history, how society has evolved, or not as the case may be. The message here is that we might not be able to change everything, but we can still move forward with loved ones and friends around us. Next up is the short Breathe (Interlude), produced by Mecca 83, it splits the album into two parts with a soulful instrumental that has some vocal samples just inviting you to breathe in and breath out, just for a minute…

Like I Never Left is produced by my good friend DJ Pandamonium. This one has a wicked sound that has this solid beat mixed with bells, mariachi style guitar and strings that gives this one a deep sound that seems to produce waves from the heart outward. Danny lays down bars that he uses with aplomb to show that he is back, just like he’s never been away. Sometimes you just have to enjoy what you do, and this one demonstrates that fully. It’s now time to Cook It Up with production from Zari On The Beat alongside Danny. This one has beat that is almost softened into the background as the organ notes and bass take the to the forefront with vocal samples that have you almost swaying. This one sees Danny speaking on what it is to cook up vocals in the booth. This is something he takes seriously and focuses on each and every opportunity that comes his way. Now, it is always good to have solid posse style cut on any album, and The World might just be your cup of tea. Produced by Cali Green, it features Benny Diction, Glad 2 Mecha, Frisco Boogie and Retro, alongside Danny Riggs. The sound is upbeat with guitars in the background, giving you the kinda sound that gets you moving and thinking of the summer sun. That feeling is reflected throughout the track as each of the emcees brings a verse that focuses on things that let the good feelings flow from the inside out. It’s all about bringing your own sunshine to the world around you in whatever way works for you.

Excuses features Lorde Stabley, DJ IKIT, and Flight Risk who is also on production here. The sound here has a solid beat with keys, strings and flute, all coming together to bring a vibe that will have you moving from start to finish. This one is all about always putting you best into whatever you do. There are no excuses for no being the best you can be, it’d the only way to get where you are going. Don’t make excuses, learn from your mistakes and come back stronger. Wigz joins Danny for Spotlight, which is produced by Brynley Martin. The guitars are heavy on this one, but with the beat and vocal samples it has sound that brings that live instrumentation vibe that’s gonna get you bouncing. This one is focused on two emcees from NOTTS, and its all about what you do when the spotlight is on you. When the focus is one you, it’s time to show everyone what you do and where you’re from, and here the guys give us a cracking display. So, just remember those five letters. All Hail Lelouch is produced by KPrime The Jaeger who brings us a jazz infused vine of horns and drums that gives a sound that puts you in mind of dimly lit speakeasy as you sit and chill listening to the music while smoke fills the air. This one seems to hint at a dual personality, with that slightly darker persona making its self-known to us. There is a slightly darker edge to the vocals on this one that hits out to the haters. 

Just Being Me is produced by Aaleyah Brown and brings a sound that twists and pulls at your nerves as you listen. This one sees Danny showing that he is just being who he is. This is not about what people chose to see or think they see it’s about the fact that Danny is who he is and that’s it really. Now, before you even realise it, you’re at the penultimate track of the album, which is I Don’t Care. Produced by Xavrpryme aka XP this one has a banging beat that will have you nodding along, and perhaps more. This one is a no holes barred tracks that puts all the suckers and haters in the crosshairs. Using fun little stories and more Danny shows that he has the confidence and the strength to defend himself against all who might take aim at him. Danny rounds off the album with One Day (Outro). This one is produced by Cali Green who brings us an organ note infused sound with a laid-back beat that brings a reflective edge. Danny looks back at the last year or so, thinking about what has transpired and where his journey has taken him. There are also some thoughts about what might be, in the future…

 

It is something to take on a task of reviewing such an extensive album. However, Danny Riggs has given me an album that is surprisingly easy to write to. Now, I am not going say that I nailed everything here, but that’s not the point. The main point is to bring you what I personally felt as I listened.

What I really liked is the fact that Danny is completely honest in saying that he is still honing his craft, still improving his wordplay and flows. There are not a lot of emcees out there who would be open to saying that. We have to be honest and say that there are some out there that do need to work on wordplay and their delivery. But Danny is like yeah, I’m still there working on my craft, and that I have to admire in him.

Love 4 The Game is an album that does see Danny improving on his debut, and he does it not by dropping another ten-track album, no he drops nineteen tracks that show he is not trying to be like someone else. Danny shows that he has his own persona, he is not a fast rapper and he does not use the most detailed and complex wordplay, but what he does do is to have a way of putting his points across very matter-of-factly, and it is refreshing to have someone who just wants to be heard in a way that anyone can enjoy. There are some nice little echoes of his Angelface alter ego which he introduced in Better Late Than Never, see you can spot them too…

Danny also balances this album with plenty of solo tracks that allow him to shine through as an artist in his own right, and I think that is important. He does have a few features on the album, all of which compliment and add their own style to things, be they from the UK or US. But the album is not saturated with features, which I think would take away from what Danny has to offer.

The production values here are all on point. Some of which have works with Danny before on either his debut album or his EP releases, such as Times Change with DJ Pandamonium. There are some diverse ranges of sounds and vibes across the nineteen tracks that really give the listener a lot the feel, but it also helps to show the diversity of Danny as a vocalist who can lend himself to many different styles.

Love 4 The Game is a solid album that shows Danny Riggs love for Hip Hop music and shows the passion he has for creating himself as an emcee that is an individual and not looking be like anyone else, as he continues to hone his craft and walking forward. It shows that Danny Riggs can only continue to demonstrate that the sky is the limit for the emcee from Notts.

Love 4 The Game dropped yesterday, and my opinion is, don’t sleep on this one.

My huge thanks to Danny for letting me bring you my thoughts of the album.

Be seeing ya…

Steve

LINKS

Stream or Buy the album Here:

https://dannyriggs.bandcamp.com/album/love-4-the-game

https://open.spotify.com/album/0AsZWlKJOcnsiZkwZ6uTRT

More links for Danny Riggs:

https://linktr.ee/dannyriggsuk

https://danielrigley.wixsite.com/website/about

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWSKvcfIBtJN7iPWXSdLMSA

https://soundcloud.com/dannyriggsuk 

 

 

 

 

Album Review: Agent Of Change by TJ Chill

 

Agent of Change

By

TJ Chill

It is now time for me to focus on one of the oldest albums I have in my list, and I’m taking you back to March of this year for an album that has received a lot of paise from those I have spoken to about it. It comes from an artist who has been on the blog before both as a solo artist and as part of his crew. That artist is TJ Chill of Kaos Krew.

Agent of Change is the last in a trilogy of albums that make up the Changing The Narrative trilogy. It began with 2021’s Changing The Narrative which was followed with Concerned Citizen in 2023 (Which I reviewed here in November of that year, click the hyperlink to read).

To properly understand what trilogy focuses on. It would best if I hand the reigns over to TJ Chill, for a minute:

“Since I was young, the general portrayal of Black Men in particular has always slanted towards the negative! Yet here I am, a decent, Christian, educated, professional, home owning Hip Hop MC, that’s married to a decent, beautiful, Christian, educated, professional, strong black Jamaican woman! So why don’t we see or hear that narrative anywhere?? Most Black Men I know, share the same or similar description of their life! I am still socially scarred having grown up in London under Thatcherism and racism, but I know the current narrative of what I’m perceived to be as a Black Man (as a drug taking, drug selling, materialistic, booty loving, money grabbing, gangster baby father) is the fruit and legacy of Thatcherism and her supporters past and present. It isn’t a narrative that progresses me or any other human being that looks like me. So even if they try and shut me down, it’s time to start Changing The Narrative!! TJ Chill 2021

The intent from the beginning was always to produce a Trilogy of albums using Hip Hop to tell a common tale for those that live it in a way that is so uncommon in modern Hip Hop where such conscious clean lyrics over the hardest beats are like finding clean clear quenching water in a desert landscape. TJ Chill 2026

Now you have intention behind the music, there are just a few things for me to do before we get into it. The album was written and performed by TJ Chill, he also produces some of the tracks himself, as well as creating the Artwork. There is also production from Markie 4Eyez, Daddy Skitz, Daniel Niles, and the legendary Micall Parknsun.

With all that said, its time to get into the album. So, join me…

Agent Of Change is ten tracks deep and kicks off with Funky Benediction, which is produced by TJ Chill. This is a drum heavy track which forms the funk fuelled backdrop to what is the introduction but can also be seen as the benediction for the entire trilogy. This is a Christian based benediction, but the thoughts and words here could be a call by any one of us to their own higher power, you just have to have an open mind, one without judgement. Now we are in the right frame of mind, Markie 4Eyez brings the production for Hell To Shun. The intro has this almost jazz edge, then the beat drops and brings this head nod vibe while that jazzy sound floats in the background. Here TJ delivers his vocals with both strength and calm, balancing both for when he needs to reinforce the words he is putting across. The message here has a simplicity, even with wordplay that forms it, and that is to turn away from the darkness in the world and turn your eyes and your heart to the light. We all have our own versions of heaven and hell in our lives, and it is important not to let the darker side of our nature win. With that thought lodged firmly in our minds, we turn to Agents of Change. This is the first appearance of Micall Parknsun on production. This one drops with an organ and guitar heavy sound that will give you a funk vibe to get you bouncin’. Here TJ Chill gives us all an insight on what it takes to make yourself an agent of change. Your beliefs and how you choose to conduct yourself are the ket element’s here, but also how you bring those beliefs to the world, how you speak, what you say and how you stand tall. TJ also lists for us, some of the names who have been agents of change, just listen to those names and realise what they have, and continue to stand for and it will give you some understanding.

Nee Nur is produced by TJ Chill and here he brings us a drum heavy track that has a reggae vibe, but the drums are there to carry the vocals. This one is stripped back, in terms of the music as the focus of the track is so deep. TJ looks at the relationship between black people and the police. This one has to bring the focus to the words because we are all aware of how the police so often target black people, like they are guilty and to be proven innocent. It is deeply saddening that this racism still occurs in world where we understand the importance of unity and the fact that we are all brothers and sisters. Something needs to change, quickly, and we just need to keep bringing light to what’s happening and be a force for change. It’s Been Emotional is produced by Micall Parknsun and brings us a more laid-back sound with the focus on keys giving a sound that makes you want to take a few minutes to sit back and listen. TJ Chill adjusts his flow likewise to speak on emotions that are experienced on a journey of change, because to change is to confront many situations that will elicit many different emotions from anger to sadness and rage to grief, these and many more. So, when you reach the end of a journey you can look back and see just how far you have come. Ludicrous Paradox is produced by TJ and her brings us a proper banger of a sound that will have you nodding, movin’ and groovin’ to the beat. Now as much as you may love the beat, there isa message within that we need to look at. TJ gives us something to enjoy that has a hidden meaning, just like some many of the things we enjoy have hidden sides that you only realise when you look deeper, and even then, you might not take that seriously. Think of what we eat and drink, which is often full of chemical components, some of which are toxic at high levels, just with the drugs we take for a headache. Then think of what can happen when these accumulate over many years in the body. This is one example, there are so many more, in all walks of life where so many of the choices we make are told are for the better but, may not be. So, be the change and question everything…

The final track produced by Micall Parknsun is As I Grind and this one has a heavy beat but a laid-back vibe that grabs your attention and makes you take note of what TJ Chill is saying. Here TJ Chill takes us back to some of his experiences coming up within Hip Hop and more. It is always about how he kept grinding and moving forward, always looking to the future. He also gives a huge shout out to many of the DJs and others who were there in the day and supported or inspired him on his journey. One of those shouts goes to the producer of the next track, Daddy Skits. Heavenly, produced by Daddy Skits, has a banging sound with cuts and more to get you jumping. There is also an etheric chorus that will almost have you floating away in the moment. This one really speaks directly to you and brings the intention that you are the agent of your own change. You are the one who can look forward, making the next day better than the last. Don’t get dragged down by the struggles that each day might bring, always look to the next day being better and make that your intention for change.

We come to the album’s penultimate track Banquet of Vanguards which is produced by Daniel Niles and brings a heavy sound backed by electronic vibes that gives you a vibe that seems to keep your awareness on alert. This one has TJ Chill forging forward with the torch of Hip Hop, asking us all to remember where the roots of Hip Hop music come from. There is a lot of Hip Hop has, as you would expect, evolved over the years to integrate many other sounds. This was what Hip Hop evolved from, taking a sample of whatever sounded good and making into something new. It is important for any Hip Hop artist to know where the sound originated and pay respect to the roots of the sound. The album is rounded off with TJ Chill producing imposing Heard The Thunder Roll, and this album version is an extended mix that clocks in at just under eleven minutes. It has this choral backing to a heavy drum beat that is an imposing sound, making you want to listen and enjoy, and despite the heavy sound that choral chorus touches you deeply. This one serves like a call to all those who have chosen to find the change within themselves, to come and stand together, shoulder to shoulder, as one. To be a beacon of light to those who will follow. It is a sobering thought and one that many of us have been kindling within us for years. TJ Chill also brings us some shout outs and a reading that he brings forth as a further guiding message. The shout outs here are extensive but, how else do you pay respect to those who have inspired you and been a part of your journey…

 

I always feel humbled to be able to give my opinion, my thoughts and inspirations when reviewing, because I want to try my best to help you get a feel for what the music says to me and how it makes me feel. This album is no exception of course.

Being the final chapter in a trilogy spanning five years Agent Of Change sees TJ Chill with a lot to say, but not just that, with all the different messages contained within and the incredible music making feel it all to the core, Agent Of Change has one simple message when you really break it all down. TJ Chill is simply being a beacon here, showing you his journey and saying to you one thing, If you what this all the change, then it is up to you, become your own agent of change and together we can change the world and the beacons for the generations to come.

Now, I could just leave it there, but you I’m not gonna do that right. I am glad that I have got round to bringing you my take on this because, you might have already heard the album, it has been out for a few months now after all. But I hope that by reading these words, you might go back and listen with a different ear, listen a little deeper, and perhaps some of you will go give it a listen for the first time.

Agent Of Change is a Hip Hop album that embraces the true sound of Hip Hop, but also welcomes the sound of different influences, while asking you not to forget the roots. It takes the Knowledge of Hip Hop and display’s it with aplomb here, giving you so much to hear, think and feel. It takes one mans journey and the values he stands for and brings you a guiding light that you can take away and think on. It does not let you to do something; it invites you to change if that is what you are ready for.

The production by all involved is spot on, it really encapsulates the root of Hip Hop music and how it changes and evolves without losing sight of those roots. Every sound fits perfectly in with the message that TJ Chill is seeking to put across. If fact, the only elements of Hip Hop that are not here are Graff and Breaking, but they get a shout and that is as much as you can do on album like is honour the elements.

TJ Chill is as solid as ever in his vocals and world play, delivering everything with flows and a depth of vocals that bring a real display of the passion he has for the culture, his faith, and feeling he has to see everyone treated with equality.

Agent Of Change, in rounding off the trilogy makes a bold statement that if I can Change, then perhaps you can change too; if that only serves to plant the seed within you then if has achieved so much.

Agent Of Change is available now.

My Humble thanks to TJ Chill for allowing me to bring you my take on this and also my apologies for taking so long to get it here.

 

I’ll catch you all next time,

Steve.

LINKS

Stream the album here:

https://open.spotify.com/album/0FGmJK8YZhwDltq5kWLjzG

TJ Chill Socials:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqBU2IME7Y3ZLoZfpiehaCg

https://www.facebook.com/tj.chill.35

https://www.mixcloud.com/TJ_Chill/

VIDEOS

Agents Of Change

It's Been Emotional

Album Review: That Soul I Know by Speaks

 

That Soul I Know

By

SPEAKS

I was first introduced to Empty Hand Records back in December of 2025 when I reviewed Vincent Deconstructed by Uncle Mic Nitro, courtesy of the label’s owner and producer, Speaks. Now, by that time Speaks had already released his debut producer’s album titled Highrize Jamz. That highly acclaimed album featured the likes of Uncle Mic Nitro, Krash Slaughta, Wordsworth, Phill Most Chill and more. Now I have yet to hear that album, so when Speaks asked if I would like to hear his new album, with a view to a potential review, I jumped at the chance.

Now, life being what it is, I thought I would be unable to review That Soul I Know when it dropped in September as an eviction forced me to suspend things until now. However, due to a delay in distributors, the album is now due to see its release on October 09^th, just one short week away, so now seems like the perfect time to bring you my take on what is already being hailed as one of the year’s top albums.

That Soul I Know is a producer’s album, which means all production is handled by Speaks. As with Highrize Jamz Speaks has assembled a top line up of emcees to drop the goods over his beats. That line up consists of Ced Gee (Ultramagnetic MCs), Outbreak, Phill Most Chill, Uncle Mic Nitro, Different Damien, Simmer Soul (Rhyme Advocates - AUS), Supastition, 4-Ize, Fly Filty (AUS), Wordsworth, Habitat 617 (Heavy Links - UK), and Planet Asia.

Now, with a line up like this and Speaks love of the classic Boom Bap sound, this one has all the hallmarks of a contender of album of the year. So, join me as I take you on a journey through That Soul I Know.

The opening to the first track, Second Album Syndrome, grabs your attention as it how second albums can often fail to reach the hights of the debut album and artist/producers have to constantly adapt to new hights to keep things sounding fresh. This seeds a thought in your head as you listen. Speaks and Outbreak then let the horns and voice of Ced Gee drop in before the beat kicks off with some ferocious cuts. This sound gives you chills as you immediately feel that this little intro is likely gonna be a prelude to something banging; and so, the intention and expectation is set…

There is no time to second gues yourself here either before Make It Good drops in with a feature from the legendary Phill Most Chill. The intro to the track is all about the taking the music and getting a record deal. The beat drops in with chilled funk vibe has the kinda sound that is infectious and gets your body moving. PMC drops some slick lyricism that brings the icing to the cake here.Its all about making things good, lifting you up and making you feel good and this one does that with aplomb. Next up is Disco Scenes which features Uncle Mic Nitro, Different Damien and Simmer Soul alongside Speaks. The beat is heavy but with a dope soulful vibe keeping things laid back and mellow. Mic Nitro keeps it laid back on vocals as he takes us all back to the times we would all hit the discoes having a fun time while waiting for that final song to kick in to see if we would be the lucky one to share that moment with a special someone. This one is so mellow that you almost have to pause things, just for a moment to let those memories float by, before returning to the music…

Supastition and 4-Ize join Speaks for Raw Rap. Horns and piano vibes take us into a heavy banging beat, that backs by those horns, piano and bass notes, creates a Jazz Hop vibe that gets you bouncing. There are more than a few name drops on this one as we get rewound and then fast forwarded through some of the most notable artists and acts that have put their stamp on the Hip Hop game. This is all about putting your own mark on things and hitting it with the raw unflinching vocal styles that make the listener stunned for just a second. Uncle Mic Nitro is back alongside Australia’s Fly Filthy for Two Left Feet. Horns and organ notes back a proper banging beat, getting you moving once again with a sound that has an uplifting feel to it. This one is all about letting yourself feel the music, then allowing that vibe to take over your body and dance. Its not about how you dance, or maybe it is. Part of you feels its all about letting your body move to the music however you see fit, but there is also another part of you, if you’re a true head maybe, that can’t help but visualise the breakers moving to the beat and showing of those incredible acrobatic moves, or maybe just poppin’ and lockin’. I guess you just go where the beat takes you. Soul Goodz is a little interlude from Speaks and drops with this incredible sound of drums, piano, organ notes, bass and vocals. The result is this incredible soulful sound with some almost etheric singing that just makes you stop for a couple of minutes. This little instrumental moment just takes you wherever you want to go. Then, you come back with that little spoken word outro to the track, still chilled, still floating, but the album is now midway through and it time dip into the second half…

If you have the vinyl, then you are probably flipping it over right now and dropping the needle, and if you are listening to the digital, then you are probably still floating. The Pivot sees the return of Supastition and Speaks brings a heavy beat that is backed by this organ sound that has you continuing to float while nodding you head and closing your eyes. Supastition brings us lyrics that speak directly to the soul, so good that your eyes are closed. The message in this one is that there are times you just have to let go of things from your past. You might not want to let go, but it will be for the best as you might realise these things can hold you back and letting go will set you free. In the Summer sees Wordsworth joining Speaks to drop vocals over a dope beat that has a laid-back feel with organ notes that put you in mind of lazy summer days. That musical vibe mixes perfectly with Wordsworth, whose words take over your mind, letting you visualise every scene that her describes to you, helping you cast you mind back to your own summer experiences along the way. This one will make you wish summer would never end and the sun would always shine you, every day. With those thoughts of summer still floating in your mind, the UK’s Habitat 617 step up on Keep Your Distance. The summer vibes switch now as heavy piano vibes, backed by a heavy drumbeat, guitars and cuts, take you to the surprisingly sunny skies of the British skies. The heavy sound gets your head nodding while Habitat’s lyricism hits hard, giving you a demonstration of what he capable of should you give him the perfect beat to go off to. No particular message here except to listen and enjoy a solid display of lyrical dexterity.

Uncle Mic Nitro returns for one last appearance on Kick In The Door and here, he is on fine form as Speaks provides a boom bap style beat for you and Mic Nitro to crazy on. Banging beats, heavy horns and razor-sharp cuts get everyone hyped up and Mic Nitro lets his vocals unload like a one-man army. Here every word and beat hits with the force of 500 Magnum. There is not getting away from the fact that no matter how much you barricade it, Speaks and Mic Nitro are simply gonna kick the fucking door down. At this stage you might be thinking, how do you follow that one? Well, you bring in Planet Asia with the Middle Finger Flow, that’s how! Piano vibes, heavy drums, cuts and more give you a sound that cools the energy and gets your head nodding once more. In fact, you whole body gets moving as Planet Asia takes the reigns and rocks the mic with the kind of lyrics that gets you raising a middle finger to the sky with a broad smile on your face, enjoying every finger flippin’ moment. Before you even realise it, we find ourselves at the last track of the album. Outbreak features one last time alongside Speaks for New Possibilities. The funk vibe really goes off big time on this one as we are treated to one of those producer/DJ tracks that perfectly mixes funky vibes with cuts galore. I love these kinda tracks as it mixes things up and takes you back to the essence of the hip hop sound where the DJ would cut up classic tracks, making it into one engaging track that kept you bouncing from start finish, and it seems like the perfect way to round this one off by reminding you that this is Hip Hop, and as much as you love everything that has gone before, the seed that this all grew from was often just the DJ and two turntables; and a microphone…

 

I gotta say, that was something. After a few weeks away, I was not sure I could do this justice right now, and I’m not saying I have, but this album grabbed my attention, opened my mind and allowed the words to flow. I’m pretty sure that if I did this whole thing again tomorrow, I could write a whole different review because everything here is the kind of music, that real Hip Hop music that I have come to love. It makes me think that if Speaks Debut is anything like this, I gotta hear it.

Now, I could leave it there really, that short paragraph does seem to sum up this album perfectly. However, I’m not going to just sign off like that. Not a chance, and please forgive me because I might say a few things that might be a bit controversial in a moment…

There is something I really like about Producer Albums, these are albums that are brought into being by one or two people, creating beats and bringing in rapper or another artist to feature. Sometimes the beat comes first and its all about finding the right artist and sometimes the producer might have a particular artist in mind before creating the beat. I guess that for me, it is the closest thing to real Hip Hop aside from a crew that is made up of emcees and a DJ or DJs.

Now for the controversial bit. When I listen to an album like That Soul I Know, I think about some albums I have heard where an artist will bring in multiple producers, DJs, and guest emcees. Now while these are still good Hip Hop albums, they almost feel like a compilation album or a kind of showcase album, they do not always allow the individual to shine through. I would like to see the individual to bring their talents to the forefront and simplify things a little with less producers and features. I say that will all the respect to those emcees. Here Speaks does just that, he keeps blueprint simple across the album and that is the key thing that allows this to shine so much.

Every track here is pure Hip Hop, the beats shine through and you can feel the heart and soul in everyone. Speaks brings in just the right emcees to compliment every beat he produces, allowing every track you here to be individual in its own right, whilst also fitting so well as part of the album. Everything flows so well with highs and more chilled moments that keep you engaged through out in a way that does not leave you thinking that any particular track shined brighter than another.

That Soul I Know does not suffer from any type of second album syndrome, in fact, I think I builds on the hype of the debut album. Speaks takes his love of Hip Hop Boom Bap music and gives it his own spin. He adds a dash of this genre and that genre along the way and allows those sounds and the Hip Hop vibes to compliment each other, in the same way as the Emcees and Beats complement each other.

That Soul I Know is the perfect album to return to Infinite Sounds UK after my little hiatus, it is a solid listen that not only shows the quality of Speaks as a producer, but it shows that he is able to create tracks that speak to the listener as well as just give them something hot to listen too. Is this one of the albums of the year? Should you believe the hype? Yes, it is, and yes, you should.

Before I go there is one last person I need to mention. As always Album's are a unique package and that includes the artwork and design that is the first thing you'll see when handling the vinyl and when you drop your pre-order. For That Soul I Know those props go to Camila Carmody.

My thanks to Speaks for allowing me to bring you my take on this album, for what it said to me and helped me to express. Go pre-order your copy now and get ready to go to the soul of that real Hip Hop sound.

See ya Next time,

Steve.

LINKS

Pre-Order Here:

https://emptyhandrecords.bandcamp.com/album/that-soul-i-know

Empty Hand Records Website:

https://emptyhandrecords.com/

Empty Hand Records Socials:

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

https://www.facebook.com/emptyhandrecords

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

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