Album Review: An Embarrassment Of Riches by Dan Brown

 

An Embarrassment of Riches

By

Dan Brown

 

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, 6^th 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. 6^th 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 13^th 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.

I’ll see ya next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Album Pre-save link here:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/danbrown1/an-embarrassment-of-riches/

Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/dan.browndan/

https://www.youtube.com/@dan.browndan

VIDEOS

New Day

Praise

Exit Strategy

Album Review: Firework Factory by Kemastry X Harvs Le Toad

 

Firework Factory

By

Kemastry X Harvs Le Toad

 

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.

 

Be seeing ya.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab your copy here:

https://kemastry.bandcamp.com/album/firework-factory

Firework Factory Streaming:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/kemastryharvsletoad/firework-factory?ref=release

Socials:

Kemastry:

https://www.instagram.com/donald_surfaces/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/kemastry

Harvs Le Toad:

https://www.instagram.com/harvsletoad/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/captainharvs

VIDEOS

All Breaks No Gas

Firework Factory

 

 

 

 

 

 

Album Review: Righteous and Rich by Saint Jude and Mark L

 

Righteous and Rich

By

Saint Jude & Mark L

 

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 29^th 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):

https://saintjudemarkl.bandcamp.com/music

Saint Jude and Mark L on Instagram:

https://saintjudemarkl.bandcamp.com/music

Saint Jude and Mark L YouTube Channel:

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

VIDEOS

Righteous and Rich Promo

 

 

 

Single Review: Shoe Fits by Tash

 

Shoe Fits

By

TASH

 

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.

Shoe Fits is out now.

I’ll see ya next time,

Steve.

LINKS

Listen to the Track Here:

https://open.spotify.com/album/2F5BqGTV8ZC0joWI6mjBgJ

 Official TASH Website - Listen and grab the DJ Pack:

https://theofficialtash.com/home

TASH Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/tash_of_tha_alkaholiks

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

VIDEO

Official Shoe Fits Video

 

EP Review: 3.1 by Cheebo

 

3.1

By

Cheebo

 

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.

3.1 by Cheebo is out now.

 

I’ll be Seeing ya…

Steve

LINKS

Grab your copy of the EP here:

https://emptyhandrecords.bandcamp.com/album/31

Cheebo Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/ch33bo3/

https://cheebo.bandcamp.com/music

Empty Hand Records:

https://www.facebook.com/emptyhandrecords

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Album Review: Prelude To The Mantis by Chino XL

 

Prelude to the Mantis

By

Chino XL

 

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.

I’ll see you all next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Get you copy of the album here:

https://www.1332records.com/product-page/chino-xl-prelude-to-the-mantis

Stream Here:

https://open.spotify.com/album/7ACE9KmRDOn8pGQFQV5866

The Official Chino XL Tribute page:

https://www.instagram.com/chinoxltribute/

More Chino XL Links:

https://www.facebook.com/ChinoXLOfficial

https://linktr.ee/chinoxl

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

VIDEOS

The Mantis Official Video

 

 

 

 

Album Review: Neither Collar Nor Crown by Vagrant Real Estate

 

Neither Collar Nor Crown

By

Vagrant Real Estate

 

Neither Collar Nor Crown is the new album from Aberdonian producer Vagrant Real Estate. He has been dropping albums since 2017, is part of the UK Crew It’sLeftField, and with this latest album focuses on Scottish artisty past and present, drawing on diverse sounds including Scottish folk, Traditional and Gaelic, alongside Gospel/R&B and live brass sounds. The album also features lyricism in both English and Gaelic, plus elements of choir and spoken word.

The album features twenty-five artists all in, with names such as Jackill, Bemz, and Globally renowned folk singer Iona Fyfe all featuring on an album that promises to stand as one of the essential Scottish Hip Hop projects.

This album was originally released back in November 2025, so there is a reasonable chance that some of you may have heard this already. However, for those of you that have not, I have just set the scene here and given you a lot to anticipate.

So, as I’m dying to get into this one, let’s get into it…

 

It all kicks off with a short little intro, At The Edge Of The World, a little sample that seems to have been taken from an old public information film about Scotland, just to draw you in. The first track is Go With The Flow which features Jackill, Katherine Aly, AiiTee, Florence Jack and Danny Cliff on vocal duties. The sound on this one mixes a nice head nod beat with strings, harp elements and a sung chorus that give this one a sound that you can easily drift off to. As you listen to the rap vocals and sung elements, there is a very reflective edge to this one. You get the sense that it’s all about looking back to see how far you’ve come to get to where you are now. Just going with the flow has made you who you are, but there is also the hope that continuing with the flow of life will finally help you to know true freedom from the struggles that life puts before you. HOTB is up next and features Jackill, Madhat McGore and DJ Fak of Dope Inc. Cuts, a dope beat, guitar elements and choir sounds, all mesh together to bring a sound that feel from the inside out. I might be mistaken here but, HOTB appears to stand for Home Of The Brave. There is a deep aspect to this one that refers to country of Scotland and what it means to make it your home. You can feel the passion they have for their home country, its music and so much more. There has been a lot of negative and racist comments, and such aimed at Scotland and Scottish artists over the years, and you also get the sense that this is aimed at setting the record straight, showing that Scottish artist have a lot to offer on the Hip Hop scene and beyond. Public Health Announcement is a short instrumental aural pallet cleanser that has a heavy pounding beat with a little comical aside. It seems to be bridging you into the next part of the album.

Easy Now features Jackill, Paque, Symi Nemesis and Kid Pro Quo, on the cut, and has a sound that mixes a pounding beat with flute and horns to give this one a folk edge to the sound. There is this vibe here that seems to bridge styles in the vocals as well as in the music. Here we have four artists with different styles, where spoken word and high paced rap are book ended with more classic rap styles. This is a cracking demonstration of different wordplay and delivery that shows you can easily mix them together without losing impact. Feeches features Jackill, Pro Focus, Kryptik (who has featured on the blog before), Mog and Jinx. Here piano notes take the forefront with etheric vocal samples, while the beat takes a step back, creating a sound that gets your head nodding in a different way while allowing the vocals to stand clear. This one seems to take us on a blistering trip around Scotland with various stories giving us an insight into life. As you focus on what’s being said, you find yourself associating with some, while others give you pause for thought. NMIL features Bemz and Sorley Mackay of DOSS. Guitar vibes grip us from the get-go, the beat drops in and gets you bouncing, both elements almost being at odds with each other. There is a very real uplifting energy to this one, as you listen you get this sense of looking back at the ups and downs of life and those who helped you along the way. It makes you think that no matter how hard things get, you make it to where you want to be. It just takes strength and sometimes that comes from within, while other times it comes from the outstretched hand of a friend.

In Finzean features appearances from FiDa and Fiona Soe Paing, the sound has a very folk driven sound that has a very calming vibe to it with what sounds like more traditional instruments and etheric vocals, which feel like there is a mix of English and Gaelic. Listening, you can’t help but, let your mind fly to Finzean, a rural community in Birse, Aberdeenshire. The former Ecclesiastical parish is known for its historical significance as the subject of many paintings by Joseph Farquharson, whose family owned the Finzean estate. It is also an area recognised for its natural beauty as well. The perfect inspiration for this piece. After that little aside, it’s back to the Hip Hop with All I want, where guitar notes hit alongside the head nod beat. Vocals come from Jackill and Chef The Rapper who give us words with a reflective edge, looking at lived experiences that show the struggles they have experienced on the path of life. As you listen you realise that these experiences are not too dissimilar from your own, giving this one and edge that hits a little too close to home and giving you plenty to think about. Next up is a track, that in English translates to Elm or Elmwood which a species of tree common to the region, but in Scottish Gaelic is Leamhain. It features vocals from Jackill and Chris Greive on trombone, over a sound that has horns, keys and a heavy beat, giving this one a deeply personal edge. The vocals reflect that as this feels like Jackill taking stock of life and detailing the moments that define who he is. What occurs to me here is that if we think of life, you might feel like you can’t separate the wood from the trees? But, Jackill selects each tree carefully from the forest of moments he can choose from, those that stand that little bit taller, are more stout, or whose roots go a little deeper, those are the ones that stick out bring key moments to mind, and the same can be said of anyone reflecting on life.

This Is How We Live features Jackill, Mae Diansangu and Best Girl Athlete. The beat is almost softened into the background as guitar and choral vocals take the forefront, giving this one a sound that hits on many levels. This is a track of two halves, separated by a touching conversation between father and daughter. The first half is a rapped verse, while the second is a spoken word poem, both of these reflect what is around us and things that touch us and affect the way we live day to day. This may mean something different to each person, so listen and just let it take you forward. The penultimate track here is Brighter Days, which features Jackill, Viv Latifa and folk singer Iona Fyfe. The sound uses traditional instruments to great effect to bring a vibe that has a gospel air to it but also has a sound that puts you in mind of singing around an open fire. This gives you a huge sense of those silver linings that we often struggle to see, but are there all the same, and this one helps you bring them into focus in a way lifts you up as only music can. The album ends with Turn The Sun Blue, featuring CRPNTR, there is no music here, just the spoken word poetry. This one might well tax you with vivid mental images that form and disperse as quickly as the words are heard and then gone…

 

Neither Collar Nor Crown is more than just a statement of life in Scotland. It is a celebration of everything that makes living there, the experience that it is and what makes such an impact on those who live there. From the Glens to the cites and every step in between, this album gives you an insight into Scotland the country, its history, its myth, and what connects the lives of those who make it their home. It takes a special kind of passion to bring something like this to life, and Vagrant Real Estate and each of those featured artists who stand alongside him, bring that passion for their country to life.

The sound is very much rooted and inspired by the Hip Hop sound but, beyond that is the knowledge aspect of Hip Hop and here that knowledge aspect is brought alive with knowledge of self and knowledge of the history of the country in a way that breaths passion and with every word and beat. VRE brings a sound that merges Hip Hop and traditional sounds, with other contemporary sounds to bring you soundscapes that move you and bring you some vivid impressions of beauty and stark reality of Scotland and the lives of those living there. Not only that but, the sound also allows the listener to connect with their own experiences, bringing those to mind as you visualise what the music brings to mind.

Bringing some of Scotland’s top artists, from Hip Hop to Folk and vocals that speak to you in both English and Gaelic, shows a desire to draw on the roots of your subject matter in a whole different way. Each of these artists bring their own talent to bear here from rap to spoken word and poetry, this does not just bring us another Hip Hop album with traditional influences; it brings us an album that literally breathes the true essence of Scotland into the Hip Hop mould. An album that is not just for VRE and the artists to be proud of, but one the whole country can be proud of.

For me, this is an inspirational album, unlike any other you are likely to hear for a while and one you have to really hear and allow it to truly speak to you on all levels. There is nothing not to like here and it will have you giving it listen after listen, because it has the kind of fresh sound that only comes along with a blue moon, and also makes you realise that what really binds people together is not a collar or a crown, in fact it is nothing visual or physical, but love. The love for where you are from, to see that place recognised for what it is and the love of your fellow countryman and that recognition that, when it comes down to it, we are all one. 

Album artwork comes from Chelsea Frew.

Don’t sleep on this one, it also has a vinyl release too.

 

My Humble thanks to Vagrant Real Estate for giving me the chance to bring you my take on this superb album.

 

I’ll see you next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab your copy of the album here:

https://vagrantrealestate.bandcamp.com/album/neither-collar-nor-crown

Vagrant Real Estate Website:

https://www.vagrantrealestate.com/

Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/vagrantproducer/

https://www.facebook.com/VagrantRealEstate

VIDEOS

Easy Now ft Jackill, Paque, Symi Memesis and Kid Pro Quo

 

All I Want ft Jackill and Chef The Rapper

Brighter Days ft Jackill, Viv Latifa and Iona Fyfe