Album Review: Under The Radar & Over Their Heads by Remark & Murmur

 

Under The Radar & Over Their Heads

By

Remark & Murmur

 

There are times in life when finding a way forward leaves you not able to see the wood for the trees, and at these times we often turn to music as a way to help us find our path again. That is a situation that I kind of find myself in and so, have sought to focus on this review to help get back on my own path, once more. Now, this is not the way that I would ordinarily start a review but, it’s always good to mix things up a bit.

Following how much I enjoyed the debut release of Remark & Murmur, Introspection (2025), there is this deep feeling inside that Remarks deep alternative lyrical content and Murmur’s LoFi Hip Hop sound is likely to bring some clarity and ease some of the weight that comes with living in our society right now.

Remark & Murmur’s sophomore release is Under The Radar & Over Their Heads and album which they describe as a more authentic, mature, and deeply moving soul journey, woven through dusty breakbeats, lush downtempo hip hop vibes, and cinematic string arrangements that elevate the underground ethos to new heights.

Remark says of the album "This album’s about depth over trends. We've poured everything into creating something that feels lived-in and real—dusty breaks for the heads, orchestral soul for the heart, with lyrics that mean something, hopefully to the listener. It’s under the radar, because that's where indie art lives, and over their heads because of its depth”.

Murmur goes on to explain "Production-wise, we wanted to build worlds—slow-burning downtempo grooves layered with live-feeling orchestration. I was aiming for a cinematic & emotional sound to provide a landscape for Remarks lyrics.’

With all that said, there is a lot there, in those few words that give us pause for thought and to consider what the album is going sound like and what it might actually say to the depths of our being as we listen.

I think it is now time to stop the thoughts and expectations and to let Remark & Murmur takes us wherever the music will take us. I hope that you will join for the ride…

 

The album begins with the Intro, where the LoFi electronic sounds and the occasional drumbeats, create this almost meditative sound that seems to lower the brainwaves allowing the vocal sample to penetrate that much deeper into your awareness, and as you listen you realise that there is a lor more being said. Now I’m not going to say that I know where this comes from but, listening gives you a lot more pause for thought and sets up the tone of the album. There are many texts and even musical frequencies that have kept from us or even stopped from us reading or experimenting with, for the sole fact that the truths within them would change our view or everything we think we know about history, healing and more. Perhaps, right here I should suggest you not listen to this album because then it would make you want to listen all the more because of what the content might say…

Always Onwards begins our journey, now that we have had the scene set for what is to come. The sound is heavy with piano vibes alongside the kind of beat that gets your head nodding. But here the combination creates a sound that has your head nodding with closed eyes in anticipation of what lyrics may bring. Remark brings us some rousing lyrical content with deep spiritual connotations that ask you to look beyond the often-dark times we live in. In doing this we realise that we are all part of a cosmic oneness where true seeing and speak comes from the heart and not the head. When we get out of our head and into our hearts, we understand that there are times we need to look back, but we do that only to learn from the past and never to let it hold us back, always moving onwards and evolving the soul as we do so. The thoughts arising already give us much to think about and Moment Of Reflection gives us a moment to reflect while moving forward. The sound is a mix of bass notes with acoustic guitar notes, and another drum beat that makes your head want to move as vibe brings life to those reflective thoughts. Once more there is more to this one than meets the eye as Remark invites us to move past the ego and past the fear that keeps us rooted in a place where we can be controlled. As we move beyond these things we put ourselves in a place where we can connect with nature and move ourselves to a place where we can remember who we truly are and our relationship with everything around us. Once we remember this and understand it, there is nothing that can hold us back from understanding the true nature of all things. Next up is Trye Eyed Soul, where Murmur brings us a sound where guitar notes and a sparce beat combine to bring a vibe that has this uplifting feel in a way that puts you in mind of the sunshine breaking through the rain clouds. Here Remark mixes rap and sung lyrics which look at the perceived duality of two worlds, one inside and one outside, The 3-D world and the dream world. The message here is to bring yourself to a place where you can view everything from your true self; doing that allows you to come to a place where you see both worlds as one, neither being indistinguishable from the other and both being interconnected in the grand scheme of things.

Persistent Turmoil brings a more electronic vibe with bass notes and a more relaxed beat twined with synth notes that give this one a sound that has an emotive edge in a way that is not easy to describe, it is just there. But you begin to understand that emotive edge as you listen to the vocals. Each word seeps into your awareness, touching you deeply as you realise that Remark is perfectly describing our current world view and the effect it has on us. Wars are raging for the sole purpose of greed while all around us, everyday we see injustice and people left by the wayside, by a system that is ill equipped to truly help them. This might be tales from the Remark-side but, they could so easily be tales from the side of each and every one of us. With those emotionally charged thoughts still at the forefront of our awareness, Nagging Doubt brings a sound that mixes guitar notes and synth vibes, over a beat that unconsciously has you moving, giving this one a sound that seems take hold of your focus and shifting it within. I don’t know if it was the intention here, but this one makes you think of how your own thoughts speak to you, raising doubts about your own journey as the outside world pressurises you into thinking that way. The key here is not to hold onto those doubts, but release them, acknowledge and thank them for what they have to teach you, then let them go and allow the universe to change that energy from one of a negative impact, to one that is more positive. We cannot allow our doubts to consume us.

The Beautiful Design brings a far more energetic sound from Murmur, with a heavy drumbeat and a rousing rock and bass guitar notes that fuels a different kind of fire within. There is also synth sound that carry us and focus our thoughts in a far more positive direction. Remarks vocals mix rap vocals with sung elements that create an interesting balance as you listen. It speaks deeply to you as you understand that with all the changing feelings and emotions we experience, as we move along the path of life, we are in a far better place when we a dream to hold on to and when we feel that we actually belong to something, with people who understand who we are and how we feel, people that can support us and lift us up when we feel at our most vulnerable. As that realisation hangs tantalisingly at the forefront of our thoughts, Time Heals drops with a title that says so much before the music even kicks in. The drumbeat, mixed with the keys brings a sound that continues the uplifting feeling that began on the previous track. There is a simple message here and the title says it all really but, there is a deeper aspect to it. We all walk through life experiencing much with each step, each passing moment. Life can raise us up or drag us down, and through all this, each experience builds up so much within us, so easily pushing us to a point where it all seems too much and we have to let it go, somehow. What we have to remember is that we have a heart and if we can truly connect with what the heart desires, then we will understand that we can heal from anything, scars might remain to remind us of what we have overcome but, if we desire it enough and give it a little time, we can heal.

Samhain is the pagan festival that celebrates a time of the year when the vail between worlds is at its thinnest. It encompasses what we now call Halloween and a time of the year when we shift into the darkest time of the year, and the opening of the track gives you some background. Murmur brings a sound that has a more electronic LoFi feel mixing a sparce beat with a plethora of electronic vibes giving this a sound that carries your awareness to place where it can sit between worlds and lives. Remark looks at many aspects of light and darkness, life and death, and the fact that you can not have one without the other. But the deeper aspect of this is facing the darkness within or your shadow side, work with this to face what you lease wish to see within, the more you do this, the more you reclaim your true self and awaken you true power. Dreamy Narcosis seeps into our awareness with a sound that mixes guitar notes with a laid-back beat to give us a vibe that this alternative meditative feel to it, opening our minds up to other possibilities. Here it is all about looking within for what really matters, because the world around us just creates noise that distracts us from the truth of who we really are. Going within allows us to find a new kind of strength that comes from the heart, a strength of pure love. The powers that be don’t want us to look within, because when we truly go within, all their lies and control fall apart, and we are able to see the truth behind everything. We come to the penultimate track of the album, Self-Titled, where Murmur brings a sound that has a more Hip Hop vibe to it, getting your head nodding as the energy continues to raise you up to a place where a new perspective helps you see far more. The spiritual aspect is not lost here though as Remark sums up the album by bringing personal insights to bear. Elevation plays a huge part here too, be it the elevation of the soul or the elevation in music by elevating the underground movement to sound that speaks in a different way, directly to your soul, while keeping the soul of the music rooted in that real Hip Hop sound. This is one of those tracks that will speak to each of us differently, so have a listen and vibe with it… 

The album rounds off with the Outro. Here Murmur underpins Alan Watts describing Inception, with a LoFi Hip Hop sound that merges with the vocals in such a way that the sound carries the vocals into your awareness, giving you pause for thought and to allow every word to speak to you directly. There is a lot here that may speak to you differently than it does me, but the nature of dreams, perception and god, there is a lot packed into just couple of minutes, a couple of minutes that leave your mind open to all possibilities, something that this entire album seems to have been set up to do, raise your awareness and open your mind…

 

Let’s not beat around the bush here, because there is no need to do so. Remark and Murmur have done it again and created something that takes the seed of true Hip Hop music, knowledge and wisdom, planted them and cultivated them and nurtured them. Growing a sound that elevates all those things into a place where it is easily accessible by everyone, and in doing that they have given us something that gives us another tool to look within and to elevate our own consciousness.

We all have the capability to raise our consciousness but, sometimes to help us see that, we need direction from a source that we can easily associate with, and that is what Under The Radar and Over Their Heads is all about. Remark and Murmur have taken music that so many of us enjoy, and they have then used that to deliver messages and invitations for the listener to take onboard, that will have them thinking and musing well after the last beat has passed. That happens because the energy the music creates does not die or end, it simply changes form; that form changes into the form of thought energy, allowing the music and the message to live on infinitely within.

 

There is little more you can say here but, Remark and Murmur obviously have this synergy in working together because what they create suggests that they are both on the same page, with Murmur creating the perfect soundscapes that work in harmony with Remarks lyrics. They compliment each other in way that goes beyond a producer and emcee working together. This seems to be two souls coming together to bring something special to a world that needs its inhabitants to awaken their minds and connect with their souls, and the music these two bring does just that, if you just allow it in to truly speak to you.

I think I will leave it there now, because its now up to you to experience Under The Radar & Over Their Heads, letting it speak to you because the only way we can truly elevate ourselves is to go under the radar of the powers that be, while at the same time, flying over their heads and becoming who we were truly meant to be.

Make sure you also keep watch for the upcoming HQ music videos that will accompany the album. The video for Moment of Reflection is out now and features a little bit of camera work from my good self, so check that out below.

Also keep watch for some limited physical copies coming very soon too. 

Under The Radar & Over Their Heads is out today.

Huge thanks to my good friend Remark for the chance to work with him and to be able to bring you my take on this inspiring album.

I’ll see you next time.

Steve.

Oh Yeah, I almost forgot one thing. At the beginning of the review I stated that I was using the focus of this review to help me to get back on my own path. The question is, did it help me do that? Well, sometimes it takes a little more than music but, I have to say that, without a shadow of doubt, focusing on this album did help me to look at things differently and that might well be a huge part of what comes next and this album, and it's predecessor will not be far from my ears as I walk my path. just going to show that content of this type, you are never alone on your journey...

LINKS

Get your copy of the album here:

https://remarkmurmur.bandcamp.com/album/under-the-radar-over-their-heads

Remark Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/RemarkMcLennan

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005925346438

https://www.instagram.com/remarkmclennan/

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

Murmur on Insta:

https://www.instagram.com/murmur8000/

VIDEOs

Moment of Reflection

 

 

 

 

 

Album Review: Better Late Than Never by Danny Riggs

 

Better Late Than Never

By

Danny Riggs

 

It has been a while since I last had the Nottingham based emcee, singer, song writer and drummer, Danny on the blog. In fact, I was introduced to him via Pandamonium when they collaborated on the EP TimesChange, which I reviewed back in December of 2024.

Danny is now back with his debut album release which he has been writing since 2022. When I wrote the review back in 2024, I felt then that Danny was one of those to watch on the UK scene, so to have him back with a full album, it will be interesting to see how far he has come in the last year or so.

Better Late Than Naver is a big fifteen track album and see’s Danny flying solo on most of this one. The features come from 1^st Blood, Kenny Cadence and the legendary Scorzayzee, plus Angelface. There is also big line up of producers providing the beats, and these include Danny himself alongside NEO Hannan, XavrPryme, Tom Hodson, KPrymetheJaegar, Wigz, MaugzMade, and Zar!

With that said, let’s not hang around and get straight into it…

The album kicks off with JD’s Intro coming from my good friend John Dugan aka JD Hip Hop Reviews (Who also gave me the heads up on this album the same day as Danny), here we find JD hitting up Danny about the album and bringing a focus to the appearance of one Angelface, do we have a biter here or something else?

Step By Step is produced by NEO Hannan and brings a trap style beat with a sparce beat, synth sound and that high paced cymbal sound that gives this one a vibe that does get you focused. Here we have Danny giving us the lowdown on who he is and how he approaches life, giving us a step-by-step guide to how he got where he is now and how it is going to take him further. Now we have a bit more of an insight into Danny as an artist, Movin’ sees XavrPryme take on production duties with a more head nod beat that is backed with guitar vibes that give this an upbeat feel. This on has a far more personal feel to it as Danny details the hurdles he has faces and overcome as he has walked the path of life. This gives us more of a look at who he is behind the mic and the foundations he builds on as an artist focusing on his dreams.

No Extinguisher features 1^st Blood and is produced by Tom Hodson. The heavy beat and keys give this one a fresh sound that seems to tweak at your nerves with each keynote while also tempting you to bounce to the beat. This one is two emcees giving you a demonstration of their lyrical prowess and wordplay, one of those you just need to sit back and enjoy. KPrymetheJaegar brings production on Sunshine with a sound that has a laid-back, but heavy sound that will get you moving to this one and definitely puts you in mind of the fresh summer days to come. There is an uplifting air about this one that seems to fit with being sat alone ruminating over things as you watch the sun go down. Just thinking over things and how the music has helped you through the bad times. Rhythm & The Rhyme is produced by Wigz and brings us a sound that has synth notes as the main sound mixed with bass and laid-back percussion, giving this one a sound that has a strangely infectious sound. There is also a comedic use of a zipper to bring a scratch sound. Here we get the sense that Danny encompassing many aspects of his life, from his relationship with music and his family to looking at the world and society around him. Fitting so much into just over four minutes is a tall order but, he does it perfectly here. Far From Friends is produced by Tom Hodson and has a head nod beat backed by horns that has a heavier sound overall that gives you the sense this one has a stronger more emotive edge. This one has an edge that seems to hint at mental health and those times you wrestle with your own thoughts about what is really most important, who is a friend and who is a foe, and much more. There is also a bit of a comedic edge to this one two which allows Danny to speak on this without getting too deep and making too emotive.    

Next up is the Angelface Interlude, a little skit that seems to hint at an alter ego for Danny? Angelface features on The Beast Within, produced by KPrymetheJaegar, this one has a solid head nod sound that will get you bouncing from the get-go. This one has a light-hearted vibe to it as Angelface makes his debut, as the alter-ego of Danny Riggs. These guys show the yin and yang of one man’s character but done in a way that has that tongue-in-cheek aspect that you can just enjoy with a smile, especially that comedic scratch sound.

Crazy Daily is produced by Wigz alongside Danny Riggs and brings a sound that has this big bass and drum sound with a background vibe that has this electronic sampled vibe. Altogether the sound might appear to be too much but, it gets you nodding for sure. On the face of it this one might just appear to be one of those rap braggadocio tracks but, while there is some of that mixed in with some jus for fun wordplay, there are also more that a few references to more of those hurdles he has overcome in life. So, this one gives a great overall look at Danny and where he sees himself going and the energy, he has inside to get there. MaugzMade brings production on Pleasure 2 The Max with a sound that has this mix of heavy drum beat mixed with electronic elements and a guitar sound that gives you this wicked sound you can’t help but move to. Here Danny gives us his own version of track that is dedicated to that special someone in his life. Not a love song but, more of tale of how two people’s energies can work in tandem. MaugzMade continues with production on What’s Up, where the sound has a different guitar vibe alongside a heavy beat, giving this one a deeper sound with a reflective edge. The message here is one of making a change in the world; a world that is full of darkness, power struggles, control and death. The people in power are the ones doing this to the world and its peoples, and the key is to keep yourself safe and not listen to the fake news and lies being perpetrated by those in power.

The penultimate full track of the album is Roads, which features Kenny Cadence and is produced by Tom Hodson. This one has cuts and wicked funky beat that will have you moving while this electronic siren type sound will grip your awareness, even though I feel the track would still work without it. There is a depth to the words within this one as main message seems to focus on the fact that you should not get too far ahead of yourself in this industry, but pace yourself and take you time getting where you need to go, because the more time you take, will help you progress at the pace which is right for you and allow to mature, and not burn out before your time. The final full track of the album is Back 2 Back which features the legendary Scorzayzee and production from ZAR! (Who also featured on the Times Change EP). This one takes the sound back to a more grime sound; one that has a heavy beat and electronic vibes that scratch at your nerves alongside that rapid ticking sound. This one is all about two emcees bouncing off each other with the kind of bars that would not be out of place on any stage.

The album is rounded off with Danny’s Outro. Where Danny Riggs just gives us a quick personal message. He also touches on the appearance on Angelface, perhaps hinting at the fact we have not heard the last of that name…

 

Overall, I found Better Late Than Never to be a highly enjoyable listen and one which was surprisingly easy to write to, which is something that I noted when reviewing the Times Change EP too. I think this comes down to the fact of how Danny writes his lyrics. He is very down to earth and does not write in a way that makes what he says too complex in the wordplay. That does not make his lyricism too basic either. It says that he has taken time to write an album that says what he wants it to say, in a way that anyone can understand. It is still cleaver in its construction and delivered in a way that shows he is constantly leaning and developing his craft. I can see that the future for Danny will show him to keep developing and honing his craft, and with a lot more to give to the UK scene as he works towards his dreams. There is also that little view of his alter ego, Angelface, who could serve Danny Well and give him another avenue to express his craft in a slightly different way.

 When I heard the first track, it took me buy surprise a little. I am not a huge fan of trap style music and especially the high paced ticking sound, for me that takes the focus from the vocals and overshadows the track somewhat. However, that said, it is good to mix things up a bit and the album is book ended by those two tracks that have a vastly different sound from the rest of the album. Better Late Than Never is predominantly an album rooted in boom bap Hip Hop, but using those elements of trap and grime, show that Danny is prepared to step outside the box and into other genre’s, and there is nothing wrong in spreading your wings and showing that you have what it takes to be a cross genre artist.

The production on this one is all top notch and gives Danny the perfect platform to bring his long-awaited album into the limelight. I was not familiar with many of these producers prior to the album but, have to say that following this review, I am really impressed with what I have heard from all involved and will be looking out for them in the future.

It was also refreshing to see Danny taking the forefront on this album and filling it with too many features. Those that do feature fit perfectly on the album and do not take anything away from or overshadow Danny in any way; and only serve to compliment him on the album.

For me, as a debut album, this one ticks so many boxes. Danny has taken the time to deliver an album that perfectly showcases him as an emcee and also gives us a glimpse at his production. It shows that he has a lot more to give us as time goes on. It also shows us he has many strings to his bow and has many avenues to explore, especially where Angelface is concerned and in production too.

Better Late Than Never is out today. So, give it a listen and see what you think.

Huge thanks to both Danny Riggs and John Dugen (JD Hip Hop Reviews) for helping me bring this one to you.

 

Be seeing you,

Steve.  

LINKS

Here is the one link you need:

https://linktr.ee/dannyriggsuk

VIDEOs

Step By Step

Back 2 Back ft Scorzayzee

   

 

 

Album Review: Manners and Respect by Kaos Krew

 

Manners and Respect

By

KAOS Krew

 

Marking the final album which I have in my list that came to me last year, It’s good to have Jonie D, TJ Chill and Peekaboo, aka KAOS Krew, back on the blog with their most recent album Manners and Respect. This is their fourth studio album which is produced by Jonie D.

As noted in the press release, Manners and Respect is an album that reflects the Krew’s trademark blend of roots-conscious lyricism and grounded production. They also note that the album stands as a testament to longevity, message, and the timeless power of true-school artistry.

Those few words alone will speak volumes to those true school heads out there. They also give someone like myself plenty to think about as I get ready to do a deep dive into the album.

So, Let’s get into it…

 

Manners and Respect is a twelve track album that was released in November of last year (2025). It begins with the albums title track Manners and Respect. A heavy drumbeat and acoustic guitar give this one a mariachi feel, especially when the horns kick in on the bridge, giving you cause to nod your head along to the beat. As you listen to this one you really get the feel that not only is this one setting the tone of the album but, there is the fact that both manners and respect go hand in hand. Something which is true in so many aspects of life, you need to have respect for those who have come before you and paved the way. When you find yourself in the presence of these people it is only right that your respect is matched by your manners in how you behave. This might initially be something you think of in the rap game but, it goes beyond that, far beyond. With you now in the correct frame of mind, up next is Don’t Play That, The solid boom bap sound here is backed by guitar notes and a classic computer game loading sound, from back in the eighties. The heavy sound here has an energy that fires you up from the get-go. There is an edge to the lyrics here, one that speaks a lot because, in life there are a lot of things that you should not play with and a great many other things that it is ok to play with. Here the Krew detail some of the things you should never play with, just as they don’t play around with their music; in not playing with their music, they invite you to step up, because this is one of the things you can play with and enjoy in life. Lickshot hits with a funk fuelled vibe on the beat, mixed with strings and guitar vibes that all merge to bring you a big upbeat sound. Here the only shots being fired are those of the verbal kind, and the Krew do a cracking job of unloading some high calibre wordplay with pinpoint accuracy, giving the listener plenty to enjoy and bounce to.

Patrizio is a word of Italian origin, meaning Nobleman, and puts you in mind of Jonie D’s Italian roots, before the tracks even begins. The sound hits with a solid beat backed by bongo’s, harmonica and vocal samples which all combine to bring a sound that has an infectious feel to it. As you listen to the vocals, the wordplay has this tendency to take you off in different directions as the Krew speak on AI and subjects that make you wonder just what nobleman is, are we all not noblemen in some way, shape and form? We all have our standing in life and how we conduct ourselves and present ourselves says a lot about who we truly are. Now, I’m not saying that I might have nailed the meaning behind this one but, there is this feeling that it says a lot about who we are and how we see ourselves that truly gives us that noble standing, and not necessarily because we were born into some so called bloodline. Stains brings us a wicked boom bap sound that gets you nodding as soon as it hits, but there is also a deep edge to the sound too. This one deals with the stains that are left by the things we do, be that on a personal level or those of a country. All actions have a consequence and very often those consequences leave an indelible stain on your reputation as a person or as a nation. Sometimes these stains can’t be avoided, but there are many times when the choices we make are the difference. With those thoughts still raw in our minds, Cap brings another sound that has a heavy beat with guitar vibes and vocal samples that gives this one thoughtful storytelling air about it. The Krew goes in deep on this one giving you much to think about, because a cap has many meanings. We use caps to cover things, stop things, even signify the end or the limit of something. When you consider all these different meanings and listen to the track, you realise that the Krew is diving deep into everything that happens from a more personal level, as you cover you head or face with a cap, to looking at more of what happens in society around us. Everything affects us in some way and not all of it can be avoided.

Halfway through the album and already the KAOS Krew has given us much to enjoy and ponder along the way. So, what will Reality bring to the table. This one hits with a heavy bass reggae sound which vibrates through your entire body. This one is a look at the fact that reality is like a double edged sword, it can reflect how we are feeling and help raise us up but, there are also the times when it appears to be completely at odds with how we are feeling! The thing is, not to let that stark reality to affect you, but to give you a reason to see it and use it to your own ends. Next Plateau continues a sound that has that Hip Hop reggae vibe with drums and horns. The title might immediately put you in mind of the classic NYC Record label but, for me, this one had a different feel that seemed to speak on always looking to raise yourself up, even the face of adversity. You can feel comfortable, for a time, but sooner or later you need to test yourself, push yourself on to the next plateau, a place you can feel safe until ready to push yourself once more. Next up, the Kaos Krew bring us a Big Sound with heavy drums and bass, in fact saying this one is Big is totally on point here. The idea of things being big, continues in the lyrics where all things big are explored and reinforced. There is a feeling that this one has a slightly light-hearted edge to it as well as pounding your ears.

As we head into the final quarter of the album, Funky brings the kinda intro that hypes you up, after this the beat is solid head nod with some nice bass notes and wicked samples to boot. This one sees the Krew dropping some slick wordplay to get you bouncing and grinning. This one is an example of the kinda lyricism the guys can drop when they are not focusing on deeper subject matter. The penultimate track is Diamonds. Here we have a heavy reggae sound of keys behind the heavy beat, which gets you moving with the energy it brings. The brings us a track that looks at everything that is or could be considered to be a Diamond. From the description of an actual diamond, to tracks and more that are some special they given that diamond status. The Album ends with Ajer, a word that has a number of meanings including reward or prize. The sound has that acoustic guitar sound accompanying the heavy drum beat, giving this that mariachi vibe once again. Here there is a distinct link to the idea of a prize or reward, but also there is also much to be said about just what drives someone to seek the prize and what the ultimate reward might be. Too many times, we see that people seek money for their own ends. Billionaires gain and keep wealth they can never spend while so many people live in poverty. On the flip side of this you have the likes of the Kaos Krew whose only prize is to be the best they can be, at the top of their game, and the same can be said of a great many of us, and it is something I see so often when I review music that artists are not doing it for the monetary gain but, for the love of what they do. I guess that is key here, what are you seeking and why are you seeking it…

What is immediately noticeable with Manners and Respect is that the KAOS Krew, once more bring us an album that is packed with intelligent subject matter and wordplay. Every track, even those that have that display of wordplay and less heavy on the subject matter, has this lyrical edge that just seems to hit a little deeper than most. They almost spin their wordplay in a way that makes you constantly second guess what you hear, something that gives you reason to replay every track in order to help you grasp exactly what is being said. The impact is quite intense at times, which works so well with the depth of what is being said.

This is the kind of album that shows the range of what KAOS Krew is capable of, delivering tracks that speak to the soul as much as they speak to your adrenaline levels. There is a lot here that we can all associate with as much of it focuses on subjects that we all see and face every day of our lives, and this is why they feel so deep and seem to hit us on many levels. There is that underlying tone to the album that focuses very much on the idea of everyone behaving with manners and respect in everything they do, because we live in a world where so any of those in positions of power look down on most of the population, only giving a level of manners and respect to those they consider their equals or more.

Jonie D brings some quality production here too. Drawing on a number of different inspirations to create a sound that has its roots in real Hip Hop but, also brings enough variation to keep you guessing at times. Every track has a sound that brings its own energy and hits in different ways. Being both highly enjoyable and emotive at the same time, considering what frame of mind you are in and how you want to hear it.

As I have already noted the lyrics and wordplay is intelligent and at times complex, delivered in a way that means you have to focus to get the full impact from their delivery. Something that brings that element of longevity to the album as it not one of those you are likely to tire of quickly.

The full impact of the album is something that you need to experience for yourself. So, if you have not checked this one yet, then I highly recommend that you have a listen soon, because Kaos Krew are not to be slept on.

 

Manners and Respect is out now, and I give my thanks to TJ Chill, Jonie D and Peekaboo for the chance to bring this one to you.

 

I’ll see ya next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab your copy here:

https://kaoskrewldn.bandcamp.com/album/manners-and-respect

KAOS Krew Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/kaoskrewldn/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgx1VZOcV5Qn9g4XmODXfvQ

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

Read the review of Over The Iron Bridge Here:

https://infinitesoundsuk.blogspot.com/2024/03/album-review-over-iron-bridge-by-kaos.html

VIDEOS

Manners and Respect

 

Album Review: Four Four by Legs MC

 

Four Four

By

Legs MC

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

I’ll be seeing ya.

 

Steve.

LINKS

Grab or stream the Album Here:

https://linktr.ee/legsmc

Legs MC Socials:

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

https://www.facebook.com/legsmc

VIDEOS

Four Four Two

Take A Joke

 

 

 

Album Review: You Got No Fans by KJ

 

You Got No Fans

By

KJ

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

On that note,

I’ll catch ya next time.

Steve.

LINKS

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

https://linktr.ee/kieranjulio

VIDEOS

You Got No Fans ft The Wealdstone Raider

 

 

 

Album Review: After The Party by Mackenzie

 

After The Party

By

Mackenzie

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

After The Party is out now.

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

I’ll see ya next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab or stream the Album Here:

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

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

Mackenzie Socials:

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

https://www.facebook.com/mackenziescottishrap

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

VIDEOS

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

Lie Like That

Total Satisfaction ft Wends

Bounce