Doin’ It / Sometimes
By Whirlwind D
Single review
I’m going to make no secret of the fact that Whirlwind D is
one of my favourite emcees out there. I can’t really say what one thing it is
about his work that I enjoy so much. It is more that I find the way he writes,
the content and his flow just all ads up to a perfect Hip Hop package. When D
is on the Mic, you get to hear and understand everything all coupled with an
energy that pervades everything he does. You can really feel the love he has
for what he does and that for me really says it all when you hear and feel the
music.
So, it is always a real treat to review something by D and
when the chance came to review this one, I was well up for it. I also thought
that this would be a great chance to drop a few questions his way.
On that note, let’s get in to this...
DOIN’ IT is a
wicked feel good track and features production from Djar One, with cuts by
Specifik. A high paced banger all about the love D has for Hip Hop. This track
really speaks to those of us who grew up with Hip Hop from its early days but, don’t
get me wrong here it’s not just one for the old skool heads. This is one for
anyone who loves Hip Hop, the energy, the passion and the enjoyment it brings
and I can’t think of anyone better to put that across that Whirlwind D. Let’s
not forget Djar One has sculptured a wicked beat for D and Specifik brings the
dope cuts to set it all off.
SOMETIMES eases back on the pace as Specifik’s production provides
a funkier more laid back vibe. Here D drops the knowledge on the real tip,
discussing the things that are in our faces every day. From fake news and
internet addiction to differing beliefs and the many things that cause stress
and make us lose touch with who we truly are. Anyone listening to this will be
able to associate with the topics here and it’s always good to give you
something to think about. With Djar One back providing the cuts, there is
plenty here for your mind.
It is a safe bet these days that anything dropping from
B-Line Recordings, is gonna really be the real Hip Hop, and as you can see
here, this release is no different. Whirlwind D, Specifik and Djar One really
vibe perfectly together and drop two phenomenally well crafted tracks that
display differing moods, styles and subject matter. From all those differences
the outcome of both is the same, two extremely enjoyable tracks that you will
be having on rotation for many moons to come for sure.
As always, a release like this comes as a package and I
would also like to drop a mention to those behind the scenes. All mixed by Djar
One himself the Mastering of the whole project was Bristol’s infamous Rola, a
true legend in the game and the man behind so many dope releases. Design comes
from B-Line Recordings design master Mr Tibbz and Photography from master of
the lens Paul Taylor. So a huge respect for the work everyone put into this
release. Pat yourselves on the back everyone.
As I said at the beginning, I took this opportunity to drop
a few questions to Whirlwind D. On the back of just five questions, I think a
full interview would be something quite special but, that’s for another day
perhaps. So, just what did I ask D on this occasion?
Firstly, I wanted to know how easy it was to drop a project
like this with Specifik and Djar One?
D -
First and
foremost, it is always an absolute pleasure working with Specifik and Djar One.
Specifik is one of my closest friends and so it is always a very natural
process. He always gets that vibe just right and perfect for the track whether
producing or scratching. Djar and I previously collaborated on ‘Labels’ (as did
Specifik) and again, it is always a great pleasure working with Djar. Given the
blueprint we already had with ‘Labels’, it was a relatively easy process,
although of course there are always hiccups along the way. In this case, it was
related to Rola not being able to mix the project due to his tinnitus. Rola is
the best in the business when it comes to mixing and mastering and of course we
all wish him a speedy recovery! I am eternally grateful to Rola for all the
magic he brings to each of my projects!
Next, I asked him how the whole thing came about?
D - As with all of my personal projects, they are
driven by me (hence the executive producer label). In this case, I really
wanted to follow up ‘Labels’ from the ‘Beats, Bits and Bobs’ EP (2018) after
the great success it was, even getting played on BBC 6Music (Craig Charles
Show) and of course selling out quickly! With that in mind, I contacted Djar
One and we decided on a beat, something fast and funk fuelled which would be a B
Boy soundtrack. From there, Specifik laced it with the cuts and we did the
exact reverse on the flip, producing another boom bap track, this time a bit
slower to provide contrast but with a message about the world of
information/mis-information that we live in. Specifik produced ‘Sometimes’.
So, what does Whirlwind D really enjoy about a project like
this?
D - First and foremost, it’s the collaboration and
working alongside good friends and people you have great respect for. On most
of my projects I choose to work with friends and label mates and the process
itself is an adventure. I also love seeing how we start with an ember of an
idea and then reach a point where the track is written, ideas bound together,
video in place and it’s ready to go on sale. Such a buzz! I’m also always very
proud to record for such an incredible label (B Line) which I feel represents
our culture and its values. All props to Specifik for creating this B-Line fam!
This might seem like a strange question but, as it came to
mind I decided to ask and I thought it might bring something a little extra to
the mix...
Have there been any draw backs on this project?
D - Not that I can think of! If anything, there are
advantages as singles and eps can be more current and focused on a theme
because of their length and immediacy. I loved recording my two albums however
for the time being I’m quite happy going down the single/EP route. In addition
of course, it is often the case (I notice this when you look at platforms such
as Spotify) with the way the majority consumes music now, that specific tracks
can be selected off long players. That said, there will always be a place for
LPs and I do love them!!
Lastly, I asked what is to come from Whirlwind D and does he have
anything coming up that he can let us know about?
D - Well....... I have a number of collaborations waiting to drop. One
of which is on Haynsey’s dope forthcoming LP as you will probably know! I
should probably keep quiet about the rest! In addition I am about to start
working on a joint project (most likely an EP) with another Mc, and there will
probably be some more solo Whirlwind D stuff to come...... keeping busy for
sure!!! We (Specifik and I) also have a few upcoming gigs..... Lindesfarne
Festival at the end of August, Rope A Dope 5 and we are playing in France
with Djar one!
So there you have it, a little insight into this project and a few
things that are in the future. It’s awesome what can get just from a few short
questions and I for one can’t wait for Rope-A-Dope 5, a great venue with great
music. The perfect place to catch up with friends, make new ones and listen to
some dope music to boot, so keep watch for more on this as you will probably
find Whirlwind D on the Mic as Emcee and host...
I would like to thank Whirlwind D for answering these few questions for
me. I would have loved to ask more trust me.
If you don’t have this one, go out and get it (sadly the Vinyl is sold out already), stream it whatever way
you can just get it and don’t forget to check the video too, I’ll drop it
below.
I will update links when I can.
So, till next time...
I’m out, Peace...
Steve.
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