Underground Kingpin
By GAMBIT
Album Review
Gambit, Originally from Poland and now residing in Switzerland,
has been three years making this new project and it is released through
Spitslam Records, owned by Hip Hop Legend and Public Enemy front man Chuck D.
Chuck also provides the Intro and serves as one executive producer for the
album alongside Gambit.
Now, some of you may be familiar with Gambit and some not
so, as I often do, I dropped some questions to Gambit as this was the perfect
chance to give you all that extra little insight into the album and Gambit
(Gambit’s comments feature in italics).
So, what am I waiting for, let’s get into this:
The albums Intro
is delivered by Chuck D. I say delivered because this is very much Chuck
dropping his knowledge to a background of a heavy pounding beat of Gambit’s production
and, as Gambit says, this is Chuck talking about me and having the right attitude within the world of hip
hop. This is so true if
you really listen to what Chuck has to say and when you consider the new
directions Hip Hop is being taken in by many artists these days.
The Album’s title
track drops with middle-eastern feel, provided by Mahmoud Ragab Omar, before a
heavy beat kicks in and you get your first taste of Gambit’s distinctive rapid
pace rhyme style. Underground Kingpin
is basically a comeback tune where I
underline my position as underground kingpin. For those who like it and for
those who don't!
Montana Syndrome is proper boom bap style track with production
from C-DOC (DefBeat Posse Productions) and some wicked cuts from DJ Roy. On
this track Gambit drops his view on a certain gangster movie glorified by so
many stateside. I never
understood why so some people glorify that Scarface Movie, I mean he takes a
lot of cokes then loses everything. In Montana Syndrome I'm telling you what
really can happen to naive people who enter the world of crime.
Contra, which features Jahi
with Production by DJ Roy & Gambit, is not as frantic as many of the tracks
but, keeps the heavy pounding bass, frantic raw cuts and dope rhyme flows. We're contra but against what? Against all
that shit that happens within the music industry. Serious shots fired.
Spit has elements of
Drum N Bass and maybe a hint of Dancehall mixed in, all produced by Gambit
himself. Still hitting you full on with rapid rhyme flows Gambit lets you know
what he is all about on this one. This
track underlines my skills and attitude, cause no matter what I spit, you won't
forget my name. Interesting Fact, I made this beat on 105bpm with drum n bass
elements only.
Firestorm features Tak and
is a track that takes the lyrical vibes back to old skool with a battle rap
style track. Production again comes from C-DOC and is one of those beats you
can’t help but nod ya head to. All capped off by DJ Roy’s turntable skills. Going back to the Old Skool with Tak,
spittin like back in the day where trends and hypes weren't that relevant. It's
a competitive tune with loads of comic/anime/game references; some of it is
quite insider material haha.
Ironfist features Firebird
and this track is banging track, produced by Gambit, which takes a shot at all
those who might seek to mess with the culture that is Hip Hop. Rough bars against all the suckers who try
to destroy the culture of hip hop.
Another Sphere is
described as the anthem of the album. Gambit’s production is on point here with
a track which gives you the lowdown on his attitude and what is his own style
of Hip Hop. This track underlines my
attitude as artist, it reflects what I stand for and what I’m against...And it's
called Another Sphere cause I got my own sound and style, that's why I’m saying
in the chorus "I give you some you can't compare".
A Better Place
features Junior Lawless on track which has a nice dancehall vibe running
through it. Production again comes from Gambit and is a bit more laid back but,
dropping a message all about the greed of those in certain positions of power. A smooth tune
about the greed of certain people from politics and other moguls.
Drugs is a track that
reflects its title. Drugs can be messy and much of what is out there is on the
streets is of a quality that can be dangerous and fatal. Production is by
Gambit who had this to say My Anti Drug
Track. A lot of rappers glorify drugs these days. I don't.
Supersonic is produced by
Kerwin Young and DJ Cool. This track has an upbeat vibe and is best described
by Gambit himself, A vibrant tune about Spencer Haywood, ABA and NBA legend who changed the
rules of the NBA forever. Look it up!
Fists of the Cyrax opens with Jack Nicholson’s line from Batman. Featuring UK Emcee
Iceski, this track is produced by Gambit and has two perfectly matched lyrical
flows from two emcees who just bounce perfectly off each other. That's how it sounds when you come correct
and show how veterans defend that thing we call real hip hop. I could not
have put it better myself.
Titanhunters features Kid Lyrical and an intro by Gambit’s son. Gambit’s production
on this hectic and is probably something many would not even describe as Hip
Hop but, more of a Dub/DnB fusion perhaps. However you describe this does not
really matter because the impact is made. An
Anti Major Label Tune full of statements and nimble flows. My Son did the intro
here, he's 5, I’m very proud of him.
Iceflame, Gambit’s production here is like an aural rollercoaster. In fact the
whole track is tacking you on ride though exactly why he is doing this and why
is that? Declaring that I'm not on the Mic
cause I want the champagne, the coke or the fame. I'm doing this cause I grew
up with hip hop which is the most relevant reason.
Outro, Gambit’s outro is a shout out to all those who deserve it. Delivered
in his own no nonsense style with production to reflect that. Thanks to my fam
and all the people who are part of the project. Vocals and cuts by myself.
Overall this album is Hip Hop from the viewpoint of one man, One MC.
Gambit has much to say about life around him, the state of the world and the
culture he loves and grew up with. What he has done here to bring his message
to the masses is to fuse Hip Hop music with many other vibes and musical
styles.
Now, this approach might not be to the liking of everyone and let’s face
it, you are never going to please everyone but, one thing I have learnt across
my years of listening to many genres of music, is that you have to keep an open
mind and every now and again someone will deliver something that surprises you
and this is one of those moments. The Album flows perfectly from track to track. Giving you constant and consistent hardcore Hip Hop music at a frantic pace and not just that but, one thing you will find is
that this album sounds awesome the higher the volume. So, please feel free to
play this at volume’s way past 10...
Everything about this album is pure class. Production is all of the
highest order from all those involved. DJ Roy, who provides all the cuts for
the album, gives us frantic and unrelenting turntable dexterity. The album was
mixed by Gambit and mastered by Earle Holder at HDQTRZ Mastering Studios.
Artwork is by Gambit with additional layout by DC Snyder.
Before I wrap this up, there are a few questions I dropped to Gambit.
Here is what he had to say:
Firstly, aside from asking him to give me his view of each track from
the album, I asked him if he could give me a brief history of Gambit:
Gambit: I started rapping when I was 14, my first influences
were Ice T, Public Enemy, Paris and Old Skool Ragamuffin artists like Daddy
Freddy, Asher D and Tenor Fly. Years later I formed a Group called Last Resort
with DJ Taste, probably Switzerland's first turntablist, after like 10 years
with Taste I went solo and did my own thing. Here you can read more https://slamjamz.com/artists/gambit-catalog
Next I asked how he came to meet Chuck D and sign to
Spitslam and what input Chuck had into the album:
Gambit: My first contact
was Studdah Man, a producer of Public Enemy; we used to communicate on social
media. I showed him a few tracks that I had in the pipeline and he liked it a
lot and said I can send my material to Janol "Mecca" Holmes, the CEO
at Slamjamz. He liked it a lot and that's basically how it started. I met Chuck
for the first time in Switzerland when Public Enemy was touring with the
Prodigy. My new Album is my 4th release on Chuck's Label (I’m on Spitslam now,
which is basically the same camp) and he wanted to do the Album intro. I was
like yea of course and the rest was fully up to me how it's going to sound
like. Chuck fully trusts in my craft so I was fully free.
The album has a unique sound that appears to be drawn from many genres.
How do your tracks evolve, do you have the beats first or do you write first
then utilise the production.
Gambit: Well, I usually got the
lyrics first, or at least a verse or two, then I produce something for it. I
started making beats in 2001 simply cause nobody had the beats I wanted...regarding
the various genres, I don't even feel like this, to me it's all hip hop no
matter what direction you go, as long as you rap to its rap you know...
Chuck D aside, who else have been/are your major influences...
Gambit: My early influences are as
earlier mentioned Ice T, Run DMC, Beastie Boys, UK Hip Hop like Gunshot, Killa
Instinct, Blade, Old Skool Ragamuffin by Daddy Freddy, Tenor Fly. I'm also
deeply into Jungle/DNB, DJ Zink, Shy FX, Panacea just to name a few. So
basically the good hip hop and the good dnb...
Following on from this release, what have you got coming up, is there
anything you can tell us about and is there anyone you would really like to
work with...
Gambit: Yes there's something in
the making but it's too early to talk about it yet. I'm collaborating with a
good friend of mine and he's one of my all time favourite mc's...who I'd like
to work with...hm...million dan would be dope but it don't look like he's into
music these days from what I see unfortunately, man's a great mc no
doubt.
Shout outs to Chuck
D, C-Doc, Janol Mecca Holmes, Studdah Man.
So there you have it. Now you know a bit more about Gambit
and you have everything you need to make an informed choice on this album.
Don’t just take my word for it. This is an album that needs to be heard.
For me, Gambit has one of those instantly recognisable
voices in Hip Hop and Rap. Not just that but, he has a style that makes him a
perfect fit for those hardcore/Britcore style vibes as well as what he is doing
best himself.
I suggest you check the video’s below and if you like it go
grab a copy and then keep your eyes and mind open because you have not heard
the last of Gambit. There is more in the pipeline from him and I, for one, will
be waiting eagerly for the next release to drop.
I would like to give huge respect and thanks to Gambit for giving me the opportunity to review the album.
On that note,
I’m out, Peace.
Another Sphere official Video
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