WHATABOUTCHA! (DA REDHOUSE BLUES ALBUM)
By RED VENOM
Review
When you think of UK Hip Hop that represents the essence of
what true Hip Hop is to the core, you can’t get more Hip Hop than Red Venom.
The man who represents the Rhyme Syndicate in the UK and mixes the UK Vibe with
an added essence straight from the Emerald Isle and delivers his music from the
heart in that true skool Hip Hop element.
It’s been six years since Red Venom dropped the stunning
Redhouse, which featured a host of guest features including DJ Pressure, Donald
D, Lord Jazz, Craig G, Man Parrish and Freakin’ Inglish amoung others. If you
thought this one was hard to top, don’t think that the Manchester Emcee has
been resting. Performing at Gigs in the UK, Ireland and Europe with the likes
of Donald D and Carpetface, Red Venom is back with the debut album
Whataboutcha!
So, let’s get straight into this Album and get the lowdown
track by track from the Official CD release:
The album kick’s off
with Because I’m Ill Like That (Remix).
The track features Lord Jazz and Dren and, the original, was featured on the
Redhouse EP. What a funky powerhouse of a track to start the album. I have
always enjoyed what can be achieved with a remix and this one definitely does
not disappoint. From that funky laid back vibe the pace turns up a few notches
with the album’s title track, Whataboutcha.
Here Red Venom skilfully drops what is akin to a battle rhyme over a dope old
skool beat whilst featuring a chorus, taken from the song The Wild Rover, to
give it that celtic twist. Staying with that celtic vibe, it’s time to take a
chill pill with Homeward Bound. This
might be a chilled out vibe but, the message here is still powerful as Red
Venom drops a lot of knowledge focusing on the trials of modern life. Up next
is Ya Know Who, which features MC
Shine and Oddball. As this one drops you might think you are in for an acid
groove but, nah, the beat kicks in and this one is a straight banger to get you
bouncing.
Whisky Bar (Drunk
Anthem) is a heavy track with a pounding vibe. This one focuses on having a
drink and the things that we can all get up to when we had just a little too
much of the sauce. From drinking to an element of Hip Hop so underused in this
day as Pressure Drop (Beatbox) gives
us a dope Beatbox interlude. B Boy Blues
drops next and is probably one of the funkiest tracks you’ll hear this year.
This one takes stories of all the ups and downs of life and delivers it as only
Red can, and damn that shits dope. The rollercoaster ride continues as Red
takes us on a trip through his own life in Sad
Song. Now it might be a sad song but, you can’t help but vibe to this with
its fresh beat and jazzy horns. Get your heads ready to nod to the next track
as Digging in the Crates takes you
on trip through some of those musical inspirations that influenced Red Venom
and indeed Hip Hop at large. Music is capable of some much for each of us and
all of us and that shows through here.
OK, so we are half way done with this album. What can Red
possibly have in store for us...
Rainy City is one
of those tracks taking us on a ride through the daily ups and downs of city
life and when you live in Manchester England there are plenty of those stories
to tell. Listening to those stories is more enjoyable when they are told over a
dope beat with beautifully sung chorus. It’s time to up the pace with the Hip
Hop and Rock vibe of Shamrock and Soul.
If you are still not sure what Red Venom is all about, then this track will
definitely leave you in no doubt, Red Venom is dope emcee with the knowledge
and the skills to rock the whole Hip Hop scene. The next track, Alcohell (Darkside Blues), is a track
that details the dark side of drinking too much and all over a heavy track that
is almost as crazy as the feeling of having drunk too much. But, this track
follows the drinker to the bitter end...
Up next is one of my personal favourite tracks and first on
the album to feature the Syndicate Sniper, Donald D. Is The Mic On is a banger in every sense of the word as Red and D
display their lyrical skills over a wicked beat with some dope cuts. This one
is one of those tracks that is never out of place, no matter where you play it.
Just remember to play it loud because this is the Rhyme Syndicate in effect.
Red Venom has many stories to tell and Searching
Heaven is no different. On this laid back track Red talks all about those
loved ones who have left this earthly existence and wait for us to cross over
one day but, this is not a sad track, it’s a celebration. From those we have
lost to food for thought on Seconds Out
Return To (Redshouse) as Red takes us back to verses and displays his skill
in the rap game, if you can call it a game that is.
It’s time to mix it up on this next track with a Hip Hop /
Jamaican Dance vibe as Red Venom teams up with Bigger Ranks on Hands High. A real floor filler, it
really shows the versatility of Red Venom. Talking of versatility Red Venom now
teams with UK music greats The Cure on Up
To No Good, the albums penultimate track, which is like a reworking of the
Cure’s, The Lovecats, which Red Venom has taken to the streets and given it
that Hip Hop storytelling vibe. Another stand out track, that is not just a
floor filler but, also one for the car, BBQ or anywhere you want to bump it.
Finally we have reached the albums final track, what a track this is. The
second track on the album to feature the legendary Donald D is Stop Actin’. This one is a laid back
funky track that gives you some skilled story telling all about those who think
they are something more than they really are. If you wanna be true to yourself
and those around you, Stop Actin’...
Overall, what does this album say to me? Well, that’s easy.
This is a debut album from an emcee that displays an incredible lyrical skill,
a knack for storytelling and a diverse range of styles. Not just that but, Red
Venom’s link with Ice T’s Rhyme Syndicate shows that this emcee has a huge
amount of respect from his peers and a reputation which precedes him in
whatever he does.
Whataboutcha! Might be a rollercoaster ride of styles, moods
and vibes but, in truth it does not really have a low moment. It can stand
shoulder to shoulder with the best of them and displays just enough diversity
to keep you listening and then, at the end, to make you wonder what is next for
Red Venom? Personally I feel he has the talent to succeed in whatever he puts
his mind to and the future is definitely bright But, it’s not Orange, Its most
definitely RED.
I always like to give credit where credit is due. There are
very often others involved in crafting an album of this nature. The production
is all top notch and it is important to give credit to Nobby Neary Pressure for
providing all the beats for the album and DJ Pressure who provided all the
Cuts. Their input along with Red Venoms skill in writing the lyrics really puts
Whataboutcha up there with some of the best debut albums and one I am honoured
to have been able to review.
The album is definitely one for you collections. It is not
just a big album for the UK Hip Hop scene but, for Hip Hop in general.
Currently available in Digital and CD format, the Album will see a vinyl
release early in 2020. Not just that But, Red Venom will be playing some
selected tour dates next year along side Donald D and other special guests. So,
keep your eye peeled for more information of those dates to come.
So, grab yourself a copy of this album. You will not regret
it.
I’m out, till next time, Peace Out
Steve
For Info on the 2020 Tour with Donald D and other special guests, check the link here for OSR Events and Promotions:
Videos:
Is The Mic On ft Donald D
Homeward Bound
Stop Actin ft Donald D
Dope salute Red Venom #Rhyme$yndicateFam
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