Where Do I Go
From Here?
By
Dizzy Dustin
and Pandamonium
Where Do I Go From Here? Has been one of the most highly
anticipated albums it has been my pleasure to review. Back last year I heard
that Pandamonium was working with the legendary figure of Dizzy Dustin from
Ugly Duckling, which was easily enough to pique my interest but, as time went
on the list of guest artists grew and the anticipation grew, not just for me
but, for the Hip Hop community at large.
Dizzy Dustin needs no introduction, one of the founding
members of the group Ugly Duckling, he is easily one of those emcees who has
gone on from his time in UD to a successful solo career as well as being one
half of the groups Blown Celeb
(alongside Swiss Precise) and Grumpy Olde Men (alongside DJ Shag).
If you are familiar with my blog, you will be well aware of
Pandamonium, I have reviewed a number of his releases here since he dropped
2019’s instrumental Album Sample Everything. The former DMC Championship
finalist, from the UK’s Southwest, has really been forging a name for himself
on the UK scene in recent years and teaming up with Diz is such an amazing
opportunity.
Now WDIGFH has not been without its setbacks but, finally it
has been finished, albeit just at the eleventh hour. So, being extremely privileged
to have this land in my inbox just prior to release, what could I do but, get
my initial thoughts down for you all. Now a few of these tracks you will be
familiar with as they have been dropped to tease you all. But here is my take
on the full album and bonus tracks…
The album kicks off with I Go By, if you’re still under
any illusions to just who Dizzy Dustin is, then this track gives you the
lowdown and it’s over a classic upbeat Pandamonium production featuring some
great samples to boot. Some
jazzy horns and piano provides the backdrop to the next track. Diz is joined by
Es to look at how best to use your time here. They say that time waits for no
man and it always best to use your time wisely as The Hands Of Time tick
by. Next up Pandamonium drops it head nod with plenty of drums, guitar and even
bells. Words are the Bricks To Build a dope track and here Diz displays
that as he builds on the foundation laid by Pandamonium, before JabbaThaKut
steps up and puts the roof on by doing exactly what he does best.
Lemon and 55th has a more laid-back vibe
of drums and synth which provides the perfect backdrop for Diz to take us a
trip down memory lane. He reminises on sunny days, good times and more. So, sit
back and let this one take you somewhere too. That kind of thoughtful vibe
remains, perfectly mirrored by Pandamonium’s mix of drums, piano, and
electronic notes. Diz is joined by Masta Ace to take a deep look at all those
times that appear to be setbacks but, these are not what we think. All we have
to do is look at these moments as the times when Rain Delays us
continuing our journey. That journey now catapults us into some straight up
Boom bap Hip Hop with plenty of cuts and guitar vibes. Diz, Rakaa Iriscience
and Swiss Precise are the Three Kings who have come to demonstraight
their craft, dropping bars that are heavy on the wordplay, the perfect way to
entertain and show exactly why they are at the top of their game.
Time for The Steebie Weebie Show Interlude this is an
interview with Diz on the show. It details the story of WDIGFH to the
backdrop of some heavy drums and guitar notes from Pandamonium. We follow up
that interlude with a time to pause to some chilled, jazzy keys and guitar
vibes. Diz and Akil The MC (from Jurassic 5) detail those times when you just
have to take a step back, reflect on where you’ve come from, fill your lungs
with some of that life giving Oxygen and just breath to clear your head
and heart. Once your ready to continue on your path you know that there will be
ups and downs along the way but, through all that you just have to remember
those words that Mama Say, better days are ahead and Diz shows that here
accompanied by his daughter Savannah MacFarland, as Pandamonium provides a chilled
jazzy beat with some nice organ notes mixed in. There are times on our paths
where we struggle with our thoughts and mental health. That is brought to bear
here on a soulful mix of drums, bass, and a soul infused chorus. Diz, Cade
Parenti and Michael MCDZ Peacock speak on those times when things weigh heavy
on your mind, when it is so hard to find peace and balance. Knowing you’re on
the right path can be hard, especially in the heat of a Cruel Summer.
Pandamonium now takes us to the Bahamas on some flute and
woodwind and brass notes over a fresh beat. Diz and Godforbid await our arrival
so they can take our minds away from the daily grind of life by taking us on
trip full of summer vibes, sun, and purple haze alongside plenty of Cubanas
and Pina Coladas. You gots to chill ya feel. We return to the streets from
the sun, sand, and fun to a mix of drums, organ notes and cuts (once more
provided by one JabbaThaKut). It’s now time to hit the stage and get the crown
to throw, and keep, their Hands Up in the air. Now, if that were not
enough to get you moving then Pandamonium providing a pounding mix of horns and
drums will have you bouncing for sure. Being the best you could be has always
been a thing in Hip Hop, it was not enough just be called the best, you had to
be Ill. The Beastie Boys had a licence to Ill but, what is being Ill? Well, Diz
is joined by the legendary UK figure of Blade, fellow Long Beach MC Killa
Complex and another legendary figure in Ryu of Styles of Beyond. Once they have
unleashed some incredible bars on your mind, you will be under no illusions as
to what is the Definition Of Ill.
Lights, Camera, Action hits with a piano heavy jazz
funk vibe. Diz is joined here by Imani (The Pharcyde) to detail what it is like
and how it feels to reflect over all that you have achieved in this Hip Hop
game. We move into the penultimate track, which is also the album’s title
track, Pandamonium brings a guitar drive funk vibe that, once again, has your
mind drifting away. Diz speaks on being at that point in his life where he is
standing at a metaphorical crossroads and before him are a great many roads. He
reflects on the road to where he now stands and muses over the decision of Where
Do I Go From Here? The final track brings a chilled beat laced with string
notes. It’s time for Diz and Pandamonium to give us the Thank You (Outro) with more
reflections, a few shout outs and finally time for them to be out…
Its not quite over though. There are three bonus tracks
available on this digital version:
First up Diz is joined by Pkon, Swiss Precise and LMNO.
Pandamonium provides a heavy drum beat with an atmospheric string sound.
Altogether this gives us a straight up Vertigo Flow, making our heads
spin and leaving you needing to steady yourself. I hope your feeling stead
because up next there is a freaky mix of percussion vibes that pulls at your
nerves. Up step The Real Ones of Diz, Master Foul, Slaine and Hochii to
deliver plenty of wordplay to further mess with your mind. Last up is a stripped
back Better Days Remix of Rain Delays. Masta Ace and Diz are
joined by Meemz, the message from the original does not change but, with the
vibe switched to a piano heavy vibe and soulful vocals it leaves more room for
your mind to drift away.
What is immediately noticeable on Where Do I Go From
Here? Is that it oozes passion for the music and for giving the listener a
highly emotive experience which , I feel would easily remain even if you
removed the guest features. The album flows effortlessly from start to finish
just like the ebb and flow of waves on a slight sea but, don’t think for one
moment that this is just an easy listening album, there is still more than
enough edge to keep this one rooted in the streets.
Dizzy Dustin shows that the passing of time has in no way
effected his own unique style. Not just that but, there is a definite grown man
edge to his vocals here and a more personal vibe that runs throughout the album
which adds this definite depth to the whole thing. I have little doubt that Diz
could have easily carried this whole album himself. However, what he has done
is to bring in a host of guest emcees from names you know to some you don’t and
a few legendary figures that all together gives the album an extra dimension on
an international scale and I know there will be plenty that are hyped for the
appearance of Blade, Masta Ace, Imani, Rakaa, Akil and Ryu just to name a few
but, it is also nice to see an appearance by Dizzy’s daughter Savi.
Pandamonium brings his trademark jazz funk vibe to this
album whilst easily mixing it up and tweaking things to create the perfect
soundscapes for each track be it upbeat, laid-back, boom bap or head nod. The
balance of pace works so well helping this one to flow in a way that perfect
for the listener regardless of the setting your in whilst listening. Pandamonium’s
unique style makes him one of the UK’s most exciting producer/DJs who always
produces clean and crisp upbeat music that is always able to lift your mood.
I don’t doubt for a minute that there will be some who won’t
get the overall feel of the album. But, for those of us who grew up with Hip
Hop, are around the mid-point of our lives and have reached our own crossroads
then this one will speak volumes and might even elicit a number of emotions
along the way.
Where Do I Go From Here? Is an absolute pleasure to listen
to. Every beat, every rhyme is on point and in time. Yes, this is that grown
man style Hip Hop but, I do feel there is enough here for the younger
generation to associate with.
I also have it from a good source, who I can’t possibly
divulge, that Dizzy Dustin and Pandamonium just keep on giving. In the not to
distant future a track featuring Apathy and Casual, which wasn’t ready for this
digital release, will be added to the physical release and sent to everyone who
purchases the album. So, why would you not want to grab this? Having ordered
one of the pre-release packages, I can’t wait to hear that one too.
Where Do I Go From Here? is out now…
Postscript:
With all the hurdles and challenges this album has faced a
lot has changed along the way and that has included on my end too. I was hyped
to hear this album from the start and even more hyped to be able to review it,
especially as I was perhaps the only person other than Diz and Pandamonium to
hear it before release. There are also a couple of personal reasons I wanted to
get this review ready for release day or there abouts. Firstly, I had planned
to use this review to launch my website and although I cannot do that today, an
updated version of this review will be used to launch my website in conjunction
with the physical release of the album in the up coming weeks, Something I am looking forward to as I grabbed a Pre-Release package. The second, and
by far the most personal is also linked to the Pre-Release package but, one I will keep for the book I am planning to write
around the reviews and the back story. so, watch this space.
I just want to finish by sending my humble thanks to Dizzy
Dustin and Pandamonium for allowing me to be the first to review this.
Where Do I Go From Here? is available now through
Kamikazi Airlines and you can grab the digital copy from Dizzy Dustin’s
Bandcamp.
So, Where Do I Go From Here? Bed, that’s where…
See Ya,
Steve
LINKS
Get the Album from Dizzy Dustin on Bandcamp:
https://therealdizzydustin.bandcamp.com/album/where-do-i-go-from-here
The Official Dizzy Dustin Website:
https://therealdizzydustin.com/
Pandamonium on Bandcamp:
https://djpandamonium.bandcamp.com/
Don't forget to check out both Diz and Pandamonium on all the usual social media platforms.
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