Astral Plane is the new single from Yorkshire emcee
Kemetstry. It follows on from the release of the critically acclaimed single
‘No Respect, No Manners’, released in February, and is taken from his
forthcoming Kemez The Atlantean EP.
Astral Plane is produced by Thugs Bunny who provides this sparse
melodic beat over which are some eerie and kinda spaced out sounds which, when
molded together, give this crazy mind-bending Lo-Fi sound. This provides this
other worldly soundscape for Kemetstry who proceeds to take us deep to a place
where alternate realities open up to us as our minds are opened up by the
music.
On this ride to the other side there is nothing that is
taboo. Subjects such as suppressed knowledge, ancient aliens and the spirit
world are all laid out on the table for consideration and debate. It takes you
places that many consider ridiculous, while many others may well have opened
their minds to or even dipped their toes into. If you are open to these
possibilities the only other subject would be how you choose to access them…
Kemetstry delivers in a deliberate manner, just as if you
are sat across a table from him discussing these subjects in an open-minded
way. This might seem like a dark place to go, talking on things you might feel
are beyond scientific comprehension but, ask yourself, what does science truly
know at this time and what might it study in the future as our understanding of
the universe evolves.
There is no doubt that Kemetstry keeps his style well and
truly rooted in true underground Hip Hop style with a laid-back flow that
really draws you in and captivates you. There is also a deep intensity and
knowledge base allowing him to speak on esoteric subjects and still hold your
attention while making entertaining and great to listen to.
This is definitely one for your playlists.
Astral Plane is out now for your listening pleasure and
remember to watch for the new Kemez The Atlantean EP, coming soon.
Inner Peace is the latest album from emcee Big Haz who
resides in Melbourne Australia. As an emcee he has already had an interesting
career. His first single ‘Chopper The Musical’ featured the notorious
underworld figure Mark Brandon ‘Chopper’ Read in 2009. He followed this with
his debut album ‘Larger Than Life’ in 2010 which featured a host of heavy features
including Canibus, Masta Ace, King Tee and Chino XL to name a few.
With Inner Peace being his sophomore album, it also features
a number of big name features in Canibus, Kool G Rap, Daz Dillinger, King
Magnetic, Nysom and Kozme. The album originally dropped in November of 2020, so
with that said the best thing for me to do is to take you through all sixteen
tracks and give you my insight…
Straight out of the starting blocks you get the sense that
this is all about the Hip Hop for this guy. The sound is this kinda laid-back
beat with some synth notes that carry you along as Big Haz drops some
intelligent and slick vocals that serves as deep introduction to just who he is
and perfectly sets the standard for what is to come by detailing his journey to
inner peace, which is something that will ultimately, as he says, Set Me
Free…
With the stage set Canibus joins us to drop the Inner
Peace Prologue over a nice head nod drum beat with some piano notes. In
this short intro we get the full force of Canibus and his complex verbal
arsenal as he brings the focus to his wingman, Big Haz. From there, the beat
stays proper head nod with some string notes forming the backdrop to Verbal
Murder 2020. Here Biz Haz and Canibus treat us to more than five minutes of
straight bars. There is no let up as both emcees unload clip after clip of
lyrical hollow points that deliver hit after hit of technical and intelligent
verbal mastery.
Hip Hop Stand Up is a boom bap style track with
keyboards and a soulful chorus, that sees the first appearance of Kozme joining
Big Haz. This one has that anthem sound as the emcees drop bars all about what
it is to be Hip Hop and to rep for the music. Definitely one of those tracks
that has energy you feel through you whole body. So, stand up, put your fist in
the air and bounce to this. Next up, the beat gets heavier and the synth sounds
bring this darker edge to proceedings. That sound is perfect as Hip Hop’s own
mob boss, Kool G Rap faces off with Big Haz on The Mobster and The Scholar.
As these two trade off, you first get the feeling of which is mightier, the
Scholar’s pen or the Mobsters bullet but, as the track goes on you feel more
and more that the strength is in their unity. The vibe switches to an upbeat
mix of drums, violins, synths and cuts which gives you this uplifting feeling.
Kozme and Big Haz bring focus the person you are and how good it feels when
other believe in you but, ultimately the message here is that when you Believe
In Yourself, you are unstoppable.
A soulful chorus and a mix of guitars, keyboards and a
chilled out beat, brings a thoughtful and reflective vibe to Glad To Be Home.
Here Big Haz and Kozme take a look at the tough times we’ve all had and the
journeys that have led us to where we are now, looking to a brighter future.
Something that always brings a lighter edge to things and makes even the darker
days seem bright, is being thankful to have someone to come home to. Time to
get into that funk vibe with mix of bass, guitars and drums that creates this
upbeat block party, celebration kinda feel. Daz Dillinger and Big Haz look back
at those who have paved the way in Hip Hop and have influenced generation after
generation of artists and fans alike. This is Hip Hop, We Live Hip Hop
and Ya Don’t Stop. Kozme is back on the next track which has a more laid-back
beat, piano and soulful chorus. You get a deep personal vibe from the sound and
that feeling is enhanced as the words detail the kinda things you like to say
to those who are closest to you, your loved ones, children, and closest
friends. The words that say to them I will Never Let You Down…
Facing You, Facing Me has a deeper feeling. The
piano, guitars and choral vocals mix with the lyrics of Big Haz to create this
depth and strength that touches on something we all find hard to admit or to
face up to. That is the fact that often what we see in others reflects a part
of us we might not like. It is not until we stop and think, that we realise we
are more similar than we would like to admit and perhaps then we can heal a
certain part of us and take another step toward inner peace. That deep
reflective vibe remains on Dark Room. The beat still has that head nod
vibe with some guitars and soulful vocals mixed in. Kozme joins Big Haz once
more for a look at the personal struggles we often go through, the type of
struggles we keep to ourselves and don’t often show to others. To keep things
bottled up can be self-destructive and the only way to break out of this cycle
is to look deep within, only here can we find the true strength to push on and
find our true selves.
Kingz Of The Grind hits with more modern trap kinda
edge to it but, the keyboards and soulful chorus serves to soften that. Here we
have King Magnetic and Nysom joining Big Haz on a track thar seems to focus on
the daily work you have to put in to get by and to make ends meet. At times it
is not always easy but, you keep going because there are those who rely on you
and sometimes you just have to do it for you. The mood switches once more as
the sound is more head nob but, on a laid-back vibe with piano and strings. It
is said that the eyes are the windows to the soul but, here Big Haz has
something different for us. For Big Haz states that it is his lyrics that are
the Windows To My Soul, mainly because of the depth of feeling that can
be put into those words. The head nob vibe continues with some guitars and an
echo sound that puts you in mind of being in a closed space, somewhere your
thoughts and words are constantly thrown back at you. It is just like you are
trapped in a nightmare, not knowing what is real and what is not. When you realise,
I Can’t Sleep are you desperate for the solace of the light or the bliss
of true sleep?
The album’s penultimate track is also it’s title track and
the calming mix of drums, strings and keyboards still has that Hip Hop sound
but, one that allows your mind to drift away. It’s all about that Inner
Peace, a state of mind where ego no longer controls you and you find a
blessing in every day. After a rollercoaster ride of an album what is the best
way to end this album? Simple, with a head nod beat and Big Haz dropping the Soul
Scriptures (142 Bars) of pure Hip-Hop lyrical fire. This is something like
a freestyle where Big Haz demonstrates his technical lyricism and ability to
switch between flows and styles with relative ease. Drawing on many aspects of
his own personal journey, this one comes straight from the heart and shows the
soul of Big Haz.
Inner Peace is almost like a personal life story put into
rap with a Hip-Hop soundtrack. There is a lot here from the ups and downs of
life to the enjoyment of dropping bars just for the sake of it. You can feel
all the elements that Big Haz has put into this from the fun and the good times
to the tough periods. You get a sense for the people who have touched his life
long the way and have inspired him to be the person he is. The journey may not
have been easy but, by the end you get this glimpse at where he is now and what
his Inner Peace looks and sounds like.
There is little doubt that this albums sound is rooted in Hip
Hop. There is a good mix of styles that are all rooted in the true sound of Hip
Hop but, along the way we are also treated to other influences from some more soulful
moods to other more modern styles. The production is all solid here and more
that ably allows the sound and vibe of the album to flow from start to finish
through all its ups, downs, twists and turns. Lyrically you feel that Big Haz
has crafted a style all his own. He has a sound knowledge and a technical
ability that would allow him to stand shoulder to shoulder with anyone. His use
of deeply personal themes that don’t fail to touch you on a deep level are
perfectly balanced by the use of tracks that detail his love for Hip Hop music
and tracks that serve as a stage to display his lyrical prowess.
The high calibre of features take nothing away from Big Haz
himself and simply serve as the icing on the cake of what is already an
impressive free standing album in its own right. Check out the album artwork
too from Kebo, which is incredible and sets the album off perfectly. With more
in the works from Big Haz, including an album with Canibus, 2022 looks to be a
good year for him and I’ll certainly be keeping tabs on him for sure.
Flooded Hallways are the duo of Deeq (Lyrics) and Nemrot
(production). Founded in 1996, Kuru is their first release for six years.
Deeq explained to me that the album was written and recorded
during the hight of the lockdown over the course of 2-3 months. The album is
the groups comment on the state that we have all found ourselves in as we do
our best living on this little island, we call home.
When Deeq explained what the title of the album was all
about, I found it interesting and so I thought I would drop his words here
before I go into my take on the album.
'Kuru is a rare and
fatal nervous system disease. Its highest prevalence occurred during the 1950s
and 1960s among the Fore people in the highlands of New Guinea. The Fore people
contracted the disease by performing cannibalism on corpses during funeral
rituals.
The name kuru means
“to shiver” or “trembling in fear.” The symptoms of the disease include muscle
twitching and loss of coordination. Other
symptoms include difficulty walking, involuntary movements, behavioural and
mood changes, dementia, and difficulty eating. The latter can cause malnutrition. Kuru has no known cure. It’s usually fatal within one year of
contraction.' - definition taken from healthline.com
We feel like the
whole eating your own thing symbolises what's happening in society at the minute
with us (all races, sexes, creeds etc) being pitted against each other,
destroying each other, and being brainwashed into thinking we're different,
when we're not different at all.
This metaphor plus
our experience of lockdown, was the inspiration for the album.
Now that you have a bit of insight into what the album is
about, let me take you through the album and give you my own insight…
The Stage is set for what is to come with a head nod vibe
created around some piano and drums. Illusionary Calm has a laid-back
feel But, it pretty much mirrors what we have all been through in recent
months. There has been so much fear and chaos, that any period of calm we
experience in our day to day lives feels like an illusion and that every moment
is spent wondering what is coming, just as you are wondering what is coming on
this album and Deeq sets that out perfectly here. The boom bap vibe remains prevalent
with heavy mix of drums, strings, and organ notes. Neuter Eunuch comes
from a male or masculine stance and, for me at least, really seems to speak on
those aspects of the self that we may not be proud of and as a result,
especially when things are brought to our attention, we will suppress more that
we need to. What is really needed is an acceptance of both sides of our nature,
both masculine and feminine, and to be at peace with them. Therefore, creating
balance within and so channelling our energy in new ways.
The sparce beat and keyboards of Painstiller creates
a far more thought-provoking vibe. There is a feeling here of someone looking
back on all the pain they have experienced, be it mental health, physical or
emotional. Deeq evokes this vision that this could be anyone of us looking back
at life and realising how far we have come and just being at peace with that.
As your mind drifts there is a switch in mood with drums, guitar, and violin
notes bringing back that head nod boom bap vibe. Numbers Game gets your
mind going as Deeq brings mathematical terms to bear along with his normal
poetical flow. This really makes you think about the universal language of
mathematics and most things in life can be described in terms of being added,
subtracted, multiplied, and divided. Does the fact that we are conscious
beings, with feelings, mean that there is anything more to life…
Pounding drums and horns are the backdrop for Pink Spit,
which has more of a story looking at what could be the darker side of human
nature and choices that can be made as a result of following these paths. Deeq
switches up the descriptive wordplay on this one which looks at a hitman who
has completed his contract and, body in tow, to collect his payment for
services rendered. The mood switches once more to a lighter more soulful vibe
with the piano, vocal samples, and laid-back drums of Barefoot Contessa.
Here Deeq takes on a far more personal trip looking at how he met his wife and their
journey together, through ups and downs, across the last few years of their
relationship. Being so personal you can really feel the depth in the lyrics here
and it really makes you think about the special person in your own life.
Maybelle is an instrumental track from Nemrot. There
is such a multi-layered feel to this with bass, strings, keyboards, vocal
samples, and lots of drums. It really takes you on a ride through switching the
pace and flow. There are times you feel you are just floating, while at other
times you are wondering what’s gonna happen next. Some of the elements are just
like a pause button mix and at the end of the day it’s proper head nod hip hop
that takes you exactly where you wanna go. From that little pallet cleanser, we
are drawn to look at a more darker side to the world we live in. Last Wound
Kills is full of drums, strings and flute notes that brings this feel of
looking into something that is kept in the shadows but, is all to apparent in
the world around us. Deeq does a great job of bringing a poetic focus to those
who chose, through their darker nature, to engage in acts of sadism and such
like. What is troubling about subjects like this is that people still do it and
that they also keep a secret, even from those closest to them and what does
that say about the society we live in…
As we move into the final quarter of the album Nemrot gives
us a head nod beat full of piano, sax, and flute notes to get us moving. As it
gets us moving the story becomes moving in itself, as Deeq takes us through a
personal look at his younger life on Scandinavian Wine. There is this
sense of loss and how being the one lelt behind can so affect your mental
health. You also get this feeling of how hard it is to heal the scars that are
always here. But it’s not always about healing the scars but, using them to as
a marking for how far you have come on your journey. The title here comes from
the feeling of bitterness, just like the bitter taste of wine from the harsh
Scandinavian climate. The final track of the album brings a thought-provoking
air of drums and flute. This Death is a slightly light-hearted look at
death. The focus might simply be looking at death and the fact that things will
be ok in the end but, there is something else, if you read between the lines,
you can look at it another way and know that we can also live through a
symbolic death and be reborn as we turn our lives around.
As you might expect with an album that was conceived, written,
and recorded at the high of some of the strangest times we have all
experienced, there is a lot of stuff here that comes with dark undertones and
rightly so, you cannot reflect on those times and what anyone was feeling
without reflecting the pain and the effect it had on our mental health.
However, there is also enough of the positive vibes to balance it all out.
Deeq does a great job lyrically with, at times, some fairly
complex imagery to give us exactly the right focus for the message he is
putting across, while at other times the pace and thoughtful nature of his
lyrics comes across in such a way as to keep you guessing. But he takes some
deep topics and some very personal stories and delivers them to you in such a
poetic way that, at times, even the dark nature of the subject matter is
eclipsed by his lyrical prowess.
Nemrot delivers some emotive soundscapes that keep the whole
album flowing perfectly through is emotional twists and turns. It is obvious
that the production has its roots in that boom bap Hip Hop sound but, also has
an up-to-date edge that draws plenty of inspiration from other musical genres
to create exactly the mood needed at any one time. I liked the use of the
samples of the children at bedtime quizzing the parent. Their fears and
thoughts worked so well with the whole vibe of the album and gave it a deeper
little edge that just touched you enough, on an unconscious level, to make you
feel it on a personal level.
Overall, I would say that Flooded Hallways have done an
exceptional job with KURU. Not only have they brought the thoughts and feelings
of those lockdown times out of the mind and into musical form but, they have
added this metaphoric relationship with the title of the album that makes us
take a second look at every aspect of society and questioning what is really
going on. So, you might be left with more questions than answers but, is that
such a bad thing, because you can simply listen to the album again and get a
different angle on it all and it makes you wonder who is feeding on who and
what is the truth behind it all…
Without Music
(ft Micall Parknsun) / Labels (Smoove RMX 7” Edit)
By
Whirlwind D
There is no doubt that the last couple of years have been
the most surreal period that most of us have ever experienced. What is has
shown us is that music, that we listen to and that which is inside us, will
never stop and will always be there and will evolve to suit the situation.
Back in April this year we were given our first hint at the
forthcoming single from Whirlwind D with the release of the Labels Smoove Remix.
Originally slated for a summer release, delays hit causing the release to be
pushed back but, now that time is finally upon us, and those slices of wax
should soon be dropping on doormats…
Without Music is most definitely on that feel good
uplifting vibe as production comes from Djar One who brings us this blistering
mix of funky horns, soulful vocal samples, and a proper head nod beat. There is
not a better backdrop for Whirlwind D and Micall Parknsun to bring us their own
personal stories on what the music means to them and how it has always been the
shining light through all those dark times. You can really feel those heartfelt
words as both emcees open up to us, and in doing that, they allow us to look
deep inside ourselves and to recall all those fond memories of the times music
has uplifted us in the times we most needed it. For me, music has always been a
healing force, regardless of the genre you chose to listen to, and this track
really sums up that healing influence that music has on us regardless of what
is happening around us. To polish this one of there is a good dose of cuts from
Specifik to seal the deal on what has to be a contender for single of the year.
The Labels Smoove mix 7” Edit really continues that
upbeat vibe but, in a different way. Here Smoove takes strings, horns, and
drums to create something that has to be one of the biggest feel-good tracks of
the year and certainly one of biggest I’ve heard in a while. It really gives a
whole new dimension to DJar One’s original vibe and allows us to revisit
Whirlwind D’s original message, where he takes us back to those moments which
defined an era and a young Whirlwind D. The energy in this track will have you
wanting to jump around like back in the day and will leave you with a huge smile
on your face. If, like me, you loved the original Labels from 2018’s Beats,
Bits and Bobs, then this one just your cup of tea. Seriously, Smoove really
does have a knack when it comes to remixes. Once again Specifik provides the
cuts on this one which has also received regular airplay on 6 Music, as did the
original.
There is always something about how whirlwind D crafts his
lyrics, they are always clear and flow to perfection. The content is always
knowledgeable and delivered in a way that speaks to you on a deep level. In fact,
there have been tracks like Without Music, such as Nothing Is Better and MDM
for example, where he delivers something that touches you in a very deep way. I
found that Without Music touched me deeply for many reasons and, if you really
think about it, where would we be without music. Music helps us to remember
that we are not alone in our feelings and helps to uplift us when we need it
most, without music the world would be a sad place…
There has always been that element of togetherness or being
a part of something, with what Whirlwind D does, especially in since teaming
with Specifik and B-Line and, more recently, with DJar One (who has to be one
of the premier European producers out there) there is a special relationship
that really does click and has, over the last few years, produced some of the
biggest Hip Hop tracks we have seen for some time on the UK scene and tracks
that really are such a pleasure to listen to. It is also worth noting that bringing
in the legendary Micall Parknsun on Without Music was just genius too.
Even the artwork from John Dyer has this deep element to it that seems to draw you in, especially once you have listed to the single and you look again. It might just be me but, have a look and see if you get the same feeling, that solitary speaker seems to say "where would you be without me..."
Without Music is released through B-Line Recordings/Hip Hop
Be Bop but, by the time you read this it has already sold out at B-Line HQ so
you will need to check some of the other links below to see if there are still
some vinyl copies out there.
Back in October I dropped a similar double header for the
previous two AE Productions 45 drops and as these two new 45’s were also
released together I decided to do the same again. So, sit back and enjoy…
AE044 – Sir
Beans OBE
Part Of It ft
KELZ / DEF - Defeat Evil Fools ft Zaeb Dust, Blaktrix & Medusa
Bristol Legend Sir Beans OBE (Parlour Talk, Undivided
Attention & Transcript Carriers) has previously supplied beats for the
Truck album and also turntables on The Aroma on AE Productions but, he now
drops his first solo release.
The A side see’s Sir Beans joined by another Bristol legend
in the form of KELZ for Part Of It. The sound here is a mix of drums,
guitars and keyboards that has that classic Bristol, Sagittarius Sound System,
Ruztic Records vibe. At times it feels like an urban industrial sound which
merges in and out of an almost spaced-out sound alongside it.
That sound is the perfect back drop for KELZ to bring his no
nonsense lyrical style, tinged with ragga elements, to bear on this track.
Listening to this you get that feeling that what KELZ is saying here is that
you gotta stand up for what you believe in, no matter what it is. It could be your
stance on the state of current events, your feelings on what it is to be Hip
Hop or anything you feel passionate about. Don’t just be a Part Of It by
believing everything you are told! Always stand up for who you are and speak
your truth.
This track oozes that Bristol vibe and sound which is
encapsulated by Sir Beans production and KELZ knowledge and inimitable rap style.
Whenever these guys work together, they put out Hip Hop that reeks of
experience and a deep desire to entertain while bringing the truth to the
people as only they know how…
The B side finds Zaeb Dust (The Enjinz), Blaktrix (Ruztik
Records) and Madusa (Project Blowed, L.A.) join Sir Beans on DEF - Defeat Evil Fools. The soundscape here is a surreal mix of drums, horns, bells, and
vocal samples that are mashed together by Sir Beans to create a sound that
seems to ooze from the shadows to reach into your mind.
With that dark vibe established the vocal trio drop lines
that seem to focus on not just shadowy people but also the shadowy side of
people’s characters. The side of people and the very world around us that is
seldom seen and not something many really believe in. It is always this darker
side reality and of people themselves that is kept quiet. We all know the
shadowy nature of governments and the like but, so often we do not realise that
we might live next to a racist or a paedophile, because they are so good at
hiding that part of their nature from us.
With slick vocals and individual styles these emcees bring a
focus to the shadows and those that live there. These people who live by
pulling a veil over everyone’s eyes are the fools and now its time to Defeat Evil Fools…
AE045 – Chrome Plus
Popcorn /
Pieces will align
Now, most of you will know the legendary figure from Norwich
that is Chrome (Def Tex) but, more recently he has put together something new
in Chrome Plus. More of a Hip-Hop band, Chrome Plus is Chrome providing Rap,
Tom Hanna on Bass, aCivillian on Guitar and SuperJB providing the Production
and Cuts etc. So, what does this all add up to on this debut…
The A side, Popcorn features production from DJar One
and SuperJB, who also provides the cuts, and brings us an upbeat funky
feel-good vibe. Chrome brings his classic rapid-fire vocals which uplift you
even more as he breaks it down about just what he and Chrome Plus are all about
and what they are bringing to the party.
This is really one of those tracks where the music does all
the talking. The mix of classic Hip-Hop production and live instruments is a
delight to behold. It has to be said that the addition of live guitar and bass
just adds an extra dimension to the music and makes you want to listen to it
over and over, again and again, because it just pumps you up and get you
moving.
Flipping over to the B side for Pieces will align,
production comes from Steve Ebola and SuperJB. The mix of organ notes and
drums, alongside the live guitar and bass brings the kinda sound you want to
nod your head to but, also has this vibe that makes you want to listen…
Chrome turns slows his pace, ever so slightly, as he
delivers a deeper message. That message seems to focus on the fractured nature
of reality and life around us. In nearly every aspect of life, entertainment
and music, there are many facets that don’t appear to fit. It is like for every
piece of perfection there is an equal or opposite imperfection. But what if we
could turn back the hands of time, find those imperfections and make it that
all those Pieces will align…
There is no doubt that AE Productions has, once again,
delivered two mighty 7” releases for our listening pleasure. On one hand we
have Sir Beans OBE delivering two heavy weight tracks that pound our minds into
submission, whilst on the flip side Chrome Plus brings two equally heavy tracks
that raise us up and have us bouncing around one minute, then have us nodding
our heads in contemplation the next.
I’d like to say more by not saying too much again, here we
have two not to be missed releases that show the high calibre and depth of the
UK Hip Hop scene. AE Productions is truly dropping some of the cream of UK Hip
Hop and Hip Hop that well and truly has its feet solidly in the roots or real
Hip Hop music.
As always AE Productions brings us stunning releases with
full colour artwork and more. AE044 features artwork from Nick Pointon and is
mixed and mastered by Rola (Numskullz/Aroma). AE045 features design by Leon
Nockolds while SuperJB handles mixing and mastering.
Both are released tomorrow on AE Productions.
I’m out,
See Ya,
Steve.
LINKS
Buy both from the AE Productions online shop Here:
Way back in December of 2019 I reviewed Stephen’s debut EP
Comin Thru. That EP was quite dark and, in places, brutal too. However, it was
also a triumph in the face of adversity.
For the R.I.S.E EP Stephen is joined by Diamond Sire, who
provides not only production and cuts for the EP but also mixed and mastered
the whole thing. There are also features from Micky Swags, Eskar and Subtex.
So, just what has Mr Wallace cooked up for us over the last
couple of years…
The EP kicks off with the EP’s title track R.I.S.E which
has an eerie vibe courtesy of some pounding drums and synth sounds. Stephen’s
raw and gritty vocals threaten to literally tear your soul apart, like Pinhead
from Hellrazor. But this horrorcore style vibe that jumps out at you from the
get-go seems to be deceptive as that first impression appears to be a mask that
hides the lighter side, a side that speaks from the heart. The message here is
really that, no matter what is going on around you, it is deep inside yourself
that you will find the strength and resolve to push past the darkness and shine
your inner light to the world around you.
Next up Stephen is joined by Micky Swags and Eskar on Monster,
a track that takes you to a shadowy world on a mix of drums, piano and synth
sounds. The shadows are the place where the monsters dwell. But it is not just
in the shadows around us where we find the monsters, they also lurk inside of
our shadow selves. There are times when we find we need to become something of
a monster to survive or just to get by but, does that mean that we have to be
evil or a negative force? Sometimes it means that you have to reflect to those
around you the only thing they understand in order for you to rise above them.
A head nod backdrop of drums sampled sounds and slick cuts
opens us up to what initially appears to be a simple track the centres around
something we have all become so familiar with these past couple of years, Virus.
Now, you might get the vibe that this track is all about a virus getting into
your body but, it’s not as simple as that. What if the virus was the negative
information, the fear, that was perpetrated by the media and powers that be?
What if that negative information infected your mind, causing you to pass on
those false expectations appearing real to others? Just think about it, these
are just my thoughts as Stephen does invite me to pull it all apart in the
track…
Thinking about what I just said about fear, the EP ends with
Stephen and Subtex joining forces over a mind-bending mix of drums and
keyboards. This sound seems to permeate your mind, body, and soul with
realisations about that viral fear that is out there in the external world.
Here it’s all about not allowing that external pressure in to Control The
Fear but, for us to be the ones to be in control. We need to see the fear
for what it truly is, the False Expectations Appearing Real, and not what it
seems to be, the truth…
On the face of it the R.I.S.E EP appears to be this stark reflection
of reality delivered in a horrorcore style vibe. Entertaining hip hop that
delivers brutal cuts to you mind with the razor-sharp rusty tools wielded by
those holding the mic as dark sinister vibes claw at your soul. However, what
we may very well have here is cleaver case of musical and lyrical misdirection,
where it appears to be one thing on the face of it but, in reality it is
something very different.
It is easy to see the bleak nature of reality that surrounds
us everyday within the soundscapes and coarse lyrical delivery but, the deeper
enjoyment here is to feel the depth within Stephen’s lyrical content and
understand how that directs us to the brighter days beyond what is forced upon
us by the media every day. You may or may not agree on what is being fed to us
everyday but, we can all agree that there is so much pain and suffering out
there that we need music to direct us to better days and sometimes we need to
see the reflections of darkness to be able to see the light.
Also, there is also a deep message here that our own
personal experiences will often colour the way we deliver our message and that
ultimately it will be our own desire to change that will help us to Reach
Inside Self Evolve to become the best version of ourselves.
Everything about this flows so well. Stephen Wallace has a
knack for delivering hard raw lyrics that are also intelligent and come from a
heartfelt place with a desire to bring something a little different but, still
with its root deeply in Hip Hop. Diamond Sire brings some deep Hip Hop
soundscapes that perfectly reflect the intention in Stephen’s lyrics and allow
a perfect flow across the EP from start to finish.
If you like your Hip Hop hard dark and with a twist, then
R.I.S.E is most definitely one for you. Released through Powerlab Recordings,
R.I.S.E is out now.
Cylas is the new alias of Emcee/Producer Silas from
Switzerland. Not only does he have a new name but, he is also bringing a new
sound. It has been a couple of years since I last reviewed his 45 release,
Against The Grain/Evil Dreams back in July of 2019.
When I saw that he was bringing something new to the table,
I was really keen to hear what he had in store for us. When I noted that this
new sound was going to be on a breakbeat, electropunk, cyberphunk vibe it piqued
my interest even more as it is always good to have some new vibes to get my
mind into.
With that said, clear you mind and let me take through the Cyberphunk
EP…
Now Monday’s have never been everyone’s favourite day, the
start of a new working week is always a struggle. So, just imagine if one Bloody
Fucking Monday (which feat. Steelyvibe) you awoke to carry on your same old routine but, unaware
that your really in living in a cyber reality like the matrix. Somewhere you
have no real control over your fate, just think about it as the huge sonic
sounds and heavy beat create this mind-bending reality in your mind. Would that
version of reality be a bad place? What about the hear and now imagine that
Aliens look down on most of the people on earth as Idiots, do we really
fit that label? As you ponder that, the soundscape here is a perfect head nod
Hip Hop sound over which is a multi-layered electronic soundscape that moves
like light through a fiberoptic cable. The high-octane, pulse pounding sound is
reminiscent of some modern soundtracks. Just imagine the scene on earth if alien
beings landed here and the chaos that might ensue, does the vibe of this track
not fit perfectly…
Moving into the EP’s title track, the beat and electronic
vibes are less frantic. This allows you to once more separate yourself from the
reality you’re living in and drift back to that Cyberphunk space. Here
it feels like you are hovering above this cyber reality and watching as
everything around you happen at the speed of light. As your mind is drifting
and conjuring up all sorts of visions the frequency shifts and huge sonic and
electronic sounds shift your perception once more. Fireball Flingaz join you
and, as the beat hits, this current cyber reality morphs into something new.
Remark and Exile explain that in here the outside world has no control, you can
speak your truths without fear but, the powers that be always seeks to control,
everyone must Approach and Identify. The vibe is upbeat and infectious,
and DJ Tones ensures that the outsiders are cut down to size. This is one
version of cyber reality you won’t want to leave in a hurry, trust me…
Once more the reality shifts and we find ourselves
introduced to a reality where there is No Good News. The backdrop beat
pounds your mind into submission while the sonic electronic sounds stretch and
bend you understanding of reality to the point where you just go with it. That
is exactly what they want, they want you not to question this reality and just
be under their control because the truth is that the news is not as bad as they
would have you think? The EP ends with the Against The Grain (Cyber RMX) and
here the beat pounds and the sonic vibes carry you through the fiberoptic
cables and around the world at dizzying speeds. As you travel the original
message that the Fireball Flingaz and Silas brought is catapulted into this new
digital cyber era. Now, being yourself and going Against The Grain is something
that can be seen by millions almost instantly and we have to learn new ways to
constantly stand up for our truth, be individuals and not to be taken in by
fear that is being perpetrated around us in the Cyberphunk era…
There is no doubt that the Cyberphunk EP is not Hip
Hop however, it does seem to draw its inspiration from a wide range of sources
from Hip Hop and electronic music to Punk, soundtrack, and other more modern
music. The overall vibe created by Cylas is not one that you can easily pin to
one genre as there seems to be elements of steampunk, cyberpunk, the matrix,
and our current 3D reality, which all blend together and what it produces is
this stunning sonic sound that is, quite honestly, a delight to listen to. The
addition of Fireball Flingaz (Remark and Exile) and DJ Tones works so well on
Approach & Identify and I am sure this one will find it’s way on to more than
a few Hip Hop playlists.
It could be said that this sound is not for everybody, and
it may well be that not everyone will like it on first listen but, I am sure
that if you give it time it will grow on you. All the elements work so well
together and the instrumental aspect of most of the EP gives so much scope for
the listener to follow their own journey with Cylas having given you just
enough direction before letting you go it alone. It is a refreshing sound that
shows the talent of Cylas as a producer, and I’m fairly sure this will just be
the start of many more to come.
I really don’t want to say too much more as I feel the music
will do most of the talking. It is just worth mentioning that Bloody Fucking
Monday is exclusive to the Bandcamp release, and the cover photography is
by the very talented Beach Cams Man and features the equally talented Atilia Gig.
The Cyberphunk EP is out today on Giftklass Labor via
Bandcamp with other streaming links to follow.
It’s been a whole year and a bit since I reviewed the
stunning single Malawi by MC Oliver Twist. I am pleased that he is back with Tales
From The Darkside, a track that was released in time for Halloween this
year and is one that might not make it on to his forthcoming album.
Before I get into the track proper, I have to just say one
thing, if this track might not make it onto the album, then it promises to be
some album. Tales from the Darkside has production from Franky Roar and
features B-Line recordings Specifik on the cuts. This line-up alone screams
quality before you even hear a single beat or bar.
MC Oliver Twist
Tales From The Darkside is, quite honestly, a single
in its own rights and is one hell of a teaser for the upcoming album. Franky Roar cooks up this cauldron full of sound that is heavy on the pounding drums,
has twist of eerie piano vibes and a sprinkling of other sounds throughout.
Once mixed and blended you have this dark and strangely energy provoking sound
that quite honestly is perfect for this time of year. MC Oliver Twist brings
his lyrical prowess to the mix with some solid vocals that you can easily hear
throughout. He brings this interesting blend of stark lyricism that at times
touches scars of real world, while in the next second dropping lyrics for the
sake of it just to entertain. His vocals come straight from the light side but,
detail what it is to be in and return from the dark. Along the way the sound
and verbal visons have your nerves fraying with each line but, just to ensure
you are ready for the next onslaught, Specifik is there to remove those frayed
ends with some cuts that are sharper and more deadly than a guillotine blade.
Franky Roar
Specifik
What a cracking little trick this was to treat us to this on
the cusp of Halloween. As the veil between this world and the next was so thin,
we were treated to something that blurred the line between dark and light and
at the same time dangled an invisible carrot in front of us and planting the
seed of what is soon to come, out of the shadows and into the light.
If you’ve not heard this one yet, then do it now. If you
don’t, I can’t promise what might happen to you in your dreams…
AE043 Make It
Happen (Mac McRaw RMX) by Ill Treats & Glad2Mecha ft Grand Puba
With AE Productions being one of the UK’s premier labels for
releasing that gold standard Hip Hop, it was a pleasure to be sent the labels
two brand new 45 releases for review. As they landed together, I decided to
drop the two reviews in one for you, so I hope you enjoy…
AE042 Breakdown
by Mr Fantastic ft Teekay (Dragon Fli Empire)
There is something about an AE Productions release that is
so often linked to the core vibes of real Hip Hop music and Breakdown is
exactly that.
Produced and scratched by the man behind AE Productions, Mr
Fantastic, Breakdown comes at you with a funky head nod vibe that, on
the face of it, seems quite simplistic but, the more the more it goes on, you
get this multi-layered that includes Horns and cymbals under those wicked
drums. It straight up gets you moving and feeling that positive energy that is
infused throughout.
Teekay (Dragon Fli Empire) from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
seems the perfect choice for this track. His rhyme style and effortless flow
fits so well here. You can hear every word as he breaks it down about what it
is to be in Hip Hop music, how you do it, how it makes you feel and what it is
to bring it to the people.
Overall, this one takes you back to those early years of Hip-Hop
music, the energy, and that predominant feel-good factor that it was all about
back then. This is one of those tracks that does not require too much brain
power to enjoy, everything you need from this track, comes from the track,
trust me…
To round it all off the cover graff artwork comes from
another legendary Bristol figure, Turroe One, and speaking of legendary Bristol
figures, Rola @ Khameleon 107 lends his talents to mixing the vocals and
Mastering. This track is everything you want and then some.
AE043 Make It
Happen (Mac McRaw RMX) by Ill Treats & Glad2Mecha ft Grand Puba
For this release AE Productions have a Mac McRaw remix of Make
It Happen by Ill Treats and Glad2Mecha, which also features Grand Puba
(Brand Nubian).
The original album version of the track, which you will find
on the B-Side, came from Ill Treats and Glad2mecha’s 2019 album ‘The Return’.
That original version was a chilled-out vibe mixing keyboards, bass and horns
over laid-back drums. The track was all about putting your all into something,
in this case their music, and doing what you can to the best of your ability to
Make It Happen with something fresh and new which will bring enjoyment
to the listeners and also help you to pay the bills, as we all need to do that.
Lyrically it was a solid track and pairing Glad2Mecha with Grand Puba just
polished off the track.
What Mac McRaw has done with his remix is to completely flip
the vibe of the original while losing none of the original message. The remix
has an upbeat and energetic feel that instantly makes you wanna nod ya head. Over
this upbeat drum beat we get this multi-layered mix of horns and guitar vibes
which really tweak the energy levels. We are also treated to a nice addition of
some slick turntablism as well just to cap things off nicely.
The release is rounded off by cover design and layout from
Mr Krum and mastering from Rola @ Khameleon 107.
If you are one of those who like those fun facts, then an
interesting side note here is that Brighton on the UK’s south coast, plays a
big part behind the scenes, albeit historically. Ill Treats (Arizona), Mac McRaw (France) and
Mr Krum are all originally from Brighton. It is also where Mac McRaw met Ill
Treats back in the day. Mr Krum and Mac McRaw are linked through being fellow
Vinyl Veterans, the Ko Rok Two and, if you read my review of 30 Raw Ones, they
also formed Cold Rock Stuff Records.
What I liked about both of these releases was the fact that
they both have this overwhelming upbeat, energetic and feel-good vibe that
really serves to uplift you and I really feel that kinda vibe is exactly what
is needed in the world right now. So, huge props to AE Productions and all
involved for bringing such a healthy dose of musical medicine to our ears.
Huge thanks to Mr Fantastic for sending these to me.
Both AE042 and AE043 are available now to stream and
purchase from AE Productions.
It’s been a couple of years since we last had a 45 release
from B-Line Recordings. So, it is good to have something new to spin from one of the UK's premier Hip Hop labels.
Anything You Want see’s the B-Line posse in full
‘MFing’ effect with Crease (Outkasts) on production and enlisting the services
of Chrome on vocals and B-Line’s supremo Specifik on the cuts. With a line-up
like this you know it’s gonna go-off bigtime.
Crease brings us this huge multi-layered sound scape of
organ notes, piano, guitars, and a perfect head nod drum beat. He mixes this
all up to produce what is not just a stonking club banger but, also has that
kind of upbeat feel-good vibe we all need right now. In fact, this one is so
full of energy and great vibes it’s proper infectious. Chrome adds to that
infectious vibe with his incredible flow and turn of pace. He straight up
explains and demonstrates exactly why he is the perfect fit for this track as
he keeps you hanging on every word. Alongside this Specifik provides cuts that
are both razor sharp and at times just like a hot knife through butter.
The entertainment value of Anything You Want is
pretty much off the scales. Not only that but, it has to be one of the most
uplifting tracks that I’ve heard in a while. As I listened to this I began to
read between the lines, feel between the beats and touch the tip of each
diamond needle, and there seemed to be this deep desire behind everything to
create something special. You can feel that this is Hip Hop from the heart, and
what Crease has done here is to take his own passionate vision and to bring in
two of his fellow B-Line artists to bring it to life. So, you have three people
who are all about the true essence of what it means to be Hip Hop and to
unashamedly bring that essence and that passion to the listener in the best way
possible.
As you listen you can literally feel the energy being pulled
from deep inside, you feel it rising and with that, there is a desire to move,
to bounce along or to move in some way, wherever you are and whatever you’re
doing. So be careful if you’re in your car! Because this one has such energy,
it a prime track to get the Breakers rocking. It really is one for the real Hip
Hop heads that touches so many of the true elements of what Hip Hop is and what
it means…
Add to all that the cracking artwork from Cheo, design from
Digital Dyer, mixing and mastering from Rola and the on-going collaboration
with Hip Hop Be Bop and this one becomes the total package. Not just one you
want but, one you need. Get this in your life and get Anything You Want…
Huge thanks to Specifik for sending this one over.
Out today on Limited Eco Friendy Vinyl from B-Line Recordings and Hip Hop Be Bop.
Branches of the Same Tree is the new EP from The Black
Mavericks which is also produced, mixed, scratched etc by the UK’s Pandamonium,
who also provides the artwork too.
Now regular visitors to this blog will be very familiar with
my reviews for Pandamonium but, you might not be so familiar with The Black
Mavericks. A duo from the US consisting of Tobias Black (Chicago, Il) and
1.To.Dial (Charlotte, NC), The Black Mavericks are heavily influenced by the
‘Golden Age’ of Hip Hop. They also work extensively with file sharing services
to create and record their music. This collaboration with Pandamunium (Exeter,
UK) has already spawned two singles, Ah Yeah and Highland Games.
If you have caught the two singles then you will have a good
idea of what to expect from this EP but, with that said, let me take you
through the EP from top to bottom and give you my humble thoughts…
The EP’s intro is an upbeat vibe of big beats and big string
notes that you can feel in every fibre of your body. Now this might just be
giving you that Y’All Ready (Intro) but, more than that is setting up
the vibe for what is to come, and it does that in typical Pandamonium style.
As we get into the EP proper it kicks off with the first
single Ah Yeah! A straight up party vibe full of Drums, piano and
xylophone notes, that see’s Pandamonium getting you up out your seats and your
body moving. That party vibe is the perfect stage for The Black Mavericks to
step up with a classic call and response style track where they introduce
themselves, let you know what they are all about and what they came here for Ah
Yeah! The mood becomes a bit more reflective with a chilled out beat and a
heavy banjo sample. The guys focus on those times people are not thinking
before they act and ending up in situations that are not what they intended.
The message is simple just Slow Ya Roll and think before doing something
or you will end up with someone slowing you down instead.
Next, we head into the head-nod drums and electronic synth
vibes of the EP’s second single, Highland Games. This posse cut style
track see’s The Black Mavericks joined by Whichcraft, LS, Kwote and Reemo to
drop some impressive bars. This is one of those tracks where each emcee drops
it in their own style, knocking it out the park and getting those heads
nodding, fists pumping and everyone jumping around to the pure Hip Hop energy,
all fuelled by Pandamonium’s nitrous injection. From that high energy we slide
into a jazzier vibe of drums and flute notes which is the EP’s title track and
see’s Tobias Black and 1.To.Dial joined by Canadian emcee ES to drop a track
that is rooted in Hip Hop. It makes you think that nearly 50 years ago a seed
was planted that would give rise to a blossoming tree, one that we call Hip
Hop. That tree continues to grow and flourish and all those emcees, DJ’s,
Producers, breakers, graff writers and the fans of the true Hip Hop sound,
together we are one thing and that is Branches of the Same Tree.
Now if you thought the EP was over, then you’re sadly
mistaken as we have a couple of Bonus tracks quite comically introduced by
Pandamonium himself. First up we are treated to a remix of The BLK MVKSDrop
Cypher Bars appearance on the Dizzy Dustin and Pandamonium 40 emcee Drop
Cypher. The remix has a laid-back jazz funk vibe and mixes up drums, keyboards
and flute notes which carries the guys drop bars perfectly. Finally, and as
Pandamonium says ‘Sod It’, we get one last bonus, theHighland Games Remix. Here Pandamonium
jazzes up the track with some horns and banging drums. This might have a
different vibe from the original but, the effect is the same, you gotta get up
for the get down…
So, overall, this EP gives you proper Hip Hop bang for your
bucks. The ‘golden era’ Hip Hop influence on The Black Mavericks really shines
here with slick lyrical delivery that easily hops between bringing you a
message to ponder or just dropping some bars in a straight up party vibe for
nothing more that the enjoyment of good Hip Hop. By mixing their vibe with
Pandamonium’s signature jazz funk Hip Hop production it gives this EP an upbeat
feel-good vibe that is hard not to get moving to, it’s kinda infectious.
The featured artists all prove they have the skills. I might
not have been familiar with all those emcee’s who featured on Highland Games
but, after that posse track, I will definitely be looking out for all of them.
It was also good to hear ES here as well who has collaborated with Pandamonium
before, and he always brings the dopeness.
I am looking forward to more from The Black Mavericks and
more from them in collaboration with Pandamonium. I felt that infectious upbeat
vibe that came through on the EP is the sort of sound that we need more of
right now, just to balance things a bit, with all the deep personal music that
is out there. It all has its place and touches us in different ways and having some
of this feel-good music touches us and raises us up in different ways so, all
credit to The Black Mavericks and Pandamonium for dropping Branches of the
Same tree.
The EP drops tomorrow, 12th October, on Kamikazi Airlines Records so go grab
it. There will also be some dope CD and T-Shirt packages so, what more do you
want…
