Infinite Sounds UK: Single Review: Lucky Number / Do It Now by Whirlwind D

Lucky Number (ft Lewis Parker & Specifik) / Do It Now (ft Smoove)

Whirlwind D

Lucky Number/Do It Now is the latest release from Whirlwind D. Releasing this one via Bristol’s premier Hip Hop label, AE Productions, it promises to be something special.

This time around Whirlwind D has teamed up with some true heavy weights from the UK Hip Hop scene. Lucky Number features production and an appearance from the legendary figure of Lewis Parker, alongside B-Line Recordings head honcho Specifik on the cuts. Do It Now features production from Smoove who returns after the success of last years ‘Labels Smoove Remix’ and with another stunning piece of art and design from the one John Dyer @digitaldyer, this 45 package certainly lines up to pack a punch, so let’s get into it…

The first thing to note about Lewis Parker’s production on the A Side, Lucky Number, is that there is this Multi-layered sound where, aside from the drums, you can pick out some horns, guitar notes and so much more and it all combines to produce this dark dystopian funk vibe, with an almost soundtrack edge to it, that really reflects what society is like at this present moment whilst, at the same time, drawing you in and making you want to listen and focus on the words. When those words drop in, what you find is that Whirlwind D and Lewis Parker are not speaking on those numbers that we all hope will bring us some good luck. No, here we realise that this is all about the way those in power, such as the British Government, are always rolling the dice, playing with the lives, hopes and dreams of the everyday person. We are the pawns in their games, where our lives, earnings and even health are the chips they use to bet on multiple rolls of the dice, where the outcome is never guaranteed and their losses and gains are, more often than not, our losses either way. We all have to realise that these people are not out there for our greater good, they are only doing what they do for their own personal gains, which is so often money and fame. Why else would you give yourself a pay rise while those who put you there are systematically financially crippled, suffering mentally and emotionally while they are thinking “I’m Alright Jack”. The track ends with Specifik on the cuts, creating a mesmerising sound that bends and stretches this harsh vison and giving a brief glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel… Don't forget to check the video for this one too...

With all that stirring in your mind, you flip over to the AA Side, Do It Now and you quickly realise that this is the Yang to Lucky Numbers, Yin, Smooves production is this upbeat funky vibe that is full of drums and organ notes, mixed with soulful vocals, it brings a real positive and head nod energy. What Whirlwind D does here is to bring balance to darkness by uplifting the listener. There are so many ways that the world around us impacts our daily lives and makes us feel lethargic or struggle to get things done and find that motivation but, Whirlwind D explains that it is just about getting up, pushing through the brain fog to Do It Now and he reinforces that by bringing in his own personal experiences and showing us that he is just the same as the rest of us. This track is here to serve as encouragement that we can all do this in the face of adversity, which is shown as he references the struggle of Del Soulcondor (R.I.P), the inspiration for this track, who fought to start his own record label, bringing his love of Hip Hop music to a wider audience and at the same time giving so much to those around him, even though he was dealing with a terminal cancer diagnosis. Del’s story touched us all and should also serve as a beacon of light to everyone that you can do it, just Do It Now…

The thought that this release represented the Yin and Yang came to me as I began to write, after reading the press sheet and before fully listening to Do It Now. These two tracks are interconnected as A and AA, just as the Yin and Yang are interconnected opposing forces of dark and light that maintain the balance and harmony in the universe, it is the same with both sides of this 45.

Overall, you simply cannot have Lucky Number without Do It Now, these songs are both sides of the coin, the light and dark or the Yin and Yang. It is a truly masterful idea that shows how emotive music can be and how it can truly touch and give rise to your deepest feelings. Something I personally felt on many levels here and see no reason why it would not be the same for any listener. We can all associate with the dark times and how we need those bright times to lift us and help us achieve to near impossible.

What Whirlwind D has done with this release is quite stunning and an instant classic. Using his deep descriptive wordplay, of which you can hear every word, alongside slick turns of flow and emotive musical canvases from Lewis Parker and Smoove, is a release that is more than just Hip Hop or conscious Hip Hop, this is Hip Hop with deep awareness that also truly touches the soul, showing just how the light and the dark side of life bring balance. The appearance of Lewis Parker on Lucky Number just adds extra depth, as one of the UK’s most respected artists, he brings conscious lyrics and an almost cinematic production that perfectly fits with the vibe of the track bringing it alive.

Lucky Number/Do It Now (executively produced by Whirlwind D and Mr Fantastic) is available now, physical copies are already limited so, get in quick if you want one…

My humble thanks to Whirlwind D for sending this over and his continued support for this Blog.

On that note,

I’m Out...

Steve

LINKS

Get the single via Whirlwind D on Bandcamp Here:

https://whirlwindd.bandcamp.com/album/lucky-number-do-it-now

Get the single from AE Productions Here:

https://www.ae-productions.co.uk/product-page/whirlwind-d-lucky-number-do-it-now-7

Get the single from Suspect Packages Here:

https://suspect-packages.com/product/lucky-number/

Whirlwind D on Facebook: