Album Review: Me Vs Me by DJ Too Tuff

 

Me Vs Me

By

DJ Too Tuff

 

Now, there is a bit of a story behind this review, which I’ll try and keep short for you, but it is definitely worth mentioning here. On the 28^th September 2024 I got the chance to go to a gig in Southampton as an old friend was unable to go (Thanks to Mr John Mac for that). The gig was a 50^th birthday gig for one of Southampton’s legendary figures Stevo, and if you know, you know. I knew Stevo from back in the days in Southampton when he was a part of Movement Records etc. The headliner for this gig was none other than Tuff Crew Legend DJ Too Tuff. So, alongside my brother Scott and mate Matt, plus the likes of Whirlwind D, Specifik, Soul 45 DJs, and so many more, we enjoyed an awesome gig with some cracking DJs rounded off by a stunning set from DJ Too Tuff.

It was as the gig drew to a close that myself, Scott and Matt were able to go backstage and chat with the man himself, and you can’t find a more humble and stand-up guy than Too Tuff. It was during this chat that I mentioned my reviews, to which Too Tuff handed me his phone to put my contact details in, and to say I was buzzin’ is an understatement and, to cut a long story short, the rest is history.

Just for those who might not know much about DJ Too Tuff, here is a little bit about his background. DJ Too Tuff aka The Deuce Ace Detonator is a DJ/Producer and emcee from Philadelphia USA and exploded on to the Hip Hop scene with Tuff Crew, especially on the legendary hit My Part of Town from 1988. He became known for his lightning-fast cuts and scratches and is now one of Hip Hops most skilled DJs. The Tuff Crew released a number of albums including Phanjam (1987), Dangerzone (1988), Back To The Wreck Shop (1989), Still Dangerous (1991), and most recently Back By Dope Demand (2023). Beyond his work with Tuff Crew, DJ Too Tuff has released two albums back in 2022 with Behold The Detonator (SpitSLAM) and DJ Too Tuff’s Lost Archives Part Too (Hip-Hop Enterprise), it was 2023 that saw the release of his third album Me Vs Me, which was also released through SpitSLAM Records.

Too Tuff toured extensively in the US with the Tuff Crew seeing them share the stage with some amazing Hip Hop legends including Roxanne Shante, Big Daddy Kane, Ultramagnetic MCs, 2 Live Crew, Salt-N-Pepa and Kid ‘N’ Play. Tuff Crew also headlined the Urban Matterz event in 2022 alongside Jeru The Damaja, Dres (Black Sheep) and Philly legend Schooly D (who Too Tuff also deejayed for). 2023 saw Too Tuff as the house DJ for the Urban Matterz event in Helmond Netherlands, where he teamed up with another legendary Hip Hop DJ Mantronik for a legendary performance. Earlier in 2024 Too Tuff was the tour DJ for the Ultramagnectic MCs on their Year Of The Ultra European Tour. 2024 also saw Too Tuff as tour DJ for OT The Real and Benny The Butcher for the Everybody Can’t Go Tour.

Too Tuff is currently working on solo projects for SpitSLAM Records (owned by Chuck D). He has also featured on Chuck’s 2023 album Summer of Hahm album for the track Bringing Back 88. 2023 also saw him team up with UK producer Cobra P.I. from Rapid Fire to release In Danger.

So, if reading through all that little lot has wetted your appetite, join me now on a deep dive into DJ Too Tuff’s most recent album, 2023’s Me Vs Me, produced, scratched, created, arranged and recorded by the man himself it features guest appearances from Tuff Crew, OT The Real, Class B and Phoenix Jordan, as well as some feature production from Cobra P.I., Alca, Obvious Bane and DJ Brown Bum. All this with Chuck D as the Executive Producer.

So, let’s go…

Me Vs Me is some twenty tracks deep and kick’s off with Cold Blood. This one hits hard and heavy from the get go with this pounding that gets the adrenaline pumping, but over this is a John Carpenter Halloween piano that gives the whole thing a darker edge, just like your standing in the shadows, watching everything happening around you. Too Tuff brings his trademark style skills to bear perfectly here cutting up and scratching in frantic razor-sharp style, leaving you almost breathless in just under two and a half minutes. Next up is the short skit concerning facemask head coverings or Shiesties which could be just a skit or could be a reference to there being no masks being used here. This is Too Tuff and he don’t need no mask. He Gots 2 Die hits with a battle style routine as Too Tuff seems to battle himself with all his skills over this heavy piano and flute drive beat. There is this sense of the cuts going back and forth, just like you might battle between the light and shadow self to see which will win out. Pillowcase sees Too Tuff bring a classic Public Enemy sample and then cut it to great effect over the drumbeat. This one is a perfect example of how you can effectively use a single sample to pound the ears of the listener over and over, bringing them into submission.

Someone To Beef With hits with vibe where the beat is almost softened into the background by the frantic and intense nature of Too Tuff’s turntable skills. The more you listen to this one, the more it puts you in mind of the old skool battle rap records, DJ Battles and more. It brings you to thoughts that, always having someone to test your skills against, keeps you at the peak of your skill level; and sometimes that means you have to battle yourself just to make sure you are consistently at your best. Stalker takes us in a new direction as Too Tuff drops us into the mean streets of Philly. Here, heavy bass notes and pounding drums create the background as he cuts up vocal samples to create a narrative that looks at some dark times on the streets. There is also a deeper aspect here that asks you never underestimate your opponent; always expect the unexpected and that goes for yourself too. Now it’s time to Salute The Sample with a short track that celebrates that famous Rocky sample that was used in Going The Distance, the opening track of Back To The Wreck Shop, and if you know this album you will know that this is one of the most legendary openings to a Hip Hop albums. Call Me The Deuce finds Too Tuff joined by the one and only Tuff Crew, with additional production from Cobra P.I. (Rapid Fire). Too Tuff’s rapid fire cuts merge with Cora P.I.’s intense beat, guitar samples and much more to bring you a vibe that ramps up the adrenaline levels. It’s all about bringing in the Tuff Crew to celebrate just who is DJ Too Tuff, The Deuce Ace Detonator. If you still had any questions, this one answers them and leaves you hungry for more.

Come To Pass features production from ALCA with a pounding drumbeat, strings, and cymbals, which all come together to bring this somewhat laid-back sound, but one that has no less impact. Too Tuff’s cut’s up the vocal sample to bring you something that makes you think intently about the words you hear. The message here is that what you spend your time focusing on, is what will manifest in your life. If you look around you and all you see is fear, pain and suffering, then that is what will come to pass in your life. You have to turn it around and focus on the good things, the positive things. It is a profound message delivered in a way that hits you a little differently than if you were just listening to someone speaking. With those words still ringing deeply in your awareness, your focus is drawn away to the emotive piano sound of 9mm, where this short sees a youngster (Phoenix Jordan) speaking on different firearms. The context seems a struggle to grasp until you realise it is the intro to School Shooter; where Too Tuff brings our attention to the disturbing facts of children taking guns to school and engaging in shootouts over this pounding beat that is mixed with this nerve shredding electronic organ sound. It also looks at the connection between violent video games and the behaviour of these children. This does bring the focus to the availability of guns in the US and the fact that children are able to freely obtain and play violent games such as GTA. Everyone will have their own opinions on gun control and video game availability and the effect those may have on children, but the fact is that it happens, and these things do need to be addressed, it is the same in the UK; we might have more gun control in the UK but, here it is knife crime that is the worry. These are worrying facts that impact our lives every day and something else that impacts us is drugs; and Too Tuff brings this to our awareness on The Recipe, that sees someone describe the process used to create Crack Cocaine. There is a heavy sound of a heavy drum beat with this eerie piano that has all the hallmarks of John Carpenter.

2 Nicks is a skit that continues the focus on the drug problem and where a nick refers to a nickel bag which holds about a quarter gram of weed. Next up, OT The Real joins Too Tuff on The Burning, A heavy pounding beat over a sample of the theme tune from John Carpenters ‘The Fog’ with more of Too Tuff’s frantic, razor-sharp scratching that sees him bring our focus to drug related gun violence. There is this deep juxtaposition here between the almost brutal nature of the scratching and that deep melodic sound of The Fog Sample, mirroring the violence of gun crime mixed with the peace of the night and the drug induced calm. The focus switches once more to the incredibly heavy beat and ferocious cuts of Pitbull. This is another that hits incredibly hard and seems to be just an incredible display of how adept Too Tuff is on the turntables. In fact, from the title you almost get the feeling that this feels like a musical sound adaption of what it might feel like to be caught in the jaws of a Pitbull. Scratchin’ #’s Off (Scratchin’ Numbers Off) features production from Obvious Bane (Sum Entertainment) and has this heavy sounding beat with keys and guitars etc, and provides the perfect platform for Too Tuff to drop another display of his skills, something I’m never gonna get tired of…

Shake The Devils Hand has this piano vibe over the beat that gives this one heavy sound that kind of takes you back into the streets; and here Too Tuff uses that blistering pace to great effect as he focuses on the violence of the inner-city areas of Philadelphia. Giving you a sense that those involved in this, do so with little concern for others, only focusing on their own ends. One of the outcomes of the violence is looked at on Died At The Hospital. The beat raises the adrenaline levels once more as Too Tuff uses classic IceCube vocal samples to highlight the sad end to another night of violence in the city. We move into the penultimate track of the album, Trip To Flatbush, which features Class B and production from DJ Brown Bum. Drums, bass, and guitars to bring you this raw dirty sound that reflects living life on the other side of the law. Class B drops a gritty expose of the life of someone on the other side of the law, fitting perfectly with the tone of the track. There is no silver lining to this one it’s just telling it how it is. The albums outro is a short skit that puts Too Tuff as the defendant in The Peoples Court. Sampling the theme from the UK TV series The Professionals, this one leaves you thinking that DJ Too Tuff is both innocent and guilty; he is innocent of any and all charges but, also guilty of being exactly who he says he is, so let him do his thing already…

 

After such an intense rollercoaster, across around 40 mins, what can you say about this album overall?

Well, you could say a lot about this one because what Me Vs Me does is to highlight just how good a DJ and producer Too Tuff is. This is Hip Hop to the core that shows what a legendary DJ can do when they put their minds to a project. Here we see that it is not just Too Tuff’s DJ skills that take the limelight but, also how he deftly uses that skill to take you on a journey, telling you stories along the way by cutting up sound bites, news stories and so much more. It proves that you don’t necessarily have to be skilled on the mic to be able to tell people how it is and to take them to the kind of emotive places that only someone who truly knows the truth can do. Having said that, I know that Too Tuff also has the skills as an emcee too, courtesy of his performance in Southampton so, maybe we might get to see more of that side of him in the future…

I found this album to be solid from top to bottom as it mixed hardcore and emotive stories with incredible cutting and scratching, alongside the kind of production that will have Hip Hop headz old and new bouncing and punching the air. It takes a lot to be able to draw focus to such topics in a way that is unapologetic and still entertaining, while not lessening the impact it has; and this is the kind of display by a legendary figure that not only takes you back to the golden age of the eighties but, also shows that people like Too Tuff can keep it 100% real Hip Hop in a time where so many feel that Hip Hop has lost its way. You also get a sense of just how much of an impact Philly has had on Hip Hop music too. I could easily go on for ages about just how much I enjoy scratch DJ routines and albums like this (trust me, I never get tired of watching scratch routines and skilled DJ’s are at doing what they do) and I could even dive deeper into Philadelphia, Too Tuff and Hip Hop but, the best way for me to show how much I enjoyed this is just to say, go get it.

Me Vs Me shows there is only one winner and that DJ Too Tuff, The Deuce Ace Detonator. So, now that we have settled that one out of court, it’s time to Rock On…

Additional credits go to Thoro215 (Soup Kitchen, Thorobred Bangerz LLC) at Rocco Records Philidelphia for mixing, editing and co-arranging the album. Design and photography comes from Brent Suleman at Gazelle Design Studios, Bristol UK.

My huge and humble thanks to DJ Too Tuff for giving me the chance to review this stunning album.

I’ll see ya next time.

Peace,

Steve.       

LINKS

Check this one link for DJ Too Tuff purchase and streaming:

https://lnk.to/xwuOo51z!share

DJ Too Tuff Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/sodamtuff

https://www.instagram.com/dj.tootuff/

https://www.youtube.com/@djtootuff/videos

SpitSLAM Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063944384470

https://www.instagram.com/spitslamrecordsofficial/

For Merchandise check the Dangerzone website:

https://dangerzonemerchandise.bigcartel.com/

VIDEOS

Cold Blood

Call Me The Deuce ft Tuff Crew (Prod. Cobra P.I.)

The Burning ft OT The Real

 

 

 

Album Review: End Of The World by Sublime Wizardry

 

End Of The World

By

Sublime Wizardry

It’s been nearly ten years since we last heard from Sublime Wizardry and twelve years since their last LP was released. But now two of the original members, Remark and Merlin, have reunited to bring that unique blend of European and UK Hip Hop back, and if they are back then you can be rest assured that they have something to say…

The new album is entitled End Of The World, which seems pretty apt right now, in light of what is happening around the world. The album is self-released, like most of their back catalog. Now, anyone who is familiar with their previous releases will be eagerly anticipating this one so, I’m not gonna keep you waiting, let’s get into it…

The album is fifteen tracks deep and kicks off with Welcome In The End which serves as the albums intro. But there is no easing you into this one as Merlin creates this mind-bending sound that has a foundation of a drum beat but, over this is this twisted mix of sonic sounds and more, which serves to give it a somewhat dark and unhinged vibe. Remark brings some almost spoken word lyrics that do nothing to alleviate the impact on your mind. But this is all about puling no punches and exposing the true reality of the world around you. With your mind literally ripped open we dive straight into the first single released from the album, Man Bites Dog. Big orchestral notes and piano frame the heavy boom bap style beat getting you nodding your head as you are drawn to Remarks vocals. There seems to be a lot here about the misdirection that is put in front of us every day, how the powers that be utilise the media to twist the narrative to their own ends; to justify their evil agendas. You need to raise your own energy above this to help you understand what’s going on and to see it for what it truly is. With your mind opened up you begin to see where this is taking you and so we move on to the Archons, where we see a huge energy shift as Merlin brings a huge sound that takes the drum beat and places strings and horns over it, he then mixes in some sonic vibes that once more twist your awareness beyond the 3D world. This one appears to take a look at the armies of the world, those who march into battle but, we see that in so many conflicts these armies are made up of ordinary people who are thrust into horrors of war to protect what they can from the power hungry. These conflicts feel less like wars and more like the satisfaction of a blood lust for money and power.

Fall Down sees a proper drum beat merge with some big orchestral sounds and piano to bring us a vibe that injects your veins with a hit of adrenaline. This one looks at the fact that those who perpetrate the lies and twist the truth to their own ends, will eventually fall from all they have built up around them and will shown for what they truly are. Drums and sonic sounds merge and intertwine on Shadows In The Dark, creating the kind of vibe that has you constantly looking over your shoulder. Remark brings an almost spoken word stance here as he opens up about the one place where few chose to look. That place in beyond darkness of closed eyes and into the world of our own shadow side. This is something few do but, when you do confront and work with your shadow side, bringing balance to your true self, the benefits are beyond what you might think. You just have to find the courage to face it within yourself. Merlin brings another mind-numbing sound of drums and electronic sounds on Face The Fear, where he also brings in some eerie piano to further stretch your already frayed nerves. Remark speaks directly to your soul with lyrics that seem as twisted as the sound but, the message is simple here, the one way to escape the constant barrage of negativity that is thrust before you everyday is just to face that fear head on. The more you do this the cloak of deceit will fall away and you will be able to see the truth and live that truth.

The Serpent and Dove has this huge organ sound over the drumbeat, this gives way to synth vibes which gives this one a sound that is straight out of a John Carpenter movie. The serpent and dove and the very definition of good and evil, truth and lies, war and peace, and that seems to be reflected in remarks lyrics here where its all about the battles we all face between what is right and wrong as we walk the journey of life. Piano and synth vibes bring us into Allies and Enemies before the beat kicks in and the energy ramps up. This one is a natural progression from the previous track, another aspect of the light and dark sides of life, where things can change so easily, and we so often do not see the truth of who is who but, by walking our paths in the light and coming from the heart in all we do, makes it so much easier to understand who stands with us in the light and who stands close but in the shadows. They Got Em hits with a heavy sound that has this heavy drum beat over which is this multi-layered sound with piano, electronic vibes and so much more. This serves to raise the adrenaline levels once more as the guys take a look at tyranny and democracy. There is little you can say about this one but, it goes on around us every day, the governments use lies and the media to control us, keeping us exactly where they want us, in a place of perpetual fear, where they look like the only saviours.

Crazy Shit twists your mind with a heavy beat, heavy horns, sonic sounds and eerie vocal samples. This might seem like the weird part of some messed up movie but, really this one is just paralleling how our minds get stretched to the limit by what we see and what happens around us. It feels like everything is spiralling out of control and everyone is losing their minds or perhaps they are simply giving in to the sheep mentality? Who knows what the truth is but, it takes a strong heart to find the peace in all this. Thunder, heavy drums and bass alongside sonic sounds, bells and more form the soundscape of Bang On, which will have you bouncing no doubt. For me, this seemed to say a lot about always speaking your truth no matter what. There might be no one listening to what you have to say but, it is important that you continue to speak that truth because it is the essence of who you are. The minute you lose your truth, you become one of the sheep, so keep banging on because sooner or later, the truth will out. Reality or Fantasy sees the guys bringing more truth, and here its all about what situation we choose to live in? Do you want to live the reality of the 3D world or in a fantasy world, maybe similar to the matrix, where nothing is real. Our own reality might be harsh and difficult for us to navigate, at times but, at least we have a say over how our journey plays out. The fantasy world might seem that way too but, it is more likely to be a controlled environment where you will never have control over anything. Which one seems more appealing…

A huge mix of pounding drums, orchestral notes and guitar note creates this heavy soundscape that almost blows you away on Dark Riders. It took a minute to grasp this one but, it really speaks on the futility of conflict and war. The dark riders are those who bring war, death and destruction, where no one wins; even those who appear to win are left with the indelible mark of what they have done, something that lives with them always. The albums penultimate track is also the albums title track, End Of The World. The beat, organ sounds and orchestral sections, bring a slightly uplifting vibe that eases the weight of what has gone before. The message here is no less potent that the rest of the album, it just delivered in a way that sums up the calm before the end. This one is like a summing up of what has gone before, making peace with everything before you let it all go, watching the sun set one last time as the human race all but passes from existence. Even at the end there is a glimmer of hope that a new life will rise and perhaps we are Still Breathing; this one serves like the outro, leaving us with one last hope. The drums are heavy, alongside organ notes, sonic vibes and the sound of a Geiger counter clicking. There is a sense here that nothing has truly ended, and this is a final ode to what has gone before and a hope of what is to come.

 

The return of Sublime Wizardry brings us a dark vision of a world inhabited by a dying race. A race that has killed itself through greed and self-destruction. Only those who were truly awakened to the truth were able to survive and be the seeds of a new hope. That is exactly how this album seems as you progress through it. The main thing here is not sugar coat the reality of what is going on in the world around us. It is about being honest that the few will always seek to control the many through a self-centred greed of wealth and power.     

Yes, there is a sense that all is not lost and that there are those who are waking up to stark truth of the reality we live in. People who see it for what it is and are looking for ways to bring balance back to our society and the world we live in. Because it is not just the human race that needs saving but, the natural world too.

Sublime Wizardry brings a dystopian future to bear on End Of The World both through Merlin’s deep and at times, dark soundscapes that create all sorts of visions in your mind as you listen. Then Remark brings his own conscious lyrics forth, creating a description that is only to real but, that stark reality and those visions are almost softened into the background at time as his vocals seem to create a vibe that is juxtaposed to sound and the content of what you hear. It is like an elder is telling these stories to a youth who are going to be the new race and the harsh stories must be given with a sense of ease to soften the blow as it were…

End Of The World is a solid album that will elicit many different emotions as you listen. The impact of both the vocal and production is intense and almost brings a new edge to the notion of conscious Hip Hop.

End Of The World is something you need to hear and Remark and Merlin have brought Sublime Wizardry back with an insightful and pounding impact.

End Of The World is out now.

My humble Thanks to Remark for helping me bring this one to you.

 

See you next time,

Steve

LINKS

Grab your copy here:

https://sublimewizardry.bandcamp.com/album/end-of-the-world 

Sublime Wizardry Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100024269809312

VIDEOS

Man Bites Dog

 

 

 

 

 

EP Review: Kemz The Alchemist by Kemetstry

 

Kemz The Alchemist

By

KEMETSTRY

 

Kemz The Alchemist is the latest EP from Yorkshire based emcee Kemetstry, who has previously featured on the blog with his single Astral Plane and the Kemez The Atlantean EP. Kemz always brings a mix of musical vibes and deep lyrics that bring together personal experiences and a wealth of knowledge of ancient civilisations, particularly pre-egyptian, and spiritual essence.

Kemz The Alchemist is nine tracks deep, which is the kind of track number that many albums now have, featuring eight tracks and one remix and there is also some heavy weight production and features along the way to look out for. So, lets no mess about and get straight into this one…

The EP kicks of with Dickhead, produced by Illinformed it has this heavy drum beat over xylophone notes and keys to bring you vibe that has you sitting on the fence between this realm and the next. Here we find Kemz drawing on his own experiences to bring a stark focus the kind of people who talk and act like they know everything but in reality, have no real understanding of anything around them. Kemz pulls no punches here and is quite blunt in what he says but then sometimes it just needs to be that way. Next up is Too Bad Mind, which is produced by Jack Danz who brings us a grime vibe, mixing drums and heavy bass vibes with some eerie keys and strings. This short track gives just enough airtime to those who give out negative vibes around us. This is kind of energy that, if we give it enough attention, will bring us down and stop us from achieving our goals. The world is full of negative aspects and with the first couple of tracks bringing that into our awareness, its time to switch things up with Anubis (5 Star Generals) Posse Cut. This one is produced by Krimson and features Flowtecs, Jibbarish, Kg Chi and Menace Mendoza, alongside Kemz. The beat plods along with just enough pace and these nerve shredding keys, to keep you focused. This allows the lyrics to take over and take over your mind as each of these emcees produce the kind of lyrical wordplay that captivates you, while unconsciously laying seeds in your mind that will have you questioning the impact of this one across your entire timeline… 

Fuck Boy is produced by Alchemy and brings a more chilled vibe to the album with drums and keys. Is full of street stories that, at first thought, might make you think this is all about being derogatory to women? However, after a few listens you begin to realise that a story about man who has been treated poorly, in the past, by women and who now treats them poorly as a result. This is not something I might personally agree with but, the point here is that when people are treated bad, they will often become what they most hate and therefore continue the cycle and people continue to be hurt and abused. The message is to recognise the cycle and to break it, becoming the better person. After such intense thoughts there needs to be a change and Spirit Vs Ego, produced by Krimson, brings a more laid-back vibe of drums and keys that promises that change. Kemz looks at the difference between what comes from the Ego and what comes from the Spirit; this is very much an internal struggle where it is so easy to let the ego win out and take over as it is usually the easiest route but, the spirit will bring the most positive and fulfilling rewards, maybe not the easiest path to tread as it takes dedication but, it will make you the better version of your true self. This brings what is almost a revelation, as Kemz helps us to see past the ego and focus on the spirit, which leaves us open to the Light Beings (Five D). With production from Alkemy, it also features Kilo, the drums and organ notes bring a more uplifting sound that puts you in touch with your third eye. This one is all about looking beyond the 3-D world and recognizing we are light beings experiencing the 3-D world but, when you look beyond the world around you and becoming more in touch with your true self, you realise you are a light being on a whole new vibrational frequency, and that realisation opens you up to a whole new way of being and understanding. It’s definitely something to think about…

We move into the final third of the EP and the penultimate original track, Connect With Ya Soul features Verbz and is produced by CLXCKWRK. The sound brings more xylophone notes alongside horns and bass, over a chilled drumbeat, this brings the kind of sound that gets your head moving but, also keeps your mind open. The message in this one follows perfectly from Light Beings as its all about looking deep within yourself to get in touch with your true self, the very soul of who you are. If you can get to this point it will allow you to keep you focus on your goals and to bring those goals to you but, it can only be achieved by facing your shadow side and then allowing you to truly see the light. The last of the original tracks is Consequences which is produced by the legendary Farma G who brings this deep sound mixing strings and guitars over this head nod beat, the result is a vibe that makes your entire body tingle. Kemz speaks on how all our choices have consequences and so it is important to make the right choices in all we do. Sometimes the right choice brings the biggest lessons to us, this happens in order to help us make the right decisions further down lifes path. It really is than simple, you just have to have an awareness, an intuition that will help you make those right choices. The final track of the EP is Dickhead (dnb Remix). Now, I have already given you my take on what this track is all about but, what does this remix bring to the track? Produced by Ziggy Ostas the sound has a far more sonic sound and ramps up the energy levels. There is also a remix on the vocals too with Kemz verses having a slightly different focus here, being a little grittier and looking more at street violent and how this affects us, among other things.

 

Once more Kemetstry brings us an EP that mixes the darker aspects of life with a more spiritual side that promises to lead us away from the negativity and darkness and back into a more positive and lighter path. There are references to Kemet, this was the ancient name of the land which would become Egypt and Kemetism is an ancient neopagan religion that follows those ancient beliefs. It is no wonder that these references feature so vividly as Kemet forms part of his name. This brings a whole new viewpoint to how we see the world around us and the spiritual aspect of our deeper development.

Kemz The Alchemist does not force you to take on a new belief system but, simply invites us to view the world and life around us through new eyes. What is also interesting to note, that much of what Kemetstry notes from this new viewpoint is that much of what he opens us up to is not just limited to Kemetism but, is something that is apparent in many different belief systems, and the fact that these messages keep coming to us, regardless of our beliefs, must make us sit up and take note…

So, whether you chose to think of the deeper aspects of the EP or not Kemz The Alchemist is a highly enjoyable listen and one that encompasses different musical tastes with intelligent lyrical content that is delivered in a way that shows that Kemetstry is one of the UK’s most insightful underground rap artists.

This one is well worth checking out and might well give you something to think about in the process.

I’ll see ya next time,

Steve

LINKS

Get the EP and all links for Kemetstry Here:

https://linktr.ee/Kemetstry

VIDEOS

Consequenses ft Farma G

Too Bad Mind ft Jack Danz

Album Review: Mirtazapine Dreams by Dotz & DJ Goblin

 

Mirtazapine Dreams

By

Dotz and DJ Goblin

 

It was in 2016 that I first got my taste of Dotz with the release of his Bring The Soul Back EP which featured Blak Twang, Tony D, Wordshiff Flip, Blizzard, Skrabl, Peterz and Jabbathakut, which I managed to grab a signed copy of at the time. But he has been active on the UK scene since 2012, releasing a number of solo and group projects which includes the Phili’N’Dotz album alongside Si Phili of Phi Life Cypher. Alongside tours of the UK and Europe and collabs with the likes of Chester P and Klashnekoff, he is also a seasoned veteran of rap battles and a freestyle champion.

Following a few years away from the scene, Dotz returned at the end of 2022 releasing a string of singles and two solo albums. Mirtazapine Dream is his second release of 2024.

There are a couple of versions of this album and the one I’ll be reviewing here is the Deluxe Edition, this has an extra six tracks over the standard version which give you all the tracks originally recorded for the album. The concept behind the album is that one of the side effects of the drug Mirtazapine is that it can give you very vivid and intense dark dreams; it was through his own personal experience of this that Dotz got the idea for album, that and the beats provided by Goblin which also served to further reflect the vibe of those dreams.

Now you have some idea of what to expect, let me walk you through the album from top to bottom…

It all begins with Information For The User where percussion, keys and xylophone notes come together to create this sense of being in a half awake and drowsy mind state. As you are carried along on this mind-numbing ride you are treated to the information about the drug Mirtazapine, its uses and side effects but, the vocals are also given this twisted sound that matches that drowsy, drug induced state of mind. We join our protagonist staring at The Ceiling, as the drug begins to take a hold on his reality. The beat is heavy but doesn’t have blistering pace, while the ticking cymbals tweak your nerves and everything else seems to lose cohesion as does the mind. There is no sugar coating the facts here as the daydreams haunt his every waking moment and he seeks to separate himself from the world around, where possible, as he clings to every aspect of the real world. The beat switches up bringing a straight up banger on Charlie Sheen. The xylophone and guitar notes add an extra edge which seems to bring a moment of clarity from the haze of the drug. Here find Dotz going all in and pulling no punches as he details the struggles with drugs and getting clean, just like the actor Charlie Sheen.

A pounding beat and eerie background notes that seems to include wooden xylophone, once more grabs your awareness and twists it for the Twelve Steps. This one continues the struggles of going through rehab and the realisations that come with that as you look back at your past and the person you once were, and now struggle to keep from your door. Ten Four hits with another heavy drumbeat, pounding your awareness while background vocal samples and percussion begin to stretch your understanding of reality. Here we take a look at the protagonist from the outside as he tries to claw his way back from the brink, all the while he wonders if his calls for help are falling on deaf ears, as he wonders if it is all really worth it. Everything in Sight hits with a heavy sound of drums, keys, vocal samples and more, making you feel like your brain is about to explode from your skull. As the world around him closes in the protagonist relapses in extreme style, seeking to burn down all that is around him as he tries to shut out the noise.

Guitars and proper heavy beat combine to raise your adrenaline levels on Red Rooms. This one takes you deep into the murky world of the dark web. Here we find ourselves immersed in a places where anything that is illegal takes place as the norm, where anything can be brought or sold and nothing is off the table. The pounding drums fall slightly to the back as heavy eerie piano vibes take the forefront. This brings the kinda sound that has you looking over your shoulder, constantly with Haunted. Here we find the protagonist struggling with all he has done, haunted by the ghosts of those he has crossed paths with and the situations he has found himself in but, can he truly trust all that he sees and feels? Souvenirs brings another look from the outside in with a sound that is a mix of drums, keys and bass vibes with little accents that tease your mind. Here we follow a serial killer, his acts and the souvenirs he gathers as a result. Is this person out protagonist or is this just another disturbing dream?

The Dark Passenger (Interlude) brings us a short musing over an electronic sounding vibe that carries us along as we listen to the words through what appears to be a drug fuelled haze. Those words seem to have a deep impact as you feel for him and wonder just where this is heading. But those thoughts are blasted from your mind as the pounding drums, keys and strings of Raise Your Guns burst forth. This is a no holds barred look at what is going on around the world as wars ravage the innocent as those in a place a power seeks to stir up hatred and take land from others. Land they say is theirs, when in truth, it belongs to no one, and one day the innocent will raise up and say no more. Walk The Plank is the first track to feature DJ TMB on the cut and brings us a solid beat that is joined by these sounds that twist your mind this way and that. Our protagonist’s mind is seemingly spinning out of control as his grip on reality appears to further slip away but, as we already know, the drug creates these strange dreams and this is just one of them, right?

I Don’t Wanna Talk About It brings more nerve-jangling electronic elements to proceedings over the drumbeat. This gives you the vibe that something is being help back, almost like there is this uncomfortable feeling about certain things. As you listen you get the feeling this is another moment of clarity, to a point but, here there is a realisation of not being comfortable in his own body, and with that comes a desire to not open up and not be completely honest because it’s too painful. The beat hits hard on When It Rains It Pours, with guitar vibes, this one has a more thoughtful or reflective edge to it. Here you get the sense that the clarity continues as Dotz muses over recovery and building up all that the hard time tore down, while recognising that there is still a voice that craves the solace of the drugs but, here and now the strength to rebuild is stronger. DJ TMB features once more on Otis Driftwood. The sound here has that proper drumbeat mixed with piano notes and other elements creating a sound that anchors you back in reality. Well, at least that’s how it seams at first. The track features elements from The Devils Rejects etc, where the character of Otis comes from, this gives the track takes us back to the disturbing dream aspect of mirtazapine once more as it interacts with the reality of life.

Nothin’ Here’s Free brings a more boom bap feel to the proceedings but still has an eerie electronic vibe to it too, making you wonder what reality you are currently in. This one is a gritty look at the fact that as we go through life, the one thing we can’t escape from is the fact that nothing is truly free, Beit our existence or our survival, the only time we will be truly free is in death. A sobering thought that stays will you until Subplots bursts into your ears, with its pounding beat, electronic elements and DJ TMB’s razor sharp cuts. as you nod your head to this Dotz assaults your ears with the realisation that everything is not what it seems? Just when you think you have nailed what this is all about there are more subplots to that you in another direction as he constantly keeps you guessing from line to line and bar to bar. Nerve jangling piano draws you in before the heavy beats drops for Screaming In My Sleep. This one is deeply personal expose of what this mirtazapine dreams can do as Dotz opens up on some of the things that he sees beyond the veil of sleep while his wife tells him that her reality is to hear him screaming in his sleep…

A pounding drum beat with double bass and a nerve tweaking electronic note repeating is the basis for Bon Nuit (French for Good Night). This sound makes you wonder what the connection is with a good night sleep. The more you listen, you realise that mirtazapine dreaming rarely gives a good night’s sleep. It’s almost like, saying those words elicits a fear response because you don’t know what the night will bring when you close your eyes. The pounding beat of Straight Down Hill is backed by more of these nerve and mind twisting elements that can’t help but, draw you through the track. This one is a no nonsense at the how the standard healthcare model is to use drugs to control and suppress the struggles that so many of us face day to day. It is worth more than investigating the root cause because big pharma makes those drugs a big investment for GP’s etc, where as counselling does not make money but drains it. So, it is easier to get you to pop another pill. We move into the penultimate track of the album with The Chase. The head nod drumbeat is flanked by bass and nervous keys which create this sound that gets your head nodding while systematically shredding your nerves, to a point. This one mixes the dark dreams with thoughts on his music, where you begin to wonder where the line is between the two. Here though, its all about the chase, whether it comes within the dream or back in reality, chasing your dreams and reaching the top. The final track of this mammoth Deluxe Edition is Mr Misfit and Dotz and DJ Goblin go out on a high with this upbeat sound that mixes a dope beat with piano elements and more creating an infectious sound you want more of. The upbeat nature of the sound appears to be in contrast to Dotz Lyrics which see his dreams trying to seep into real life like some nightmare on elm street type thing. Its all no punches pulled and in your face style but, remember its all just a mirtazapine dreaming story, right…

What becomes apparent after listening to this album is that this is one hell of a rollercoaster ride through a reality that encapsulates many strange and deeply disturbing experiences that seem to be uncontrollable once your eyes are shut. But also, there are times when that sense of a distorted reality drifts into the real world, which must be troubling, in itself. But what better way to express what that is like than by bringing those lived experiences into musical form, thus expressing the true nature of what it is like to experience Mirtazapine Dreams. I can imagine this being quite a cathartic thing to do, and something that must help release the troubling nature of experiencing these dreams night after night.

All that aside, one thing that Mirtazapine Dreams does do is to perfectly display the quality of what Dotz and DJ Goblin are capable of together. There are no guest artists on the album, except for DJ TMB on the cut, and no guest production either. This is simply one emcee and one producer doing their thing and doing it superbly well I might add.

Dotz brings his years of experience to bear on this one, and not just his years of musical experience either. He brings first hand knowledge of what it is to experience and live with this and this adds authenticity to the whole project. His wordplay is inventive and crafted in such a way as to keep everything flowing. His delivery on this one has a raw edge that is tinged, at times, with displays of a wide range of emotions, something you can only get when you have truly lived through something.

Alongside Dotz, DJ Goblin brings production that perfectly mirrors the essence of what it must be to experience these Mirtazapine Dreams. The sound is rooted in that Boom Bap Hip Hop sound but, there is this dark element that reflects the way dreams can be experienced what that does to that person on a physical and emotional level. I mean, what else do you need to say here.

Overall, this is an album that may not appeal to everyone due to its stark reality and the fact that there are only the briefest of glimpses at any kind of solace. But this is an album that is aimed at bringing a focus and shining a light on what it is to experience the side effects of a drug that is administered to combat the effects of such things as depression. Yes, this is an enjoyable album and one that you really need to listen to but, more than that this is a reality that many people experience on a daily basis as they try deal with their own mental health. I understand this as I spent many years on different anti-depressants with different levels of side effects. So, I commend Dotz for having the strength to use his own lived experience to bring this into the light.

The Deluxe Edition of Mirtazapine Dreams is available now on streaming and there are also physical copies of Mirtazapine Dreams available too.

Think I need a break after that,

I’ll see ya next time.

Peace,

Steve. 

LINKS

Grab your copy from Bandcamp Here:

https://dotzilla.bandcamp.com/album/mirtazapine-dreams-deluxe-edition

Your one link for Dotz Music:

https://linktr.ee/officialdotz

Dotz Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/officialdotz/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004574954574

Your one link for all things DJ Goblin:

https://linktr.ee/djgoblin

VIDEOS

Haunted

I Don't Wanna Talk About It

The Chase

Twelve Steps

Charlie Sheen