EP Review + Bonus: The B-Line EP Vol.5 & Sunshine Single by Specifik X Chrome

 

B-Line EP Vol. 5

By

Various Artists

Bonus – Sunshine by Specifik x Chrome

 

Now this review is probably gonna come as a surprise to most people as I have not told anyone I’m doing this one. The B-Line EP series has been going since way back in 2013, and I happen to own volumes 3 and 4 which were gifted to me by Specifik at the first ever Rope-A-Dope for being the unofficial photographer on the day. It is the B-Line EP series that gave me one of my favourite UK tracks to date, Painkiller by Chrome and Illinspired ft Whirlwind D and Super JB which featured on Volume 4.

These EP’s have always been packed with top notch Hip Hop bangers to really get your adrenaline levels ramped up, giving you an insight into the some of the cream of the underground UK Hip Hop scene.

As a bonus I am going to give you my take on the hot new single Sunshine from Specifik and Chrome, so keep reading for that little bonus. I’m not going to give you any insight into who features on this one so read on for the lowdown.

So, without further ado, let’s get into it…

 

It all kicks off with a track that has been resurrected from the early 2000’s, Microphone Mathematics comes from the one and only Krash Slaughta and features Louis Falasha, Remark and Bandog. As you can probably guess this one hits max levels from the get-go as Krash hits us with a pulse pounding mix of horns and an infectious beat, alongside a wealth of cuts, scratches, and much more getting your body moving and your head nodding. This one is a trat for the eardrums and gives you exactly what you expect by adding three mics together, then multiplying by two turntables, dividing between four legendary figures, and subtracting nothing at all. Working this all out means the answer is total enjoyment and the freshest thing since sliced bread. If you were in any doubt as to whether things might ease back after that, think again as a huge beat explodes in your ears for Molar Rameses from Beattrix featuring the man Junior Disprol. This one has your adrenaline levels pushing past the red levels as Junior Disprol seizes your mind and rips your awareness apart with the kind of lyrical mastery that is second to none. All the while the beat kicks, the cuts slice, and the samples bring in the one Kool Keith. All in all, this one pushes your heart to the point of bursting with its shear hip hop purity. Now its time to bring the pulse levels down a little but, increasing the energy that vibrates through the body as Specifik and The Doozer bring us The Grift with beat that literally shakes the walls and the very core of your being. The guitars add a nice little edge while the beep monitors your heart rate. This one has The Doozer laying it all about those who engage in the swindling of the masses. Dropping little nuggets of information that form a larger scale misdirection, sucking people into their propaganda without even knowing it. The message here is really not to trust anything to hear in the media or from sources that stand close to the powers that be. Next up is Whirlwind D, Franky Roar and Djar One with International Swagger. This one has a heavy but laid-back beat with an orchestral backdrop that puts you in mind of some James Bond, espionage vibes, while the cuts hit with laser like precision. Whirlwind D seems to slip into his Double Agents persona here delivering intricate and intellectual lyrics that appear to show the trio promote their Hip Hop swagger while keeping their cloak and dagger exploits well and truly in the shadows; their one focus to prove to the world that Hip Hop lives through B-Line Business. The A-Side rounds off with Dancin’ With Life by Chrome. Time to take things to a more funk fuelled vibe as the multi-layered beat gets the energy levels pounding big time with a huge dancefloor sound. Listening to this one is not just infectious but, it takes over your whole body and mind, helping you understand that, through the music, you can feel how it intoxicates us all the same, making us move to the beat and feel the positive vibes that can easily unite us all.

Take to flip the wax over and continue this ride with Paul Nice (Fabreeze Brothers) featuring AG (D.I.T.C. & Show and A.G.) with For Old Times Sake. A pounding beat and big horns combine with razor-sharp cuts to bring the kind of sound that gets the head nodding from the get-go and screams Hip Hop from the roof tops. AG brings that golden era Hip Hop lyricism, with a hint of braggadocio for good measure, making it known that sometimes, you just gotta do things one more time for old times’ sake. This kinda speaks for itself right here so enjoy. Now, you might think its gonna be hard to follow that but, now its time for the UK’s legendary Evil Ed to step up with Every Time, which features Habitat, Chrome, Cappo and Donnie Proppa, and that line up alone gets the pulse racing. The beat is heavy with a dash or two of cuts and a chilled out horn sound that gets the head nodding while bringing a focus to the lyrics. The message in this one is pretty simple and is all about the universal language of Hip Hop. The message is in the combination of the lyrics and the music that all comes together in one cohesive moment, just as the diverse peoples of the world can all come together, and it is the universal love of music that does it every time. Next Up is Miracle and Deeflux with I Forgot, bringing a heavy funk vibe to proceedings with a wicked beat with guitar and keys, combining with slick cuts for the kinda sound that gets you swaying. This one might sound like a little journey into one person’s forgetfulness but, there is a deeper part to this if you really listen to Deeflux. It speaks on how forgetfulness can be a precursor to something much more challenging for a family and it is important to be aware of this, because things such as dementia can affect us all so deeply. After such a deep edge to the last track, the B-Line EP Vol 5 rounds off with a due who got together back before B-Line Recordings, Specifik and Project Cee with The Medley. The beat on this one really takes you back to those early days. This one takes you places you might have forgotten as Specifik lays down some slick breaks that many of you will remember while Project Cee gives us the kind of lyrics that remind us of why we fell in love with Hip Hop in the first place. The Medley, which was originally recorded back in 2002 for live shows only between 2002-2004, is a reminder of what can be achieved by those who have a deep love for the music and what to create something out of that love for those who share that love, the love of Hip Hop…

 

What the B-Line EP Vol. 5 does is to take you from the shores of the UK, across the pond and back again. It gives you the kind of experience that, felt to me like experiencing the live Rope-A-Dope events on vinyl, it really had that vibe about it. It was a treat for Hip Hop music lovers that really felt like B-Line Recordings was putting out something for the fans as much as anything. This EP does not just celebrate UK or US Hip Hop but, brings you the kind of listening experience that leaves you breathless and wanting much more. This EP has the calibre of artists that gets you excited just by reading the hype sticker on the cover, just as each one has done over the years and yeah, I must get Vols 1 and 2 sometime too.

I’m not gonna say too much about this one because, for me, the EP speaks for itself, and I have probably said enough about it already. So, it you have heard this one already, then you will know exactly what I’m talking about, and if you have not heard it yet, then why not? You need to get on this one now, because this release is what B-Line Recordings is all about, giving you, the listener the best audible experience you can get, and reminding you that Hip Hop music is alive and well here in the UK and beyond.

The B-Line EP Vol 5 is available now and there are still a few vinyl’s out there so jump on this one quick.

 

Now it’s time for that bonus review of the latest single release from B-Line Recordings, Sunshine (Gotta Get Away) by Specifik x Chrome.

This one has a nice heavy beat with chilled out Guitar, bongos, Horns and more. When all combined this one has such an upbeat sound, especially with that sung chorus, that really does put you in mind of those summer vibes, listening to dopest beats. Chrome reminisces and takes us back to the eighties with memories of breakin’, electro beats, and playing your tapes so much they got distorted or broke. There will be many of us older heads out there who will be touched by this one, it reminds me of the days we would hop on the train from Southampton to London, to check out all the big stores for new trainers and then tour the independent and second hand music stores, trying to find the latest releases or something we had been wanting for a while. We even tagged the trains and buses along the way, because that’s what we did back then, those were the days…

Specifik and Chrome have really knocked this one out the park and created a single that is not just something that has that summer anthem vibe but, it really takes you back to a time when you were younger, had little to care about except what Hip Hop culture was all about.

For me, Sunshine (Gotta Get Away) takes the biscuit as the number one summer track. It is also out on a very limited run of 30 7” vinyl, so catch one of you can (Think these are now all sold out! Sorry Peeps).

 

I have to give huge shouts here to Shaun Dowling at Hip Hop Be Bop for giving me the chance to bring you my take on the EP and to Specifik for the single promo, which I just had to include here.

 

So, till next time, Enjoy the sunshine and the B-Line Business.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab Your Copies of Both Below:

https://thecoldkrush.bigcartel.com/product/various-artists-the-b-line-ep-vol-5-12-b-line-recordings-bln041

https://hiphopbebop.com/product/various-artists-the-b-line-ep-vol-5/

https://thecoldkrush.bigcartel.com/product/specifik-sunshine-gotta-get-away-featuring-chrome

Specifik on Bandcamp:

https://djspecifik.bandcamp.com/

Chrome on Bandcamp:

https://chrome.bandcamp.com/music

VIDEOS

Sunshine (Gotta Get Away)

 

 

 

 

Album Review: Revolutionary by Kema Vs Kings

 

REVOLUTIONARY

By

Kema Vs Kings

 

Revolutionary is the debut offering from the duo of Kemastry (CMPND) and producer King Boyden.

Before I get into things, here is a quick low down, for those who don’t know, about Kemastry and King Boyden.

Kemastry (Brighton) was a member of the pioneering Brighton based Team Dreebs and also the VooDoo Collective. He formed CMPND in 2018 alongside Wundrop and Vitamin G, and shortly after this they were signed to High Focus Records.

King Boyden (Oxford) is a Hip Hop producer who dropped the Suave Es Todo mixtape back in 2013 which featured, among others, Cappo. His production has also featured on a number of releases by  Inner Peace Records in the UK.

Now you have some idea of who these guys are, lets get to the task at hand. Revolutionary dropped back at the beginning of March this year (2025) and comes on the back of Kemastry facing jail time for criminal damage during a protest against Elbit Systems, the largest manufacturer of arms for Israel. It was these sustained protests that eventually let to the company losing its UK export licence.

The inspiration for this release comes from some deep sources and is noted in the press release material: Drawing inspiration from Kendrick Lamar’s Section 80, Huey Newton’s Revolutionary Suicide, the passion and power of Fred Hampton’s teachings, the nihilistically enlightened philosophy of Jim Carrey, conversations on apathy between Earl Sweatshirt and his mother, and the spiritual wisdom of Kekishrew Sidhwa’s Zoroastrian beliefs, Revolutionary is an attempt to inspire revolution and offer solutions to both simultaneously rebel and find peace.

With such a huge focus on huge subjects such as BLM matters, Police brutality and the drive to free the Palestinian people, alongside some incredibly powerful philosophical and spiritual beliefs and beyond, you really get the feeling that this album is going to be a very powerful release, and that’s even before you actually listen to it!

Alongside the production from King Boyden there are a few features to note from CMPND crew mate Vitamin G, Rawz and DeSide.

With all that said, its time for me take a deep dive into Revolutionary and give you my thoughts…

 

The album is only six tracks long, which some might feel is only EP length But let’s not judge here and get straight into it with Stankotic. This one features Vitamin G and Rawz alongside Kemastry, bringing us a deep beat that is back with some melodic piano vibes which gives this the kinda sound that grips your focus while still letting you nod your head. This one really seems to speak on the who so many people are just apathetic to the struggles of others. But its not just the struggles of others, it is also how those in a place of power conduct themselves and paint themselves as having a valid reason for doing what they are doing, even if they are perpetrating a genocide against an entire nation. They make themselves look to be the victim and therefore to validated in what they are doing. These types of behaviours go on at all levels of ruling and governing bodies throughout the world in the so called developed world. Its time to be mindful and to drop the apathy, then we can really see the truth of what is going on around us. Up next is Section 80 (I am Revolutionary) which has a proper head nod vibe to it with horns in the background carrying you along and giving the sound a deeper edge. Section 80 refers to the powers police have to stop and search you if they suspect a crime might be, or about to be, committed. But, this track goes beyond that at looks at society and all of the things that happen or are perpetrated against us, that can push us to the point where we say enough is enough, its time to stand up and make our voices know, and when you do this, you revolutionise your thinking and you seek to revolutionise what happens in society around you and they way you are treated, and you become revolutionary. Pantarei switches the sound and the flow, taking on a more modern type of sound with keys taking the forefront and a fractured beat that only pushing forward to bring more strength to the words. This one is almost a spoken word track where the focus looks at the flow of life and how everything appears to be collapsing around us. Society exploits the most vulnerable and marginalised among us, with those who have the money, keep the money and make everyone else pay, eventually pushing many to the point of no return in many ways. One way out of this is a way that is juxtaposed to what you hear but, is the very definition of the title of the track. Pantarei comes from the philosophy of Heraclitus, the 6^th Century Greek philosopher, and is all about the flow of life and the fact we are all constantly changing, and by that definition we can change for the better just by changing our thoughts, our intentions, and focusing on a better future, if we don’t do this, then life will continue on a downward spiral to its ultimate end.

Happily brings an upbeat vibe from a solid head nod beat and a background of xylophone notes bringing a chilled element. That upbeat vibe from the beat is mirrored across the lyrics, as Kemastry delivers a couple of verses that speak to you on a higher level, asking you to look past all that negativity that invades your life every day; and to really live you live in the best way possible, being the greatest expression of your true self. Let go of the apathy and the agony and find that spiritual expression of who you truly are and let that be your guide on the path of life. The positivity continues with New Dawn, where DeSide joins the journey with us. Here the chilled beat, keys and guitars all combine to bring a sound that reflects the fact that the sun has broken through the dark clouds and in now shining upon us with a loving warmth. This one has a reflective vibe to it, looking back at all the struggles and the hurdles that life places in front of us, and speaking on how we overcome those that truly show who we are as a person and the strength and resolve we carry to express our true selves. Beyond that is shows who we as a part of the one true people, the one true tribe that live on this earth. It is a selfish lust for power that has created divide and separation but, when you truly consider everything, we are all one. Rebel (Ms Hills Outro) is the final track of the album and brings a chilled kind of sound where the keys and faint sound of horns lift you up before the soulful vocal sample carries you to a place where you listen intently to what is being said. Here we are treated to the words that define what it is to Rebel while simultaneously finding peace. This may seem like a strange concept to understand but, speaking out and standing up for what you truly believe, does not always mean fuelling the fire of rage and taking a violent stance to make your point; you can still Rebel from a place of inner peace, because then you will be able to find the most powerful way to make you point heard without harming anyone, and this will make a point that can be felt the world over, in all the hearts of those who can feel…

Now, normally in summing up I would begin by talking about the impact the music and words had on me but, I just want to take a slight detour here. There has been a lot of talk, recently, about albums being released that have a short overall runtime with multiple short tracks; and I am sure that some might say that about Revolutionary. However, whether you consider this to be an album or EP length, one thing that is without doubt here is that Revolutionary packs more into its six tracks and twenty one minute runtime, than many full length albums do. Kemastry packs so much into this album you forget the timings because it is speaking to you on a higher level, one that stays with you long after the last bar has been laid down.

There is an impact here that will not fail to touch you, the depth of the words and the emotive nature of the beats, will have you returning to this one time and again. Revolutionary is infused with a passion and a strength that you can literally feel in the depth of your being. It will get you thinking about the world around you and those who are the victims and those who are the perpetrators. It will have you thinking of how you can best take a stand while still feeling and promoting a supreme level of peace, and it will also make you realise that there is a time for taking action, which is not always with a show of force, but that’s not to say that the use of force does not have its place for the revolutionary who is seeking to make a point.

Kemastry brings some deeply emotive story telling with intelligent wordplay that entertains as much as it instructs and supports. The realism here that comes from personal experience, something that is invaluable when you are speaking to people about the subjects that the album touches on; that authentic energy helps you feel how much this one comes from a place deep inside and is delivered with a desire to help people as much as it does to serve as an open book on how to find peace but still be a revolutionary.

The words are the backbone and the brain of this album, but the body is the solid production from King Boyden, who brings classic Hip Hop production tinged with elements of modern vibes and many other influences which all combine with Kemastry to give us a spiritual revolutionary figure, infused with everything that is needed to be a true wise man in the world. That wise spiritual creation brings together those other elements, who guest on the album, who each bring a depth of storytelling that further strengthens and deepens what this album achieves.

Revolutionary is one you do not want to miss. It is an album that opens you up to knowledge and a new way to stand up and speak up on the injustices that you see around you.

There is also a zine that is available alongside the album. It features artwork from China Rose Jordan (who also did the album artwork) and inspirational quotes and insights from Kemastry. It comes with a digital copy of the album too. So, be sure to check that out too if you can.

Revolutionary is out now and is waiting for you to listen in.

 

My humble thanks to Kemastry for giving me the chance to bring this one to you.

 

I’ll see you next time.

Peace out.

Steve.

LINKS

Get your copy on Bandcamp Here:

https://kemastry.bandcamp.com/album/kema-vs-kings-revolutionary 

Kemastry Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/Kemastry

Kemastry on Insta:

https://www.instagram.com/donald_surfaces/

 King Boyden Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/king_boyden/

https://www.facebook.com/KingBoydenBeats

VIDEOS

Rebel (Ms Hills Outro)

 

Album Review: Lunar Lounging by Jakk Dexx

 

Lunar Lounging

By

Jakk Dexx

 

Lunar Lounging is the debut album from UK DJ and Producer Jakk Dexx and is released through Weaponize Records on 30^th May this year.

Now, I’m not gonna say too much about this before we get into it but, it promises to be an album that is a huge introduction to his unique style of futuristic, electronic and experimental sounds that are rooted in the boom bap vibe. Dexx has also brought in a huge line up of talent from the UK, Australia, USA and more, making this a debut that is truly international offering.

With all that said, lets sit back and strap ourselves in for a trip beyond the confines of our planetary body.

As you slowly lower the needle onto this one, there is a brief respite before the rocket motors engage, and we are on our journey with Shelling. This one features a massive line up of Tenth Dan (AUS), Stinkin’ Slumrok (UK), Caesar Crow (AUS), Tanglemandan (UK), and DJ Grazzhoppa (Belgium). Lift-off seems to be from a boost of a different kind, and we transition from this earth in a mind-bending way as the drumbeat gets our heads nodding and the background deep electronic vibes carry us along with a sound that seems to have an air of trepidation. The wordplay and lyrical dexterity here bring us, not just a demonstration of skill, but opens our minds ready for the journey’s continuation, and all the while the bridge is full of cuts that hit like a lightsabre, slicing deeply into our awareness. Probably True takes us beyond the atmosphere with a beat that has you sitting back in your seat, chillin’, while the plethora of electronic vibes and other sounds drift though your mind like the stars as they pass by. Jack Jetson (UK) and Citizen Nuggz (UK) bring us a couple of verses that make us realise that the fuel for our journey is not just liquid, but a tightly packed herbal fuel that helps the mind transcend the physical. Here the message is pretty simple, you might have heard things going around and if you have heard them then are probably true. No need to think too hard here just let the music and the words carry you and speak to you on whatever level you need. Formi (UK) joins the journey here for The Guy, where the beat takes on a more classic boom bap funk fuelled feel with horns, keys, bass guitar and more, giving you a bit more adrenaline to get you moving to the groove. This one has this vibe that seems to speak on those who make themselves out to be more that they are, they might think they are the guy but, right here and now, there is just one guy, and he is dropping the flavour right here.

As our interstellar journey nears the moon Wundrop (UK) joins us for Bricks & Mortar where a melodic beat and orchestral vibes draw us in and the electronic elements first make you feel like you have been transported underwater before switching to a rapid sound that tweaks the nerves, these sounds switch back and forth, testing the limits of our mind. Wundrop speaks frankly on life and how it goes around him as he prepares himself for the next stage of his journey, constantly working and remaining focused on what’s important and pushing forward. Warheadz has plodding drum beat that is backed by keys, strings and electronic elements that seems to sit between a sixties funk vibe and outer space futuristic vibes. As your mind drifts on this, Adam Koots (AUS) steps up spinning metaphors and similes that twist and turn in your mind, giving us a look just who he is and how he conducts himself and that’s all you need to know really but, you get the feeling you could sit and listen to him speak for the rest of the journey if needs be. An outtake from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas gives you some idea, or perhaps no idea where we are on our journey as the beat drops in and the bells and electronic elements have our minds realising that we are just floating through the cosmos, In The Bag. Citizen Nuggz and B Wun (UK) open the bag and school us to all the things we need to help us make the most of this journey as we move beyond space and time and slide more into the mind and where that takes us when it is given the space to be truly open and tap into other realms. Brew Break brings us to the halfway point of our trip. This is a classic cut n’ paste style interlude that puts us once and for all into orbit around the moon. Giving us time to enjoy all those elements and have a chill while grinning all the while; Oh, and its up to you if you chose to enjoy this with a real brew or not…

As we float around that celestial body, looking back down on the earth, out mind cast back to bit of Summer Madness, where the beat takes a more uplifting sound with an up tempo beat and fresh sounding horns, bringing you the kinda beat that just makes you wanna move. Mysdiggi takes the mic and spins us some fun stories that we have no problem in visualising and enjoying. Mashed Potatoes keeps that upbeat sound going with a head nod beat and keys that just bring a highly enjoyable sound. Jack Jetson and Sublingual spin us bars with more food related similes than you can shake a stick at. At this point of our journey there is a good chance that this one is gonna give you the munchies if nothing else. Tenth Dan returns for The Meg, where beats drops in a little harder while the electronic elements bring a light-hearted sound, and that sound works so well with the lyrics that come with more than a hint of bravado and maybe a sprinkling of braggadocio too as Dan looks at how you don’t have to look a certain way and have certain things to be better than others. Those that look good and have all the expensive things are not necessarily the best at what they do, they just have things that make them appear that way, while others have a natural talent that stands them on the shoulder of giants.

As we float through the cosmos, we realise that we have broken free of the moons orbit and are now getting Carried Away with a proper head nod sound and electric guitar vibes that are both energetic and chilled at the same time. Citizen Nuggz steps up, telling us how it is for him and how he gets carried away gripping a page of paper and allowing his imagination to run away with him and the places that takes him to. It seems that we are now fully Space Trippin and the sound for this one is a full on banger with cuts and the kinda sound that gets the adrenaline pumping and the head nodding. Prev Marco (USA) is our captain for this leg of the trip, laying the cards on the table and giving us a reason to trust him as rap pilot, as the cosmos is just another step, another place to conquer and he has the skills and the dedication to do it. The final track of the album brings to Lesson One, this is a more relaxed affair with a heavy beat, electronic elements and a classic piano break, giving us another banger that has you thinking that this trip never needs to end. Lemon Larry (AUS) drops us a solid display of just who he is and the skills he has but, there is a little more to it than just a display of wordplay and lyrical dexterity, there is a lot here about respect, something that, once you have listened to this album, you will have a great deal of for Jakk Dexx and all the guests.

At this point you will be thinking that we are just going to be left here, floating through space until perhaps we float by earth, once more, and maybe we that float back down to solid ground? But no so fast, if you grabbed the digital download, then your trip ain’t over just yet. Because you now have Astro Travelling as a seven minute bonus track. Here we have Jakk Dexx dropping a chilled drum beat with organ and synth sounds that carry us along on this journey out to the moon. We are treated to a wealth of answerphone messages from the guest artists, all trying to get hold of Dexx, who is clearly away from his phone enjoying the serenity of the moon while Lunar Lounging, no need to come back to earth now…

What is clear here is that we need Jakk Dexx to return from his Lunar Lounging because this is one wicked debut that is screaming out for a follow up already.

Overall, this is a truly impressive debut offering. The beats are all between 72 and 94 BPM, so they are chilled enough to allow to sit back an enjoy but, also there is enough energy in the sound to fire you up at the same time. It might not have you jumping around but, it will definitely have you chilling on the dark side of the moon, wishing you could be float through the cosmos for eternity, viewing all the wonders that exist beyond our atmosphere. Jakk Dexx has created a smoked out sound that seamlessly incorporates these electronic and experimental vibes with a solid grounding in the classic boom bap Hip Hop sound. I see no reason why you could not completely trip out to these tracks as instrumentals, as much as you do to the vocal versions.

Bringing in the international line up of emcees is top notch. It is heavy on the UK side of things but, with those from Australia and the US too it is a perfect display of just how Hip Hop can unite us across borders and seas. Every emcee here looks to be on top of their game and I was as impressed with those I was not familiar with from AUS, as I was with everyone else. The quality of wordplay and lyricism on display here is a credit to all involved.

I could not finish up this review without mentioning the use of cuts. Jakk Dexx and DJ Grazzhoppa bring that final element of the Hip Hop music to bear here. I always feel that a Hip Hop album is lacking a little without cuts, so it good to hear proper cuts used to such good effect. Recently I have seen many people talking on how the DJs within Hip Hop seem to be treated as a secondary element. But the DJ was one of the founding elements within the Hip Hop sound, so the DJ is more than just back up, the DJ is Hip Hop, let’s not forget that.

Lunar Lounging is not just an experimental Hip Hop album. It shows the quality of what can be done by a DJ / Producer who is willing to step outside the box and bring in elements that do not fundamentally change the sound but, give it extra depth and dimension that allows the listener to truly experience the concept or vision that is the core of the project.

Lunar Lounging drops on Weaponise Records on 30^th May 2025. I suggest that you don’t sleep on this but tune in and take a journey alongside Jakk Dexx.

Time for me to come back down to earth,

See ya next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab a copy of the album Here:

https://weaponizerecords.bandcamp.com/album/lunar-lounging

Jakk Dexx on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jakkdexx/

Jakk Dexx Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/jakkdexx

Weaponize Records Website:

https://weaponizerecords.bigcartel.com/

Weaponize Records Socials:

 https://www.instagram.com/weaponize_records/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551812373834

https://www.youtube.com/@WeaponizeRecords

 

VIDEOS

In The Bag ft Citizen Nuggz & B Wun

Mashed Potatoes ft Jack Jetson & Sublingual

 

 

 

 

 

Album Review: Electric Sun by Immune

 

Electric Sun

By

Immune

 

It’s been nearly three years since Immune first entered the scene with their debut release Sub-Atomic Boom Bap and a Fistful of Rap But, now the intercontinental duo of Psykoid (aka Remark, UK) and Cylas (aka Silas, Switzerland) are back with their sophomore album Electric Sun.

Their debut release took us beyond the three dimensional reality into a digital reality where boom bap Hip Hop was merged with a myriad of other musical influences and raw, no nonsense lyrics. Since that time the world has changed little, and if anything has become more of troubled place for all of us. So, what does this mean for Immune and how will they reflect this or where will they take us under the gaze of the Electric Sun?

A nerve shredding electrical sound greats us as the opening of Stay Immune, and you can almost feel yourself being separated into your component parts as you begin the journey into a new digital reality where you see what happens from a brand new viewpoint. The beat kicks in with a heavy electronic vibe which sees Cylas shaking the very atoms that make up your body. Remark brings a simple but important massage here which is to stay true to who you are and the natural world around you, and to stay immune to a world full of doom. Wise words indeed, because if you slip for a moment the darkness in this world will consume you. Piercing electronic notes draw us into Sooner or Later before a heavy bassline pounds the very air around us and a high speed electronic ticking tests your nerves and wonder if you’re whole or still separated into a billion pieces. The message here permeates every atom of your being, reflecting the sad reality that money is given more importance that our health and the population of the planet is kept in a perpetual state of fear, one that makes them easier to control as you believe that the powers-that-be are helping, when what they are doing is controlling and becoming rich of the pain and suffering. Next up, is Cynicalside a heavy electronic storm of a track that invades your awareness and holds your attention. This one might have a cynical view of the world around us but, is it really that far from the truth? This is a world where self-interest is rife, and people’s sincerity and integrity are drawn into question on so many levels. This is a world where commercialism and labels rule, keeping our focus from the very real issues we face every day. As long as you are paying the price and being kept happy by the things you own and the way you present yourself to the world, you will always be kept in line and slave to the system.

PSYKOiD brings a heavy beat with a more downbeat electronic vibe which is pierced by more electronic ticking. Pounding your awareness into submission PSYKOiD gives us a deep look at the persona he brings to the mic. Many might consider him a psycho because he is not you, him or her, but sometimes you have to be cold and calculating to be able to take a stand against those who seek to keep people as ‘sheeple’. PSYKOiD is a revolutionary for a new era, where purity, a knowledge of self, and an understanding of the true nature of nature is key to the ushering in of a new age. Devil on the Shoulder drop with a sound that seems to have some influence from John Carpenter mixed in with its weirdly head nod electronic sound. Listening to this one, you might think it is just an attack on the idea of a minimum wage; while it does have that edge to it, it goes deeper to because it looks at how the idea that people in power can actually think they can calculate what is the minimum amount a person or family can live on is ludicrous. The cost of living changes day-to-day and yet income does not, benefits are cut, and it is those most at risk that are made to pay the price. The more you struggle with this, the more that devil on your shoulder will get a voice that will make you kick back and say, ‘fuck that’. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly sees Cylas morph into Silas who steps up to the mic alongside PSYKOiD. The beat has a vibe that has shades of Kraftwerk alongside its pounding sound, giving it a subtle head nod vibe. This one has a more venomous edge to it as it looks at the different types of people, we have around us and their characters. I’m not going to try and comment on what Silas speaks on in his native tongue, but there is that edge to the vocals that says there are no ‘fucks given’ here. It’s time to look at yourself here and decide just where you fit on the scale.

Sermon of the Dead has this sonic vibe that floats though your awareness, like smoke that has a razor sharp edge, while the bridge has an eerie vibe that tweaks your nerves. What would the dead say if they could talk to you? How would they tell you view life and what is most important to help you negotiate the hurdles that are placed in front of you? Perhaps they would tell you to listen to the universe, have knowledge of the self, don’t believe all you are told, and be the change you wish to see? Perhaps they would say this and much more, just listen to the sermon and what it says to you. From the dead, we move to the views of The Seer. The beat pounds here as sonic sounds abound, spinning you mind out of control. Here the seer is PSYKOiD who brings us a bleak look at the world around us but, he also gives us some cryptic insights into how we can move forward in a positive way, one that will give us all an equal standing and an equal voice.

The penultimate track on the album is Logan’s Run, here the sonic, electric vibes twist the very limits of what your mind can handle, taking you into a very distressing view of the future; but is it that far into the future. This one looks at how society is run, like the movie and TV series of the same name, it looks at how the old are cast out and the young take their place. Those who chose to stand against this way of living are hunted and find there is nowhere to run or to hide. In our society, it seems that it is not just the old who are cast aside but, the infirm, the physically and mentally challenged, are all looked on as a drain on society and should be treated with contempt and not the respect they so often deserve. The album ends with The Sun Is Dark, which was originally released as a single in March 2024. A pounding beat is backed by electronic vibes and a vocal bridge with a darker edge, giving you the sense of a bleak outlook for the future. This one looks at the rise of the digital world that keeps people in a controlled state, where all you do is covertly monitored under the guise of giving you a better digital experience. There is a way to buck the system and beat the algorithms, that is not to give your soul to the digital age but, know it has its place and that you are in control of that. Don’t let sun and the skies darken, keep the sun shining upon us, don’t let them win…

 

What is apparent here is that with Electric Sun, Cylas has stepped a little further away from the Hip Hop foundations of the debut album, although there are still glimpses of it throughout. Now, the sound as a more alternative, electronic, and sonic sound, and what that does is to git it that digital vibe that fits with how our current society is heading, towards a future where digital and AI may control most aspects of our lives. Could it be that the world that was portrayed in the Matrix movies is not that far away? But, by giving the album that futuristic edge to the sound makes it a potent message.

Remark still gives us vocals where we can hear every line, which is vital for the album as it helps us understand the bigger picture. His lyrics have a huge impact on you as they are politically and spiritually charged, often speaking directly to your higher self, although you might not realise that. You can feel the emotive edge in every word he says, using bars that are intelligently crafted and flows that twist and weave their way through your psyche.

It has to be said that Electric Sun might not be to everyone’s taste with its futuristic rap sound and the fact that there are elements of the kind of genres that are very niche, but there are elements of sounds that were influential in the rise of the early Hip Hop sound, you just have to catch them. So, this one might have a unique sound but, the core messages held within those ten tracks are very important right now, because if society keeps going the way it is, then perhaps your grandchildren might look at films like the Matrix as far more prophetic.

Electric Sun is definitely one to check out and get you own take on. It was released on April 21^st and is available for you to check out now. I also had the pleasure to help PSYKOiD film some of the visuals for the video to Cynicalside, so check the videos below.

My humble thanks to Remark and Silas for the chance to bring you my take on this.

On that note,

I’ll see ya next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab your copy here:

https://immunemusic.bandcamp.com/album/electric-sun

Immune Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/psykoid_immune/

https://www.instagram.com/cylas_dnb/

https://www.youtube.com/@immunevideos

VIDEOS

Stay Immune

Cynicalside

 

The Sun is Dark

 

 

EP Review: Fortune Seller EP by K-Saulz Produced by World Of Ghosts

 

Fortune Seller EP

By

K-Saulz and World Of Ghosts

 

It has been nearly two years since I featured my man K-Saulz, and at that time he was working alongside production duo DiffHop but, now he is back, and this time he teams up with another production duo, World of Ghosts aka Context and Clarity, to bring you the Fortune Seller EP.

This was released just a few days ago on 5^th May and consists of four full tracks and an intro. The promo for the EP promises “a gritty, thought-provoking collaborative project, the EP delves deep into the darker corners of the human experience, reflecting on toxic culture, political unrest, and personal battles in an increasingly chaotic world. Rooted in classic boom bap with a signature UK underground twist, World Of Ghosts bring their trademark slow-tempo, head-nodding production, laced with eerie atmospherics and heavy-hitting drums. K-Saulz and World Of Ghosts have created a snapshot of modern struggle, survival, and truth—wrapped in raw beats and uncompromising bars”.

Alongside K-Saulz and World of Ghosts, there are guest appearances from Scrolls The Mystic, Verbz MC, Ill Sykes and Seek Tha Northerner. With all that said, I hope I have whetted your appetite enough…

So, join me know as we sit in a tent, dimly lit by candles, and with the faint smell of incence filling the air…

World of Ghosts remain in the shadows while K-Saulz takes a seat across the table from us, and once we cross his palm with silver, he begins. The Intro sets the scene for us, with a down tempo beat and some eerie key notes, we are drawn into an alternate reality, created for us by the artist, where paranoia seems to be the order of the day; something that, in truth is not that from the reality in which we currently live.

Now things begin in earnest as K-Saulz becomes the Fortune Seller, while World of Ghost brings a cinematic sound scape of horns and strings, over plodding beat that floats along to faint smoke of the incense sticks. K-Saulz captivates us with the depth of his wordplay and poetic lyricism. As we listen to flow of these captivating words, there are metaphorical lines that play havoc with our minds and have us wondering if this is just the intricate flows of am emcee ahead of their time, of if he is actually getting into our minds and dreams, giving us glimpse of what is to come? As our minds spin, Scrolls The Mystic appears from the shadows, seemingly forming from faint smoke that hangs in the air. He joins K-Saulz for the Rebirth Of Cyrus and a heavy beat kicks in while bells, keys, cymbals and more bring an eerie edge to proceedings. This one really tests the limit of our understanding as words, metaphors and similes twist the very nature of our understanding of the world around us. This goes some way to mirror the constant stream of information, dis-information, and mind-controlling information that our awareness is constantly exposed to every day. It is how we individually process this information that controls how we see and understand what is happening around us; a deep and, at times, troubling thought that may make you re-examine what you see as truths and untruths.

The form of Scrolls The Mystic fades away and is replaced by the form of Verbz MC for War Dance. Here, World Of Ghosts brings us more heavy drums over which is a mix of guitars, harp, horns, and much more that goes past eerie and tests our every nerve. K-Saulz and Verbz MC bring intricate wordplay that serves to bring visions of all forms of altercations, arguments, civil unrest, wars, and beyond. These visions might come from what you see in the world around, with those around you, or even from within yourself but, one thing is for sure, every day we see and experience these things and must learn not to let them to seep to deeply into who we are, or the negativity will take control of us and draw us into the darkness. The EP draws to a close with Reality Check, something we definitely need right now, and once more the swirling smoke begins to take on human form. This time if takes on the form of Ill Sykes and Seek The Northerner, standing shoulder to shoulder with K-Saulz. World Of Ghosts brings this melodic beat with bass, bells, flute, and vocal samples which all mix to bring us this more uplifting sound but, still with an air of the mystic. If you have been picturing yourself, sat in this little tent, questioning just what reality is all about, then this one will blow it all apart and have you trying to fit the pieces back together like some mindboggling jigsaw puzzle. The guys take a deep dive into many aspects of life in the world today and then tear it all apart leaving you question everything and wonder just what goes where and what the bigger picture truly is…

 

Once K-Saulz and World Of Ghosts have stepped away, you leave that little tent with a sense that the Fortune Seller EP may not have told you anything you did not know? However, what it has done is to sell you a whole new way to look at the world around you and how you might see your life and fortunes progressing. Music is a powerful medium that can paint an audible picture for you that might, in this case, immediately seem to be a dark representation of life but, as it seeps into your awareness more and more, you realise that its all about how you view that reality and how much of the negative aspects you allow to consume you. If you can take a step back and view the world from a different standpoint and not allow the darkness in, things look a whole lot different and you can walk forward knowing it will never control you, and only you have the ultimate control of yourself and your journey…

I have to say that I really enjoyed this one and how it allowed me to have some fun with my interpretations. The production from World Of Ghosts has this eerie, almost Trip Hop vibe to it but, still has that foundation of solid boom bap Hip Hop. It is those subtle background sounds that create the eerie vibe, and when laid over those down-tempo beats it just helps you float along to the sound, as incense smoke hangs and floats through the air. K-Sauls really goes all out here in demonstrating his intricate wordplay, flows, and a deeply poetic edge that really draws you in and helps you get lost in the moment. Bringing in a few solid emcees here also adds an additional edge to the proceedings. Each guest emcee brings a different vibe that just adds a subtle depth to those tracks, taking nothing away from K-Saulz but, fitting perfectly with the overall vibe of the EP.

The Fortune Seller EP is one of those releases that you can easily just bang in the car on your headphones and just enjoy the sound but, equally it has a deep message that allows you to sit back and drink in those words and let your self get completely immersed in the music.

If you have not checked this one already, then I humbly suggest that you do so, because you’ll be glad you did. For me, it has me wondering if there might be an album coming and also wanting to hear more from World Of Ghosts.

Artwork comes from Fabio Sanna.

The Fortune Seller EP is out now, so don’t sleep on it.

I’ll be seeing you next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab the EP from Bandcamp Here:

https://k-saulz.bandcamp.com/album/fortune-seller-ep

K-Saulz Links:

https://www.k-saulz.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/ksaulzofficial/

https://www.facebook.com/TheGobbyHobbit

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL_fipZeFAwRG0ymnafxb4w

World Of Ghosts Links:

https://www.instagram.com/worldofghosts1/

https://worldofghosts.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/worldofghosts1

VIDEOS

Rebirth of Cyrus ft Scrolls The Mystic

 

 

 

 

Album Review: Mountain Dreams by Mic Mountain Prod. by SeenDaDream

 

Mountain Dreams

By

Mic Mountain X SeenDaDREAM

 

Back in April this year I dropped a review of Triple Piraguaby Mic Mountain. Now I have the pleasure to bring you the next album from the Washington based emcee. Mountain Dreams was originally released on March 7^th, the album is produced by SeenDaDream and features appearances from AA Rashid (who also does the artwork for the album), Thirstin Howl the 3^rd, Isis Aset, Oba Olff, and Bri Bri, with all cuts coming from Mr Scratch Hook

The album also has a theme which is worth noting here as you follow the narrative of the album, “a visionary hip-hop journey, weaving together a sequence of prophetic dreams from one fateful night long ago. Each track unfolds as a chapter in this vivid narrative, blending storytelling and lyrical artistry”.

With that said, I don’t want to keep you hanging around, so let’s dive into this album…

 

Strings, horns and a heavy drum beat form the backdrop to the intro, immediately getting your head nodding. AA Rashid features here, bringing us the Intro, giving us his thoughts on Mic Mountain and where he see’s the future for him. The intro does not really set the seen for us on what’s coming but, it kind of prepares us, allowing us to sit back and get comfortable.

The album kicks off with Come Back Home which continues the head nod vibe with more strings, vocal samples and drumbeat, giving us this solid sound but, with those strings adding a sound that just draws us away from our current reality. As we are draw into this Hip Hop dreamscape, Mic mountain brings us the first chapter, An overview of life and what a day might bring as it unfolds. AA Rashid returns for Da Jungle pt 2 (Interlude), guitar and a more chilled drumbeat keep us focused on the lyrics as AA Rashid gives us thoughts on the heard mentality and the power the heard has if they chose to focus their combined energy in one direction. This thought sets the seen for Da Jungle pt 2, the beat here that has cuts, keys and drums, that all come together to bring an upbeat sound that ramps up the adrenaline levels. This one looks at harsh realities of life on the streets but, here in dreamland we swap the concrete jungle for the true jungle habitat, a place where we see the threats of streets transformed into the animals and dangers that about in a place where you might find yourself out of place, and at the same time aware of the what those who are native to this place, experience on a daily basis. It might not be pretty but, it is home. Drums, guitars, and cuts are the foundation for Snakes, this sound has a mariachi vibe to it, and that story telling vibe fits so well here as Mic Mountain speaks on those snakes who hide in the jungle, but these snakes are the ones who might appear to be your friend or acquaintance, but in reality, are there to strike when you least expect it. Beware of those around you as you never know which ones might be the snakes.

From the jungle, our backdrop shifts to the desert and a Desert Sunrise (Interlude). Drums, cymbals, and guitars bring us another mariachi vibe, but this time the sound is more laid-back. This is more of an extended interlude that is a look at the story of the Mountain Dreams album from an interview. This is almost like a break in your dream where you briefly wake and blink, wondering where you have just been, before rolling over and going back to sleep…

Tornado Warning takes us back into dreamland in a big way with a heavy beat that is underpinned with piano vibes. Your head starts nodding and you realise that this is no ordinary tornado, this is a tumultuous situation that comes from the strength of the lyricism and the fact that there are no punches pulled here with a graphic look at world around Mic Mountain. Thirstin Howl the 3^rd joins Mic Mountain for Midnight Oil, where piano notes take the forefront on the beat, giving this one a deeper edge that seems made for the dark streets. Here we are treated to slick display of wordplay, similes, and metaphors as the streets are transformed into a nightmarish world where you fears come at you in many different forms.

Just as with any dream you are often dragged into an alternate reality, opposed to where you just were and that is what happens with WrestleMania Entrance Music. The Macho Man brings us into this one to a heavy sound that is heavy on the guitars, but with a beat that gets your head nodding along with more Wrestling name drops than elbows in the ring. OHH YEAH!!! This one is all about the new tag team duo of Mic Mountain and SeenDaDream, and it’s time for them to enter the scene.

French Arab Joint flips things once more back into another dreamscape. Here we are backed by slick beat that is backed by xylophone notes, guitars, and keys, with vocal samples that bring a real surreal feal to things. Wordplay abounds here in a way that takes us to more places like mixing THC into our dream journey, yeah that just happened. Still reeling from that last aspect of the dream journey, Indian Boy brings another mind-bending sound that has native American edge to it with a mix of drums, strings and keys. This one seems to relate to Mic Mountains native American heritage and how that mixes with their history, treatment in America, and how their heritage has so many prophetic aspects that relate to what is happening in the world around us. Isis Aset now joins Mic Mountain on Smokin Da La La, the beat has a very chilled vibe to it, created by the drums, guitars, and keys. This one looks at their experiences of smoking the bud and how it affects them but, also has the effect of relaxing them and taking the focus away from negative aspects of the world around them. Horns and chimes draw us into Just Like Heaven, before a classic beat drops in. This sound gives us a vibe that has an emotive edge to it, which fits perfectly with the lyrics. Mic Mountain speaks openly on the love he has for his wife, but this is more than just a love song, it is an expression of what love is, what it means, and how it truly touches us on so many levels in the time we spend with that special someone.

Summer Time Joyride finds Mic Mountain and SeenDaDream taking us on a trip in a new ride. The beat has that summertime upbeat vibe that makes you wanna turn up the sound and wind down the windows. This one has all the hallmarks of that summer soundtrack vibe, so listen in and drift of into the sunset with this one. Time for another break with the Mountain Dreams (Interlude) which features Oba Olff. The drums, bass, and keys give this one an air of contemplation about it. The message in this one is about the traits that people can have. This one speaks to me as I very much intuit the music when I am writing and so it is important to listen to those little ways that speak to you. Find what best works for you and trust in it, let it guide you in life. As we think on that short interlude, its time for the title track of the album, Mountain Dreams. Get your head nodding to this one as the drums get you moving and the strings, in the background, keeps you floating along. Here we find Mic Mountain relating a dream to us; this is emotive moment as it speaks to us on the deep and prophetic nature that dreams can have, in fact, all dreams have that nature, it is just up to us to find what each one means to us, because our dreams are as individual as we are and it is the content, people and situations within that can say so much to us, as strange as they might seem at times. With that thought still in mind, AA Rashid returns to take us out of the album with the Outro. The beat thumps once more, the piano notes bring an edge that just holds our attention for the lyrics. AA Rashid brings us a positive message to end the album, assuring us that we are doing well and all is good. To end the album with this positive message is truly uplifting and that is just what we need right now…

 

What is really apparent here is that, if we take into context that is all set in a dream world, then there is a lot that you can read into this. In fact, you might find that you get something different every time you listen. If you were to write your dreams down, then every time you go back and read that, it would speak to you in different ways, depending on your situation at the time of the dream, or the situation you were in when you next read about that dream, and listening to this album is likely to be just like that.

Dreams are very prophetic, even though they might seem like a random collection of weird symbolism that has no real relationship to anything in our lives. But the more to consider different aspects of that symbolism and combine it with the people and settings, you might begin to understand the meaning. Mountain Dreams is very much like that, as you listen through the album, it might seem like these are just random tracks with intelligent lyricism. Yes, they might have individual meaning but, don’t have any kind of relationship to each other.

However, the flow of the album is like a river that makes its way across different terrain and differing scenic displays but ultimately reaching the same destination. That river flows the same way in different seasons, different weather conditions. There will be subtle changes along the way, over time, but the end is always the same. So, consider this when listen to the album, you might interpret it different to me, but then you are supposed to as you are not me, and I am not you.

Overall, Mountain Dreams sees Mic Mountain and SeenDaDream bring us a solid Hip Hop album with intelligent and creative wordplay that is matched by the kind of production that has the heart and soul of Hip Hop at its core. But, add to that the depth of Mic Mountains personal experience here and you get an album that hits on many levels, inviting you to think and feel things you might expect with a Hip Hop sound. But you can bump this one in the car with the windows down and volume up or, you can sit back, chill out and let it soak into your awareness in the comfort of your own home. All I suggest is that you let it flow as was intended, from start to finish, no stopping, no skipping, just let it flow…

My huge that’s to Mic Mountain for allowing me to bring this one to you and having that faith in the intuitive nature of my words.

 

Mountain Dreams is out now.

 

I’ll see ya next time,

Peace Out,

Steve.

LINKS

Get your copy from Bandcamp Here:

https://micmountain.bandcamp.com/album/mountain-dreams

Mic Mountain Official Website:

https://micmountain.com/

Official Brand Website:

https://triplepiragua.com/

Mic Mountain Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091789921827

https://www.instagram.com/therealmicmountain/

https://www.youtube.com/@therealmicmountain

SeenDaDREAM on Insta:

https://www.instagram.com/seendadream/

SeenDaDREAM on Bandcamp:

https://chromeinfantry.bandcamp.com/music

VIDEOS

Mountain Dreams ft Bri Bri

WrestleMania Entrance Music

Smokin Da La La ft Isis Aset

Midnight Oil ft Thirstin Howl the 3rd

Album Review: HOUSES by CAPPO

 

Houses

By

Cappo

 

Houses is the second chapter in the CAPstone trilogy from Cappo. It was back in September of 2024 that I was able to bring you my take on the first of the trilogy, S.T.A.R.V.E. Which was an incredibly deep album focusing on isolation and the struggles that we so often face. Houses is set some twenty years after where S.T.A.R.V.E. was set and brings us more up to date in that it focus is our modern day society.

Released through Plague, the albums promo has been stepped up to match the fact that Houses brings a narrative that is directly opposite to its predecessor. The focus here is to look more at ideas based on The Divine Social, such as the importance of human interaction, belonging, and tribal responsibility. There are also a wealth of themes built into the album which include race and class, fatherhood, the paternal bond, masculinity, mortality, and sexual desire.

The album follows a day-in-the-life narrative of a fictional working-class father of two (known as P) in contemporary Nottingham, England, as he struggles to come to terms with the societal restrictions, conformities, and benefits of fatherhood.

Houses comes with an extended press release, in the form of a Plague Tax Letter and a collaborative Modernist style Zine which features submissions from the likes of Thomas ‘Juga-naut’ Higgins, Esther Koch, and Dr Ramisha Rafique among others. This Zine and what you will read within, reflect the overall sentiment of the album; the singular product of a combination of minds, forming what is ultimately a sense of hope. The vinyl package also contains a booklet which contains an Annotated track list, this expands on the narrative behind each track and how it relates to the classic literature of the likes of Ulysses, The Odyssey and Hamlet. I will draw on some of this as I go through the album but, will not go into how it relates to the classic literature, but leave that for you to discover.

Houses is written and produced by Cappo, except for production by Sam Zircon on Lyfe, HMRC, Unborn Seed, Sessy Lu, SPRT LVLS and While You Sleep. The album was recorded by 1stBlood, mixed and mastered by Irn Mnky, and comes with design and layout from Rich Brown (Bee Graphics).

There is a lot to take in with that intro But, now you have got this far, its time to join me as I take you through the album, on a walk through Houses…

 

The album begins with Ghosts, a track that bridges S.T.A.R.V.E. and HOUSES, it reflects on how P resolves his inner tensions regarding his father’s suicide and how he overcame his own suicidal mind state at the conclusion of S.T.A.R.V.E., setting the stage for the narrative in Houses. The sound here has a suitably emotive edge with piano notes taking the forefront and the drums remaining sparse. The focus is on the lyrics here and Cappo, once again, brings P alive in our minds and we listen intently as he details the deep emotional feeling that have brought him to where he is now but, as we listen, it is obvious that there is a more upbeat vibe that becomes apparent towards the end of the track.

The narrative of Houses begins in earnest with Lyfe that explores the chaotic morning routine of P’s working-class household. Keys, drums, and electronic elements form the basis of track, bringing a sound that seems sparse but, at the same time, has an edge that tests the nerves, just as any frantic morning might do. Here P is laying awake musing on life before things take a more chaotic turn and its time to leave the bed and deal with the first part of the day and what that brings. This is something that so many of can easily relate to and how it rarely prepares us for the rest of the day to come. As P’s day continues, he engages in tidying his children’s bedroom before receiving a letter from HMRC. A letter which indicates the family have overpaid their council tax and creates a pivotal point which also heralds things to come. Sam Zircon’s production creates an upbeat sound that brings a romantic edge to things, reflecting the feelings you have on receiving a letter like this.  We get the feeling that this, for P, this is more than just the ecstatic relief of knowing you have money coming back to you, there is a depth to his feelings for this that seem to go beyond relief. Neutral takes us to where P has spoken to his wife regarding the money that is coming back to them but, finds him musing on the differences they have on what to do with the money and how this represents the emotional distance between them, rather than drawing them closer. There is a contrast between the elements of the track here where the piano creates the calmer vibe, while the other element has this opposing sound, this really does show how there are two opposing views within the dynamic between P and his wife. The lyrics really bring those opposing views into reality with P being the more frugal one, while his wife is tempted to be more spontaneous and treat the family.

Whereas the previous four tracks have taken place in the Morning, it is now the afternoon, and we find P attending the Funeral of an unnamed acquaintance. While there his mind drifts to thoughts of death, morality, and the paternal bond. The drumbeat takes the forefront here, while the piano elements create a jazzy undertone to the track. As we listen to the words, it is clear that less is more, with fewer words creating a deep awareness of these moments and how they make us question our own mortality, death, and the love we have for those closest to us. At the end of the day, it’s not always how much you say on a subject but, what you say and how you say it. Unborn Seed finds P continuing to think on morality and death, which in this instance, relates to a recent miscarriage. Here organ notes carry us along while the sparce drumbeat and cymbals seem to reflect the painful intrusive thoughts. As we listen to P’s thoughts on a tragic loss, not to mention those that came at the end of the track in Spanish, it can easily take you to thoughts of your own on such a trauma, especially if you have experienced something like this in your life, as I have. A trauma such as this causes you, in this case as the father, to think over and question so much about life around you. In this case it brings P’s superstitious beliefs to the forefront and his struggles with life’s uncertainties.

In the aftermath of this funeral, We Will? Finds P questioning his life path after contemplating so much. Here, the beat is heavier while the cymbals and vocal sample of ‘will we’ creates this vibe in your mind that easily reflects the conflict inside when seriously questioning all that you know, while standing at a crossroads in life. The lyrics speak so deeply on P’s constant questioning of his position of proving for his family, and whether he should set himself ‘free’ and leave everything he has, behind. Sessy Lu finds P on his way home from the funeral, still reflecting and contemplating, debating all the pros and cons of his situation, even if it is of his own making or not?  Musically, this one has a deep sound with a heavy beat, but the background has an almost hypnotic edge to it, drawing you in to the words being spoken. We are drawn into P’s thoughts as he wonders what to do but, we feel his desire to find a way away from what is around him. This comes to a head as P’s desires take him down the path of considering an affair with a local single mother named Sessy Lu. These thoughts, in themselves, open up a pandora’s box of what that would mean for him and his family life. P ultimately decides to relieve these desires himself, testing whether he is thinking with a clear mind or just with his dick. P’s internal struggles with his thoughts and desires for infidelity are further explored in Undigested Sweetcorn. The beat here is pounding, incorporating elements of Slow and Low at the start, and further backed by a sound that seems to continue the almost hypnotic edge before switching out at the end as we follow P. As the words flow though our minds and we follow P and his internal struggles; we find that he is doing his upmost to avoid this affair rather than risk his marriage. As we know from the final lines of the previous track, Sessy Lu, he has chosen to relieve himself when he arrives home.

It is time to move into the Evening of P’s day with Forces. Here P is now in a better frame of mind having relieved himself of carnal desires that had treated to overtake him. This has given him time to think and to make his ultimate decision to live as freely and independently as possible by leaving his family. There is this music box kind of sound that carries us through the track with only a few hints of drums dropping in at particular points. We follow P and his thoughts on making his ultimate decision, knowing that his current decision is not serving who he is or his family. To be a better man he knows that he has to find his true self; and that means needing to leave behind the life he currently knows. In the end it may be the best for all involved. In SPRT LVLS we find P out on his first night as a ‘free man’, getting drunk and high before his evening turns sour; while attempting to speak to a woman, P is caught up in a bar brawl between rival gangs. The piano and sparce drums create a dark edge to the sound, something that reflects the situation that is about to unfold. The vocals skilfully describe how P initially see’s his evening being everything he was expecting being a ‘free man’, but all to soon it turns into a nightmare. With P experiencing the violence of Nottingham’s underbelly, Solitaire finds him quickly realising that his decision was ill conceived. The beat here has the feeling of a full on banger of a beat with piano notes giving it a brighter edge. P quickly realises that the secure family unit is far more appealing to him than the ‘free man’ life initially seemed to be. Swallowing his pride, P makes it his mission in life to do all he can for his family, realising that having a small part od something is far better than having all of nothing.

With the penultimate track of the album, we move into the Night of our day with P. Lay Your Head Down sees P arriving home and attempting to resolve his relationship. The mood is set nicely by the heavy beat and the contrasting guitar and keys, creating a calming sound that perfectly mirrors the emotive nature of the events that are unfolding. Here, we see P talking and seducing his partner, reflecting on events and also on his relationship with his daughter, a vision that creates a lot of emotion if you chose to let it in. Houses ends with While You Sleep where the bass and piano brings brighter, emotional vibe; something that works perfectly and the sound scape for the track. Before sleeping himself, P checks in on his sleeping son, his thoughts are the perfect celebration of the father-son bond. There is a depth and emotion to the words that any real father with understand and something that brings the album full circle; especially when we consider that beginning of the album and where P has come from and his experience with his own father.

There is little doubt that Houses, if you look at it on its own merit, is an incredible piece of work, and something that has been conceived by a true artist. Houses follows one mans trials and tribulations as he attempts to understand and come to terms with his own mortality and what being a true father means. The album might take place across one linear day but, it could have taken place across days, weeks or even months. It takes the listener on a truly deep journey through one person’s journey but, that journey could quite easily be one that any one of us has taken in their life.

I can associate with many of the themes encompassed in the album. I have lost a loved one to suicide, know of suicide ideation, and have experienced an actual family break-up, being estranged from my own children; I also know the struggles with mental health than come along with these traumas and more. It is this kind of relatability that adds extra depth to the album as it helps you to draw on your own lived experiences and the connected emotions.

Lyrically this one is an album that really needs to be listened to. I’m not saying that you can’t just bung in on in the car, but to truly experience every word, bar, and metaphor, you need to take time with this one and digest everything that is said because, the wordplay is the only thing that sees this one set the bat on a whole new level.

Cappo delivers a truly epic piece of work here, both production wise (not forgetting the production from Sam Zircon too, who brings his own mastery to the proceedings) and lyrically, but deeper than that when you take into account how he uses the relationship of the individual tracks to those classic written masterpiece’s, Houses does become something truly different.

Now, I’m not suggesting that to understand Houses, you need to go out and read these epic books, as the album insert booklet does help you to understand parts however, if you chose to do that, it can only elevate your understanding. But what I do suggest is you give Houses the time it deserves, let it in and truly understand what it says because it goes deeper than I can really explain in these words.

Overall, Houses is a masterpiece of Hip Hop story telling; it encompasses a number of musical influences but, also has that added literary influence and connection that elevates it a new level of Hip Hop music, in fact, it might have defined a new genre and a whole new level of what is possible when you merge Hip Hop with a different level of technical and intellectual skill.

If I’m honest, I don’t know if my words can really do justice to just how good Houses is, because it hits so deeply on so many levels. So, I’m gonna leave it there because, I could go on for pages about the album but, in truth you just need to go and listen, truly listen to it.

My humble thanks to Dan at Plague for the chance to experience this album and to help in bringing you my words. I also need to thank Dan and Cappo for the amazing information contained in this which helped the review process no end.

Enjoy this one and I’ll see you next time.

One Love,

Steve.

LINKS

Grab your copy from Bandcamp:

https://plague11.bandcamp.com/album/houses

Cappo Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/kafka_poe_murakami/

Plague Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/plague_11/

https://www.facebook.com/plague11