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)

 

 

 

 

Exclusive Single Review: Space Bear Clique / Waiting In The Wings by Doozer

 

Space Bear Clique / Waiting in the Wings

By

Doozer

Produced by Djar One, Cuts by Specifik

 

It is an absolute pleasure to bring you an exclusive review of the upcoming addition to the B-Line Recordings catalogue. Space Bear Clique and the flip side Waiting in the Wings is a forthcoming single release from longtime B-Line collaborator the Doozer (Critically Ill, Contraflow Collective), featuring production from French producer and another B-Line collaborator Djar One, the single also features cuts from B-Lines head honcho himself, Specifik.

Now, this single has actually been sitting on the shelf for a little while, so its interesting that the B-side is called Waiting in the Wings as this single has been doing just that. I had a sniff of this one while having a chat with B-Line’s own Whirlwind D on a trip to Southampton some months back. This review was initially written for the Headz-zine Vol. 2 Issue 2, written and compiled by Adam De Paor-Evans (Project Cee). It came about when my initial review for this edition did not materialize and so I decided to reach out to Specifik to see if he would like me to review it here and give you a taste of what’s to come.  

Without further ado, let’s get into it…

Space Bear Clique

Violins, cuts, and a proper funky beat get your head nodding from the get-go on this one, in fact there is something about the sound and the vibe from Djar One that’s gets your whole body movin’, swaying from side to side as your head moves. This one seems to be precariously balanced between a serious and tongue-in-cheek as Doozer takes a shot at the social media era that we now find ourselves in. It is a time where so many people appear less interested in their own lives and dreams and far more interested in the latest funny meme that everyone is customising for their own ends, just to get a laugh or poke fun at some unfortunate person or celebrity figure. But, it’s not all that serious as Doozer takes a shot at flat earthers and the fact that there are plenty of people out there who will believe anything that is one the internet, as he points out you could say the earth is round and is being juggled by huge space bear and shortly there would be a whole clique rising from the belief that it is real. There are messages within this, like don’t be so serious about what you see on the internet, take a lot of it with a pinch of salt and don’t get drawn into everything you see. Also, don’t get distracted by the constant stream of memes that constantly invade your awareness when you scroll your social media feeds, they might be funny but, they also distract you from the reality of what’s going on around you and some, to be honest, are simply exploiting the pain of others. The real message though is just to not forget who you are and the dreams you have and don’t let the internet and social media distract you from what truly matters.

 

Waiting in the Wings

For this one Djar One combines another solid boom bap beat with some xylophone notes to create another infectious sound that has the energy to get you moving or just sit nodding your head to, like I’m doing right now. This one has a bit more of a serious edge to it as Doozer focuses on what’s going on in the world around him right now. The more you listen the more it become apparent that this is looking at all the changes that happen around us from the rising cost of living to those who govern and those who protest. So many of the choices we encounter or make, result in a negative outcome because to much focus is placed on making one thing happen and less on just how to get to that conclusion. Rising prices put more and more pressure on those who already struggle, because prices rise because of the greed of those with the ultimate control. So, many poor decisions are made because too many are feeding their own ego’s instead of focusing on what truly matters in their lives. The thing is that with every facet of life in all we do there is so often someone else standing by to take our place either through our own failings or by taking advantage and pushing you aside. We need our choices to have a positive impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. We all stand by those who mean something to us, if that sentiment could be broadened and adopted by everyone then who knows what world we could create for ourselves.

 

It is obvious from my extended reviews for each track here that they both elicited and fairly strong response in me; in fact, and if I’m honest, I could have written much more but, I always enjoy when I listen to something that allows me to do this because it means that even if I have not got the meaning of the track exactly, it does mean that I felt enough for it to allow my feeling to connect on some level and often that enough and Doozers words and how he crafts those for each track, certainly got me thinking and feeling, to the point my mind was nearly running away with me. He definitely has a skilful way of taking a message and spinning it in such a way through wordplay that it is both entertaining and thought provoking. Doozer is definitely one of the UK’s underrated rap artists, in my humble opinion.

If we are speaking of skill, then we can’t overlook Djar One or Specifik. Djar One is one of those producers who has this uncanny talent for taking the most obscure samples and flipping them into something brand new that can bring a smile to your face and have your head nodding on an almost unconscious level, and here are two great examples of what he does. One the face of it they seem to be two cracking Hip Hop boom bap beats but, when you go beyond that you realise that it takes a keen mind to know exactly how to chop up a sample and to add in all the little elements to get it just right and here two perfect examples as to why Djar One is one of the best out there. As for Specifik, well, what would a Hip Hop track be with out some cuts? Well, without cuts it could always be a little better and here Specifik shows just how a DJ/Producer knows how to put the right cuts in the right place to add that extra something to each track. It seems like a six-sense know how to select the right cuts and scratch pattern to bring the track alive.

When all is said and done Space Bear Clique and Waiting in the Wings are not just a welcome addition to the B-Line catalogue but, I can see this single doing big things on its release. So, I would say don’t sleep on this one because those 7-inch singles are gonna go quicker than a shooting star streaking across the night sky.

Space Bear Clique and Waiting in the Wings will be available soon through B-Line Recordings in conjunction with Hip Hop Be Bop and features some great artwork and direction from John Dyer.

On that note,

I’ll see you next time.

Steve

LINKS

The single has not been released yet so keep watch on socials for details of the release date.

Please expect to see copies over at Hip Hop Be Bop:

https://hiphopbebop.com/

Single Review: Sambuca (Smoove Mix) by Whirlwind D

 

Sambuca (Smoove Mix)

By

Whirlwind D

 

This one sneaked up on me almost under the radar but, after getting the chance to review the Smoove Remix of Labels, with the 7” version as the B-Side to Without Music (2021) and the full Extended Mix on the Libra album (2023), how could I pass up the chance to do this one. Simple, I couldn’t…

Sambuca (Smoove Mix) is a strictly limited 7” release, that is limited to just 100 copies, on B-Line recordings and is released today via Whirlwind D’s Bandcamp page.

I don’t want to keep you waiting on this one so, lets just get into it…

 

The funky beat immediately grabs your attention and those horns on the bridge give this one the sort of infectious sound that you gets you moving and puts a huge smile on your face and that vibe really fits so well with Whirlwind D’s witty vocals. Now, if you have not heard this track before, if not why not, it’s all about getting hyped up for those live shows, getting rid of any anxious feelings with a little liquid courage. Anyone who has been to Rope-A-Dope or certain live performances since the release of Libra, can tell you that that Sambuca has featured; the firey liquid burns its way from mouth to gut, giving the warmth and internal strength to perform with gusto and engage the crowd throughout. But this track might be all about getting hyped for the shows but, really sambuca is one of those drinks that you can just have fun with, a bit like this track sees Whirlwind D having some fun with it.

What I love about this track and this remix is that Smoove takes nothing away from the original, which was produced by Specific and had cuts from Djar One, but he gives it a whole new spin, giving it a funky vibrant club vibe that would not be out of place being thumped out a few notches above ten at your BBQ, in your car, wherever suits you. This one is sure to have you bouncing around every time you hear it. Just remember to drink responsibly and don’t have a shot every time you hear the word sambuca, otherwise you are likely only to get through one play of the track, Ha Ha…

This is a great addition to Whirlwind D’s catalog and a truly blinding remix from Smoove who just has this uncanny knack of feeling a track and knowing exactly how to elevate it and put the kind of spin on it that takes it off in a whole new direction. Plus, it could not have been released at a better time keeping those summer vibes going. 

The wicked artwork for the Sambuca label comes from the creative talent of John 'Digital' Dyer.

Grab a vinyl why you can and get this one flowing through your musical veins.

Huge thanks to my man Whirlwind D for giving me the chance to bring this one to you.

See ya next time,

Steve.

LINK

Get your copy from Bandcamp Here:

https://whirlwindd.bandcamp.com/album/sambuca-smoove-mix

Exclusive Album Review: LIBRA by Whirlwind D

 

LIBRA

By

Whirlwind D

 

Since I first met Whirlwind D back in 2017 at the first ever Rope-a-Dope in Bristol, he has become a good friend and one of my personal favourite emcees in the UK. Beyond that, and something that has to be noted in this special year for Hip Hop culture, Whirlwind D has immense knowledge on the history of Hip Hop music and more, which he brings to the airwaves and pages of such publications as Record Collector.

There is something special about any new release from the man from B-Line/Solid n Mind/Tru-Tone Records and Liberty grooves. There is a depth of feeling that you do not always get with all the music that you listen to. When you put on a Whirlwind D release you know this is something you can listen to anywhere, with anyone, and there is an anticipation that every track will speak to you on one or even many levels, be it just the fun lovin’ musical side or reaching in and tweaking the very nerves of a deep emotional link you have to the subject matter. Whirlwind D truly delivers music for the masses.

LIBRA promises to tick all the boxes musically and vocally on what is expected to be his final long player. LIBRA is also an album of two parts, one that symbolises the two sides to anything, more on that as we go along. Featuring production from Specifik, Djar One, Smoove, Farma G, Franky Roar, Mr Fantastic (ae Productions), Lewis Parker and Simon S, plus guest appearances from Farma G, Junior Disprol, Chrome, Specifik and Lewis Parker, with cuts coming from Specifik, Jazz T, Miracle, Mr Fantastic and Djar One; this album promises to be one of the standout releases of 2023.

So, please join me as we cast our heads to the night sky and the stars of the constellation of Libra and allow the energy of those stars to merge with music…

We begin with side A Grey Matter and the Introduction. With Specifik on production this thumping intro to be just that and nothing more but, alongside all samples that introduce Whirlwind D, there is this little guitar sample that just adds a little depth and creates this sense of anticipation that slowly builds across these fifty-two seconds, and that anticipation is soon rewarded. The guitar and drum heavy vibe of When It’s Fast, features Djar One on Production and Specifik on the cuts, and gives you this up-tempo funk sound that is the perfect template for D to drop a celebration track about everything that is Hip Hop but, especially those beats and rhymes that are fast, and D matches that celebration of those up-tempo vibes with his lyrical flow; where he brings intelligent words delivered with pace. This one has you bouncing from the get-go. Specifik and Djar One return on the next track but, this time their roles are reversed with Specifik on production and Djar One on the cuts. The laid-back vibe of drums, bass and keys on Sambuca creates this sound which seems to have this ‘calm before the storm’ air about it. Here D spins the kind of rhymes that bring a smile, it’s all about getting hyped up for the live show and keeping that fire lit with a taper of the liquid kind. Anyone who has been to Rope-A-Dope can tell you that that Sambuca often features; the firey liquid burns its way down, giving the warmth and internal strength to perform with gusto and engage the crowd throughout. Now the anxiety is out the way, and we are suitably hyped up, it’s time for that Everyday Hustle with Whirlwind D, Djar One on production and Specifik on the cut. Brining that Hip Hop funk vibe with drums, bass, guitar and keys, the tempo and energy switches up once more. Don’t expect to have chance to take a breath before the bridge as D keeps the bars coming at pace as he relates how it is to be out there every day, work, rest, and play, doing what you gotta do before finding the space to think, write and record. The daily grind we all have done, will do and expect, means that you do have get on that hustle to do the things you enjoy and often these things play second fiddle to the more mundane aspects of everyday life. There are times when the everyday grind gets too much and we have to take some time out, kick back and chill; and what better way to do that, than by soaking in the Ocean’s Breeze, with Djar One on production and cuts. The sounds of the ocean and gulls, mix with some funky drums and flute vibes to bring a sound that, initially, make to think this sounds like ‘Labels pt II’, now it might not be that but, it has the same infectious sound and feel-good factor, which gets the adrenaline pumping, especially when the horns drop in. Whirlwind D’s flow adds to that adrenaline-fuelled feel as he gives us line after line that creates a mental picture in your mind, of summer days, BBQs, and live music events, in fact everything that you love about that holiday vibe. Now, bearing in mind that we have just been thinking of the track ‘Labels’, what better way to round off the Grey Matter side of this album than with Labels (Smoove Extended Mix); I previously reviewed the 7” version of this when it was released as the B-Side to ‘Without Music’ in 2021, featuring Smoove on production and Specifik on cuts. With this one Smoove takes the original from 2018’s ‘Beats, Bit’s and Bobs’ and adds this awesome feel-good factor by bringing in strings, drums, and horns to give you this funky Hip Hop vibe mixed with a big band sound that not only ramps up the adrenaline already running through you but, is all one of the most infectious sounds around. Whirlwind D takes us on a trip through his early days in Hip Hop and how the various record labels and their releases would be a huge influence and even keep you hanging for what they would be dropping next, in fact the record labels became the things we looked for as much as the artists. Labels always brings back memories of flicking through the vinyl, tapes and CD’s in the various record stores in Southampton or trips up to London; when you didn’t recognise an artist you looked at the label or, very often with 12” singles in generic sleeves, it would be the label name that stood out. What a way to end the first side of the album, as this one is gonna stick in your head as you flick to the B-side…

As you spin the disc from one side to the other, the energy switches to one of Dark Matter, and a more serious air settles around you as the diamond needle ignites the Flames; produced and featuring Farma G, with Specifik on the cuts. Heavy drums, piano and guitar fills you ears with vibe that immediately causes your every nerve to tense and contract with an ominous vibe. Gone are the up-tempo flows as Whirlwind D and Farma G bring into stark and emotive focus, the pain and suffering that is caused by conflicts and war, be it on the streets or in another country. Every day the media brings us unsettling images and news of war, murder, and suffering; making the world outside of our own four walls to be a place where money is power, blood is just by-product and tears are the rivers and oceans. With those images of reality still stinging our eyes, Specifik brings production for False Prophet, with Jazz T on the cuts. Up-tempo drums, horns, keys, and an ominous bass sound brings a deep heavy vibe that makes want to listen to what’s coming next. Whirlwind D takes our focus from the outcome of conflict and puts it squarely on those in a position of power who purport to be our saviours. The leaders who talk the talk and bring slogans of hope, drawing in the masses with lies dressed up as fact, all in order to gain support and to be put in the ultimate position of power. Once they have the power, they look down on those who put their trust in them, using them as their stairway to gain more and more, while the lies and misrepresentation causes more and more suffering, poverty, and pain. The false prophet sits in a place where they never want anything, are never cold and never hungry, while those who follow starve, freeze, and so often pay the ultimate price. The realisations of the harsh reality of life around us, begins to permeate into our very soul; down into The Deep, where Franky Roar is on production and Miracle brings the cuts. The sound here multi-layered with pounding beats, percussion sounds and electronic vibes, together they create a dark raw soundscape for a posse style cut that sees Whirlwind D joined by Junior Disprol, Chrome and Specifik on the mic. The four emcees join forces to vocally expose and destroy those who sit in the racist far right-wing camps; those people who use the symbol of the St. Georges cross to promote sick racist, narrowminded views of a nazi-based white master race, where all other rases are subservient. These outdated and uneducated views only serve to hold the entire world back from standing together as one unified people, where all are accepted. Hip Hop culture has always promoted the understanding that we are all same colour underneath, something that is truly a foundation for a better world. With hope building inside us the tempo increases as Mr Fantastic brings the cuts and production of upbeat drums over a sampled vocal with bass, to fuel the adrenaline once more in a more positive way. The pace returns to D’s vocals too, this matches the up-tempo beat and the pounding of his feet and heart he breaks into a Sweat. It’s all about pushing yourself to be fit, be that physically or mentally, you have to exercise your body and mind to keep yourself in peak performance, or at least keeping yourself ready for the next challenge. As the light at the end of the tunnel approaches, the legendary figure of Lewis Parker steps up to guest and produce Lucky Number, alongside Specifik on the cuts. This was originally released on ae Productions back in 2022, which I reviewed at the time. The dark dystopian vibe that Lewis Parker brings sound wise, fits perfectly with the Dark Matter vibe, the multi-layered sound of drums, horns and guitar notes, among other elements, really draws you in with a whole cinematic soundtrack style sound. Vocally we find Whirlwind D and Lewis Parker speaking on those lucky numbers that we all gamble on in the hope it will bring us some good luck but, it’s really all about those in a place of power who are always rolling the dice, playing with the lives, hopes and dreams of the everyday person. We are not just the pawns in their games, we are steppingstones and blocks they use to build their empires, and let’s face it, if we want to be brutally honest, we are all expendable in the eyes of those who govern. The only true lucky number we have is that there is strength in numbers and if we all rise as one, we can turn the tide of luck in our favour, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The final track of the album looms which sees production from Simon S and cuts by Specifik on The Music (Dirty Mix), there is an interesting story behind this but, that’s one for Whirlwind D to tell. There is this raw sound of drums and horns that has that old dusty vinyl sound about it. We are finally out of the tunnel and back in the light as Whirlwind D spins more stories around what it is to have the music running through your mind, body, and soul, from the mind, via the pen, to the page and then on record to the stage. The mind of the artists creates the music we listen to, and when that music is created with genuine love of the sound, it helps bring energy and positive feelings as it connects with the listener. There is not much more to say but, if you truly feel the heart and soul of what has been put into the music you hear, it can’t help but uplift you and bring you true joy.

 

Whirlwind D & Specifik - Rope-A-Dope 5  ©S.Rider-Infinite Images 2019

Let me be perfectly honest here, it’s very hard to put into words how good this album is, in fact in trying to sum up what I felt overall, it was like I’m saying goodbye to an old friend, it actually brought up emotions that made me just stop for a minute. So, overall, what this said to me was this; all of us, as we journey through life, have moments we can look back on as key moments and artists will have a release that they look back on as the crowning achievement, something that defines their career, and I think that Libra is that defining moment for Whirlwind D!

LIBRA has this Yin Yang element to it that shows two sides of the same coin. On the one side you have the upbeat fun loving music that is uplifting for us all to listen to, brought to us on the Grey Matter side, then, with the Dark Matter side, you get the serious side of the music that reflects the harsh realities of life and working hard to provide for the family while still seeking to nurture the creative side that wants to bring good music to the world, and to uplift as much to inform and educate.

LIBRA has it all, it shows Whirlwind D as his peak creatively bringing every aspect of what he enjoys about music, to the forefront. Not only that but, everything here is delivered in a way that connects with the listener. It is easy for anyone hearing this to relate to everything that is laid out here, and not just that but, you can literally feel that connection, you can feel the love and dedication he has to giving the audience something truly entertaining and enjoyable, and does mean listening and understanding those harsh realities, because if you didn’t have those, you would not be able to truly understand the positive messages, you have to have balance and Whirlwind D delivers balance to the next level.

Part of what makes LIBRA so special is that Whirlwind D works with producers and artists who he respects and who are friends as much as they are guests. They all bring out the best in each other, you get the sense that this is really about family. I say that because if you have ever been to a Hip Hop event, a B-Line Recordings event and so on, there is that feeling that you are all part of one big family, something that is the essence of Hip Hop Culture and I feel that it is that essence which contributes to why this album is so special. That is also reflected in the album artwork from John Dyer, who has captured the concept of the album perfectly on the cover.

I had better round things up now or we’ll be here forever.

For me LIBRA is truly going to be one of the Hip Hop albums of 2023, hands down. I have no doubt it will become an instant classic as it has everything you could want from a Hip Hop album. I have heard the word, defining, used about this album but, I think it runs deeper than that, I really think this album shows creative excellence and a desire to give a lasting piece of art to the world that people will enjoy for as long as there is music…

I have to say it has been a true honour to have the chance to review this incredible album. My humble thanks to Whirlwind D for allowing me to review this album so early on, and for sending me one of the first copies to land.

LIBRA is released on 1st September through B-Line Recordings and Hip Hop Be Bop, so check the links below on the day...

I’m out, till next time,

See Ya.

Steve

LINKS

Get your copy of LIBRA from Hip Hop Be Bop:

https://hiphopbebop.com/ 

Whirlwind D on Bandcamp:

https://whirlwindd.bandcamp.com/

Whirlwind D on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/solidnmindrap

Official VIDEOS

When Its Fast

Lucky Number

 

 

 

Album Review: BOMBERMAN by MC Oliver Twist

 

Bomberman

By

MC Oliver Twist

 

It has been a crazy road to this debut album for MC Oliver Twist who has battled more than his fair share of demons along the way but, that road has led him to become a stronger person and one who can finally realise a dream in releasing an LP to the masses. That long road to recovery and ultimately finding solace in the company of God, will surely impact the vibe and power of the words he delivers here on Bomberman.

It's been a while since I last featured MC Oliver Twist here on the blog, that was way back in April of 2021 with the release of MC Oliver Twist Meets Pandamonium. That release featured a Pandamonium remix of Fly Antics (Link Below), which features on this very album. Now that remix featured cuts by the one and only Jabbathakut who is one of a host of guest artists to feature and drop production on Bomberman, which also includes DJar One, Renee Soul, Prince Po (Organized Konfusion), Chrome (Def Tex, Chrome+), Dee Jay Random & DJ Chud (The Steel Devils), Junior Disprol, Mista Bohze, DJ Krash Slaughta, Franky Roar, Chris Warner, Nay Loco (Local Healers), ES, Loop Skywalker, Dirty Joe, Kit Glover, Aspect 852, DJ Miracle, DJ Pandamonium, Specifik, Chat One, Jeye Servere and DJ Demon. With a line-up like that alongside Mr Twist and the fact this album is getting a release on one of the UK’s premier Hip Hop Labels, B-Line Recordings, and with artwork from the legendary John Dyer. Bomberman looks likely to be one of the standout releases of 2023 and it’s been a long time coming too…

Move Smooth kicks off the album with a jazzy beat full of drums, horns, and double bass from DJar One, who also gets busy on the cuts here too, who has you grinning and bouncing around from the get-go. The vibe is pure upbeat feel-good fun as MC Oliver Twist shows what his lyrical prowess is all about, and that’s having fun on this one flipping the similes and metaphors and rhyming about whatever comes to mind. Next up is Fly Antics which see’s Jabbathakut on production and cuts. This one is heavy on the drums with vocal samples creating this slick head nod sound with some classic samples cut up on the bridge. Here we find Mr Twist guiding us on a brief trip through some of the key experiences of his life and look at some of what he’s been up to more recently. This is just a look at some of what makes MC Oliver Twist the man and the emcee. Jazzy piano vibes, heavy drums and a hint of horns from Frank Roar which keeps you bouncing in ya seat, or wherever you’re listening to Still Got You; Renee Soul provides an upbeat soulful chorus as Mr Twist takes us down memory lane to his early days, breaking it down about some of the experiences and people that inspired and shaped him on his journey into Hip Hop and picking up the mic.

Forever brings heavy drums alongside guitar and keys and vocal samples on the bridge as Chris Warner brings a more soulful vibe with Specifik providing the cuts. Here we find Oliver Twist reflecting on his journey through the early days of UK Hip Hop, breaking down more truths about what was going on around him at the time. DJar One is back on production and cuts for The Truth Is, giving us drums and vocal samples bringing an etheric and emotive quality to the sound. Here Twist takes us into a deeper vibe as he looks at what’s going on in the world around us and the affect that has on all of us, the struggles we all experience and how those struggles can so often affect our mental health. There is no quick answer to all this but, it starts with looking after you and progresses to the community around you before progressing beyond. Next up is the album’s title track, Bomberman, which features Prince Po and Chrome with DeeJay Random on the cuts and production from Frank Roar. Banging drums, bass, guitar give this one a solid boom bap sound that will have you bouncin’ off the floor with the volume up a few notches. This one is all about three emcee’s lighting the touchpaper on the mic and letting the words explode in your eardrums. It’s really that simple this one is as volatile as nitro-glycerine, you’ve been warned, turn this up too loud and you’re likely to cause maximum chaos.

Halfway through the album and the adrenaline levels are already at their peak and you’re hooked, ready for what’s next, which see’s Mr Twist joined by Junior Disprol and Mista Bohze, Krash Slaughta on the cut. DJar One is on production, dropping a double bass heavy jazzed upbeat that has you movin’ and groovin’ to the sound. This one is all about having fun at live shows and setting the stage alight with slick verbal wordplay while switching up the flows and whipping the crown into a frenzy while Rippin’ Up Shows. Feeding off the pure adrenaline it’s time to switch into Battle Mode with Nay Loco and ES joining Mr Twist on vocal duties, Loop Skywalker on the cut and Pandamonium on the beats. The guitar heavy sound with the drums and horns hits your awareness creating this weird, almost disorienting effect which puts you into this situation where vocals seem to be coming at you from all sides at once. This is a one-sided battle right here with Twist, Loco and ES bombarding you with intense verbal wordplay that leaves you comatose and unable to fight back. Dirty Joe provides production on My Baby, a pounding sound that is straight up head nod but, there are some keys on there too which give this deep edge. There is also a deep edge to this track as Twist takes us through some of the hardest times in his life, this culminated in a suicide attempt before he took time out and found a shining light to guide him on. Through so much of his life he had his baby with him. Now you might feel that this track describes his love for a child, and I had that same thought but, to me there was something deeper. However, Twist’s description of his suicide attempt was all I could think of and so I got in touch will him and he pointed out the one thing I missed. The end of the third verse references Coco, his beloved chocolate Labrador, who is the real focus of this track and through all the struggles this track touches on, it is the love between himself and his baby Coco that turns this track into something beautiful that transcends music and even life. Coco may not have been physically with him at such a dark time in his life but, it was Coco that ultimately played a huge role in helping see that everything would be ok. There is so much in this one track I could cover but it would take its own review…

We move into the final quarter of the album with the Long Lastin’ produced The Joneses, a funk fuelled vibe with organ notes, sax, and drums. This one see’s Twist looking at that peer pressure vibe created of wanting to be like someone else, those others who have the latest phone, the coolest trainers and all the banded gear. This who situation has been going on for years, once it as all about clothes, TV’s or the like but, now people want to physically like others. TV and branding is big business now constantly bombarding us with celebs, sports personalities and more, all covered in branding and all to male more and more money from those who really don’t have it. The penultimate track is Flight Of The Phoenix, produced by Aspect 852 and featuring DJ Miracle on the cut. The guitar vibe on this has an almost calming effect against the pounding of the drum beat and sharpness of the scratches. At first this appears to be just MC Oliver Twist having fun with sci-fi references but, perhaps there is something deeper here? Could this be a metaphoric look at the way MC Oliver Twist, himself, has risen from the ashes to become the phoenix and this album is the first flight or maybe this is just a story from the mind of slick storyteller? The album ends with Paranoid and Prang featuring Chat One (who also produces the track) and Jaye Servere with cuts by DJ Demon.  The sound is heavy on the drum beat with an underlying orchestral, soundtrack vibe which just elevates the sound. This one see’s us being taken into the mind of paranoid individual who trust no one or nothing around them and is scared of most of what they see around them, questioning everything and wondering who is watching…

Sometimes you have to take a step back before you can properly sum up what you just heard, and this is one of those times. I know it has been one crazy road for MC Oliver Twist to finally get an album put together (considering the track Bomberman started out as verse back in 2007) but, what he has done with Bomberman is nothing short of incredible. As an album this would be solid by anyone’s standards but, as a debut this one is simply outstanding.

There is a depth to everything here that you can’t miss when listening to it. MC Oliver Twist puts his heart and soul into this one and you can feel that in every verse, every sentence, and every word. Bomberman has everything you would want in a release, there is top notch production from top to bottom across the album, there are cracking guest artists who all add extra depth to the album but, what truly stands out here is MC Oliver Twist himself who makes every word perfectly clear regardless of the flow or style he is using. There are tracks which are strictly for the Hip Hop heads that display straight up wordplay that brings a smile to your face and then there are tracks, such as My Baby, that are emotive and uplifting. In fact, for me, My Baby is one of the standout tracks I have heard this year, with its metaphoric look at a beloved pet to the shear wealth of information packed into one track and I wish I had the time to fully go into it, such as the influence of Prince Po to the reconciliation with a childhood friend Daz.

For me, what MC Oliver Twist does with Bomberman are two things that demonstrate the sheer power that music has; Firstly it shows just how the listener can connect with emotions that the artist puts into the music they produce and secondly, it display the deep connection some listeners will get with the artist, and what I mean by that is the depth you can interpret and then feel the messages and the stories within the tracks. When you really take the time to listen intently to the words, every track can then take on a whole different meaning for you, it takes beyond listening or reading between the lines and places those emotive feelings directly into reality…

I have been lucky enough to chat to MC Oliver Twist on a number of occasions and to see him perform live at Rope-A-Dope in Bristol in 2021. This is a guy who has had the life experiences to put such depth and emotive content into what he writes that every word seems to touch you deeply, making you feel that you are stood right there with him as you listen to his words.

I really could go on talking about this one for hours, letting you know that the awesome album artwork comes from no other than John 'Digital' Dyer but, I really just need to say enough to make you go have a listen and even grab a copy, because it really is worth every penny.

 

My humble thanks to MC Oliver Twist for asking me to review this and for our chats and the humbling and open chat we had regarding My Baby, Thank You my friend.

Bomberman drops on July 7th from B-Line Recordings / Hip Hop Be Bop...

 

On that Note,

I’m out, see ya…

Steve

LINKS

Bomberman will be available from Hip Hop Be Bop:

https://hiphopbebop.com/

Get the Vinyl and T-Shirts from The Cold Krush Website Here:

https://thecoldkrush.bigcartel.com/

MC Oliver Twist on Bandcamp:

https://mcolivertwist.bandcamp.com/

MC Oliver Twist Social Media Links:

https://www.facebook.com/paul.o.hunt

https://www.instagram.com/mc_olivertwist/

Hip Hop Be Bop on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/hiphopbebop

Review and Links for MC Oliver Twist meets Pandamonium:

https://infinitesoundsuk.blogspot.com/2021/04/single-review-whats-it-all-about-fly.html

The Bomberman Launch party is on September 29th at Mama Liz's Voodoo Lounge in Stamford. Check the link below for tickets to this Not To Be Missed event:

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/573252?fbclid=IwAR0a2XV4wUERBqGewBbIK0zkATK1FblBvPN2G8jlr4qYd0g9MqYUE03QT30

 

Single Review: God's Poet / Just A Page by Kelz

 

God’s Poet / Just A Page

By

Kelz

 

It’s been a while since I last reviewed a B-Line Recordings release But, whenever I do, I’m always struck by the quality of what they release. It’s always a total package with artwork, vinyl and quality music and the latest release on 7” God’s Poet / Just A Page by the mighty Kelz of Bristol’s own 3PM, is no different.

Released on B-Line Recordings in association with Hip Hop Be Bop, the vinyl boast’s quality artwork from the one and only John Dyer (Digital Dyer) with both tracks produced by the legendary SIR Beans OBE (Transcript Carriers, Parlour Talk etc).

Let’s be honest here, when you look at what little I’ve already mentioned here, it ramps up the anticipation levels to max. So, let’s just dive in…

 

Banging drums, bass and piano notes immediately draw you into God’s Poet and you know that the anticipation was well founded as your head get’s to nodding. Kelz, meanwhile, drops three verses that detail the story of God’s Poet and his experiences on the present-day streets. There is an intellectual and spiritual depth to his words as he paints pictures in your head of the struggles faced by this person, these are the kind of experiences faced by so many black people, especially those who choose to speak out. Here the God’s Poet is not one simply telling people what to do, where to go or who to follow, he is a guiding light that is more telling people to be themselves and know they can be all they can be. In a world of candles this poet is the taper that helps each one to shine.

There is an etheric quality that is almost hypnotic before the bass drops followed by the beat, which is interlaced with flute notes that retains that etheric quality at moments. That flute is almost like the Pied Pipers flute, and you can’t help but, nod your head and follow Just A Page. This track is a stunning tribute to the late Bristol rapper Sir Plus. Sir Plus was one of most respected rappers to come out of Bristol in recent years and who sadly passed away in 2020. When you lose a close friend, remembering the good times is one of the best things you can do to keep their memory alive and that is exactly what Kelz does here, to remember his friend and all those good times. There is not much more I can say here because Kelz words say it all, R.I.P. Sir Plus, A Legend Out Here…

 

How do you sum up something like this? Here you have two Bristolian legends doing what they do and showing why they are so highly thought of. Dropping the kind of release that is the definition of the phrase ‘Mic Drop Moment’…

Firstly, you have Sir Beans OBE crafting the kind of funky Hip Hop that he does so well and that has that infectious quality to it but, more than that there is a deep vibe to each track here that draws you in and helps you focus on Kelz words. Here those words span two tracks with differing flows and vibes. God’s Poet has this dark edge to it that reflects perfectly how someone can be treated, as all they seek to do uplift and inspire those around them. Just A Page has this emotional focus on the memory of a good friend but, far from having any sadness, Kelz world bring and shine a light on a life well lived and a beautiful legacy that uplifts you as you listen.

There is little more you can say about this release except you simply can’t sleep on this one. The Limited-Edition Vinyl won’t be around long so, jump on this one quick.

My humble thanks to Hip Hop Be Bop’s Shaun Dowling for sending this one my way.

On that note,

I’m Out,

Steve

LINKS

Get the vinyl directly from HHBB Here:

https://hiphopbebop.com/product/kelz-gods-poet-just-a-page/

HHBB Home Page Here:

https://hiphopbebop.com/

Album Review: The Triple 3 Effect by Specifik

 

The Triple 3 Effect

By

Specifik

 

Specifik’s new album has been in production for a while and its been more than three years since we all went to the Ill Circus back early in 2019. Now since that time a lot has happened, we’ve had pandemics, lock downs, war and so much more. But, what happens when, in the midst of all that chaos, you experience moments of seeing the same group of numbers over and over again? Simple you take those numbers, in Specifik’s case 333, and you make that the focus of your new album, and with Specifik being, first and foremost, a producer you get a whole host of top draw features to properly bring some clarity to The Triple 3 Effect.

So, when you are consistently waking at 3:33am, getting 333 in your change at the supermarket, having 333 as you gas bill, or your bank account balance or miles travelled? What does it all mean? Could it be trying to tell you something, be a lucky number, your angel number? Perhaps it symbolises mind, body and spirit or was it ascended masters letting him know he was in great hands and being assisted in what he was working on, or is it a combination of all those things? Who knows for sure but, seeing these numbers will mean different things to different people and what is for sure is that these numbers became the catalyst and the driving force behind Specifik’s creative expression, leading him and those he worked with to bring you The Triple 3 Effect…

So, the only thing left now is for me to take you deep into the album and tell you exactly where it takes me…

The album begins with What is the Triple 3 Effect (Intro), where we get a little insight into what the Triple 3 Effect could be all about. Specifik provides a background ambience of piano, bass, cymbals, and a few sounds which creates a calm vibe to allow all our attention to be focused on the words. It also gives us this deep sense of anticipation of what is to come. We are not waiting long, just seconds before horns, drums and sonic sounds guide us into Ting, which features Uncle Kelz and Sir Beans OBE, the keys and bass come to the forefront bringing a ragga edge to the sound. Uncle Kelz delivers an intelligent performance as he speaks on keeping yourself and what you do moving forward, regardless of what life is throwing at you, the obstacles put in your way, whatever you see going on around you, the most important thing is focus on you and your hopes and dreams. If that were not enough, we get treated to a solid display of Sir Beans OBE on the cuts, proving why he is one of Bristol’s finest. Drums, bass, keys, and guitar are brought together by Specifik and merge together into this stunning upbeat, feel good vibe. Step up the legendary figure of Craig G who perfectly encapsulates what the Summertime is all about, he spins his words into pictures in our minds, lifting us up from wherever we are and carrying us from the USA to the UK, perfectly capturing the moods, people, and experiences along the way. When you add in some mellow cuts from Specifik, this one is the vibe to live you summer by and when the clouds and rain roll in, this one will allow the sun to shine once more. Just as you are getting lost in your thoughts of summertime and the Juice Crew, Specifik throws the perfect curve ball and lands Eight Bars To Flex on you. A homage to the scratch DJ, its’ introduced by legendary UK emcee Mercury and features DJ Krash Slaughta, Specifik, Sy Matic, DJ Jabbathakut and DJ Woody, before a mid-session break from Del SoulCondor (R.I.P). After which we are treated to appearances from SIR Beans OBE, DJ Tones, DJ Jazz T and DJ Destruction. There is not much you can say about this verbally or with words, all the speaking is done with the hands and in less that four minutes they rip the cut, leaving the speakers, your ears, and the needles smoking. This is the perfect demonstration of what the scratch DJ does, all served up from, what is arguably, the cream of the crop when it comes to the UK Scratch DJ…

Next up is a short Public Service Announcement, a little pallet cleanser, if you will, with a funky little break to keep you moving. This is just to remind you about the quality of the production you are hearing and originality of the words you will hear.

With the words of that short skit still playing on our mind Specifik introduces a multi-layered sound on us that, at first seems simplistic, But, as it progresses becomes almost sonic in nature and gets our minds buzzing. King Kashmere joins Specifik and proceeds to speak on The Pits, all those things that stress us out. This one will resonate with all of us on some level, we’ve all had those moments in our jobs etc, I know I have, when we have simply had enough and just want to express our frustration and just leave. The best thing you can do is to get the emotions out in the open as bottling things up just leads to negative outcomes. As we move on, the next step from looking at the negative side of things is to focus more on the positive side. Piano and Specifik’s deft cuts of a classic Eric B and Rakim sample leads us into Spread Love Repeat then, as the head nod beat drops in, and Junior Disprol enters the scene, we immediately wonder if this will have that positive edge? As we nod along to the beat it quickly becomes apparent that what Junior Disprol is doing here is opening us up to the stark reality of life before pointing us in the direction of the focus that will bring the positive vibes our way. Sometimes you just have to open your eyes to the darkness so you can recognise the light. With out focus firmly on the light things become clear and with the clarity comes a vision and not just any vision, with bass, horns, cuts, a dash of other sounds thrown in and the kinda funky beat that has your whole body out the chair and groovin’, we see the Visionary Heavyweight. Iron Bridge (aka Verbs and Jibbarish) join Specifik to show you exactly what it is to be the very definition of a Visionary Heavyweight, you need to have knowledge and forethought, be able display both written and verbal wordplay and it all needs to be presented in a way that quite honestly just ‘Moves The Crowd’, and with Iron Bridge alongside Specifik, this one ticks all the right boxes…

Time for a quick musical interlude with Meta War, a heavy funked upbeat with tambourine and bongos and sonic sounds that cleanses your pallet after some intense verbal wordplay that has had you mind entwined. However, Specifik keeps the energy going, keeping your body and mind wired for the next onslaught…

We know that The Triple 3 Effect grew out of the experiences of Specifik during the Covid pandemic and the lockdowns. Our introduction to Crumblin’ Bricks takes us back to those dark times with sampled TV broadcasts to a nerve tweaking sound. The beat, when it hits, is pounding drums with tambourine sounds, piano notes, and more stories from the pandemic, highlighting the effect on mental health and more. Chrome steps up alongside Specifik to open-up, in his unique style, and detail what it was for us to live through those times, where we all felt controlled and separated from those we loved, listening to stories of, and constantly exposed to climbing death rates. The effects of those times had huge impacts on us all in so many ways, to numerous to mention and some too painful. During those early days of the pandemic, something else that exploded was the Culture War and here Specifik invites Figure Of Speech to the mic to speak on all aspects of this situation. From the history we’ve been taught to the history we should have been taught to the fact that the poor fought the poor and no thought to knock number 10’s door and challenge the elite and powerful, those who make the decisions that affect us, tell us what we should learn so if fits their narrative and keep the darker side hidden. Being woke to what was happening, became a thing to be ridiculed, when waking to the truth is in fact a powerful thing but, those in power don’t want us to understand the truth, because that brings power to the people and the people will rise up to be heard and so they ramp up the fear to take the focus away and take back the power. This is all set to Specifik’s big ragga sound system vibe of bass, bongos, drums, keys, and sonic sounds that gives the perfect platform for the message and gives it an almost anthem like sound. With all that knowledge and the strength of those emotive subjects Specifik brings us a lighter note, one that is rooted in Hip Hop and the streets as he takes a look at graffiti culture alongside El Da Sensei (Artifacts), Cosm and Phill Most Chill on Hurt The Transit. Firstly, Specifik makes feel like we’re transported to the dark tunnels of the New York subway system, then he drops this heavy beat with plenty of bass and rapid-fire cuts. Each emcee drops stories of being out there getting your name up using markers or spray cans. Hitting tags, throw-ups and burners, it’s all about those window-down whole cars or top to bottoms. Getting into fights with other crews means going over their work or getting your work gone over in retaliation. The thrill of bombing and the adrenaline rush is hard to beat where putting your freedom and your life on the line is what you do in writing you name in graffiti on the wall. This the perfect musical expression of what it is write…

Our last little skit is Get Wild, and once again in this short musical interlude, Specifik pounds our ears with a heavy, wild, and funky drum break which will undoubtedly have you bouncing as he gives you another little look at his production quality, what else can you say, right…

Now well and truly into the final quarter of the album Specifik drops heavy beat with keys, a sonic sound, and a good dose of razor-sharp cuts. Under Control see’s Specifik’s partner in rhyme, Whirlwind D, and Doozer on vocal duties over that dark edged beat. This one is all about how the masses are under the control of the ruling elitists. How they exercise this control is all laid bare here with intelligent and knowledgeable wordplay directing us to think more about what is going on around us. You can only be open to the truth if you choose to question what you see and hear around you and then educate yourself. Now your mind is open to almost anything, Specifik and the NuJericans (Joey Dynomite & Sol Zalez) ask you to 4give My Actions. The drums and percussion are almost softened by the guitar heavy sound but, together the sound mixes and merges into a sound that invades every corner of your mind with an almost ragga edge to it but, ending the track with horns that almost switches the vibe to a soundtrack sound. The NuJericans put their cards on the table in terms of their music and life, it’s all about doing what you need to do to always be moving forwards. Sometimes you might need to do things you are not entirely at peace with the keep that forward momentum and that means needing to seek forgiveness at times. It might not be the best way to be but, it is the nature of the society we live in, at times. The album ends with MC Oliver Twist joining Specifik on This IS Not A Test. Specifik creates a heavy pounding beat with some acoustic guitar notes. There is this dystopian air to things here and it fits exactly with MC Oliver Twist who calmly and slickly dictates a narrative of a bleak future. This is a place where the Bomberman rhymes without beats and Specifik creates music from the most basic foundation, fuelling artists to push forward and take a stand, taking music back to the starved masses and giving back that energy, that enjoyment and the expression music gives. No matter what happens in the future, there will always be music…

 

                                      Specifik at Rope a Dope 5 - ©S.Rider Infinite Images

Let me sum this up first of all by saying ‘WOW, Just WOW’, This album is simply that good. I mean, could it really be that The Triple 3 Effect was overseen by some higher power? In a world where more and more people are awakening to new paradigms and science becoming more open to things such as parallel universes and life beyond death, could it be that something esoteric or could it be that Specifik was simply guided by his own higher self to create an album that touched on higher levels of consciousness, fuelled by the energy of what is happening around him? Will we ever truly know?

What we do know is that overall, The Triple 3 Effect is a truly outstanding album where Specifik is demonstrating what can be achieved when you are at the top of your game. His production and scratch DJ techniques are top notch, in fact there is almost something next level about his production here. He creates sounds that are real Hip Hop at their roots but, the subtle influences from other genres flows in and out, giving you a complete experience, if you can call it that. His choice of guest artists is inspired, with each fitting perfectly into their place and adding the icing to the cake. This has the pedigree and the possibility to be the pinnacle of releases from the UK this year, if not Hip Hop in general. The Triple 3 Effect oozes passion and emotive music making with every beat and every bar that you hear, and I’d go so far as to say that this is solid gold right here. It truly left me with chills and buzzing like I had just heard something that touched my soul.

I have no words left now so all I can say is this, if you have not heard The Triple 3 Effect yet, you need to get it, listen, and feel it because that’s the only way you get 100% of what this album is about.

The Triple 3 Effect is out now on B-Line Recordings. It is mastered by Rola at Khameleon 107 Bristol, features art and design from Digital Dyer and is dedicated to Del Soulcondor (who’s memory lives on in the music).

On that note,

I’ll See Ya,

Steve.

LINKS

Get The Triple 3 Effect from Specific on Bandcamp:

https://djspecifik.bandcamp.com/album/the-triple3-effect

Buy The Triple 3 Effect from Suspect Packages Here:

https://suspect-packages.com/product/the-triple3-effect/

Buy The Triple 3 Effect from Hip Hop Be Bop Here:

https://hiphopbebop.com/product/specifik-the-triple3-effect-lp/