Album Review: Shadows by Conscious Route and Supermann on da Beat

 

Shadows

By

Conscious Route & Supermann on da Beat

Shadows is the latest release from Conscious Route and marks his debut collaboration with producer Supermann on da Beat. The album was released a few months back now and well overdue having the Infinite Sounds UK treatment.

If you are a regular visitor to the blog then you will have seen my previous reviews for Edinburgh based emcee Conscious Route, LostRoutes (with True Note from 2021) and Belterz (2023), if not then feel free to check those as well. Both of which have received high praise from the likes of The Scotsman and The Skinny Magazine. His recent releases such as Trojan and The Sensory EP have received worldwide airplay from the likes of DJ Shorty, Rapstation 365 Radio, BBC 6 Music and the legendary Chuck D. His music has also been named among the Herald’s top 100 Scottish tunes in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024. On the live stage he has supported the likes of Dead Prez, Onyx, and Jeru Tha Damaja, to name a very few.

This is the first time that I have heard production from Supermann on da Beat and so it is only right I introduce you to him. Sanjeev Mann aka Supermann on da Beat is a Scottish based disabled South Asian producer. He brings a unique blend of influences to his production that includes bands like Nirvana to artists such as Kanye West, Nas, and XXXTentacion, to bring a fresh perspective to the UK scene. He learnt his craft while studying YouTube videos on music production during the Pandemic. This has led to a somewhat meteoric rise in Scotland’s Hip Hop scene and seen him collaborate with artists worldwide such as Chef The Rapper, Genesis Elijah, Mic Righteous, Krudd The Guru and Rockie Fresh. He has hit some huge milestones including a BBC Documentary and 6 entries on BBC Introducing, leading to becoming on the UK’s hottest upcoming producers. 2024 saw him release his debut solo project, which drew on spoken word and grunge to address issues facing disabled people. He has performed at events like Wide Days and New School Rules. His work to highlight the under-representation of disabled artists has led to a vital campaign to make venues fully accessible, and appearing on BBC Scotland, STV, Daily Record and BBC Radio 4.

The Shadows album was born, initially, from a loose promise from Conscious Route to collaborate on a track with Supermann on da Beat. However, although both were working on other projects, this grew into a handful of tracks recorded together and now the full ten track album which reflects their personalities and life experiences, Conscious Route with his often personal lyricism and Supermann bringing production that brings a soundscape that encompasses classic Boom-bap, trap, R&B inflected Hip Hop and more.

They have kept guest appearances light on the album with Stirling’s Pro Focus, Edinburgh’s Bridget Quinn, Glasgow’s P Caso, Milla, and Johnny Cypher (Glasgow), featuring on just four tracks between them. There is also an appearance from Jabbathakut on the album’s title track. This is done to bring a sense of community to the project while also highlighting both Conscious Route’s and Supermann on da Beat’s work with both local and up-and-coming artists, something that is frequently overlooked.

So, with all that said you now have a good introduction in what’s about to come, and now I invite you to join me for a deep dive into Shadows…

Super Smooth kicks things off on the smooth tip with chilled out vibe of piano, guitar, and horns over a laid-back beat, giving you a subtle head nod sound that makes you listen more intently to the lyrics; here we find Conscious Route opening up by taking a few shots at the music industry. You get this real sense that this is like friends sat round speaking on their experiences of the industry and how its set up to properly support the up-and-coming artists to actually make a living from their craft, but more to support the platforms that ‘promote’ the music, and I use the term Promote, loosely. Pro Focus joins us for Fashion as Supermann on da Beat switches things up with acoustic guitars and a trap beat that brings a vibe that claws at your nerves a little. The switch up in beat see’s Conscious Route and Pro Focus trading bars and tweaking their flows to match the sound. That quick-fire vocal style gives a challenge to feel the message here but, there is this feel that there is this vibe that looks at the lack of originality out there right now where there is too much being said that panders to what people want to hear without really saying anything of significance, there is a distinct lack of authenticity being shown and that produces a hollow sound with no substance, just going with the current trend. Plastic Bag opens with a vibe that seems to envelope your mind, closing in on you but, the production shifts throughout which never lets you settle long enough, like sitting on a slowly spinning round-a-bout in a dark room. Conscious Route does a superb job of switching his flows to the changing sound, the inferred darkness in the sound also comes through in the lyrics which seem to mirror the tough times we live in and how struggles of making a living can play with your mind as you constantly search for ways to survive or perhaps looking for a way out. Whatever you get from this track there is a deep emotive edge that permeates everything from the first beat to the last bar. Piano notes open Dubplate before another trap beat drops in giving this one more pace but, again, the production shifts across the track testing Conscious Route once more, taking the opportunity to flex his wordplay skills, giving us a demonstration of his versatility. There is an energy and perhaps some venom in this one that gives it a vibe that comes from a higher plane, speaking to you in a way that impresses the words directly into the subconscious. We move towards the mid-point of the album with the title track, which features Jabbathakut on the cut. Shadows has a head nod vibe to it which comes from the beat but, there is this organ sound which grabs at your awareness, holding your attention as the lyrics are impressed on you. Here Conscious Route spins some intricate wordplay that at first might just seem like a slick display of those words but, the more you listen, the more you realise that this is so much more than that with deeply personal insights that touch on how your own personal experiences have an effect how you grow as a person. But more than that it looks at how lived experience has such a deep impact on how we see the world around us, our own thoughts and how we cope with everything that comes from outside us but, also from within.

We move into the second half of the album with Purge, this sees Johnny Cypher join Conscious Route on vocals. Supermann on da Beat brings piano and string infused sound which has a classic head nod sound that is reminiscent of that 90’s Hip Hop vibe. Cypher and Route trade verses and bars that not only displays the versatility of their wordplay but also gives an insight into how they see their craft and scene they are a part of. Again, there is a deeply personal element to this that should not be overlooked but felt. Next up, Bridget Quinn and P Caso feature on Jazz Unsung. The piano takes the forefront over the beat, giving this the kind of jazz vibe that you can’t help but move to. This one is all about speaking on the sound of jazz music and those who brought and experimented with that sound, and while Conscious Route and P Caso school us intricacies and depth of Jazz, Bridget Quinn brings a quintessential soulful vocal that you can’t help but drift away to. This is definitely one to just sit back and vibe to. Safety brings a host of live instruments in to compliment Supermann on da Beat’s Production and something I always feel adds extra depth too. The sound here has a mix of influences from Hip Hop, RnB, and a sprinkling of trap too. This gives the whole thing a sound that has a reflective edge with an emotive air. Here Conscious Route brings one verse which serves as a bridge between the soulful vocals of Milla. The track which looks at love and relationships and the sad things that so often are apart of those relationships such as betrayal, heartbreak, and trust issues. This is one of those tracks that so many of us can easily relate to, and the emotive edge to the vocals makes it all the more so. We move into the penultimate tracks of the album, Overstood, where we find Supermann on da Beat bringing us a nerve jangling sound with a trap edge to it. The sound has an edge that seems to play havoc with your mind, or is that just my ADHD head? Here we find Conscious Route taking shots at the fake rappers out there and those who think that can make money off the back of Eminem, by being sound-a-likes or simply shouting their lyrics. This might be a short track but, it says just as much as the others. I mean, there are going to be times when rappers are ging to sound like others but, the key is to bring something new to the table, make your sound authentic and relatable, don’t just be like someone else because it sells. The final track of the album is Squashed, where Supermann on da Beat creates another beat that mashes up different influences and mixes them up and that drops a sound that seems to shatter what you thought was possible, which gives this one a sound that seems to be erratic but, on a stable base? Conscious Route gives us some more intricate wordplay that serves to gives us an insight into the fractured mind where everything can appear stable and sane but, can change in an instant…

 

Shadows is an album that you cannot label as one genre. Yes, it has its roots in the Hip Hop sound but, it takes that sound and steps outside the box with it, then infuses a wealth of other influences with it and returns with a finished product that encapsulates the definition of the experimental nature of music. What that does is to bring a diverse range of fans, a sound that is not going to be out of place in many different circles. This is a highly listenable album where, even the bits you might not be a fan of, don’t really seem to be out of place. I myself am not a fan of trap music, I find that high paced tapping, cymbal sound to take the focus away from what is underneath. However, here it has been done in a way that makes you feel that it just seems to work, where it has been placed, there is not feelings that it is too out of place, and, for me, that is an accomplishment.

I always enjoy the depth and the versatility of what Conscious Route does with his flows and his wordplay, mixing it up and deftly following the tone and pace of the tracks. His words have a complexity and depth of feeling that display a connection with himself and those who might be listening, in a way that has a deep spiritual side to it, and this is something that I feel we all need to hear more and more. Music that gives us a deep introspection and a direction to take that is so valuable for us all as we walk forward in a world that seeks destroy our oneness.

Having not heard production from Supermann on da Beat before now, I was suitable impressed with his ability to craft emotive sounds from such a wide range of influences, and for someone who has not been crafting beats for that long, in the grand scheme of things, he is to be commended for that. In fact, it does seem to be that he has a natural ability for bringing alive the sound that is the perfect platform for whoever is gracing the beats. I also salute him for bringing a spotlight on to disabled artists/producers. This is an area where there is not enough diversity in the music business and Supermann on da Beat is a beacon to those out there, showing just what you can achieve, no matter your disability.

Shadows takes a diverse range of sounds and focuses them on an equally diverse range of topics that anyone of us can associate with. It them delivers something them in one package that seems to go beyond it running time, making you feel you have been listening so something much longer. You also come away with a sense that you understand the true passion that went into making it, and the individual messages that each track holds.

Additional Shouts go out to the following:

Digital Dyer for the Artwork.

Chris Greive (Trombone) & Geoffrey Williams (Guitar) on Safety.

If you have not heard this yet then, it is well worth you giving your time to.

I give my humble thanks to Conscious Route for the chance to bring this one too you.

I’ll see ya next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Purchase and Streaming links Here: 

Conscious Route - Shadows LP

https://trueholdrecords.bandcamp.com/album/shadows

Conscious Route Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/conscious_route/

 https://www.facebook.com/groups/34250355773

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGXi9naG7p5CPxdJcvJCviQ

Supermann on da Beat:

https://linktr.ee/supermannon_dabeat

VIDEOS

Shadows ft Jabbathakut

 

 

 

 

 

Album Review: The Journey Within by JD

 

The Journey Within

By

JD

 

JD is an artist who has featured on my blog a few times the last couple of years, with 2020’s solo release Chapter Four-Who Am I? and 2020’s Freedom Of Speech and 2021’s Truth Be Told which were both released with producer Haynesy (aka DJ Cuetips) and now as we move towards the passing of 2022 he returns with his latest project The Journey Within, produced by TOMEK ZYL MUSIC.

JD has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind and telling it how it is on a great many topics, especially the injustices he sees in the world around him. So, you can bet that this release will be no different.

In recent years JD has moved to a more enlightened off-grid living, working with Guerrilla Republik UK, and creating the brand of freedom in Truth Be Told while also creating his own custom Ankh Organite jewellery to boot.

Now you might not always agree with everything he has to say but, in an age where people are being underpaid and forced to choose between eating and keeping warm, it is a time when many will choose to stand up and speak their minds, now the revolution might not be televised but, you will be able to hear about it through the voice of JD so, let’s listen to that voice speak on The Journey Within…

 

The album begins with Kiss Bye, which features Drax MC and Michael Black. Guitars and drums are the main sounds bringing a deep grime infused vibe with some soulful vocals sounds and the soulful chorus. The message here really seams to focus on the people that meet on our journeys but may not necessarily stay with. You might call them soul buddies, those who come into our lives to help teach us certain life lessons before leaving. These are souls we always stay connected to in some way even if we never see them again in this life. Guitars once more feature alongside drums on My Own Leader. The vibe here is one that has you moving but at the same time makes you want to close your eyes and listen. Here JD focuses on life and the fact that to live the life that is most suited to you being you, is to be the creator of your own destiny. No matter where you were born, you can be the one who sees where you need to be in life, and you are the one who can take you there. Don’t be led by anyone except yourself, because only you know who you are and only you can truly lead you to be the greatest expression of who you really are. More guitars and drums merge once more to bring a more upbeat vibe that seams touch you on a heart centred level. If I, looks at the moments we move along our path of life and often meet those who mean a lot too us but, as time goes by and we evolve on our journey, those others may not, and will seek to keep us at their level while we elevate our selves to new and higher levels of spiritual understanding. We realise we have to leave these people behind or risk being trapped in a place where our growth, as a person is restricted.   

No Turning Back, once more features the soulful voice of Michael Black, the backdrop is a deep vibe of choral vocals, synth notes, guitar, and drums with a grime edge. With a certain portion of our life behind us we have made the choices that put us on a certain path and there is that realisation that we have now come to a point where there is no turning back from. This is now the path we will walk till the day we transcend from this life; these are defining moments that show who we are to all those around us, who will either walk with us or away from us. Organ notes, synths, and drums form the sound scape for Take Warning, creating a focused vibe. JD speaks more in depth of his journey and that part of walking that path is as a warrior. One who forges their own direction and follows no one because those who follow often get led in the wrong direction and lose control of their life’s path. Synths and drums combine to create a vibe that is more love centred. No Stress sees the soulful voice of Anima Mana join JD, for a track that explores the connection between two people. This is a connection that is more on another level where two people connect on a spiritual level more than just a mental or sexual one, it creates a whole different relationship experience.

Pattern It drops with synths and drums that bring a more energetic feel to the sound. This one focuses on how its all about keeping yourself moving and evolving as you move through life. The more you focus on you and who you are, the more you will be able to focus on how you can make your life evolve, you will be able to create the life you seek just by evolving and elevating your mind, Body, and soul. Anima Mana joins JD again on Is It Possible, a grime inspired vibe of synth, drums, and strings with a heavy street feel. There is a deep unapologetic feel to this one as it explores the pointless violence that it such a part of inner-city life. This is something like a wake-up call to the youth, asking them to look at who is truly losing and who is winning and profiting from all this. When you take the time to look deeply into what is behind something you realise that only together can we stop the pointless loss of life, pain, and suffering. Organ notes and an acoustic guitar accompany the beat here which sees JD introduce us to Ryan Sanders for Search Inside. The vibe of this one is like those mariachi stories where you are listening to two guys opening up about there experiences and you are being invited to take it all onboard and then ask yourself what you believe but, you have to use your heart felt intuition to search deep inside yourself to really find the answers. All I Need drops with a heavy grime vibe but, there is almost a calmness to the whole vibe of this one. That vibe fits well with track which speaks on the true love energy that connects two people in all ways and always. This is the vibe of twin flames meeting and uniting, feeling, and expressing love energy in its purest form, no matter what you do together or apart, because twin flames are never truly apart.

The next four tracks all feature the soulful voice of Anima Mana and so I have group these final four tracks together in one paragraph.

We almost float into the albums title track on the back of that expression of love. The Journey Within, which also features Michael Black, has this soulful edge to the beat which has elements of guitar and keys. The journey through life is as much about the journey we take within ourselves. It is a very personal and sacred thing and respect for that is an important thing. All our journeys are different, and this track asks you to reflect on your own personal journey, to understand what it has taught you and to consider what it still has to teach you as we never stop learning. Synths, claps, and drums all combine on Travel On to bring a heavy thoughtful vibe. This one speaks to me about the journey we are all on and the fact that regardless of where we think we are going, it is important never to stand still and become stagnant in our lives. When we stop seeking to become the greatest expression of who we truly are, is the moment we have given up on ourselves and become the follower and not the leader. Always walk on, even when you fall, just pick yourself up and walk on because moving forward is positive energy and that can take you anywhere. Vibe Right hits with a heavy bass line, flute, guitar, and synths, the feel of this one really borders on head nod and the contrast of JD’s rap and Anima’s soulful vocals works so well. This one really has a message the speaks on keeping things in balance. To keep things in balance you need to vibe right, use your spiritual side, your intuition, to work with nature in all it’s forms to only take what you need. The human race has forgotten to work in harmony with world we live on, we take more than we need, pollute and disrespect our home and that is not the right vibe. Moving into the final track of the album, Harmonise & Grow, the sound scape is mixture of basslines, percussion, soulful vocals and guitars, which merges into something akin to a modern shamanic vibe. The message here seems to grow from the previous track, one we learn to vibe right with the planet then we can begin to harmonise with nature and grow as individuals and as a race. This prospect is one that faces our race in this moment, as many individuals seek to Harmonise and grow in their own way it begins to show promise that all is not lost and that balance can be restored but, what is key is if the rest of the human race will choose that too…

 

What is immediately obvious with this album is that it is a far more personal project. There is a clear progression across the album, and it really does form a distinct story from one person’s point of view. There is not anger and bitterness here, instead those energies are channelled in such a way as to breed positivity from negativity. There is a clear picture of a spiritual awakening that has prompted a move to a more heart centred focus, where personal growth and aligning with nature is key. In one way this is so personal that is almost impossible to really put across what can be felt here but, there is a deep vibe here that some will instantly get, and others will find it hard to understand. This is not a conscious rap album but, more of a spiritually awakened rap album.

TOMEK ZYL MUSIC produces an impressive sound that gets its inspirations from a great many sources. It primarily has its roots in Rap and Grime but, along the way you get this feeling that is not trying to be any one genre but, is in fact only seeking to be its own individual expression. It ebbs and flows across the fourteen tracks almost effortlessly as it provides the platform for the vocals to leap out from.

JD really mixes it up here as he switches up his styles and flows from track to track. His wordplay is solid throughout and you get this feeling that he is showing a new level of maturity and focus. His subject matter might not instantly be to everyone’s liking but, there is a deep personal side to his work here that comes from deep within and with it comes a desire to see an end to the injustice in the world and an end to the profiteering and controlling of the masses. Right now, in society there seems to be little change and so I can’t see JD laying down the mic anytime soon because the energy for revolution starts deep in the soul and JD has the energy to stand up and let the Truth Be Told.

I can’t round this review off without mentioning the guest artists. It was good to be introduced to another upcoming force in rap, that is Ryan Sanders who shows that he has the potential to go a long way. Anima Mana and Michael Black both bring some soulful balance to the album that really helps bring extra depth along the way.

Overall, I found The Journey Within to be a deeply personal album that spoke from the heart in an attempt to help us visualise a new future, one where we return to balance with nature and live as one but, in order to get there, we have to let go of the negative ways and connect with a spiritual revolution. This album fits in so well with the energy of the whole Glastonbury area too. So, open your minds, be educated, and be inspired But, most importantly, let the truth be told.

Before I go, there is a couple of points I'd like to make. After speaking with JD about the review there was a couple of differences in my interpretation of two of the tracks and, as I have done before, I just wanted to point this out. The track IF I has this air that it all about a narcissistic relationship However, if you listen close to the final verse, JD reveals that he is actually talking about the government. Yep, I missed this one too as I got so far into the relationship aspect between two people. On NO STRESS the theme is actually a slick verbal misdirection in that the track is all about weed but, written as it it is not! A wicked juxtaposition that got me on this occasion. This just goes to show it always pays to listen, listen and listen again to really get into it and all credit to JD for such an articulate piece of work.

I would also like to thank JD for trusting me to review his work once more.

The Journey Within is available now on digital and USB from Let The Truth Be Told and more, check the links below for more info.

On that note,

Peace, I’m out…

Steve

LINKS

Get the album for the Official Let The Truth Be Told Website Here:

https://www.officialtruthbetold.com/

Get the album from Bandcamp Here:

https://jdrap.bandcamp.com/album/the-journey-within

VIDEOS

NO STRESS

 

 THE JOURNEY WITHIN

 

Album Review: AiOOiA by Brother Oak

 

AiOOiA

By

Brother Oak

 

The latest release from one of the UK’s hot new labels, Good Darts, is AiOOiA by Brother Oak. Now this one is going to be a little different than my normal stuff but, it’s always good to stretch yourself and dip into something new.

The album was described to me as a mix of Hip Hop, rap, post punk and shamanic music, which immediately had me intrigued. I like a wide range of music, including music to meditate to and I have been known to do the odd shamanic journeying too, so I liked the sound of this and when I read the notes about Brother Oak, I was sold.

I’d like to quote the notes from his Bandcamp page “Take a grime MC from Thanet to the ancient woodlands and infuse with the Shamans brew for a decade or two... Cook up by the sacred fire and share around the circle... Nomadic rapper... been on road walking pilgrimage for last 3years and made this album... These are the songs from pilgrimage.”

The album is available as a digital download of nine tracks or a very limited run of cassettes which feature a mystery mix on the flip side, I’m going to review the full cassette version for and give you my thoughts on the album and the mix.

So, without further ado, I suggest you leave your expectations at the door and open your mind as we join Brother Oak for AiOOiA and the fruits of his pilgrimage…

 

The album opens with the sounds of people laughing and talking before the music begins with an organic mix of drums, flutes, finger cymbals and vocal sounds which give us this melodic tribal sound of Wind Blows The Ganja. There is just one verse here but, it gives us a good insight into what this is all about as Brother Oak speaks on a different way of life where we commune with the earth and all life on it. A simpler way of life where you understand how to use plants to induce a trance in order access different levels of consciousness, something native shamans have been doing for thousands of years. Guitar, drums, and a sprinkling of percussion vibes produces more of a classic Hip Hop sound on Odins Fire. This is a very deep track, and the guitar helps bring a spiritual edge to the sound as Brother Oak opens his heart. There is this strong feeling that the Odins Fire he speaks of the fire inside, the internal desire to see change in the world, a world that is such a dark place where money, power, war, pain, and suffering go on in an endless cycle that never seems to change. The youth see only that money, alcohol and synthetic drugs are the way to power and respect. But the Odins Fire burns inside in the hope of one day seeing love replaces all the pain and suffering in the world and where love and respect for others comes from simply being the greatest expression of who you are, A world where light replaces the darkness. Tree People opens with a melodic sound as Brother Oak gives us some poetic spoken words for the first minute, speaking on the Highest state of man, a state of mind or being where you quieten your mind, deal with your inner issues, and become at peace and open to all possibilities. When the beat drops it is a proper banger of drums, bass, guitar, vocal samples, and sax and will get ya head nodding. This one is speaking on our connection and living in harmony with nature. It brings to mind the cycle of life around trees, which provide shelter and food to the animals living below and they, in return provide nutrients and breath out carbon dioxide for the trees, which turn that into oxygen we breath. It is the way things are in the natural world, something that humans have forgotten in favour of fake idols and putting value on that which has none…

Call My Brother Sun is a short instrumental piece that strikes me as a Hip Hop meditative piece. Cuts, drums, cymbals, and samples vocals create laid-back vibe that draws your attention to the sky and the sun that shines down providing light and heat in just the right amounts to support life. Play this one next time you are chilling on a summer’s day staring up into the bright blue sky. Sax notes ease us into The Poem, before making way for a reggae guitar vibe and then a heavy beat drop, all merge, drop in and out as Brother Oak speaks. His message here is there is a lot of hate in the world, a lot of ways we have been taught things are negative when they are a person’s choice, there are so many questions as we move through life and who really has the answers? To be honest, are there truly answers or no real questions but, simply a chose and a way of being who you chose to be? Echoing drums, guitar, and a vocal sample guide us into Woodz Gang. It all merges and makes us feel like we are gathered round a campfire as stories are told of a simpler way of living in contrast to how most live, caught up in the commercial, capitalist world…

Horns provide a brief into for Clouds Remix, When the beat drops it has a real upbeat feel of drums and guitars with a head nod vibe. This one really has the feel of being a celebration of where you’re at, you see all the things that are going your way, you’re in a positive frame of mind and way of being and that’s the place you wanna stay. It’s like, finding that true expression of who you really are and living it, that’s what this track says to me, and its feel-good factor is spot on, you can feel that good vibes oozing outta this one. Drums, bass, and deep sax vibes create a chilled vibe for the Rooted Freestyle, as you can guess this one is on that freestyle vibe and see’s Brother Oak dropping some bars off the top of his head but, still keeping that spiritual, mystic kinda vibe of the album. The Album ends with Nibi Wabo a short instrumental piece that has this real deep vibe to it. It kinda feels like a hypnogogic state, the state that the brain is in between being awake and asleep, an interesting place to leave us…

Before I sum things up I’m going to flip to the B-Side and give you my impressions of the Mystery mix.

I’m not gonna say too much about this mystery mix as you need to get the cassette to properly absorb this but, what you have here is nineteen plus minute track that showcases some previously unreleased music. Because this is unreleased stuff the quality varies a little but, it gives a really good insight into the range of influences Brother Oak has in creating his own music. From grime and Hip Hop to the far east and some more soulful style music. Much of what is in this mix is instrumental after kicking off with a vocal grime style track but, there is a depth of music here that reflects a love of music in general and not just one genre, style, or origin. This mix is only available on the cassette so, I recommend you grab one and give it a listen and as there are only 15 available, I’d get in there quick.

 

Going into this album with an open mind, I found it is the kind of vibe that would really be at home here in the Glastonbury area. The whole vibe of moving away from the capitalist city areas and connecting more with nature fits in so well here but, more than that, this album strikes me as the work of someone who has had their eyes, mind, body, and spirit opened to the simpler way of life and connecting with the earth and the energies beyond that.

I found the mixing and merging of styles to really work well here and you can feel the energy and the love that has been put into bringing this out for all to here. There is an element of this being as much a very personal project as it is music for people to enjoy. The musical influences shine through on many levels and you get that underground music style alongside more tribal and native influences and creates this really deep vibe that you can either just enjoy as a musical experience or you can really feel it vibe throughout you mind, body and soul.

Brother Oak brings a wealth of vocal and musical experience to bear on AiOOiA. His production perfectly merges the differing musical influences and with is wordplay and poetry skills he really does a great job of creating a style all of his own. This kind of spiritually awaked style of music comes close to some of the more recent work of Remark who is incorporating more of this style of writing in his own work so, Brother Oak is in good company there.

Overall, I found this to be an innovative release, which at times feels deeply personal but, with a desire to reach out to people on a whole new level and inviting them to connect and be open minded to a new future. I know this is not gonna be to everyone’s taste because you will get those who will only see hippy vibes etc but, I would say simply, give it a try and if your still not happy that’s fine but, I’m sure there will many who do give this one a go and truly enjoy it, like me.

Before I go, I would like to mention everyone who was a part of this release alongside Brother Oak. Because there is a lot of live musicians on this one and that, for me, also adds depth to the whole project:

Production/Lyrics/Vocals - Brother Oak

Additional Production - Greenhill Will, Remi Rorschach

Guest Lyrics/Vocals - Mark From The Zoo, Algonquin Nation, JuJu

Saxophone - Phil Holmes, Ollie Genn-Bash

Bass Guitar - Nick Grimshaw

Saz - Matt Watkins

Turntables - Slippa Chervascus

Artwork - JuJu

AiOOiA bt Brother Oak is out now on the Good Darts label.

Massive thanks to Slippa Chervascus for taking the chance and sending me this.

On That note,

Time for me to be out,

See Ya.

Steve

LINKS

Get AiOOiA from Bandcamp Here:

https://brother-oak.bandcamp.com/album/aiooia

Get the Limited Cassette from Good Darts Here:

https://www.gooddarts.co.uk/product/brother-oak-aiooia-cassette-album/

  

 

 

 

Album Review: Purgatory by Reken

 

Purgatory

By

Reken

 

UK emcee Reken was born and raised on the streets of Blackpool. Since becoming interested in all four elements of Hip Hop culture he has worked, almost tirelessly for the last five years representing his home city and dropping a string of hot releases of which Purgatory is the latest, released at the end of August this year.

The title suggests that this album will take us to a place where we are neither one place or the other, kinda like where society is right now. With that in mind and the fact that this album is some sixteen tracks deep, I’m gonna take you straight into it. So, lets take our first tentative steps into Purgatory together…

Heavy drums, bass and orchestral strings set the tone for Reken to introduce himself. He also gives us some background on his life and gives us a huge Welcome To Purgatory but, at the same time you begin to question this reality and ponder some important questions… Is Reken talking to us from Purgatory? Is he talking to us, who are the ones residing in this half-way place or are we all here together, looking for the answers that will carry us forward?

Just as you are wondering what to expect from the coming tracks, The Rock introduces the next track before a funk fulled vibe of drums and guitar hits your awareness and brings a thought-provoking feel with it. Reken takes a look at current state of society, its such a messed-up place where victims of crime and the poor suffer so much more than any perpetrator of a crime and the elite, those in power, become richer on the pain and tears of others. The more Reken makes you think, the more you ask, Why? With our questions left unanswered, for now, a nerve tingling piano and some melodic drums bring a darker edge as we slip into the dream world of Midnight Masquerades. This is place of nightmares that tear into your soul, mashing your mind to a pulp. You wake drenched in sweat and questioning how much of that was just a dream and how much was rooted in reality? The combination of drums and piano continue bringing a more reflective air. Here its about the memory of those moments that pushed you to you limits, made you wonder if you’d ever catch a break? But all those tough moments also give you a strength, a strength to go on and to say to yourself that you are Not Giving Up…

It’s true that we won’t stay down for long and that is reflected with an uplifting beat of drums and keyboards. Reken is joined by Dog4ouse and seems to be telling us here that its all about finding faith in something, whatever works for you, that one thing that guides you back from those dark places. It is not easy but, you can Catch A Vibe in a place where the sun smiles on you once more. That uplifting vibe carries on with mix of heavy drums, electroninc notes and some soulful vocals. The message from Reken and Ben SOS is that now you are out of that dark place remember to take life one step and One Day At A Time. That road to recover is a twelve-step process, you can do it with dedication, support and a faith in that higher power. The light continues to shine upon us as we are accompanied by some laid-back drums and keyboard notes. The support we receive on out journey often comes from someone very Special and here we have a dedication to that person, that special individual who makes you both complete.

Strings, keyboards, and drums create a floaty vibe for us to drift away from the thoughts the past and the future. Here it is all about living in the moment. Those special moments when you are present in the Prescence of a higher power, an energy that helps you focus on what really matters and to be thankful for all that is. Bruva Smokes joins Reken over a beat full of guitars, keyboards and drums which switches up the energy levels more than a few notches with S W A T. The guys take aim at all the fakes and suckers out there as they bring the kinda bars that stop you in your tracks and drop the opposition to their knees. Next, we go from high energy to that head nod vibe of drums and guitar and an appearance from Karlow. This one takes us back to the days of having fun, when no one gave a damn and it was all about having a good time. So, tell me Do You Remember The Day?

Karlow keeps hold of his mic as he joins Reken to drop some Heat. The beat is a heavy mix of drums, horns, keyboards, and piano. The vibe is straight up battle rap and guys deliver it in a precise, clinical fashion as they execute their execution of the punks. This is heavy rap style just for the sake of it and if you think you can handle the repercussions, then step up! Now, no one ever said rap and Hip Hop was just one thing, one style, it can be an Abstract Art, and that abstract style is reflected here as we have a drum beat over which is a mariachi style guitar while Reken drops vocals with the air of battle rap thrown into the mix. Try listening to this one if you think all rap is the same. As you are musing over things the air around darks with the onset of some deep piano and drum vibes. You begin to question again, is this a look at a warped psychotic mind full of Resentment, is it showing us that there are times we need the darkness in order to truly see the light or are we taking a look at the destabilised mind that is the dark side of mental health…

The uplifiting vibe returns with some soulful vocals over drums and keyboards. The notion of faith is not something new on this album and on G.O.D. Reken looks deeper into what it is to find faith in a higher power, a belief that can be the catalyst for your positive self. It might not be an easy journey for anyone to make but, then life and the truth are not the easiest of things to experience but, they are ultimately fulfilling. From that idea of faith, we move to a harder vibe as horns, electronic notes and drums combine for a more modern trap style vibe. The message on this one is taking a look at those modern rappers who chose to promote violence and negativity to today’s youth. Reken shows that no matter what sound you chose, there is no need for Badmanism. The final track ends on a more contemplative air that comes from the piano and heavy but laid-back drums. The message here is that no matter what happens in your life, through all the ups and downs, there is Still Time Left to turn it around and make every moment count and that is the answer to all the questions and how we leave Purgatory.

 

There is something about albums that are self-produced that often adds an extra dimension to what you hear. Everything is from the self and comes from your heart and you can hear that and feel that with every beat and every bar on Purgatory.

There is so much to like here and both musically and lyrically it carries you along with something to appeal to everyone. It is easy to visualise what Reken is putting across with each track and there is a great balance of light and dark, just as there is with any journey we make and this one is no exception. You can feel the passion he has for what he does and what has helped him as he has walked his path. For Reken his belief in a higher power has brought through all the rough times to where he is now. While you yourself might not have a belief in a god as such, we all believe there is something that works for us, and it is having that faith that will carry us through the dark times.

Overall, I really enjoyed this album and the fact it was so easy to feel something with each track. The personal aspects that are built into this album allow you to feel that deeper aspect at all the right times and there is also that great balance of fun vibes and realness that allow the album to flow so well and speak to all of us. Add to that the stunning artwork from Matt Herbert (aka Junior Disprol) and this one has to be on your shelves.

As purgatory has been out for a few weeks now, a lot of you may have already heard it but, to those of you who have not, I highly recommend that you give this a listen at the very least as you won’t be disappointed.

My thanks and respect to Reken for sending this one over.

On that note,

I’m out,

Peace.

Steve.  

LINKS

Get Purgatory on Digital or CD on Bandcamp:

https://rekenone.bandcamp.com/album/purgatory

All streaming etc via this one Link:

https://songwhip.com/reken/purgatory

Album Review: Lead By Example by Ramson Badbonez

 

Lead By Example

By

Ramson Badbonez

 

There will be few of you out there who do not know the name Ramson Badbonez. One of UK Hip Hop’s most prolific emcees has returned but this time he puts down the mic in favour of production duties.

Lead By Example has a stunning line-up of emcees from the UK, USA, and Canada to handle the vocal duties, whilst also featuring turntable trickery from DJ Miracle, Kompoze and DJ Jazz T. With such a wealth of talent being brought to bear on this album, it promises to be as good a debut production for Ransom as it is a departure from his norm.

I’m not gonna make you wait here but, get straight into it…

Straight out the gate, with On Your Mark, you get an immediate sense as to what this album is gonna be about. A perfect head nod beat with keyboards is the background provided by Ramson over which we are introduced to the album over the course of a couple of minutes and the outstanding cuttin’ and scratching of DJ Miracle. It has your pulse racing from the get-go which is just as well because there is no letting up as heavy drums and jazzed up horns hit for Stay True. If you were wondering where the bar was after the intro then there is no doubt left that it’s been knocked into the atmosphere as Reks, Ruste Juxx and Blacastan drop some incredible bars of lyrical fire to get you even more fired up. The mood chills a little as the piano heavy beat of Rap To The Future hits like a cool breeze to your grill and sees Dizzy Dustin, Mr Hooper and Moka Only take us back over some of raps early days, with cuts from Kompoze, before returning us to the present.

Nonchalant is up next with some heavy drums, bass and guitar vibes that mix together to provide the fuel for Mark Fear and Ramson himself to each drop a verse in sparring fashion. Just to remind you that Ramson Badbonez can easily drop a verse when needed. Strings, piano, and a slightly more laid-back drum vibe are the backdrop for Justo the MC, Johaz of Dag Savage and Sleep Sinatra to drop some deeper more thoughtful words on Bismillah, which is Arabic for ‘In the name of God.’ Drums, piano and a mariachi guitar vibe create the prefect soundscape for spinning tales of the cities underworld and the Wolves who walk those streets. Those street stories are spun by Ramson alongside Cyclonious and Phoenix da Icefire.

Equality for Every is like a breath of fresh air, almost an aural cleanser, with and upbeat drum and guitar vibe over which is a lively brass flavour that drives the track as Ramson and Chima Anya look at the subjects of equal opportunities and racial justice, just as if they are sat at a table musing over current affairs together. Pounding drums and sonic sounds herald the arrival of Tru Trilla, Fly Kwa and Prince AK to the ring. There is nothing pretty here as these guys are here to deliver a flurry of lyrical punches with only one aim, to knockout all those Lame Ducks. Time for Ramson Badbonez to go it alone on Chinchillas. The drums pound over a melodic eastern style vibe and Ramson is clinical here in taking out those fakes. His lyrics are as sharp as a scalpel and as precise as a brain surgeon.

The drums continue to pound alongside flutes and guitars as Az Izz of The Outsidaz, Cymarshall Law, Speed Walton and Quip break out the heavy verbal artillery. This one is high octane and as deadly as any stand off from Reservoir Dogs. The penultimate track here is a posse style cut of epic proportions and one which reads like a ‘who’s who’ of top UK emcees as Ramson is joined by Kashmere, Truemendous, Mysdiggi, Micall Parknsun, Joker Starr, Gee Bag, Confucius, Jehst and Phoenix da Icefire for the Black Hole Cypher. The drums are heavy with a sonic vibe alongside and the lyrics are cerebral, with each bar drawing you further and further into the black hole but, what’s next? Where does it lead? It leads to our final track. A great spoken word intro leads on to solid boom bap beat with cuts by DJ Jazz T. Recognize Ali, Skyzoo and Juxx Diamondz step up to drop breathless flows and straight up knowledge with one main theme, if you wanna be an inspiration, a leader in this game then you have to one thing and that’s Lead By Example…

 

So, what have learnt from this album? What has the last 39 minutes shown us?

We started of by ticking a lot of boxes. We had Ramson Badbonez sidestepping from his usual trademark position as an emcee into the role of producer. We had a whole host of truly talented guest artists who joined Ramson from both sides of the pond, and we also had Ramson Badbonez displaying his mic prowess as well so, expectation was high, but did it deliver?

Did it deliver? The answer is easy, you’re damn right it did…

The album delivered on all levels. Ramson’s production is spot on throughout this album. It creates this perfect flow from start to finish that raises you up and keeps you there, ebbing and flowing, before taking you up a few more notches towards the end and wrapping up the whole thing on a new level of high points. The masterful use of talented guest artists is breath-taking. From legendary figures such as Dizzy Dustin, Moka Only, Micall Parknsun and Jehst to names that might be less well-known in the UK such as Fly Kwa, Justo the MC and Speed Walton, every one of these emcees drop performances worthy of those who are at the top of their game, this shows the sort of respect that Ramson Badbonez has in Hip Hop, that all these emcees and DJ’s are prepared to step up and to work with him at such a high level. It also demonstrates how Hip Hop is one and all those within it are one, breaking down borders to stand together as one.

Lead By Example truly is ‘The Real Deal’ and I have no doubt this album will be loved by Hip Hop fans the world over. This is not a UK Hip Hop album this is a straight up Hip Hop album, showing that hip hop is universal. I can also see this album as one of those that will stand the test of time and receive heavy rotation on playlists and radio shows wherever good music is played.

Can I overstate how good this album is? Nope…

Lead By Example is out today on New Dawn Records so, I suggest you find out how good it is yourself.

On that note,

I’m Out, See ya Soon,

Peace.

Steve

LINKS

Get Lead By Example on Bandcamp Here:

https://ramsonbadbones.bandcamp.com/

Check New Dawn Records on Bandcamp Here:

https://newdawnrecords.bandcamp.com/music

New Dawn Records Website:

https://newdawnrecs.com/

Check Ramson Badbonez on Facebook Here:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063495610805

Ramson Badbonez on Instagram Here:

https://www.instagram.com/oscarslouch/

Ramson Badbonez on Twitter Here:

https://twitter.com/ramson_badbonez?lang=en

EP Review: Chalk Alley by Briti$h

 

Chalk Alley

By

Briti$h

 

Following on from the release of his debut EP ‘Stuck In A Bunker’, Ipswich MC Briti$h is back with a brand new release, the Chalk Alley EP.

The Chalk Alley EP is billed as a concept EP looking at the contrast of daytime and night-time life in the back alleys. With a diverse range of beats this one is sure to demonstrate the lyrical abilities of Briti$h. The EP features appearances from Sloth of Indigo Frequency and Kyle Parrish (KP) while production comes from label mate Bunker Beats among others.

So, join me as we take a walk-through Chalk Alley with our guide Briti$h…

We first step foot in Chalk Alley under the light of day and to a jazzy vibe created by the laid-back beat and a mix of keyboards and horns. Here Briti$h gives us a little introduction to where we are, while letting us know just what to expect as we experience the goings-on in both the day and night. The further we venture into the alley; the mood shifts to a mix of sharp drums and nerve tingling electronic organ notes. This darkens our vison allowing it to take on an almost post-apocalyptic feeling. This hard-hitting vibe is apt as it reflects the current state of reality and the fact that you gotta stay Woke to all the lies and false truths. Our minds are under constant pressure of fear-based media that it clouds our thoughts but, don’t close your eyes to this or get lost in a smog that hides the truth.

As the skies darken over the alley a new reality begins to emerge. A grime infused beat and a mix of twisted banjo and tambourine notes carry us to the Red Hammock. This is a place where a new smoke haze feels the air, a place where realities are less defined and where the questioning of the state of society and what is happening around us floats around in hazy clouds of coloured smoke drifting from one mind to the next. Our trip continues but, now in more ways than one, as the smoky haze accompanies us as does a boombap beat and some etheric sonic sounds. Sloth joins Briti$h at this point and it’s time to Watch Out as they treat us to a straight up bars’ session of lyrical freedom. It’s all about saying what you want, how you want, mixing it up with the music and the smoke to take us of to another dimension. It’s been some night in the alley and as the faintest hint of light begins to colour the sky once more Briti$h takes us to meet KP and together they take us through a wealth of different strains, each one blended to help us to Elevate our minds to different places as we relax in what comes, drifting off…

With the sun now high in the sky above Chalk Alley an upbeat piano driven boombap vibe fills the air. With everything we have experienced in the alley it’s time to bring our thoughts back to Who we are and finding your life’s purpose, once you know what that purpose is then you have to pursue that dream with all your heart and make it yours. We end this trip with a mix of keyboards over a grime beat. Keeping our energy up Briti$h gives us something to take away from our trip to the alley. He drops his Thoughts on a whole host of different things, musing on life, the current state of reality and what we do or don’t do as a species in respecting the place we live.

 

So, we have accompanied Briti$h down Chalk Alley through the day and the night, the good and the bad and at times, with some help, and in an envelope of purple smoke we have drifted beyond the material confines of the alley in new realities. We have learnt that Chalk Alley is place you may, or may not want to frequent but, it is well worth checking it out for yourself.

The EP is a highly enjoyable listen and the differing vibes from Hip Hop to grime show just how far Briti$h can stretch his style and he does so with aplomb. The production and lyrical content fits perfectly together creating vibrant visions for the listener to immerse themselves in. Those visions work so well as they twist reality with some smoked filled dreamscapes and on to more thoughtful spaces for you to create your own.

Everything here balances very well and the narrative flows so well reflecting what could easily be 24 hours in the life of a location that could be based almost anywhere in the world today, depending on where you are listening to this.

Once more we find a talented MC emerging from the UK. One who is not afraid take what he does and push himself mixing up his wordplay and style to bring us some top-notch underground rap. What more do I need to say…?

Chalk Alley is released through DJGT entertainment and is available on Vinyl, CD and also digitally on all major platforms on 26^th August.

I’m off for a lie down,

Peace,

Steve

LINKS

Get Chalk Alley from Bandcamp Here:

https://djgtentertainment.bandcamp.com/album/briti-h-chalk-alley

Get Chalk Alley and more from the DJGT Entertainment Webshop:

https://djgtentertainment.co.uk/shop

DJGT Entertainment on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC83e357s0v31_ZVbQUlamcw

VIDEOS

Chalk Alley

Album Review: C.I.R.C.U.S. by Frisco Boogie

 C.I.R.C.U.S

By

Frisco Boogie

 

Nottingham emcee Frisco Boogie is back with a band new long player for us to get our ears and heads around. Following on from his recent releases Masks of the Morning Son (2020) and Rainbows in the Rubble (2021), his new offering of C.I.R.C.U.S, promises to give us much to ponder. I say this as the expanded title reads as Conditions In Reality Causing Us Stress, this alone brings us to thoughts and memories of what we have all experienced over the last eighteen months or so.

Now when I began work on the review, I actually did not know the title, so it is interesting to see what my thoughts and intuition have conjured up as I immersed myself in the C.I.R.C.U.S.

The album begins with the title track CIRCUS. The beat pure head nod Hip-Hop with some flute and piano create this atmosphere that makes your head spin in different directions. Any circus is filled with many acts, and you never know what to expect and here we see this reflected in the arena of life around us. Anyone looking in at life would wonder if we are going to continue to be stuck in the three ringed circus and how it affects us or will we break free?  An acappella into leads us into flute and drum driven beat that’s pounds your ears. This pounding reflects the way we pound our mind, body, and soul by working so hard, daily, just so we can provide. So often we do it not because we want to but because we feel we have to, only resting when the sun goes down at Sunset. A more laid-back vibe is created by drums, guitar, and organ notes. Here Frisco Boogie lets us know that there are too many people out there who do not give what they do 100% dedication. To be respected you need to be on top of your game and means staying with your vision, stick to your path. Always enjoy what you do and don’t let things distract you, because that 100 you put in will bring you 100 or more in return.

A darker edge settles over us with some eerie organ notes over a trap style beat. This one looks at relationships and more importantly those we have with ourselves. Those relationships are not always positive as they are often filled with deception and, you have to ask yourself, if you were on the outside looking in then who would be Clowning who. The trap style and darker edge stays with us here on Dennis Rodman, where Frisco Boogie looks at how the current state of affairs, dis-information, differing theories and uncertainty all have a huge impact on mental health. All to often this causes us to question what we see and even who we are, sometimes it leads to people reinventing themselves into a different version of who they truly are and covering up that true version. It’s back to the boom bap now with some electronic notes we take a look at those times we are Flying High on our own adrenaline. That place we go to where we feel we can do anything and that nothing can bring us down, where it’s all about that extra step, taking a chance and setting up an advantage. At the end of the day who knows what tomorrow will bring so why not go for it…

Piano over a trap style beat brings us to a reality check looking at those who chose to Runaway from their life. There is always a reason, a story behind what someone choses. Here is a stark look at the stories behind the choices. Some big orchestral violins, piano and guitar over a pounding beat create a reflective feel as the focus switches to peoples Opinions. A person’s opinion is just that, there own outlook on something and often opinions differ from person to person. Often our opinions change as we grow and learn but, there are times when some opinions don’t change. It is these times when some allow their opinions to consume them and to become more than just a point of view that conflict happens. The mood switches to a more upbeat mix of drums and mariachi style guitar vibes. Mydnite joins Frisco Boogie here to look at how emcees focus on honing their craft, constantly looking to perfect their wordplay and keep themselves at the top of their game, just like those Prize Fighters.

Piano, a sparse beat and trap vibe mix with the sung opening a chorus to create just the right sound for Theatres Of The Mind. Mental health is such a huge subject but, still so often treated as the elephant in the room. Frisco Boogie takes a look at many of the aspects of how it affects so many of us. For some that might be just a passing phase, a brief touch with the darkness. However, for many those shadows are always present making it so hard to see or only catching a brief glimpse of the sunshine. The album’s penultimate track is a posse cut, full of heavy horns, guitar and most definitely boombap. Frisco Boogie is joined by Montener The Menace, BooDah and Lee Ramsey for a tongue-in-cheek look at cancel culture, movies and TV and all those who just can’t Shut Up! Constantly going on about this and that, convinced their opinion is the law. The album ends on a trap vibe that is piano heavy. Frisco Boogie takes one last look at what is going on in the world. It may look like everything is going to shit. Everyday we wake to more lies and the fear-based media, governments who seek to control the masses through that fear. All is not lost to us, there is still a way to bring back the light. We must Raise The Stakes, no matter how hard, rise up and be the catalyst for change on a global scale…

 

Now you might well think that C.I.R.C.U.S has quite a dark vibe running through it and is that not surprising given the current state of society in which we live. We are not sure what is truth and what is not, what is control and what is free thought, the media constantly fills our awareness with fear-based reporting, and we wonder if there is new divide being created among us over a needle. But Frisco Boogie does enough to show us that whatever is going on, one thing is certain and that is the light will shine again and it will come from our own desire to stand tall and create a positive future.

As always Frisco Boogie mixes up his styles and flows with his intelligent and emotive wordplay. He gives just the right verbal description to fuel your imagination into focusing on exactly what he is putting across. He creates this perfectly balanced mix of music and words that has you bobbing and weaving through the album, reflecting exactly how it is in life. There is a great balance of musical styles here that will appeal to wide range of audiences and allow everyone to associate with the messages he is putting across.

The whole idea of basing the album around the analogy of the Circus creates this instantly recognisable vision you can easily overlay on current events. A place where people go to be entertained, surprised and even shocked, never knowing exactly what to expect or what is real or what is deception or misdirection. Also, there is this hidden aspect, the story behind the performers, who are they truly and how much of their performance is either reflective of or a cover for their own lives. Of course, there is also a flip side to all this. While everyone is focused on what is going on in the Circus, what is going on outside? What is their attention being drawn away from?

The world around us might be one big C.I.R.C.U.S and the only way we can break free of that is  to wake up and not give in to the fear and the lies, to stand up and leave the C.I.R.C.U.S and see what is really going on and lift ourselves up to the bright future.

C.I.R.C.U.S is out now.

So, it’s time for me to leave this circus,

Peace out,

Steve

LINKS

Get the Album on Bandcamp Here:

https://friscoboogie.bandcamp.com/album/c-i-r-c-u-s

VIDEOS

100 Official Video

EP Review: The Bedroom Rapper EP by Controverse

 

The Bedroom Rapper EP

By

Controverse

 

I previously reviewed Controverse when he featured on two tracks for Wounded Buffalo Beats on the album Black Magic & Horns. Here he featured alongside Pacewon, Jus Allah and Mayz, so it is good to finally get the chance to review his solo work.

2021 has been a productive year for Controverse with two singles already in the bag, On My Own and Hold Tight, the Bristol emcee now drops The Bedroom Rapper EP. The EP is four tracks with a nice little bonus, and he promises that there will be a bit of everything in this one.

I think I’m just dive straight into this one for you…

The EP kicks off with dark vibe of heavy drums and melodic piano notes but there is a thoughtful air to this one too. Here we find Controverse looking at the struggles of life, the moments that define who we are and those moments that literally save us. Along the way there are those who stand by us every step of the way, those who put us down and then there are those who only choose to stand by us once we have made it. Through all these moments there are those times when we need to respond and those times when it is just best to Say Nuffin’.

Time to chill things out a little with a laid-back beat and some multi-layered sounds. Controverse takes a look at why he Don’t Smoke Weed. He takes us back to times when he did smoke, that weed is not necessarily a bad drug and tells us about the reasons behind why he made the choice to stop. This is easily one of those tracks for those who enjoy a smoke and those who don’t because you can easily kick it and chill either way, it’s your choice.

From that chilled vibe we are brought back to our feet with a gritty mix of heavy drums and synth notes. Get Ya Fists Up is not a track that glorifies violence, as Controverse makes obvious in the into. What this is, is an upbeat hard-edged track that looks at those times when you are in a situation with no choice but, to defend yourself and that could be for many reasons. So, you can get deep into this one or simply just enjoy the beat and have some fun with it.

Time for some head nod now, piano driven with a good sprinkling of cuts. Although that piano also gives this one a thoughtful aspect too. That’s Life see’s Controverse take a look at the ebb and flow of life and the storms that occasionally darken the skies on our life’s journey. The message here is that, yes, life does bring us challenges and hurdles to overcome but, the reality is that, ultimately, life is what you make it. You can choose to fall or stumble and stay down or you can keep getting up every time and forge ahead in the knowledge that a better tomorrow is coming, and you are making it happen.

The bonus track brings us a deep emotive vibe from its sparse drums and piano driven sound to the etheric vocals. On My Own is one of those deeply personal tracks that hits hard on many levels. Here Controverse opens his heart to you as her details coming through all those hard times, the times you could never imagine seeing the light again, but eventually marvelling as the sun breaks through the dark clouds above, showing that the road ahead is clear, and you made it. There is a connection here that touches us all and one we can all associate with, from those who have already come through it to those who are still wondering when the sun will breakthrough? Don’t worry, the sun will shine through…

I have to say that this one did not disappoint. There was a bit of everything here, from some fun to things more thoughtful and those that will probably have you sitting back and maybe reaching for a tissue.

The thing here is that Controverse has skillful wordplay and flows which he fuses with feeling on a level that can just leave you blown away. He really puts a huge amount of feeling and personal experience into these tracks in a way that invites the listener to reflect on their own personal experiences to great effect. It shows proper maturity and a desire, not just to entertain, but also to connect with the listeners on deep levels that shows we all have a connection on some level.

The production on the Ep comes from Nigma (Tracks 1-4) and SK Plug (On My Own) and these guys do an absolutely cracking job of mirroring the emotiveness of Controverse’s lyrics. The musical backdrops to each track really bring that vibrancy out which allows you to feel the essence of what is being put across to you. There are times when the musical backdrop does not always do the job but, here that is not an issue as you feel every emotion whether it lifts you up and excites you or brings a tear to the eye, it’s all there.

Overall, if you are going to use music to convey a wealth of emotions to the listeners then it has to be the complete package. The Bedroom Rapper EP does that with aplomb. Controverse delivers a heartfelt project that perfectly displays his skills. He brings personal experience to bear here in a way that allows us in and to feel what he feels, and it’s all backed up by a stunning musical journey which carries us across a wealth of emotions in just under seventeen minutes.

This is definitely one for your collection, regardless of whether you stream it or buy it, just listen to it.

Having said that, I would say that the paltry sum that Controverse is asking for this EP makes it more that worth your while to part with a couple of quid…

Huge thanks to Controverse for sending this over to me.

The Bedroom Rapper EP is out today with streaming links to follow on 27th…

On that note, I’m out too,

Steve

LINKS

Get the EP on Bandcamp Here:

https://controverse.bandcamp.com/album/the-bedroom-rapper-ep-3