Album Review: Prelude To The Mantis by Chino XL

 

Prelude to the Mantis

By

Chino XL

 

It is humbling to be able to bring you my take on an album by an artist such as Chino XL, who has become one of the most outstanding lyricists of the modern era.

Born in the Bronx in 1974 he grew up in New Jersey. He started his musical career as one part of the duo Art of Origin alongside DJ and Producer Kerri Camar Chandler and go on to release his first solo album Here To Save You All in 1996. He also broke into acting with appearances in Reno 911, CSI: Miami and the movies Alex & Emma and The Beat. During is career Chino XL featured on many tracks alongside some of Hip Hop’s greats such as the likes of Rakim, RA The Rugged Man, Immortal Technique, and Kool G Rap. Chino sadly passed away in July 2024 to suicide, and my heart goes out to his family as this is a pain I know only too well.

I could easily write an entire blog post around Chino XL, his achievements and the respect he has across the world, but I feel the best thing to do is to let his art do the talking. Prelude to the Mantis is his fourth posthumous album and a follow-up to Ascen7ion. The album features a host of production credits including Nick Wiz, Apathy, VoodooLion, and Johnny Slash. Plus, some incredible feature artists: KXNG Crooked, Rittz, Statik Selektah, TechN9ne, Apathy, M-Eighty, Copywrite, Cappadonna, Planet Asia, Canibus, and HRSMN (Ras Kass, Killah Priest & Kurupt). The album is also executively produced by Chino’s daughters Lyric & Bella.

With that said please join me for a journey through the Prelude to the Mantis…

 

The album is some twenty-two tracks deep, which also includes one remix. The Mantis kicks things off with a heavy beat backed by guitar notes, produced by Johnny Slash, that give this a sound that immediately sets the tone, providing a solid platform for Chino’s vocals. Here Chino’s technical and cerebral wordplay hits with a power that infiltrates your mind and gives you but a glimpse into his own mind. With the tone of the album set and the bar raised, Blue Bird, which is produced by VooDooLion, hits with a sample from the Blade Runner Soundtrack, which gives this deep reflective tone, even when the heavy beat kicks in. This one is packed with intense personal narratives and reflective tones that touch you deeply and allow you to understand that Chino knew who he was and the depth of his own struggles, channelling that energy into the music he created. I Know is produced by Nick Wiz and this sound that is infectious first getting your head moving before the rest of your body follows. Here Chino asserts a dominance in the rap game with lyricism that challenges you listen and keep up with every bar as it drops. There is no question here as to who you are listening to, this is Chino XL. Steezy has a more modern sound with heavy bass, electronic sounds and a high paced ticking that tweaks your nerves. The overall sound has a club vibe while Chino unloads fast paced vocals that seem to mash up brain cells before a more soulful bridge gives you a brief respite.

Terminally Ill sees Tech N9ne, Rittz, Kxng Crooked and Statik Selektah step up alongside Chino. The beat is heavy with big bass notes and that modern sound coming through once more. Here we have top tier emcees dropping verses that not only showcase their lyricism as they trade verses that give insights into their personal journeys and battles along the way. This is a posse cut for the modern era that hits hard with a no fuck’s given brutality to boot. Next, Apathy joins Chino and both produces and features on Blood, Sweat and Tears. The beat has a pounding sound that creates an energy that begins in your ears and explodes from there. The lyricism is fast paced and intense looking at the sacrifices you often have to make, but also that by consistent perseverance, the right steps forward can be made. Guillotine has a more laid-back vibe and sees Chino focusing on execution as the metaphor. This might only be a short verse but says so much and makes you realise that in the rap game, there is often no room for mercy. Loving You features M-Eighty and Chino over a sound that is piano heavy with a pounding drum beat that gives a big sound that vibrates throughout you. This one looks at love as a selfless energy between two people. Something that transcends the struggles and hurdles of life to always keep you together as one. Shots Through Ya Vehicle is produced by Anno Domini (Germany) and has a heavy sound where piano and flute note come to the forefront, giving this one a reflective air. Chino drops heavy rapid-fire lyrics that hit with an intensity that you might expect from vocal drive-by. With aggressive delivery and complex bars that leave no room to relax in.

Chi Chops hits with a heavy beat and piano notes giving this a sound that carries you along with the vocals. Here Chino gives us a showcase of his technical skill as he builds vocals around chopping down his competitors with lyrical skill. Acapella is exactly that as Chino gives us a short verse that hits like a freestyle battle rap that highlights his wordplay and delivery without the need for a beat. Next up is Basquiat which hits with a heavy boom bap sound with a big orchestral edge which gets you moving. Chino gives us a display of abstract artistic metaphorical lyricism that frames the art of creative destruction in the rap game. The title suggests that Chino’s creative expression in Hip Hop could mirror that of New York Neo-Expressionism artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Triple Seize is produced by Terminal 3 Productions and sees Chino joined by Kxng Crooked and Copywrite. The heavy sound brings rock guitar notes to the forefront giving this one a raw sound that vibrates through your body. Here we have three emcees dropping the kind of rhymes that threaten to blow your mind from the inside-out as the wordplay brings intense mental images into clear focus.

Paradigms once more brings piano notes to the forefront, this gives this one an energy that makes you reflect on what you are hearing. Chino brings complex and deep lyrical wordplay that seems to focus on mindset and a visceral lyrical display that pulls no punches what comes to taking on competitors. The Rapture hits with an eerie sound that has a Hip Hop horror vibe about it, putting you in mind of the horrorcore sound; and Chino is joined by Cappadonna, Planet Asia and Kxng Crooked on this one. Here, each emcee delivers top notch verses that are packed with the kind of wordplay gets you fired up and bouncing, leaving you wanting more with a huge smile on your face. Next up is Chemistry which has a more modern sound it with a more relaxed sound opposed to the rapid vocals from Chino. This one focuses on free-flowing rhymes which puts you in mind of freestyle rap. No written words to read from just what comes to mind instinctively in the moment. Lyrical powerhouse Canibus joins Chino for We Just Spit Bars. The beat is heavy with guitar notes and cuts giving this one an infectious sound that gets you moving. Chino and Canibus trade verses delivering the kind of bars that not only bring a huge smile to your face but also leave you feeling mentally exhausted by the end.

Cruel World has a sound where keys take the forefront and the beat is sparse, sitting in the background giving this one an easy listening sound that brings the vocals to centre stage. This one might have multiple interpretations, but as I listened to this one there was a lot that spoke of hardship and negativity, there was also much that spoke on internal struggles. The complex metaphorical images created as you listen will tease just what you see in the world around you. The HRSMN (Kurupt, Ras Kass & Killah Priest) ride in to join Chino for Champion. The sound is gritty with a ragga edge to it, which is reflected in the bridge lyrics. Here we have four emcees trading verses that seem to focus on celebrating their individual success as artists, but also, collectively as four horsemen, utilising clever use of metaphorical imagery. The penultimate track here is On My Grind, a single verse where Chino delivers incredible metaphorical imagery that focuses on Chino doing what he does best. However, the verse is cut, rather abruptly and the Grand Finale is the final track of the project. The sound is a heavy beat that is backed by this almost haunting sound. Chino brings rapid flows and deep wordplay that references spiritual and religious aspects. This brings a powerful statement to close the project and giving you much to reflect on.

There is still one track to go though, a remix of a track that featured on another posthumous album, DJ Fokus Presents… Chino XL – Map Of Bones. Still Sailing (Vodka Gravas Remix) has a laid-back beat which is backed by chilled keys which give this one a reflective edge. Chino brings a symphonic edge to this one which sees him looking back over key moments from his life, moments which helped define the person he became and the messages he delivered within his music. This has an inspirational and uplifting vibe that is a great way to celebrate his memory.

Photo taken from the Official Facebook page of Chino XL.

 

When trying to think of the overall impact of this album, there is a lot to consider here. First up is the fact that this is like a celebration of Chino XL, his music, and the man that he was. It is also has this element that is like a thank you to the fans, as we are given some verses that might have been from unfinished tracks and give us the chance to enjoy those moments; and reflecting on this does bring some deep feelings to the surface.

Many of you will know that in 2020, I lost my youngest daughter in same way that Chino’s family lost him, and when I think of the ways that I have celebrated her memory over the years, I can really feel the energy that runs through something like this album. Celebrating a person’s memory is not always about the things you do to remember them, but also about how you can help others to celebrate their memory too, and in keeping the music of Chino XL alive, his family are celebrating his life and his music in so many ways.

Prelude to the Mantis showcases the incredible talent that Chino XL was. The way he used metaphorical imagery to put across his messages or to just display his writing is almost second to none, and he is, without a doubt one of the greatest lyrical talents in recent years. To be honest, I wonder if my words can adequately put across exactly how talented Chino was, as the way he used his lyrics and cerebral imagery was almost too much for just words to speak on. You have to listen to his work to get a real sense of the quality of his work.

This album brings Chino XL to centre stage but, it also brings together a wealth of Hip Hop artist to stand shoulder to shoulder with him, putting their own stamp of respect onto this project. The production values are also top notch here too. I always mention that some of the more modern sounds are not always my cup of tea, but that is person preference. What is does show is that Chino XL was the kind of artist who was easily able to embrace different styles and sounds within Hip Hop music and to show that he could seamlessly speak to a wide audience with his music.

Prelude to the Mantis is a solid album that not only showcases the incredible talent that Chino XL brought to the world, but it encompasses the deep messages that he interwove into his music. He may have left this world too early in our eyes, but that was his choice, and he left us with a legacy in music that will be enjoyed and seen as a beacon to so many. You might not think it, but there is a light he left us with, and we celebrate him for that.

Rest In Beats Chino XL, Derek Keith Barbosa, 1974-2024 One Love.

 

My humble thanks to John Dugan (JD Hip Hop Reviews) for putting this one my way.

I’ll see you all next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Get you copy of the album here:

https://www.1332records.com/product-page/chino-xl-prelude-to-the-mantis

Stream Here:

https://open.spotify.com/album/7ACE9KmRDOn8pGQFQV5866

The Official Chino XL Tribute page:

https://www.instagram.com/chinoxltribute/

More Chino XL Links:

https://www.facebook.com/ChinoXLOfficial

https://linktr.ee/chinoxl

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

VIDEOS

The Mantis Official Video

 

 

 

 

Album Review: Giants Of Defiance by Fireball Flingaz

 

Giants Of Defiance

By

Fireball Flingaz

 

Back in 2020 Remark and Exile returned as the Fireball Flingaz dropped powerful album, Back 2 Burn. That release tore into the establishment and the powers that be, making a firm and incendiary statement about what they saw happening in the world around them.

Now, almost four years later, there has been little change; in fact, you could say that the powers that be, have continued to chisel away at the heart of democracy. We see people suffer when governments flourish, they rage war in the name of their people even though the people do not support their actions and we even see nations supporting and refusing to even recognise when genocide is perpetrated on an entire nation of people right in front of their faces.

So, with a world in turmoil, the Fireball Flingaz have returned with the Giants Of Defiance, fourteen tracks that promise to unload their frustrations at the state of society. Remark and Exile handle the vocals with Exile on production, cuts, artwork and more. It is all wrapped up in a stunning package with all lyrics and a wealth of AI infused artwork to interest and terrify.

With that said, expect controversial language, subjects and opinions throughout but, now its time to open your eyes, ears and minds to the Giants Of Defiance…

The G.O.D Intro sets the stage for what’s about to be unleashed, with pounding drums, guitars, and frantic cuts. The energy and power sinks deep into you psyche with such force it threatens to tear your mind to pieces. There is no priming yourself for what's to come as the albums title track, Giants Of Defiance continues to pull at your awareness with a heavy pounding sound with an eerie twist and electronic elements keeping you focused. The Flingaz words explode with a rage born of the fire that is in the hearts of all of us, feeding on that fire they take aim and stand in defiance of those who use misdirection and fake facts in order to control us and make us all look the other way from what their true intentions. Standing in defiance and not in silence is the Fireball Flingaz way and they have much to say…

Now you know where the Flingaz stand, its time for them to Wake ‘Em Up and they do that with a pounding drum beat mixed with bass and orchestral strings creating the kind of sound that opens the eyes and fuels the fire in the belly. This one is aimed at those who either choose not to wake up, or are so brainwashed by the system that they are unable to wake up and see what is truly going on around them. It takes strength of will and an unrelenting force to wake these people, especially those who do the bidding of the powers that be, and still refuse to see the pain and suffering they inflict, which is particularly true of those who are supposed to be there to protect us. Here the Flingaz show that there is often only one way to wake the blind, and that is to force them to see the truth. Chokehold brings a head nod, boom bap sound of drums and more that injects energy into your body causing the adrenaline to be released, fuelling you to move and pump your fist in the air. Now that the Flingaz have filtered into your awareness and cleared the way to open your third eye, it’s time to start showing you what is going on around you and how you have been kept in a chokehold by the media and the governments; keeping you living in a false, safe view of the world while the truth undermines and destroyed everything you thought was good, paving the way for a new world that makes 1984 look like a child’s story. Now they have your head nodding and your fist pumping, it’s time to keep that energy going with drums, horns, bass, and more deadly cuts. Strike sees the Flingaz keeping the fires burning with one that seems to be more of an anthem or a call to arms. This is the Flingaz getting the listener fired up but, in way that is once more showing who they are and how they do it. This is a statement of facts for all those who stand in the way of defiance or those who look for a cause to fight for. So, jump around and have fun with this one because things are not gona be this way for long…

Run 4 It sees the drums and strings heavy but, with BPM knocked back a bit, just to allow the vocals to come to the forefront, while keeping you moving. Here the Flingaz bring more focus to the corrupt government and how they seek to run everything, control everything. They want you in this perpetual state of fear, wrapped in a cloak of darkness, from where they can keep you where they want you. If you wake up and see the truth and look towards the light then you will break their hold on you, and this is what the Flingaz do here, is to invite you, no scream at you, to run for it, run for the light or even fight for the light because, in the light is where you can stand tall and fight against the demons who seek to control you life and every thought. Pounding drums and horns provide and main elements of Enuf Iz Enuf. This one ramps up the adrenaline levels once more as the Flingaz show their exasperation at the way the world is headed, all of the snakes, the lies and the alibies. Enough is enough, and now and its time let all that frustration and pent-up anger out, for all to see. There is no way to sugarcoat things, you have to be real and pull no punches if people are to see past all the BS that is being perpetrated in the world. Guitars and a pounding drumbeat finds the Flingaz questioning our very existence. Fuck The Matrix questions the very foundations of the reality we are living in. Could we be living in a reality that is fabricated by the powers that be or could it be we are living in a reality that was never truly real and has always been under some outside control? Whatever the answer is, we are coming to realise that the very lives we lead seem to be something where we the many exist to make money for and serve the few. Now is a time not to be woke but, to simply wake up and see the true reality of the world in which we live and to say fuck it, I’m not living this way anymore...

Its heavy boom bap all the way with One Dead Body as the Flingaz look at the way our mental health can and is affected by what is around us every day. The media delivers news stories that are designed to mislead and keep us in a state of fear, smart devices are all around us and spy on all we do, listening to our conversations and even mapping everywhere we go and what we do, using algorithms to filter us adverts and suggestions to keep us from using our own minds and intuition. They want us to be dead inside, mindless zombies to their control and when we truly die, there will be one more dead body to replace the last. Drums, keys, and strings are all apparent as our ears are pounded by the sound, while our lives are pounded by Unfriendly Fire. While the music ignites the fire in our souls, the Flingaz hold their middle fingers in the air and take aim at the government once more. Here the focus is on a different type of fire, one that has been burning unseen by us since we created any type of class system. Governments or anyone who seeks to control or rule over others has been stoking these flames, flames which threaten to engulf us all unless we stand up and show the few just who has the true power. The fire that burns deep within us has the potential to consume all in its way but, with the power of truth and light, we just have to know it and the Fireball Flingaz are helping to ignite that friendly fire within. Choose Ya Weapon pound our ears once more with drums and orchestral strings, ensuring we do no loose focus. What the Flingaz are doing here is not asking you to go out and pick up a physical weapon to use, no; they are inviting you to think and find a different kind of weapon. When the attacks are coming at you from the media, your smart devices and more, you have to use your mind and soul to fight back with the same weapons. One of the most powerful weapons is music, whether you make music or just listen, if you chose that weapon, choose wisely and make sure it speaks the truth and opens you up to a way to fight back.

N.M.K Not My King hits with heavy sound of drums, strings, and cuts, as the Fireball Flingaz direct their anger at the monarchy. Many in the UK and across the world celebrate the British monarchy but, fail to realise just what that monarchy and bloodline is built on. We did not ask for these people to be our figureheads but, we fund them and celebrate all they do, unless one chooses a different path. The British monarchy is one of the richest landowners in the world and built a legacy that was based on invading and taking from others across the globe, stealing, enslaving, and murdering. There is also much more that could be said but, this is the Flingaz stating what many of us feel, we did not ask or vote for you to be our king, you have no power over us, and we will not bow our heads to you. Some might find this a little too powerful but, sometimes frustration is a powerful things and the words follow. The penultimate track of the album is the final full track, Among Us has a powerful beat with some eerie elements that have us looking over our shoulders. Just what are the Flingaz referring to here? Who is it that walks among us? Well, think of those who are looking to sell you something or the ones who make the decisions that effect so many, the ones who do the bidding of those in charge. The sort of people who appear to be a friend but, who are really only looking to forge their own career path. They will draw you in and gain your trust but, throw you under the bus the minute anything goes wrong. They may also be the person that draws you in, making you sign your name on the dotted line, not fully explaining the small print, just getting your signature is the aim. You could go on wondering just who these people are but, they are far more dangerous than any alien that might walk among us. The final track is the Outro, taking us out of the album with a pounding drum and cut infused sound that gets us bouncing once more, easing the weight of all we have just assimilated from the Fireball Flingaz but, wait just a second because the guys still have a couple of verses left just in case you thought you might forget what has got before, the Flingaz seal you minds in the open position. You are now awake and part of the revolution…

 

What you have just been exposed to is 50 minutes of hardcore Hip Hop that takes a stand against everything and any person that seeks to undermine your true self or looks to control you from a place of power by putting you in a place of fear.

 Giants Of Defiance is an unrelenting and unapologetic shot across the bow of all the powers that be. This is not an album that seeks to bring light but, by being outspoken and allowing all that frustration and anger to come out, it actually makes you realise that there is a silver lining out there, you just have to wake up and see it because it is the star in the night sky, the blue beyond the thunder clouds, the calm after the storm; that positive aspect is there, it is many things and to see it, sometimes you just have to vent all that is stopping you from seeing it.

Let’s be real here, there is subject matter here that not everyone will agree with but, there is nothing here that is not the truth, there is nothing false here. These are not the ramblings of a couple of angry rappers who are pissed off at the establishment. Exile and Remark have been in the game for years and know their stuff and what they see around them builds up, like a pressure cooker, and sometimes they just need to vent it all because sometimes there is a place for anger, a place for frustration, you just have to channel it all into the music. The Fireball Flingaz have some stunning flows and lyrical prowess that is intense and deeply powerful, it does leave you breathless by the end. Putting this much strength into their vocals really reminds me of the likes of Killa Instinct in its delivery. The production from Exile is just as powerful and unrelenting as the lyrics, with every track being hardcore but, still keeping you buzzing, and when you add his frantic and razor sharp cuts it just has this air about it that is uniquely UK Hip Hop, or what some would call Britcore.

Overall, Giants Of Defiance is a UK hardcore Hip Hop explosion of an album. The Fireball Flingaz are full on for the entire album, standing strong in the face of adversity and holding up their middle fingers to all who make life hell for the common people. Giants Of Defiance is a statement, the voice of the masses channelled through two guys who are not afraid voice their feelings over some of the hardest Hip Hop beats you are likely to hear this year.

Giants Of Defiance is out now and I suggest you grab it while you can because the Fireball Flingaz are not finished, so keep watch for what’s coming…

Huge thanks to my good friend Remark for letting me loose on this one.

Time for me to be outta here,

See ya next time,

Steve  

LINKS

Get your copy at the Inflamer website Here:

https://www.inflamer.uk/

Fireball Flingaz on Bandcamp:

https://fireballflingaz.bandcamp.com/

Fireball Flingaz on Facebook Here:

https://www.facebook.com/fireballflingaz

VIDEOS

Fuck The Matrix

Strike

N.M.K - Not My King

 

 

EP Review: Warpath by Krazy

 

The Warpath EP

By

Krazy

 

Warpath is the latest EP release from Bristolian Krazy. Brought to you on the Word Life imprint it features production from partner Kali Mist and a whole bunch, if not an army, of guest artists. Although being called an EP, at 9 tracks, this is what some are putting out as an album.

Let’s not hang around here and simply put ourselves on Krazy’s Warpath…

The EP kicks off with it’s title track, Warpath, where heavy drums are accompanied by guitars and horns giving a very raw, heavy, posse cut vibe. Krazy is joined by Impact Merv, Form 1, Deaf Frets, Daysa and Guire on a track that is, essentially, about spitting bars. It’s all about letting off lyrical fury in the most rough, rugged and raw style, seven emcee’s with a brutal verbal display. The assault on your senses continues with pounding drums, orchestral sounds and organ notes. King Aggi (who brings that ragga edge to the track) joins Krazy to explain how it’s all about being better than the competition and being in A Different Lane From Them. It’s like being in the fast lane of the motorway, you want to be better and faster than the rest. It’s the same in music and in life, you always want to be better, and it can be a rough and dirty business but, sometimes you gotta do it to move on. The extreme assault on the senses abates a little here as guitars and drums combine for a rough but less heavy edge. Whiske XMP, Krazy and Eurgh (Don’t Flop) speak on real life experiences and how, when taking riska in life, there will always be Twists of Fate that take your life path off in tangents but, you have to take risks and reach your goals, even though life can be hard. The risks and twists might be great but, the rewards can be greater.

There is a more laid-back feel to Tryna Eat, even with its pounding drums, the strings seem to soften the edge to this one. Here Krazy and Yung UK appear to be speaking on doing what you have to do to survive, almost with a ‘by all means’ mindset. The world is a harsh place right now and harsh decisions have to be made at times. Papercut then brings in the boom bap, head nod vibe with Drums, keys, and strings. Krazy, Eurgh (Don’t Flop) and Pablo Milkybarr drop bars on how, sometimes, you just must tell the truth. It might might cause hurt and the truth can sting, slicing deep into the heart of anyone and here have examples at how the truth can hurt, and hurt those closest to us at times. Your head keeps nodding as drums, keys, and a whistle merge to bring a vibe that reminds you of the spaghetti westerns. You Win Some, You Lose Some finds Noodlez, Krazy and Kali Mist step up to talk about how it’s all about walking forward in life, no matter what. You might feel you can’t go on but, the good times will eventually outweigh the bad, it’s your inner strength that is your true power.

The heavy drums and horns of Don’t Come Around, has a slightly dark edge to it, something that is reflected in the lyrics of Krazy and Whiske XMP. This one seems to be focuased on those who live on the harsh side of life and who no problems with violence. They do exsist in this world and make the streets a dangerous place. These are the ones we don’t want to come around. There is an almost soundtrack sound to What’s Your Life Like, with drums, keys, and orchestral sounds. It provides the perfect backdrop for Krazy, Shakezpeare, Origin and Griz Bear to expose the hard realities of inner-city life. It’s not always sunny, it’s sometime brutal and violent but, it is what you have to live through.  The final track of the EP finds Kali Mist dropping a more funky vibe to proceedings with some drums, keys, and guitars. Krazy, Dogzilla and Matrix combine on Lord Save My Soul to bring you, what appears to be, the final thoughts of gangster, all those bad things they have done, suddenly seen for what they are, there is a realisation that redemption may be the last step on life’s journey…

 

Warpath almost seems to be like the episodes of some audible mini-series that is exploring the life of an inner-city gangster. That harsh reality of the inner-city life is mixed with braggadocio, reflection and an ultimate realisation. There is stark look at life through this person’s eyes, perhaps as they finally review their life choices on approaching life’s final decision. It is an unapologetic and brutal commentary as this view that is brought to life through lyrics and music. It is view that many don’t or chose not to see as they go about their daily lives. It brings to mind the recent TV series Outlaws, which was set in Bristol. However, there is no comedy here…

Warpath see’s Kali Mist and Krazy reuniting to bring a hard-hitting hardcore Hip Hop vibe. Kali Mist provides some heavy and hard musical vibes that easily take you deep into the gritty inner city Bristol life. Krazy then uses his energetic vocal delivery to help paint these vivid brutal scenes with a wordplay which is as subtle as a rusty razor. The vast array of guest artists brought on board here each bring their own style to the mix, each perfectly complimenting stark nature of the project.

Warpath might be a hardcore Hip Hop experience and one that makes you feel the very brutal core of inner-city life but, it draws on very real experiences which help bring the reality from the streets to your ears, allowing you to visualise those experiences in a very real and vivid scene. This is the reality of life, and these stories need to be told. 

Warpath by Krazy is available now to stream everywhere…

On that note,

I’m getting the fuck outta here,

Steve

LINKS

Check all good streaming sites for The Warpath EP

The Warpath EP YouTube Playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAEEkdjZ6vY0NJI5jiPcPLf0hu_1I-Kst

Krazy on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/krazywordlife/

VIDEOS

WARPATH

PAPERCUT

 TWISTS OF FATE

 

EP Review: King Slayers by Franky Roar and Alikazam

 

King Slayers E.P.

By

Alikazam & Franky Roar

 

These guys first teamed up back in 2019 with the incredible AA sided single This Is Where We Dwell / No Compromise. The sound was a heavy hardcore vibe that you could call Hardcore Euro Hip Hop or Eurocore, if you prefer to shorten things…

The King Slayers EP is the follow up to that single and promises more of that same hardcore vibe but, also with a sprinkling of incredible features that are likely to blow you away. The guys have also recruited B-Line Recordings head honcho, Specifik, to provide the cuts.

With all this in mind, the anticipation is almost too much to bear so, lets just sit back, put our headphones on and get into it…

 

There is an almost serene vibe as the title track begins but, alongside it there is this feint dark undertone detected, which should make you wary of what’s to come but, you are so hyped that you pay it no mind. Suddenly the beat hits and you are dragged into what is like an audible Hip Hop version of a Clockwork Orange, as the King Slayers have you pinned in your chair with a blistering stream of guitar and drums while Specifik’s buts leave you scared to move for fear of being sliced open at even the tiniest movement. Alikazam proceeds to let loose with a slick and intelligent verbal assault into your ears. As the message permeates your very being to the core, opening your third eye, you understand that these guys are not here to play but, to take out all those who would be kings with the heaviest of hardcore vibes, lyrical mayhem and the sharpest of cuts precise…

You might have thought that because Alikazam ended the last track with a mic drop moment, that you can move and take a breath? You only have time for one deep breath before your sense of normality is once more torn apart with a heavy beat that is backed by a multi-layered sound. Here Chrome joins Alikazam to speak on a terrifying subject. When you were young, no one told you that those monsters that lived under your bed or in the closet, would one day evolve into the Lyrical Monster. With Alikazam and Chrome being the very embodiment of that vision they proceed to crawl out from those dark spaces to seek out the competition, to catch them off guard allowing Specifik to take them down with deadly accuracy. Franky Roar then holds them down with his heavy production leaving Alikazam and Chrome to devour them with ferocious lyrical attacks, leaving nothing but remains. The opening scene from ‘Live and Let Die’ gives you a feeling that you might just be about to witness the demise of more competition but, perhaps this is something more? As the beat drops with a mixture of drums, horns, and a plethora of multi-layered sounds alongside side needle sharp cuts, any thoughts you had are torn away as your mind seems to implode. Alikazam uses his own brand of cerebral terrorism to infiltrate the deepest parts of your being. No one is safe, especially not those wack emcee’s out there as the relentless verbal attack tears at their fragile mental state from within. It leaves them with just one thing to be sure of about what just happened and that fact it that They Just Don’t Know what happened…   

There is more bass, drums and horns as Frank Roar lightens the mood just a little as he sets the stage for the Dookie Legacy with Mr Memory joining Alikazam once again. The vibe is still heavy and the message a simple one. When you create a sound so unique that it becomes more that a sound but, a true legacy, then it follows you and that sound, that lyrical template becomes like a beacon or an impression on the environment around you. Every time that you step up and feature it lets everyone know one thing, you’re Still Doing It. The clouds inside your skull begin to darken once more as horns, a heavy pounding beat, nerve shredding guitar and cuts once more invade every aspect of your awareness. As the deadly lyrical assault begins you realise you might just be Better Off Dead after this one. It feels like you are stood in the middle of a muddy field at night. There is no light to see and all you can feel is through your ears but, you can’t pinpoint the source as the sound is coming at you from 360 degrees and leaves you wondering where you are and what direction is what…

As you turn in every direction wondering where to go next Frank Roar unleashes a devastating beat. Drums and keyboards mix with a multitude of sounds and samples that once more has you disorientated. In the feint light you begin to see hints of shadows moving in your peripheral vision. The scene looks more like a battlefield, and you wonder what’s coming? Before you can truly comprehend what’s going on you are attacked from all sides. You barely see anything as one after the other Remark, Alikazam, MC Oliver Twist, Whirlwind D and Mistah Bohze all hit you with their own unique set of skills, skills they have acquired over many years in Hip Hop’s special forces. They are backed up with a continuous volley of deadly cuts delivered by Krash Slaughta who delivers some of deadliest techniques from his arsenal. This is not a place for the wack or the unskilled as all those who step up are systematically swept aside. Once you Enter The Cypher it’s put up or shut up and whatever happens you leave with your head bowed, knowing that you have just been in the fight of your live with some of the best of the best…

There is no doubt that once you are able to free your ears from the headphones and peel yourself from the chair, the immediate realisation is that this EP is a hardcore Hip Hop masterclass that is presented by one of the best UK emcees alongside one of Europe’s premier Hip Hop producers.

The last couple of years has seen a rise in some incredible Hip Hop releases that go extremely deep into what is happen in the world around us and the world within us. Music like this is emotive and allows us think very deeply. Once in a while it is nice to listen to something that is highly entertaining and pumps us full of high energy, allowing us to step outside the 3D world for a few minutes and King Slayers is one of those moments.

So, lets just break it down a bit here…

Franky Roar’s production is on point and creates the energy that immediately hits you full on. There is no gradual building up of energy across a track or two, it simply explodes from within, almost as though that initial calm opening planted a seed inside you but, that false sense of security is torn asunder as the first beat hits and the seed inside suddenly comes to life. There is this sense of a darker edge but, this does not come across in a negative way, moreover it is simply the deep heavy vibe of the music that simply seems to overshadow everything in the moment. There is also light within that is fuelled by the intense energy that bursts forth unconsciously.

Alikazam brings his experience to bear in the most stunning way here. Across the six tracks he drops line after line of lyrical fury that displays an insane ability to craft the most entertaining bars that are packed full of similes, metaphors, and anything else you can care to mention. He demonstrates a rhyme style that appears, on the face of it, to be gritty and raw but, the more you listen you understand that it only appears that way as he expertly only lets you see what he wants you see moment to moment. You have to look deep between the lines to get a feel for what he is all about, which has been crafted from years of immersing himself in Hip Hop, Rap and much more.

Bringing DJ Specifik in to provide cuts for all but one of the tracks adds that extra dimension that truly roots this in the foundations of Hip Hop music. His years of experience with Turntables, production and even a bar or two himself, allows him to expertly match the effect his cuts will have on the listener and how they will fit with each track. It all adds up to bringing that extra dimension, depth, and energy.

I also just want to add here that if you are gonna put a posse cut out then do it right and here, on the King Slayers EP, Franky Roar and Alikazam have absolutely nailed the posse cut. This is one of the best tracks of its style that I have heard in a long while.

Overall, the King Slayers EP is solid and blisteringly hardcore slice of Hip Hop. It hits you like a Hip Hop version of the movie Alien, bursting forth from your chest before devouring your brain without mercy and with only one aim, to raise you up, pump you full of energy and entertain you at a time when this kind of thing is sorely needed.

The King Slayers EP is released through Britcore Rawmance/Burning Anger, features artwork and design from Digital Dyer.

It is available today and will see a standard black and limited-Edition Red Splatter vinyl release so don’t sleep on this cos they won’t be around long.

Huge thanks to Franky Roar for sending this to me.

On that note,

It’s time to get back to the King Slayers, See Ya…

Steve

LINKS

Please note these links go live at 8pm CET 06th March 2022

King Slayers Black Vinyl

https://burning-anger.com/shop/music/britcore-hardcore-hiphop-12s-lps-7s/franky-roar-alikazam-king-slayer-12inch-ep-black-vinyl/

King Slayers Limited Edition Red Vinyl

https://burning-anger.com/shop/music/britcore-hardcore-hiphop-12s-lps-7s/franky-roar-alikazam-king-slayer-12inch-ep-red-vinyl/

Hung Drawn & Slaughta'D by Krash Slaughta & Junior Disprol

 

Hung Drawn N Slaughta’d

By

Krash Slaughta and Junior Disprol

 

With the wealth of talent that currently peppers the underground UK Hip Hop scene you often feel how cool it would be to see certain artists, DJ’s and producers working together. Now and again your prayers are answered and certain collaborations you have dreamed of just happen, as if those involved have heard your thoughts…

I can think of no better collaboration than these two artists, Fleapit and Dead Residents emcee Junior Disprol and II Tone Committee, Monkey Mafia and All Time High (to name a few) DJ and Producer Krash Slaughta.

To have these two legendary powerhouse guys get together for a project means one thing, in my mind, you are gonna get a heavy, masterclass in pure Hip Hop fire, that will probably be littered with more rawness that you can shake a stick at whilst, at the same time, being flawless, polished, and faceted for your pure enjoyment. Well, at least that was my first thoughts when found out about this one.

So, without further ado, lets see if my initial thoughts were anywhere near being right…

 

The album, which is twelve cuts deep, kicks off in style with Krash Slaughta’s multi-layered sound featuring horns, guitars and much more, Oh and there are also cuts galore too, which all interlace to bring you the heavy and hardcore sound of U is for Underground. Junior Disprol details just what it takes to be a part of that underground Hip Hop music scene. Its not just about making the music and laying it down on wax, it’s also about what it takes to get out there and to rock the mic and the turntables for the crowds. For the crowds to get as much out of the music as the artists do making and performing it, that’s Hip Hop. If you were feeling hyped by track one, then there is no let up as Krash Slaughta brings a high-octane mix of drums, guitars and, of course, cuts. This vibe will have you jumping, bouncing and, undoubtedly, scratching on imaginary decks. Scratch Terminator is exactly what you might think, it’s a straight up homage to man himself Krash Slaughta. Junior Disprol breaks it down here, telling you exactly who Krash Slaughta is and how and why he does what he does. This one will surely leave you breathless and in awe. Is there a better DJ dedication track than this one?

Next up is the heavy street sound of drums, piano and cuts unleashed for World Renowned. The unapologetic street vibe hits your awareness from multiple angles, making you wonder what’s coming and from where Junior Disprol is joined by South Bay Area emcee, Roughneck Jihad, for a mind-bending track that see’s each emcee taking seemingly unrelated phrases and turning them into something entertaining. Why would they do this? Simple because that is what good rappers do. If that has left your mind reeling, then Word Is Bond will bring it back into focus as Krash Slaughta unleashes a 70’s movie soundtrack vibe, full of horns, strings and drums. Alongside that is a “Diamonds Are Forever” sample on the chorus that is packed full of the hardest cuts known to man, all slicing through your mind with precision. It might seem here that Junior Disprol is continuing that mash-up of unrelated phases but, there is a definite twist here of 007 and Hip-Hop espionage. The shadow world of the spy where misdirection, knowledge and a slick flow go hand-in-hand.

From the world of the spy, we morph into something far creepier as Krash Slaughta tugs at, and slices into our every nerve with some sparse drums and strings that, alongside some freaky cuts, drag us into a dark underground place where shadows reach out and tap you on the shoulder. Junior Disprol uses this freaky backdrop to his advantage, as deep guttural vocals pull you ever further into a paranormal place where most fear to tread and where those who do tread, never return the same. This is the world of the Ghost Writer. The albums A Side is rounded off with another high-octane multi-layered sound. Krash Slaughta brings drums, guitars and much more besides to bring you a sound that hovers on the vibe of action movies and seeps into your every pore and infiltrates your mind. Sonic Assassin see’s Junior Disprol detailing life from the viewpoint of the villain, like the flip side to good guy in the track Word is Bond. This alternate view makes you realize that the villains might loose most of the time but, along the way they have a great time and end up really being the antihero and getting more of the spotlight…

As we flip to the B Side, Krash Slaughta’s high energy vibe continues with pounding drums, strings, horns, and cuts, all mashed up to bring you the kinda sound you just wanna jump to. Back in the early days of Hip Hop, the rappers would Throwdown, telling you who they were and why they were the best etc… Here Junior Disprol captures that vibe and just takes slices of his life experiences, throwing down to give you more of a snapshot of who he is. Ska Borough see’s Krash Slaughta bring us a Ska vibe with plenty of horns. There is also a Hip Hop twist here, with some slick cuts, that really brings a nice upbeat feel-good vibe. Junior Disprol and Cardiff emcee Skunkadelic team up to bring you bars that just uplift and make you really feel the good vibes, making you just wanna get up and get moving. The chorus on this one just says it all.

We Bring It Back see’s Krash Slaughta bring back that old-school hip-hop vibe with funked up mix of bass, drums, and cuts. Junior Disprol mirrors that musical vibe by looking at snapshots of Hip Hop in the UK, from the influences to the history. Rappin’, Breakin’, Graff and Scratchin’, it’s all here. In fact, there is just one thing to do here, stop talkin’ and just feel it. We have already heard a Ska vibe on the album with Ska Borough and there is no doubt that many of us, of a certain age, were into SKA before, during or still are, alongside our love of Hip Hop. However, another sound that had a big impact on Hip Hop is the ragga sound and Wickedest Disciple brings that sound to the forefront as Krash Slaughta interlaces keyboards, bass, drums, and cuts to bring us a Soundsystem vibe. With the ragga influence on Hip Hop noted, Junior Disprol is seemingly giving us a homage to all those who have inspired him along his musical journey. There is so much here from the different sounds and vibes to movies and so much more. Oh, and trust me, Krash does make the scratch sound exceptional on this one.

The penultimate track of the album is Special Delivery. Krash Slaughta switches the energy levels to max with a booming mix of drums, horns, guitars, and cuts. But not being satisfied with max levels he also appears to inject some nitrous into this one too. Bristol emcee Stepchild (aka Stepasaur) and Scottish emcee Loki join Junior Disprol for what is a mini posse cut. There is no messing on this track as the emcees go in three the hard way, dropping bars that are raw and hardcore, just because they can. This is furious entertainment to the fullest. If you thought the final track of the album would ease you back to reality, think again. For The Takeout, Krash Slaughta brings drums, horns and cuts to funk shit up like never before on a track that’s bound to leave you wanting more. Junior Disprol rocks the mic in his inevitable style with the kinda bars that leave you speechless. By the end of this, you are in no doubt whatsoever, Junior Disprol and Krash Slaughta are here to rock the mic, the speakers, the decks, and the crowd…

 

What can I say overall about this album? Well, it’s simple Hung Drawn and Slaughta’d is completely flawless slice of Hip Hop.

There it is, nuff said…

Seriously, this is as damn near perfect as you can get. Krash Slaughta’s production and turntable wizardry is pretty much second to none here. Every track is Hip Hop music at is very best, produced by someone who is Hip Hop for the ears of those who love real Hip Hop. Not just that but, the precision and dedication that has gone into those beats just oozes, constantly, from the speakers. I’m not sure what else to say, except the professionalism and pedigree of Krash Slaughta shines through here and his experience and continued evolution on the scene means that listening to this album leaves you with nothing but, respect for what he has achieved and continues to achieve.

Speaking of respect, when it comes to Junior Disprol then respect is one of the first words you think of. Like Krash, Junior Disprol has achieved a hell of a lot over the years and here he uses his raw and unflinching vocal style and his intricate way of spinning entertaining stories from anything and everything, to such good use. In fact, there are times on the album where his intricate verbal and mind-bending dictation is so mental, it is like you are listening to the musical equivalent of a painting by MC Echer or H.R.Geiger, it really is that crazy.

You can’t be failed to be moved by this album. Anyone who loves that real hip hop vibe will find something different here every time they listen. You will pick up little things like a reference to a movie or artist, you will pick up certain samples and so on. He addition of the lyric sheet is also a huge plus here, especially for me, as it really gives you an insight into the intricate lyrical content. It’s a masterpiece that you could time travel to, and it would still sound fresh in 80’s, 90’s, 00’s and on into the future. This one is most definitely gonna stand the test of time for many moons to come and then some.

Before I go, I also want to focus on the artwork too. Junior Disprol’s cover art is nothing short of stunning. While you are listening to the album you can pick up the sleeve and see who you can spot on the album cover. I spoke a lot about influences with this album and here the cover art continues that as every person, character etc. on the cover has had an influence on one or more of us at some time. See who you can spot from American Werewolf in London to Sean Connery and Judge Dredd to Bushwick Bill (R.I.P) this is such a great cover and so much fun to boot.

If this album is not on your shelves, then it should be. At the very least you need to hear it in some shape or form even if it is just a digital version as you need to hear it.

Hung Drawn and Slaughta’d is out now.

On that note, remember that the letter U is for Underground, a place that I’m off back to now.

Peace out people,

Steve.

LINKS

Get the Album Here:

https://krashslaughta.bigcartel.com/

VIDEOS

U Is For Underground

EP Review: R.I.S.E. by Stephen Wallace

 

R.I.S.E

Reach Inside Self Evolve

By

Stephen Wallace

 

Way back in December of 2019 I reviewed Stephen’s debut EP Comin Thru. That EP was quite dark and, in places, brutal too. However, it was also a triumph in the face of adversity.

For the R.I.S.E EP Stephen is joined by Diamond Sire, who provides not only production and cuts for the EP but also mixed and mastered the whole thing. There are also features from Micky Swags, Eskar and Subtex.

So, just what has Mr Wallace cooked up for us over the last couple of years…

The EP kicks off with the EP’s title track R.I.S.E which has an eerie vibe courtesy of some pounding drums and synth sounds. Stephen’s raw and gritty vocals threaten to literally tear your soul apart, like Pinhead from Hellrazor. But this horrorcore style vibe that jumps out at you from the get-go seems to be deceptive as that first impression appears to be a mask that hides the lighter side, a side that speaks from the heart. The message here is really that, no matter what is going on around you, it is deep inside yourself that you will find the strength and resolve to push past the darkness and shine your inner light to the world around you.

Next up Stephen is joined by Micky Swags and Eskar on Monster, a track that takes you to a shadowy world on a mix of drums, piano and synth sounds. The shadows are the place where the monsters dwell. But it is not just in the shadows around us where we find the monsters, they also lurk inside of our shadow selves. There are times when we find we need to become something of a monster to survive or just to get by but, does that mean that we have to be evil or a negative force? Sometimes it means that you have to reflect to those around you the only thing they understand in order for you to rise above them.

A head nod backdrop of drums sampled sounds and slick cuts opens us up to what initially appears to be a simple track the centres around something we have all become so familiar with these past couple of years, Virus. Now, you might get the vibe that this track is all about a virus getting into your body but, it’s not as simple as that. What if the virus was the negative information, the fear, that was perpetrated by the media and powers that be? What if that negative information infected your mind, causing you to pass on those false expectations appearing real to others? Just think about it, these are just my thoughts as Stephen does invite me to pull it all apart in the track…

Thinking about what I just said about fear, the EP ends with Stephen and Subtex joining forces over a mind-bending mix of drums and keyboards. This sound seems to permeate your mind, body, and soul with realisations about that viral fear that is out there in the external world. Here it’s all about not allowing that external pressure in to Control The Fear but, for us to be the ones to be in control. We need to see the fear for what it truly is, the False Expectations Appearing Real, and not what it seems to be, the truth…

 

On the face of it the R.I.S.E EP appears to be this stark reflection of reality delivered in a horrorcore style vibe. Entertaining hip hop that delivers brutal cuts to you mind with the razor-sharp rusty tools wielded by those holding the mic as dark sinister vibes claw at your soul. However, what we may very well have here is cleaver case of musical and lyrical misdirection, where it appears to be one thing on the face of it but, in reality it is something very different.

It is easy to see the bleak nature of reality that surrounds us everyday within the soundscapes and coarse lyrical delivery but, the deeper enjoyment here is to feel the depth within Stephen’s lyrical content and understand how that directs us to the brighter days beyond what is forced upon us by the media every day. You may or may not agree on what is being fed to us everyday but, we can all agree that there is so much pain and suffering out there that we need music to direct us to better days and sometimes we need to see the reflections of darkness to be able to see the light.

Also, there is also a deep message here that our own personal experiences will often colour the way we deliver our message and that ultimately it will be our own desire to change that will help us to Reach Inside Self Evolve to become the best version of ourselves.

Everything about this flows so well. Stephen Wallace has a knack for delivering hard raw lyrics that are also intelligent and come from a heartfelt place with a desire to bring something a little different but, still with its root deeply in Hip Hop. Diamond Sire brings some deep Hip Hop soundscapes that perfectly reflect the intention in Stephen’s lyrics and allow a perfect flow across the EP from start to finish.

If you like your Hip Hop hard dark and with a twist, then R.I.S.E is most definitely one for you. Released through Powerlab Recordings, R.I.S.E is out now.

I’m out,

Steve

LINKS

Get R.I.S.E on Bandcamp Here:

https://djdiamondsire.bandcamp.com/album/r-i-s-e

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: The DEAD Wait by MUZ

 

The DEAD Wait

By

MUZ

 

The Dead Wait is the album from MUZ (aka MZA, Mury P, Muzpopz & Mury Poppinz) who is no stranger to the game. The Wakefiled emcee is one half of No Pretence and a former member of Don’t Talk To Strangers among others. Along the way he has worked alongside the likes of Junior Disprol, Prince Po, Cage and Brutal Artistry to name but a few. After all this and a five-year break to become a father, he is back and ready to continue his musical evolution.

With a title like The DEAD Wait could it be that this album is all about the living dead? Well. The easiest way for me to answer that question is to take you on a journey through the album from top to bottom and give you my thoughts. So, let’s go…

The album kicks off with Erasure which mixes a nice head nod beat with a mariachi guitar vibe. You get the feeling that this track is like the narrative of a man sitting looking out at the world at what is happening around him. At the same time, he is wrestling with own internal struggles, especially with the knowledge of now being a father and how that relates to everything. The extended instrumental second half to this track is more relaxed and brings a reflective vibe which gives you the time to contemplate what he might be thinking but, it also allows you muse on your own situation in the grand scheme of things. The mood moves from one of contemplation to one that is more light-hearted created by the sparse drums and piano of Spit Blood. That musical vibe is almost a juxtaposition to the vocals, which appears to see MUZ taking on the zombie horde during the zombie apocalypse. However, this could also be a metaphor that sees MUZ seeking to awaken those who choose to blindly accept everything that is told to them by governments and so on, never questioning anything but, becoming zombie sheeple. So, in one instance you are taking out a zombie with a headshot but, when you flip it, you are awakening people with knowledge and truth through the medium of music and not with a bullet. Bells and a winding sound appear to be gearing us up for something, that something is Deep Time with a melodic beat mixed with bells, electronic vibes and vocal samples create a very mind-bending feel. This one seems to speak on the constraints of living within the 3D world. So many appear to be closed to the truth that they are almost dead to real reality that we live in. We all have to choose whether to be awake to the true reality and if we do choose to awaken then we have a further choice on which journey we take to be awake…

Next we drift into an eastern flavoured vibe of Bye Bye Kansas Pt 1 that has sparse drums and violin notes floating through it. There is also a darkness to this as appears to take place in a troubled mind, one that seeks to find solace as it navigates through a world ruled by fear. As he searches for the way he knows is there, it becomes hard to walk the true path as it becomes harder and harder to understand what is real and what is not? The undead themselves introduce us to the albums title track, The DEAD Wait. The beat is head nod and the mixture of synth sounds lift this to an almost light-heated feel as the human zombies once again take centre stage as a reflection of how most of society are looked upon as being. Those whom govern or control our countries and, to a point, our lives wish us only to remain subservient in a zomboid state where we do exactly what they want. The truth is that the dead do wait, wait to become awakened to the truth around them. The next track is a short skit, Addy Paddy R.I.P, which is in the form of comedic recording that features the nephew of MUZ and who the next track is dedicated too. A Cruel Eulogy has a relaxed beat with synth sounds and vocal samples which all blend to form a vibe that, rather strangely, carries you along. MUZ’s nephew Adam sadly took his own life and in dedicating this track to him MUZ takes the place of the loved who has crossed over. It is not easy to put yourself in this position and try and help people understand the struggles of that person in this fucked up world. That person fights every day, behind the mask of a smile, with demons we will never know. One day they reach that most overwhelming choice and choose a path that those of us left behind may never know, in making that choice they have committed no sin but, show a bravery unlike any other.

Bye Bye Kansas Pt 2 has the same musical vibe as Pt 1 as the journey of the lost soul continues. Even the intervention of external forces does not help and only serves to make his experience a more tortured one. Lies and false truths, fear and Negative aspects cause a catch 22 situation where the only outcome he can see is a bleak one. As you are wondering where you go from here the drums and xylophone notes whisk you off to a new view of earth on Five (6 4) 3. As the plant spins and floats through the cosmos, orbiting the sun, this new view asks if it could be that us minute humans who inhabit the planet are simply slaves? Are we all controlled in so way to help maintain someone else’s view of a status quo? We go about our lives occasionally looking toward the heavens and seeing all those stars burning bright But, we forget about our own true light that burns deep inside of us. All we need to do is to take a step away from the external fear and control, just close your eyes and focus, then remember who you truly are and the light inside you.

Ego Death (The After Party) begins with an acappella intro before a pounding beat drops, hitting like blows from a rubber sledgehammer that constantly bounce off you mind. Here we take a mind-expanding trip with someone who has circumvented their ego self by taking a concoction of drugs and far too many. This desire to expand the mind has worked in one way but, ultimately has led to them expanding their consciousness beyond the need for a physical body. A more modern type of vibe comes through on The Psychopathy Prophecy. The vibe is a bit darker and takes us on a deeper look at current pandemic, lockdown life, social distancing, and the touchy subject of those vaccines. What could it all mean as we walk forward into an uncertain future? Yes, this is a very dystopian view of could be in the future as subjects like nanotech are brought to bear. Could it really be that the future for us, our children and grandchildren will be one that is far bleaker and more controlled? I guess that is up to us…

The album ends with a bonus track Iron Sky, a truly funked up vibe full of bass, guitars, and drums. There is a deep but laid-back vibe here that gives you a feel of looking back at life, the struggles we have had and hurdles we have overcome along the way. There is also that ultimate view of what could truly be for us all as we continue on our life’s journey. We are in control of our futures, those silver linings and the light at the end of the tunnel, it can all be ours if we desire it enough, rise up and create our own personal reality…

You can probably guess that from what you have just read, that The DEAD Wait is a deep and sometimes dark look at what is happening in life around us every day. There is this unapologetic and no-nonsense approach to telling you how it is and focusing on subjects, like suicide, that so many consider to be an elephant in the room. MUZ handles everything extremely well, describing everything in a way that is both enjoyable and thought provoking.

In the run up to the album launch MUZ has released some videos that help you to understand the story behind each track. Please bear in mind that I made my note before those were released and so what you read here is purely my own take and instinct from listening to the album.

I found some of these tracks to be quite touching in a way. Personal experience really comes into play when listening to an album that touches on such raw subjects. MUZ’s lyrical wordplay and flow technique shows a great adaptability with complexity and knowledge. He often draws you into the world he is creating on each track allowing you to see his point of view but, also giving you enough room bring in your own personal experiences. You might find that some tracks take you a few listens to really get the point but, that’s not a bad thing as it displays the longevity this album is likely to have, because you won’t forget it in a hurry.

Production, all by MUZ, here is all totally on point and in a way the elevates the whole thing, twisting and bending your interpretation of reality but, at the same time, holding your focus on the points that really matter and are of true importance. There are moments of grounding and others of true emotion that you can feel to your core, all enhanced by the musical content.

That personal aspect that comes through on some tracks really does touch you on many levels and all in all the album merges into this deep narrative on life through the eyes of MUZ. At times it does feel like you’re on a shamanic trip courtesy of a good helping of peyote but, in the end you come out on a positive note knowing that you can create that brighter future.

Yeah, some of this is profound and I highly advise you to grab this one and take your own trip alongside MUZ.

The limited two-week digital release begins today, 1^st October, with full physical release to follow in the near future.

On that note, I give huge thanks to MUZ for sending this over,

I’m out,

Peace,

Steve

LINKS

Get the album on Bandcamp Here:

https://murypoppinz.bandcamp.com/

Check MUZ on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/muz_tha_don_popz/

Check MUZ on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/BadLOOKTV