ALBUM Review: DEF CULT by Junior Disprol

 

DEF CULT

By

Junior Disprol

 

I think its fair to say that in the last five years the man from Cardiff, Junior Disprol has been on something of a roll. First came DEFVALLEY in 2019 followed by two huge releases in 2022, Hung Drawn and Slaughta’d with Krash Slaughta and DEF II; then in 2023 came Uber Magnetic alongsideRoughneck Jihad, the build up to which was something truly inspired and introduced us to the Hidden Content Club from the label Plague.

Well, now in 2024 the Hidden Content Club is back and treated us to a bonus pack and single release that featured a non-album track, The Fun and The Horror, and a remix of the track Hawk Ghost. This was all as the precursor to the third outing in Junior Disprol’s Def Series, DEF CULT. Once more brought to us on the Plague label and, as with both previous DEF releases, Produced by Cool Edit Chud. It features appearances from DJ Jaffa, Krash Slaughta, Stepchild and his Uber Magnetic partner in rhyme Roughneck Jihad. The album also features some stunning artwork from John Stark, just to put the icing on the cake.

Now, Junior Disprol is no stranger to this blog and as such, needs no introduction, so let’s not beat around the bush here and get straight into the DEF CULT…

There is no hanging around here as DJ Jaffa joins JD on the opening track Marvelous, which perfectly sets the tone of the album with a nice head nod drum beat which is surrounded by this eerie mix of bells and nature sounds that all comes together to give you the impression you’ve been drawn into some weird nightmarish world. This is Junior Disprol’s world, a place where expecting the unexpected is the norm and it is hard for the neurotypical mind to even conceive of what now put in front of it. Here he shows you exactly why he is so marvellous in what he does by taking words, phrases and more, mixing and weaving them into something you would never think possible, and when you mix all that with the music, reality is thrown out of a window, a window that doesn’t exist or does it? With all expectation cast aside the sound move to slick funk vibe with drums and guitar taking the forefront for The Fly Most, if you know your Hip Hop then you will know that being ‘fly’ was all about being the best, dressing the best and so on. So, is JD speaking on being the best here or is about a fly or being a fly on the wall? You decided because this is one of those that seems open to interpretation, and after a number of listens I wanted to go with the traditional Hip Hop view and that JD here is just showing what it is the be the fly most on the mic. Up next is A Murmur Forms, which has recently seen a video release, and has more of a jazz vibe with the horns, bass, and drums, which loop and switch creating a sound which tests your nerves as it progresses. JD’s words seem to tear at every brain cell, threatening to turn your awareness inside out. The world around is what seems to form into a murmur as Junior Disprols words and flows form into a dazzling murmuration of their own, mimicking that of a flock of starlings over the somerset levels…

Can We Live finds the drum beat almost softened into the background as a nerve tweaking electric guitar loop grabs your awareness, threatening not to let go. JD takes a look at the state of society and Britain, a place you can no longer call great. How can a person or a family truly live in this society when we are constantly being priced out of everything we need to survive, while the 1% flourish and stand, not on the shoulders of giants but, on the desperate figures of the working class, the infirm, the disabled and corpses of the fallen. It’s a bleak look at life but, that’s life right now. With your mind reeling from what it has just had to comprehend, it’s time for DJ Jaffa to join Junior Disprol once more and to punch and slice a hole in those dark storm clouds with Ready Rock. The head nod beat takes us on a more upbeat vibe while the eerie xylophone sounds keep us in that weird twilight world but, this one creates a seed inside you that blooms almost immediately and bears fruit that you can only taste with your soul because this is what the energy of the music can do for you if you allow it in. There is this sense that the creation and the feeling of the music is able to clear the darkness from most recesses of the mind. So, when you’re ready, feel the music, let it in and get ready to rock. Now feeling a bit more upbeat it’s time for the albums title track to be unleashed, DEF CULT.  The drums and guitar that forms the main element of the beat here has a melodic quality that has you quietly nodding along, focusing on the words, while every now and again there is a burst of guitar that stops you relaxing to far into that sound. Having given you the foundations, JD now hypnotises you, taking control of your mind, he delivers words that infiltrate every corner of your mind and making you a newly ordained follower of the DEF CULT.

It’s perfect timing that you are now in the cult and your mind is focused on this one thing because, if you are listening on the vinyl, it’s now time to flip to the B-Side, something you now do in an almost trance like state. I Got It Going Awwn takes you into a TRON like world with solid boom bap beat alongside electronic sounds that digitize your every thought from this moment on. If it can rhyme with Awwn then its Awwn, that’s what its all about here; well almost. There is a moment, where JD emulates the Ruler Slick Rick, that brings an almighty grin that comes out from within. Suddenly you begin to realise that this cult is not something to fear but, something to revere. That sense of living in a digital world now takes on an eerie twist as the electronic and other sounds whirl around the head nod beat like a plethora of spirits released from purgatory. Krash Slaughta joins JD to help slice through the ghostly fog allowing your body to soak up the vibes. Here you find Junior Disprol speaking on being a Magus Of Phrase. But what does that mean? Well, the definition of Magus is a conjurer, sorcerer, or a magician; so, what he is saying here is that he is a magician when comes to creating something with words and you simply can’t argue with that the more you listen. The vibe switches once more as drums, guitars and keys combine for a sound that would not be out of place an album from the Doors, it has that kinda Hip Hop psychedelic feel. Hawk Ghost dispels any last vestige of dark clouds that might have remained as its energy raises you up to a new level, while keeping you in that altered state of reality. This time Junior Disprol switches from speaking through a ghostly haze to taking on the essence of a spiritual form, soaring high above and looking down on what’s around and channelling that into words and phrases that boggle the mind as you search for the source but find only words that seem to appear from nowhere…

Your eardrums vibrate with the power of the beat, bass and horns as Def At Behest explodes into your awareness. Soon, strings are introduced that have you looking over your shoulder, looking for what’s coming with a sense of foreboding like a movie soundtrack vibe. Listening to this one might make you wonder just what this is all about but, try listening a few times and that think of the title and what it means? Def is all about being the best and by doing that at behest means you are doing it by instruction or by command; so here maybe, its all about JD showing how good his skills are by his own instruction? Being an emcee is all about honing your skills from life, from what you see about you day by day, you are literally teaching or instructing yourself, that’s how you learn. Think about that as you listen and if it speaks to you. Now, time is ticking by and as you move into the album’s penultimate track the Domesday Clock. Drums, bells, bass, and horns form a huge sound that has that that soundtrack vibe about it, one that makes you feel you have stepped into a pool of shade among the sunlight. With that air of foreboding setting around you once more you find that you are stood in an equilateral triangle with an emcee at each apex; perhaps it’s a circle not the triangle you first thought but, anyway, Junior Disprol is followed by Roughneck Jihad and finally Stepchild, each one displaying their individual rhyme skills as the doomsday clock ticks another second but, that second feels like a minute or a whole day as the words float through you awareness; you realise there is so much around us that signifies we are headed towards a doomsday but, you also realise that we are the ones who can also reverse that and stop the clock ticking down to its ultimate conclusion. As you contemplate that thought you realise that the album is about to reach its own conclusion and you have reached Def Not, the final track. Keys, guitars, and drums create a reflective vibe and one that feels you about to enter something deeper than has gone before. The intro makes you feel this one needed time to get going, like it needs a few deep breaths first and as JD begins to speak you realise why those feels occurred to you; not everything is DEF in life and this one finds Junior Disprol speaking on the loss of his mother. This one is by far the deepest track on the album, and I could feel every word, deep in my own heart having lived this same story with the loss of my own mum back in 1995. What can you say, treasure every moment with those you love and enjoy those moments to the fullest. The track ends with an upbeat, high energy guitar solo, just get the adrenaline pumping once more and leaving you with much to think about…

 

Just take a breath because that was some ride. In fact, there is this feeling that DEF CULT is an album of two halves, as seems to have two different vibes running across the two sides of the album, if you have the vinyl, or between the first six tracks and second six. The first half appears to have a slightly darker air about it, laying out the foundations and showing you what’s going on around you or inviting you to see it. But the second half has this far more upbeat vibe to it raising you up most of the time and giving you a reason to feel that its not all bad out there and it ends with a touching ode to his mother that is such an awesome way to end the album, with such an emotional sentiment. It’s just breath taking from start to finish.

I may have said this before but, what the heck, I’m gonna say it again, for me, Junior Disprol is one of the most underrated emcees on the UK scene, if not the entire Hip Hop scene, at this time. I don’t know of anyone who can take words that seemingly have no place together and spin them into something that is entertaining and speaks to you on some strange unconscious level. He just has a masterful way with words, like the title of the track Magus Of Phrase, he truly is a master sorcerer of words and rhyme.

I couldn’t wrap up this review in any way without mentioning the work of Cool Edit Chud on this one. As with JD being a wizard with words, Chud is a wizard of the beats. He is perfectly able to emulate the vibe of JD’s words and together they just craft something where the music and words vibe so well together. It is almost like these two are an extension of each other, they work so well together. The different vibes and sounds created by Chud work so well with JD’s vision for his lyrical content and mood.

Having appearances by DJ Jaffa and Krash Slaughta on the cuts, along with Roughneck Jihad and Stepchild adds flavour to the whole project while taking nothing away from Junior Disprol and Cool Edit Chud.

DEF CULT is the kind of release that Hip Hop needs to carry it forward. It has that nod to the real Hip Hop sound but, draws on a lot of different inspirations along the way. It also has a sound that has definite mass appeal and is not likely to get old very quickly. This has to be another contender for album of the year, in my humble opinion. It’s a perfect fit with the two previous Def albums and might just be the icing on the cake…

My thanks go to Junior Disprol and Plague’s Danny Boyes for putting this one in front of me and letting me do my thing.

My final thought on DEF CULT is simply “Go get this it”.

DEF CULT is available now and comes in a range of formats including some stunning physical versions too.

I’ll see ya next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Get your copy of DEF CULT Here:

plague.co

Junior Disprol Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/DeadResidents

https://www.instagram.com/juniordisprol/

Plague Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/plague11

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

https://twitter.com/Plague218

https://www.youtube.com/@plague_11/featured

VIDEOS

A Murmur Forms

 The Fun and The Horror (Taken from the Limited Hidden Content Club 7" Single)

      

 

 

Album Review: Uber Magnetic by Uber Magnetic

 

Uber Magnetic

By

Uber Magnetic

 

Just recently a nice little package dropped through the letter box inviting me to be a part of the Hidden Content Club. With that package came a nice lathe cut 7” single and digital download by Uber Magnetic, otherwise known as the duo of Roughneck Jihad and Junior Disprol. This was a cleaver piece of promo for those who had supported the Plague label in the past and was in lieu of the upcoming self-titled double album by Uber Magnetic.

The Album dropped recently, 29^th September 2023, the day I was in Stamford for the Hip Hop 50 Park Jam, and so I had to hold the review over until I had the time, and that time is now…

Alongside Uber Magnetic are Cool Edit Chud on production and features from SIR Beans OBE, DJ Jaffa and Krash Slaughta. There is also the very dope cover are from the man himself Junior Disprol, and it’s all released via Plague.

As this album is a double and some sixteen tracks deep, I’m not gonna mess around here but get straight into it…

Kicking off with Wake Em Up we are treated to this Hip Hop rock vibe that seems to invade your whole body, which has the effect of making you nod your head and move your body. Meanwhile Uber Magnetic reach into our minds and proceed to scramble our brains with some intricate word play that pulls you in a multitude of directions, a bit like the scene from Hellrazer (the original film), now whether we get to return to normal is another thing. Now we are trapped in dark room in the mind, with our consciousness torn into a thousand pieces, SIR Beans makes his first appearance alongside the UberMags on Now in a Minute, where the drums and bass mix with the cuts to produce a sound that, whilst being having jazzy edge, continues to tug at various elements of our awareness. With our awareness already stretched, the UberMags come at us from various angles and, seemingly, moments in time as they, somewhat calmly, tease us with bars that could be all about the now or perhaps, what might be happing in a minute. By now you might be thinking your on something, and you’d be right because the UberMags and DJ Jaffa hit you with the realisation of a Brain On Drugs. The drums and bass guitar sound has you floating along, allowing you to forget the fragmentation of you mind, and all the while the UberMags spin words in lines that have you envisioning a plethora of mind-bending things beyond this reality. SIR Beans OBE returns with the UberMags on guitar infused Weirdo, where the beat just about keeps you anchored in some form of reality, although knowing which reality you’re in now is questionable. Here the UberMags have you questioning who are the weirdos, is them or us? But, trying to figure that out just brings back that realisation that mind is fragmented and you’re losing your grip on reality.

With any sense of reality quickly disappearing, you don’t even realise that side one is over and you’ve flipped to side two, that all depends on which reality you began in, the physical vinyl reality or the digital one. Drums and a nerve straining piano bring you back to music as the UberMags take you to Upstate Dead; a place that, according to the UberMags, is populated by the bodies of those they have left behind, where what is left in the wake of that which went before, is nothing more and nothing less than the echoes of the past. Now if you’re wondering how all those residents got upstate then Crush, Stomp & Delete might give you an idea. The beat and mind numbing guitar notes and keys on the bridge, bring a strangely enjoyable head nod sound. Krash Slaughta provides cuts here as the UberMags state exactly what they do to the competition, making you realise that there more residents in that place upstate, it’s just that some of them have been deleted from existence. Percussion and a mind-bending electronic sound, literally push you into Body Everybody where the UberMags spin lines, words, similes and more, around the word Body, leaving you with this faint awareness you’ve just had your fragile mind dumped in a lyrical blender. Drums, percussion, and jazzy horns, get you head nodding along as the UberMags, in this case just Roughneck Jihad, give us a little ditty that’s all about men and women. But here when he is talking about how to Hug It, here its about how to hug something with your mouth. Now in your fractured mind-state I’ll leave you to get the gist of that, and while you do that, we switch from disc one to disc two, cos I’m in that vinyl physical type reality…

If you thought things might ease back a little bit, then you’re mistaken as Foaming At The Mouth hits with heavy beat and this almost sonic sound that penetrates every part of your fractured mind. The UberMags now demonstrate what we knew all along that they have the sickest lyrical delivery you’ve heard in a long time. It rubs off on the listener too, the more you listen the more you’re likely to be foaming at the mouth too. A melodic drum beat, and a mixed-up, mind-numbing organ sound brings a sound scape that suits the Scientist Pt 2 and how they might study the complexities of the mind and universe. Here the UberMags create the sort of lyrical content that matches what scientific study is all about, while at the same time creating something that most scientists would struggle to explain when putting it under the microscope. It also leaves you wondering what happened to the Scientist Pt 1? Heavy drums and horns form the basis for the boom bap, breakin’ style beat of Cognac, featuring DJ Jaffa on the cut this one has so many elements of classic Hip Hop vibes and delivers a warm feeling inside when you hear it. There is more devastating lyrical content and delivery from the Uber Magnetics and finally makes you feel like they are giving your fragmented mind a way to become whole once more. Drums, horns, and bells give rise to Cliff Spab, another sound that has a more classic Hip Hop vibe to it. This one sees Junior Disprol going solo and demonstrating why he is one of the UKs best emcees, nuff said right…

As we finally begin to regain some hold on reality and repairing our fragile mind, we are aware that we’re about to head into the final side of the album. We begin that final part of the journey by Floating On The Silence, a heavy pounding sound with the faint sound of piano and vocal samples, which all combine to give this one a sound that really draws your focus in while keeping your head nodding. As hard as it might be to hear it, there does appear to be a message here helping to bring you back to earth from the sheer weight of what has gone before this moment. There is this feeling that for all the lyrical mastery on show and the life experiences of both emcees, there is this hint that the important aspect of anything is the silence in-between, its like the place where I take myself to interpret what I hear in the music, those quiet moments are what speaks the most so be mindful of them as they help bring you back to yourself. Drums and bells once more tweak our minds back to an alternate universe for a few minutes on Pterodac Feather. The UberMags bring those similes, metaphors and more together to show just how good they are as a force on the scene. Sometimes you just have to enjoy a track without the analytics and its better. Up next is Vodka & Milk featuring Krash Slaughta, a solid had nod, boom bap beat here gets the pulse racing as the UberMags celebrate what it is that makes them work so well together even when they seem so different. It’s true that on the face of it they appear so different as emcees that you would never think of putting them together but, now they are finally together on one long player it is evident that they mix far better than you might think. Moving into the final track of the album there is a brief second when you are wondering how the UberMags are gonna bring this one to a close, and they do that with Charles Salvador (aka Charles Bronson, the UKs most notorious prisoner), mixing a funky beat with some jazzy horns, this one has wicked upbeat vibe to it. This one sees the UberMags look at the life of the former boxer who has spent most of his life in jail and most that spent in solitary confinement. It is an interesting take on his life as most people only know him as a criminal but, he has written many books and is also an artist and he changed his name to Charles Salvador in respect to one of his favourite artists, Salvador Dali.

 

Sometimes it takes a huge amount of mental capacity to delve deep into the music you hear and this album was one of those moments. The highly technical and intricate lyrical rawness of Junior Disprol alongside the more polished technical lyricism of Roughneck Jihad produces an album which is only matched in lyrical intricacy by the intricate nature of the soundscapes produced by Cool Edit Chud. I do use the word intricate a lot here because that is exactly what it is.

This is some wild ride of an album as the first twelve tracks pull apart your awareness, opening it up to new levels of understanding. You have to go into this album with no preconceived ideas of knowing what to expect, because if you think you know what’s to come, then hearing this for the first time could possibly destroy everything you thought you knew about Hip Hop and lyricism, in any form. Then, in the last four tracks they bring you’re shattered awareness back together with some more classic Hip Hop vibes, just to show where the roots of their craft lie.

What the Uber Magnetic’s do is to take Hip Hop from the UK and the US, grind it up, mix it what a whole lot of other influences, incinerate it and then cook up something, you never hear before but, only think you have. This is one of those new benchmarks in genre of Hip Hop, because you know where the roots of the sound lie but, when you take the music and the lyricism together this is something new, something raw and something that you may never hear the likes of again.

As I sit here, I wonder if I have even been able to interpret the exact nature of this album, it really is that good. It could be as ground-breaking as the release of the Ultramagnetic MCs Critical Beatdown, now that might be a bold statement but, I remember what effect that album had on me at the time and the effect Uber Magnetic has had in how difficult it was to really get into it, it’s the only comparison that seams to work for me, we’ll all see it differently I guess.

Uber Magnetic is out now on Plague, with a stunning limited-Edition vinyl, CD digital and even good old Cassette versions so, take ya pick…

My humble thanks to Danny Boyes at Plague, Junior Disprol and Roughneck Jihad.

 

I’m Out,

See Ya.

Steve.

LINKS

Get you copy of Uber Magnetic via Plague Here:

https://plague.co/merch

https://plague.co/album/uber-magnetic

Plague Social Links:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/plague11/posts/

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

https://twitter.com/Plague218

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCffd_9Pc-5NDYA7OyoUV5cQ

VIDEOS

Cognac Official Video

Wake Em Up Official Video

 

 

 

EP Review: Slippa Presents Wrappers Delight Mini EP

 

Slippa Presents

Wrappers Delight

Mini EP

 

The Wrappers Delight Mini EP is the latest offering on the Good Darts Label. It is a four track 7 inch which boasts some incredible talent across those four tracks. This release is based around the Wrappers Delight card series, which was the brainchild of official Topps artist Slippa Chervascus. He created his own card series after working on artwork the Garbage Pail Kids card series, and releasing Wrappers Delight gave him the chance to combine his artwork with his love of music. Working under the umbrella of Good Darts gave him the chance to promote his art-based projects as well as branching out and creating a record label.

If you are familiar with the Wrappers Delight card series, then you are probably gonna love whats coming on this Mini EP, so let’s not hang around and get into it…

First up is the title track Wrappers Delight, it features vocals from Wordsmiff (aka Wordsmiff Flip), production by Remi Rorschach and cuts by Jabbathakut. The beat and electric guitar create this real smooth, funky head nod vibe that really give you one of those ‘Oh Yeah’ moments as soon as you here it alongside the nod to the Garbage Pail Kids on the intro. As much as this is the Mini EP’s title track, it is also one hell of an anthem for the Wrappers Delight cards. Wordsmiff drops a few short tales from his life coming up before taking you on trip that touches on cards from series one, two, three and beyond. Listening to his words brings back memories of trading cards in the playground and wondering what to do with your doubles and trying to get the rarer ones or that last card to needed to complete a series. Not only that but, the more you the track goes on its like listening to some Hip Hop Hendrix vibe while trying to visualise the cards in your mind…

Next up is Ultra Garbage and this one features Jounior Disprol on the mic, production from Slippa Chervascus, bass from Cam and cuts from Jabbathakut. The bass, beat and tambourine give this one a proper Hip Hop head nod vibe, the kind you wanna turn up load to make the speakers bump. Now this might just be a short track but, in one verse Junior Disprol delivers the kind of rap vocals that tests the very foundations of your mind, making you wanna rewind every line, and sometimes every word, just to make sure you heard it right, just like you wanna keep looking at the artwork on the trading cards to see if you missed anything. When you want to mirror the detail in a piece of art by putting it into words, this is how you do it…

If you consider that every Wrappers Delight card is a piece of art, then Rap Objet D’arts brings that into focus with Brainpower (Artist, Songwriter and Producer from Amsterdam) providing the vocals, Remi Rorschach on production and Jabbathakut on the cut. Unashamedly Hip Hop once more the beat and instantly recognisable piano sample gives this one an inner city gangsta vibe, a little like the early Kool G Rap and Polo sound. Brainpower really breaks it down about how good and perhaps even a little disturbing some of the art might be on the trading cards but, at the end of the day its about how good every piece is; collectors items, just like this vinyl release too and brainpower makes sure to shout out everyone involved with the release and reaffirming that you need to grab everything released via Good Darts…

Before you know it, we are at the last track and The Harder The Hit is something special too. It features vocals from graff legend and one half of The Artifacts, Tame One (R.I.P), alongside production from AMBA (Tarboosh Records) and, of course one final appearance from Jabbathakut. The beat, double bass, and keys on this bring that fresh Hip Hop, Jazz funk vibe, and if your heads still not nodding, then you this on intravenous drip with an infusion of Krylon. Tame One takes us from Wrappers delight to the life of a graff writer and back again, fusing the art of the trading cards with walls and subway cars of graffiti art. There is little more to be said as Tame’s words really seem to reflect that the vision of the graff writer and the trading card artist are one and the same, and that’s it nuff said right here…

 

I mean, what can I say about this release? If you have ten minutes to spare, then this is about the best thing you can do with those ten minutes, because they will most definitely not be wasted.

This might be Hip Hop with a particular focus, that focus being the Wrappers Delight cards, but this is also Hip Hop at its best. Taking it from the UK to the US and back again, Slippa and Good Darts delivers what is arguably one of the premier releases this year, and that fact that it is all packed in one little 7-inch package is almost beyond words.

The production from Remi Rorschash, Slippa Chervascus and AMBA is proper good, everyone being a head nod delight, and when you mix that with the incredible turntable skills of Jabbathakut, it just keeps you bouncing throughout those four tracks and beyond. The vocals from Wordsmiff, Junior Disprol, Brainpower and Tame One are as solid as they are individual, with each of them displaying some sublime lyricism and flows that truly show how good that international underground scene is.

Respect where respect is due Slippa Chervascus has put together an awe-inspiring release here that has the finest production, the dopest rap and the freshest art from Mark 563. What else is there to say except, don’t sleep on this one, I really mean it.

Wrappers Delight is available from August 4^th on limited 7” Lime green vinyl (including some limited trading cards too) and a little later on digital from Good Darts.

On that note,

Anyone got any doubles they wanna swap?

See ya next time,

Steve.

LINKS

The Mini EP will be available from the Good Darts Website:

https://www.gooddarts.co.uk/

Also available from Bandcamp:

https://chervascuts.bandcamp.com/album/wrappers-delight-mini-ep

Follow Good Darts on Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/DAMNGOODDARTS

https://www.instagram.com/damngooddarts/

VIDEOS

Wrappers Delight Promo mix by Jabbathakut

 

 

 

Single Review: Mugshots 7" Mix / Indeedy by Junior Disprol

 

Mugshots 7” Mix (ft Thirstin Howl III & DJ Jaffa Prod By DJ Alkemy)

Indeedy (ft DJ Jaffa Prod By Evil Ed)

By

Junior Disprol

 

It’s always a pleasure to get into a new release from Cardiff’s Junior Disprol and this one is no exception, especially so when you note those who line-up with him for this single. There is a guest spot from Thirstin Howl III, on the 1’s and 2’s there is DJ Jaffa and production duties come from DJ Alkemy and the legendary UK producer Evil Ed. I mean, this alone has your pulse quickening in anticipation just from looking at it.

So, what more needs to be said, let’s get into this…

Mugshots comes off Junior Disprol’s 2021 album DEF II and this 7” mix produced by DJ Alkemy has an almost industrial boom bap feel to it with horns, percussion sounds, glockenspiel notes, and heavy drums all mixed with some rusty razor-sharp cuts from DJ Jaffa. This is the perfect backdrop for Junior Disprol’s rough and rugged vocals to assault your senses alongside Thirstin Howl III as they drop their mind-bending verses on a world full of mugshots. Every mugshot and how each individual conducts themselves, appears so different but, are we all really that different underneath? I mean we are all one family when it comes down to it right and that’s what this one is all about? That’s kinda what I was thinking when I reviewed the album version and, I think I’m still there?

Indeedy is a brand-new track which see’s production from the one and only Evil Ed. The drums and bass on this one creates this deep funked up vibe that is boom bap but, also so it’s just liquid fire. Across two verses here Junior Disprol lays his cards out on the table here showing just he is all about, where he came from and, perhaps, where he is going too. Along the way he details how the song came about and big up’s both Evil Ed and DJ Jaffa. The undertone here is that wack emcees can’t stand with the man and this fact is reinforced by DJ Jaffa’s wicked cuts. In fact, you get so into this one, that when it ends, in what appears to be mid-flow, you wonder if they did that on purpose just to keep you wanting more, because that’s exactly where I was…

Now, first off, I gotta say, what a way for me to kick off 2023. I know this dropped mid-December and I originally got it just before the holiday season but, due to a slight illness etc, I’m only able to get this out now and in a way I’m glad of that.

There is honestly nothing not to like about this release. Junior Disprol is on point with his mind-bending wordplay that really does take a few listens to get your head round and I love that. He is so good at always keeping you guessing and thinking over and over about what you just heard. The production is all solid with DJ Alkemy and Evil Ed bringing two different flavours of tunes that are still without a doubt Hip Hop and get you fired up and DJ Jaffa is just quality on the cuts here, no doubt about it.

Overall, there really isn’t much more I can say here except that this release just shows the quality that UK Hip Hop has to offer, on every front. Especially with a little sprinkling of that US essence too. If you have not heard this yet, then you really need to get on it but, take note it is so hot that it has the potential melt your ears…

Oh yeah, and don’t look past the artwork from Lookslikescottfree (Cardiff based designer and part of Team Oner) which really sets this on off.

Huge thanks to Danny Boyes from Plague for sending this one my way and apologies for the delay.

Mugshots 7” Mix / Indeedy is out now on Plague and available in Digital, Limited Red Vinyl and Cassette versions.

As for me,

I’m outta Here,

See Ya…

Steve 

LINKS

Get your copy of the single Here:

http://plague.co/ 

VIDEOS

Mugshots Original Album Version - Official Video

 

 

Album Review: DEF II by Junior Disprol

 

DEF II

By

Junior Disprol

 

Following on form the recent release of Hung Drawn and Slaughta’d alongside Krash Slaughta, Cardiff Emcee Junior Disprol is back with the follow-up to 2020’s Def Valley, DEF II.

The new album is released through the Plague Label and features one hell of a line up stepping up to feature alongside the man himself, it includes Krash Slaughta, DJ Jaffa, Thirstin Howl III, Kid Acne, SIR Beans OBE, Roughneck Jihad, and DJ Alkemy. With an international line up like this you just know this one is gonna be a banger. You can also bet that this won’t be your average Hip Hop sound either. To get an idea of just how much this one does bang and to see if it that’s in more ways than one, I get to cast my mind over it…

So, why not join me as I immerse myself in DEF II…

The album kicks off with the title track DEF II and what a way to open too. The sound, created by Cool Edit Chud, is this pounding bass vibe with these nerve shredding horns and chock full of electronic and sonic sounds, alongside classic samples and featuring the razor-sharp cutting and scratching of Krash Slaughta to boot. Junior Disprol seems to take us back to the eighties where his younger self was all about Hip Hop and pretty much everything that was DEF about an era that many of us, of a certain age, can associate with and relate to. The video, by Stepasaur, really takes you back to the eighties and all the things that were a part of growing up in that era. The heavy sound continues into The Blood God which has this classic sample running through it, which my head is unable to pinpoint right now, giving this a definite head nod vibe as DJ Jaffa’s cuts slice wickedly through your awareness. Sometimes listening to a track, you find yourself musing over what it’s all about and realising that you’re enjoying it so much nothing else matters and that is what I’m getting with this track. So, all you other emcee’s take note, if you want your listeners to enjoy being pleasantly baffled, here’s how you do it. Next up the sound becomes more, out the box, with a drum element that has a raw sound, like it has been created on a trash can, alongside bongos or djembe drum sounds and horns which gives this a two-tone element. Here Junior Disprol takes us into the world of the Neighbour From Hell, a nightmarish place where anything could happen but, whatever does happen, it’s strangely enjoyable…

From one slice of the strangely enjoyable to another as we are treated to an almost off-key sound full of pounding beats and an eclectic mix of sounds that grabs hold of your nerve endings and bitch slaps em before DJ Jaffa cuts those frayed nerve endings with the skill of surgeon. Let’s face it, Mugshots yeah, we all got one. The way you look day to day or that face you make after, before or during a nice mug of tea. I suppose you could have a mug of coffee but, to be honest our mugs were made for mugs of tea right. Anyway, Junior Disprol and the one Thirstin Howl III drop mind bending verses on how you look and how you conduct yourself, yeah that’s what this is all about, I think that’s right anyway? Don't forget to check the video for this one, also by Stepasaur, see if you can me, yourself or anyone else for that matter.  A jazzy organ, bass, guitars, and drums bring a jazzed-up vibe to Mastadon, which also features the turntable athleticism of Krash Slaughta to polish it off. You can do nothing more, right here, than enjoy the pure rhyming ability of Junior Disprol who, once more, seems to prove that he can take any group of random sentences and words and turn them into something that is a true pleasure to listen to. Kid Acne now joins Junior Disprol for The Wrath, drum heavy sound seems almost at odds with the classic sample and other sounds but, it all works coming together in some random way. The perfect back drop for both emcees to drop verses that make you feel like your trapped in someone’s weird dream world. Sandwiched between the two verses is a classic example of transforming on decks, something that shouldn’t fit here but works perfectly, a bit like my random thoughts on a given day, anyway…

Ubermagnetic see’s Junior Disprol joined by Roughneck Jihad and SIR Beans OBE for a true boom bap sound of a pounding beat over guitars and bass. RD and RJ spit back and forth, bouncing off each other, verse after verse, this is how it should be done rhyme after rhyme. SIR Beans OBE drops some rough but highly polished cuts that cap this one off in style. Next time you want to order an Uber, then make it this one. A heavy beat over what, at first, is a fractured sound, once more tests your nerves. Basquiatish is an abstract art style which is perfectly mirrored on this track both musically and lyrically as JD is not afraid to be unashamedly abstract in his vocals. DJ Jaffa cuts some more classic samples giving you a vision of the roots behind the abstract art. That abstract style continues with the sonic sounding vibe of Brundle. That sonic vibe is given a nerve-jangling edge with Krash Slaughtas turntable wizardry. JD gets rough, rugged, and raw on the ups and downs of daily life and the pace you have to live at. The vibe of this track really fits with the how society seems to be going right now as we live day to day and minute to minute.

He Talks Flash hits with a bass guitar heavy vibe which gives this deep funk edge, while the drums are heavy enough to hold you attention and get your head slowly nodding. Here JD demonstrates how talking flash can get you anywhere if you just know how to do it, it’s kind of a British thing to talk flash, or is it? Well, whatever it is it seems to work, right? Drums and piano combine on IT’S to form this kinda abstract jazz vibe that infiltrates your mind, opening it up. Now your mind is open JD goes in on everything that causes a negative impact in our lives, from the governments and the high level paedos, to the gun runners and those in charge of religion and the media to the diseases that kill from the inside out. If it affects us negatively in anyway then IT’s in here. Krash Slaughta’s slick razor-sharp cuts slice into our awareness accompanied by head nod drums and sampled horns. This one takes it up a few notches on the Hip Hop tip as JD kicks the pace up with some deft rapping while Krash scratches the shit outta the wax. Could it be that Rotund Shogun is a new alias for Mr Disprol? Who Knows but, this one is certainly as sharp as a katana in every way…

Now, if you have been listening to this on the vinyl then this is where that portion of your audible experience ends. The following four track are exclusive to the tape, CD and digital versions But, don’t worry vinyl lovers as you get these as a digital download too…

King of BS see’s JD joined by DJ Jaffa on a beat comprised of pounding drums and a mixed-up phone keypad tone electronic tone which strangely combine with other electronic sounds into something that you can’t help but, vibe to. Sit back and spend the first minute enjoying JD’s pathological Bullshit and then spend the second minute doing nothing but listening to Jaffa on the cut, this is what Hip Hop is all about. Dj Jaffa remains on turntable duties with JD for Bwana. The musical backdrop is mix of drums, guitar notes and Xylophone creating this vibe that makes you feel like you’re in this pit of sound and looking down on you is Bwana, The Boss, Junior Disprol. You’re left knowing exactly why they call him Bwana and it’s all rounded off by Jaffa using his cutting expertise to reinforce that point so you don’t forget. The penultimate track here see’s DJ Alkemy joining JD for another abstract mix of drums and electronic keyboard notes that merge together into a sound that will stretch your mind and twist it in new directions. JD takes an eclectic mix of words spinning them into sentences and taking your mind into ever decreasing circles as DJ Alkemy slices cuts through your fragile awareness not allowing you to drift to far away because JD needs you know one thing, My Pidgeon Weighs a Ton. DEF II is rounded of with When All Said, a mind-numbing mix of strings, guitar, drums, and sonic sounds that at first, might stretch your awareness a step to far but, turns out to simply ground you back in this reality. The final word here is like the final word in any situation, which is simply that, when all is said and done all you are left with is your word, your integrity and if that is anything less than rooted, solidly in a truthful portrayal of your true self, then what are you really? Here Junior Disprol shows that when all said this is who he is, Nuff Said…

 

Overall, this has to be one of the most outstanding albums you will hear this year. It takes the notion of Hip Hop to new experimental heights and returns to a standing ovation. Yes, it takes some listening to, that’s for sure but, you come away from this a fresh new perspective and one that is likely to stay with you, always being rekindled whenever you listen again. There is not a weak track here, all sixteen solid and will test the listener to breaking point.

Junior Disprol is a powerhouse in his delivery with a lyrical content that is as intellectual as it is, at times, unashamedly raw and uncouth. The more you listen to what he does as an emcee, the more you realise that this guy is one of the most underrated out there. He has a style all his own that is complex, raw, and direct. He as easily able to create verses from what most people would consider an indecipherable collection of words, mixing in real life aspects and x-rated metaphors that just leaves you wondering how he does it. He is, without a doubt, once of the most incredible lyricists out there right now.

Musically, DEF II was produced entirely by Cool Edit Chud and what a masterpiece he has created here. He has put together this paradigm shifting expression of what Hip Hop music is all about, using these abstract musical soundscapes to stunning effect, and something that constantly keeps the listener guessing, stretching the boundaries of there understanding, opening them up to new horizons to explore. It all fits so well with Junior Disprol’s lyrical content and delivery, which demands a sound that steps outside the box, then turns around and kicks it out the stadium, and that is what Cool Edit Chud delivers here.

Also outstanding is the line-up of guest artists and DJs who all bring that extra depth and seasoning to the project. Delivering the kind of performances that leave you breathless and just adding the icing to what is already a perfectly baked cake of an album.

Nothing would be complete here if I didn’t give a nod to the artwork. As we know Junior Disprol aka Matt is also an incredible artist, which was demonstrated on the cover of Hung Drawn and Slaughta’d. For DEF II he has collaborated with Chud and Scott Lewis on the artwork and design.

I really don’t know what else to say here except that the album is out now on Plague in the coloured vinyl, tape and CD formats with digital release coming on 20^th May. This one you really don’t want to miss and has to be a strong contender for underground Hip Hop album of the year.

 

On That Note,

I’m outta here,

Steve

LINKS

Get DEF II from Junior Disprol on Bandcamp Here:

https://plague11.bandcamp.com/album/def-ii

Get DEF II from Plague on Bandcamp Here:

https://plague11.bandcamp.com/

VIDEOS

DEF II

Mugshots

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