Album Review: Steadfast by Imprint

 

Steadfast

By

Imprint

 

It is always good to feature something different on the Blog and, as we know, Hip Hop is an all-encompassing culture. Hip Hop music has spawned many sub-genres of its sound and one of those is Gospel Hip Hop. I hope that you will stay with me here because music has a lot to say, even if that music has a more religious foundation, and you might be surprised by what it says to you even if you are not a religious person.

Steadfast is the debut album by the group Imprint, who are composed of, and there are a couple of names you might be familiar with here, Karlow AKA Areli, Reken AKA Eitan and Bruva Smokes AKA Boaz. Now you will obviously recognize Karlow and Bruva Smokes from their former group T.H.E.M but, since leaving Northentic Records they have gone on to new horizons and one of those is Imprint, which is released through Tree of Life, a Lancashire based Gospel Hip Hop platform.

There promises to be a good mixture of musical vibes across the album including Hip Hop, Trap and House style beats. The album is produced by Karlow, except the track ‘Shine on’ which is produced by Ruben Sanchez. There are also appearances from Theo Matrix and MVRVIN ADHAMA, with STU C on the cuts, so please keep an open mind as we take a walk alongside Imprint through the album Steadfast…

 

The album begins with Emergence, an aptly named track as the group emerge on to the scene. The sound has this heavy boom bap beat backed by this music box melody, which brings an almost eerie quality to the sound. This one really sets the stage for what Imprint are all about, a positive voice of faith in a world where our faith is tested on a daily basis. Imprints faith is the word of Jesus and tools are their beats, rhymes, and wordplay, delivered in a way that shows their unshaken faith in a higher power. Next up is Remedy which has a trap sound to it but, the sparce drums organ and piano notes, alongside the soulful sung element does give this one a vibe which borders on etheric, in a way. The message in this one is how having faith in something can be the remedy to so many ills. It really is that simple and it is the personal experiences of how faith has saved them that speak volumes here. A head nod beat, and keys lay the foundation for the sound of Look At Me Now, which brings an uplifting vibe which fits so well with the focus of the track; again we see personal experience taking centre stage as the guys show what salvation has done for them, taking them from depths of despair to being lifted up to place of strength and a knowing that their faith has given them a new life and new way to look upon the challenges of life, from where they were to where they are now.

No Other Way features MVRVIN ADHAMA and takes the sound to a more house vibe that has an infectious edge to it. Here the guys open up about the power in the name of Jesus and how that power is something that can save you, if you choose to believe, then there is only this way, and that way is now your way. Shine On, produced by Ruben Sanchez, takes us back down the Head nod route with keys and the sort of beat that just gets you moving, with some sampled vocals that keep the positive vibes flowing. This one concerns the power and strength of the Christ light to shine upon you and to transform the very essence of who you are. Break The Bind keeps the head nod vibe going as the drums, bass and keys unite for a sound that has calming vibe to it. Now whether you have the same beliefs as Imprint or not there are some powerful words in this track if you choose to listen. There are many external influences that bind us to a more fear-based way of living and if we allow these and believe in those more than the power of what is inside us, we will always be bound to that way of being. Also, the power of the spoken word is not given as much credit as it deserves, what you say has a direct influence on your life, just as the track says. So, regardless of your beliefs try changing the way you speak and see what it does, it’s not easy but, you can do it. These are the things that can help us break what binds us.

J.E.S.U.S. strings and drums form the boom bap back drop for the opening to the track as Karlow speaks on the relationship with Jesus. Then the beat switches to a more easy going sound, backed by organ notes give this a gospel vibe. That opening really sets the stage for the track which see’s the guys open up on their relationship with Jesus. Eternal Life brings a solid Hip Hop sound over which we find STU C on the cut. Here it really seems to be about the eternal battle of good verses evil and of the believer and non-believer; it’s about the right way to live your life and always being careful at what and who you choose to let into your life. Living your life, the right way can bring you so many rewards in so many ways, while living your life in a negative way may only lead to you never realising your true potential. A pounding drum beat, and sampled flute sound are the basis of To The Abyss, giving a sound that has a head nod element but, also seems tweak your nerves at the same time. The message here concerns the power of Jesus name and how there is only one place for you go if you follow a negative path, and that place is the abyss.

Keys and drums, with a sampled sped up vocal on the bridge, bring an upbeat sound for Need You. This one speaks on the need for the love of God in life. That love brings a different outlook on life that has the power to uplift and keep you on the right path. Next up is the albums title track, Steadfast, a huge sound with keys and drums that will have your head nodding for sure. It’s all about remaining steadfast in the face of the challenges that that are put before you. It is an unwavering belief in God is what keeps your faith strong on the path of life. Not My King features Theo Matrix and keeps the solid Hip Hop vibe going with heavy beats, bass, and horns, alongside some slick cuts. Here we find the guys opening up about who is their true king, and it’s not Charles but, this is not just about the monarchy, this track is literally about all that is contrary to their beliefs and there is only one true belief to get you closer to God.

As we move into the final tracks of the album, the penultimate track is Take Me, the sound is more chilled here with a melodic beat and organ notes, giving a sound that invites you to focus on the words. Here Imprint speak more on their faith, Jesus, God and just what it means to them to have a strength that comes from a belief in that higher power. The final track is Never Leave, with drums and keys, this one has a far more gospel feel to it, especially with the sampled vocals, it all combines to bring an uplifting sound. This one is a heart felt track that sees the guys explaining why they will never leave the protective love of Jesus and God.

 

Now, reviewing can often be a challenging thing, especially the way in which I approach things but, summing up this album is quite a challenge in itself!

Looking at this from a strictly musical point of view, Steadfast is a solid album, with most it focused on a Hip Hop vibe, alongside a little dash of Trap and House, to mix things up a little, and all that really does make this a highly enjoyable and very well produced album. Lyrically, Imprint show some great wordplay skills that are delivered with desire to deliver a message of just what it means to find God when coming from a dark place, and those deeply personal stories bring an emotive edge that you can only have when you are the one who has lived it. The message that the guys bring across these fourteen tracks is delivered with a heartfelt and unwavering knowing that it will be heard by those who chose to listen because their own faith will align with those same beliefs.

After fifty-three years of life experience, I understand there is a lot to take away from this album, whether your faith is the same as Imprint or not. That said, there will be those out there who will find this a little to religious and that the guys are trying to preach to the listener. This is definitely an album for the true believer and if that is not you then you have two choices, to listen with an open mind or to give it a miss, the choice is yours.

As a child I was baptised as Church of England but, I never went to church, it just seemed to be a thing people did back then because my family were not religious at all. I have attended Christian, catholic and more weddings and funerals in my time and I have walked many paths; what I found in a search for spiritual enlightenment was that, regardless of my beliefs, I would never judge another person for their own beliefs. I respect everyone for their own beliefs, faith, spirituality, and that is how I approached this review, with a respect for these guys who have all found a mutual faith, a knowing in a higher power that saved them from a life on a downward spiral. Yes, my own personal beliefs do differ from Imprint’s but, that is not a discussion for today, and it is OK to have these differing beliefs because whatever, you believe, if it brings you peace, love, and happiness then it is right for you.

Overall, Steadfast is a cracking release that will appeal to some and not others. If you can listen with an open heart and mind then give it a listen and see what it says to you, because you might be surprised.

Steadfast is out now on Tree Of Life Music with limited CD's available as well.

On that note,

I’m out.

Steve.

LINKS

Listen and grab your copy here:

https://treeoflife4.bandcamp.com/album/steadfast

Album Review: Outside The Box by T.H.E.M.

 

Outside The Box

By

T.H.E.M

 

Outside the Box is the long awaited and highly anticipated debut album from Burnley crew T.H.E.M. As I noted back in December 2022 when I reviewed the digital EP release ‘From Beyond’, this album was originally going to be a double album but, constraints led the guys to scale things back to a single album with From Beyond being made up of those tracks not to make the album.

Fast forward to now and the album release is immanent and let’s not keep you hanging so, I’m not gonna waffle here and take you straight into what T.H.E.M aka Seek The Northerner, Karlow, Lomax and Bruva Smokes, have to offer us with Outside the box…

 

The album kicks off in style with the upbeat, Seek the Northerner produced, Monsters. Drums, bass, keys, horns and some deft cuts from DJ Woody, all combine to give the kinda head nod, body moving Hip Hop sound you can’t help but, move to. This one see’s the guys showing exactly what they are all about with the kinda lyrical displays that simply takes your breath away and sets up the tone of the album perfectly. Next up is Running which is produced by Lomax and features Wordsmiff Flip. With drums pounding, bass and strings melt into the vibe to keep your head nodding. Here the struggles and strains of life combine as the guys look at how things can cause you to lose touch with reality and who you are, your true self. But you can’t escape that side of you, try as you might, you can run as far as your legs will take you but, you will never outrun yourself, you are always there, in some way, shape and form, ready for the day you are ready to be your true self once more.

The pounding of drums, piano and cymbals draw you into Below Zero, produced by Bruva Smokes. Fear is the idea that immediately trust into your awareness and there is a brief thought in your mind that questions what’s coming. At first you feel you’re being drawn into some dark and depraved nightmare situation where the guys describe how their actions install fear into those who inhabit the darkness but, the more you listen, the more you realise it is all just a play on words because their words are the weapons and the only ones who need to fear anything are those who step up and think they are better that T.H.E.M. You can leave the darkness behind as drums and horns, courtesy of production from Seek, pour light on things with a huge upbeat vibe that switches up the adrenaline levels all the way on The Sting. The guys are joined by UK Hip Hop legend, Blade for a track that hits like you’re running butt naked through a field of stinging nettles. Every line, simile, metaphor hits multiple times on different levels, while the stories from back in the day; talk of inspirations and the more personal notes leave you wondering which way to turn, while the stings never relent. There is almost too much try and pick apart here so just listen and enjoy this display of the art of rap. Million Degrees is next, produced by Lomax, this one is a heavy drum pounding, button pushing sound with a dash of razor-edged cuts, all of which has a nerve tweaking edge at times, especially with the high-pitched violin sound. It all seems to seep into the very core of your being, making you vibrate from the inside out. The guys raise the temperature on this one for the streets. Dropping lines that are so hot they blow every thermometer you can try and use to measure the heat this one is pumping out. This one is so hot it might just melt you’re mind from the inside out…

Drums and a mariachi guitar, with good dash of cuts, are the musical foundation for Lost Cause, giving you this upbeat sound from Seek that is so infectious, I dare you not to nod your head to this. T.H.E.M are joined by the legendary figure of Chester P to examine just what is the definition of a lost cause. Lots of food for thought here as the energy and the words flood your mind to the brim, making you wonder what a lost cause might be as you look around. There is even a faint thought that filters in making you wonder if there is anything you do that might be considered a lost cause. Loop Da Loop is up next, produced by Karlow, has a pounding beat over some chilled guitars, with some etheric vocals sounds and cuts all mixed in giving this a head nod vibe with a thoughtful edge. This one brought many things to mind as I listened from a basis of what goes around comes around, to the battle many of us have within our own minds and even battling the system but, none of these seemed to stick and then I wondered “Is that what the guys were aiming at here”, getting you to loop da loop in your own mind by going round and round never quite certain of the real focus? The album’s title track is up next, Outside The Box is produced by Seek and features AMOS. With horns, bass and drums, this one has cracking funk vibe to it. Here, it’s all about spinning intricate lyrical lines around and about things that are not just outside the box but, there are some you might be so far outside the box as to be too much to touch. This one has your mind spinning and doing back flips as you nod and move along to the sound, and by the end of this you’ll be thinking “Who needs a box anyway” this is Hip Hop.

Moving to the penultimate track, Milltown Flex, it’s produced by Lomax and has this big sound of strings, drums and bass, which gives this one a Hip Hop soundtrack vibe. It’s time for the guys to get everyone up on their feet as they each demonstrate the pure quality of their lyricism, proving that they are not just at the top of their game but, that there is always another level to strive to reach. Once you gotta rep, it’s all about keeping it and continually honing those skills and keeping yourselves sharp and authentic. The track also ends with some slick cuts from DJ Musicarl, who also provides cuts for all except the opening track of the album. The final track of the album is What We Do! Production comes from Sidefx and it features Ken Masters alongside T.H.E.M. There is this orchestral backing to the drum beat that gives this an extra dimension as the piano element seems to echo all around you. There will be no encore here as this is a supreme display of how to end an album as everyone gives a solid lyrical display of their rap skills, which all says one thing loud and clear, this is Hip Hop and this is What We Do!

 

I’m not sure exactly where to start here but, it’s not often that an album comes along that is not only a breath of fresh air but, also completely takes your breath away, Outside The Box does exactly that and more. There is an element here that makes you think that even if you have heard the EP, listened to the live segment and sofa chat on 05:21, that nothing can really prepare you for this album. I mean, what T.H.E.M. have done here is to embody the essence of real Hip Hop but, with their own stamp well and truly on it.

Outside The Box has everything I love about that real Hip Hop vibe. From start to finish it grabs your attention and holds non-stop, with ten tracks that are all three minutes plus, which really gives you time to get into the tracks and to properly feel them. I’m not saying that sub-three minute tracks don’t deliver but, they do always leave me wanting more and that is one thing you are not gonna get with this album, except maybe once it ends that is…

It really is difficult to fully explain what is so good about this album but, I’ll try and at least give you an insight. Musically the production is exactly what you would want from a Hip Hop album. Every track has the kinda vibe that makes your body wanna move. There is energy here that doesn’t let up across the entire album. Seek The Northerner, Karlow, Lomax and Bruva Smokes all show they have the skills to produce cracking instrumentals as well as the kind of lyrical skills that so many wish they had. These guys might all have their own unique styles and sound but, they also completely complement each other as well, which in a crew like this, is invaluable.

It is also worth noting their careful choice of guests for the album all of whom, fit exactly into place on the album adding extra depth and another layer of polish to an already finely polished album. It’s not just the legendary guests that might peak your interest here. There is also a legendary figure behind the scenes too as No Sleep Nigel, who has been the engineer behind many classic UK Hip Hop tracks over the years,  handles the mixing and mastering of the album, what more could you want right…

What you do realise, by the end of the album, is that collectively and individually, these four guys have the talent and the passion to deliver some of the most intelligent and exciting underground Hip Hop music around today. For me, T.H.E.M. have well and truly nailed what it is to be unique and authentic but, still have the foundation of what they do rooted in what true Hip Hop is, with banging beats and vocals that can easily tackle emotive personal stories, right through to those just for the street or those to rock any party.

Outside The Box lifts that underground Hip Hop sound out of the box and plants it where it needs to be, in a place where anything and everything is possible, and nothing is impossible. This is one you just should not miss and yeah, it really is that good so, nuff said…

My humble thanks to Seek The Northerner for sending this my way and to the whole crew for having the faith in my writing.

The album is released tomorrow,1^st April, through Northentic Records and be sure to check the official album launch party on Sunday 21^st May at the Camden Club, London. It’s gonna be some night, hosted by the one and only Blade and with T.H.E.M. and whole host of guests from 4:30pm to midnight, check the link below for tickets.

Time for me to be outta here,

See ya,

Steve

LINKS

T.H.E.M. on Bandcamp Here:

https://themcrew.bandcamp.com/music

Northentic Records on Bandcamp Here:

https://northenticrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Album Launch Party ticket link Here:

https://shoobs.com/events/79534/northenic-records-feat-them-outside-the-box-album-launch-party?fbclid=IwAR2-xDH9VN8Unwd5HBbkVuLKJCShFn2n4xe1d8hI7gMtymPIbgUU3PshI-8

 Northentic Records YouTube Channel:

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

 

EP Review: From Beyond by T.H.E.M.

 

From Beyond

By

T.H.E.M.

 

From Beyond is the latest EP from UK Hip Hop crew T.H.E.M. which is comprised of Seek The Northerner, Karlow, Lomax and Bruva Smokes and signed to Northentic Records. The tracks that make up this EP were originally slated to be on the upcoming album from the group, which was originally going to be a two LP release but, due to costs etc, the crew decided to switch the album to a single disc release and drop the tracks that did not make the album on this digital release.

Out of Burnley the history of this crew goes back a long way and if you want to know more about the crew and their background, I suggest you check out their chat with Blade over on the 05:21 YouTube channel, where you can hear everything you need to know because these guys are all about real Hip Hop and connecting with others to keep the scene alive so, that interview is essential listening.

That said, it’s time to get deep into this EP and get a taste of what T.H.E.M. will be bringing to the table with their debut album…

The EP kicks of in style with Chessboard Dynamics which brings a real head nod vibe of drums and percussion vibes alongside this background of strings and flute notes that not only grabs your attention but, has you closing your eyes while your head nods, allowing the vocals to seep into your awareness. What T.H.E.M. does here is to deliver wordplay, knowledge and the kind of dexterous delivery that could be compared to the play of a chess grandmaster. At times you fully understand what’s going on, it all seems kinda raw and hardcore but, just as you think you’ve got it sussed out, the guys hit you with a new gambit, hitting your mind from multiple angles and leaving you in awe, and if that wasn’t enough the cut-up samples and razor-sharp scratches have hyped up and breathless. There is no let up as a funky guitar and more cuts galore lead us into Think Twice, before the beat drops and it all merges to form this funked up vibe that has this reggae piano twist to it, and all you can do vibe to it. Once more the verbal skills displayed here have you second guessing everything you hear, proving that Think Twice is not just a title but, also another talent these guys display as every verse and every bar has you questioning what you heard the more you listen.

Represent hits with this mind-numbing sound scape of cuts, heavy drums and what sounds like a ukulele or banjo, all combining with some sonic vibes to keep the energy levels high and the frequency vibrating your entire body. At first listen you might be for wondering exactly what this one is saying and it almost appears like there is a juxtaposition here with T.H.E.M. demonstrating how they are representing the UK scene but, you also get this vibe that they are taking a shot at those who say they are representing but, in truth, are out for nothing but, themselves and maybe that is a shot at the politicians and rich elitists who claim to be looking out for everyone’s best interests but, are only out for how much they can line their pockets. So, is it one or the other here? Perhaps it’s a bit of everything, you decide. Drums, guitars, and bass form backdrop to the EP’s title track, From Beyond and the vibe is once more on keeping those energy levels up with a boom bap style feel. Here the guys take us on a tongue-in-cheek look at real life in Burnley while, at the same time, expertly twisting and stretching our minds with their words to blur our concept of what the true reality is. We are left wondering what the truth is here and what has been taken from some weird view that is beyond reality and rooted firmly in the mind of the beholder…

The vibe of Games All Love is a more upbeat feel with drums, piano, and strings alongside the cuts keeping you moving. Here we find T.H.E.M. dropping verses on why they do what they do, the inspirations and the love for the game. This really shows that you don’t always have to be rhyming over dark heavy beats to deliver some solid bars that still reflect the reality of live and your love of good Hip Hop. Heading into the final track of the EP, T.H.E.M, we almost float into it on an orchestral soundscape before the beat drops and the cuts slice deeply into our awareness creating this banging boom bap vibe with that orchestral sound bringing an almost soundtrack feel. The guys take us on a journey into all that is and makes up T.H.E.M. but, this journey is more like an audible trip where the truths are a part of a dream like escapade that is drawn directly from their own minds to keep you entertained whist wondering what is real and what is simply T.H.E.M.

After listening to this, the first thing that came to mind was, if From Beyond is formed of tracks that didn’t make it to the album then just how good is the album? Because, From Beyond is a stunning EP and, quite honestly, one of the best I’ve heard this year.

The production is solid and has your adrenaline levels at their peak throughout the whole album and providing the perfect backdrop for what is a lyrical masterpiece. The wordplay skills demonstrated by T.H.E.M. is second to none. These guys know how to pack their verses full of intellectual and complex lyrics that flow like water through your awareness but, the more you listen, the more you realise that these guys really have proper rhyming skills, end of. Alongside that solid production and verbal mastery, there is this love of real Hip Hop in its purest form, the kind of Hip Hop that was seeded in the UK in the eighties and has flourished on the underground scene, T.H.E.M. completely embody the essence of that true Hip Hop sound.

I don’t think I can say much more. But here are six tracks of pure underground Hip Hop that has the energy to span the ages creating a sound that would be at home in the 80’s and 90’s as it is here and now. These guys have enough experience between them to take themselves to the pinnacle of the UK Underground scene and beyond. Are T.H.E.M. one to watch? Well, that’s a no brainer for sure.

From Beyond is available from T.H.E.M. on Bandcamp etc, now.

On that note,

I’m out, see ya…

Steve.

LINKS

Get From Beyond on Bandcamp Here:

https://themcrew.bandcamp.com/album/t-h-e-m-from-beyond-ep

VIDEOS

T.H.E.M. Live Performance - EP50 05:21 Official

Official 05:21 Sofa Chat EP38 - T.H.E.M.

EP Review: Surplus To Requirements by Obselites

 Surplus To Requirements

By

Obselites

Recently released on Northentic Records is the debut offering from the Obselites, titled Surplus to Requirements. This is a three track EP from two guys who are arguably outstanding figures in the UK Hip Hop scene, Karlow and Lomax.

Producer and emcee Karlow, from Burnley UK, has been making waves on the UK scene for a couple of years now and his debut album, Jesus in a Jason Mask (2021), really showed his pedigree, whilst staying true to his faith and proving he is a formidable figure both lyrically and on production.

Wigan emcee Lomax has spent the last couple of years building a reputation for complex and hard-hitting lyrics with flows to match. He also stands alongside Karlow, Seek The Northener, Bruva Smokes and DJ Musicarl in the crew T.H.E.M. who have also been making a lot of noise recently.

So, with Karlow and Lomax joining forces as the Obselites, just what do they have to offer us on Surplus To Requirements? Let me take you through these three tracks…

Heavy Drums, organ notes and some tweaked vocal samples merge to carry you into the Summer Rain. There is a reflective air to this one, it’s not really dark in its overall vibe but, Karlow and Lomax, with their two different vocal styles, speak on what seems to be two sides of the same story. You get the feeling you are listening to the troubled mind of someone as they reflect on the pain and the hurt in their life. It appears this is a place where dark clouds are the norm and the sunshine only makes the briefest of appearances But, the light is still there, just waiting for the right moment to dispel those grey clouds.

Treading Water has a far more upbeat vibe that is based on drumbeats and keys. It feels like we have moved on from the dark clouds and are now in a place where Karlow and Lomax speak on doing the things that uplift us and bring the positive vibes. Music is one of those that provides an outlet for our thoughts and feelings, it helps give others a way to move past their own dark places. It may seem like we are treading water sometimes as we look to keep the darkness at bay but, there is also a scene here that Karlow and Lomax are encouraging the listener to keep going, go with the flow and keep the light our focus.

The EP ends on a proper head nod vibe of horns, guitar, keys, drums, and cuts on Off The Meter, there is real energy and real Hip Hop feel good vibes here. What Karlow and Lomax give us here seems to be focused on the art of rap. It’s all about what the music means to them and how it makes them feel. You need to move forward with your craft, giving it 100% and producing good music to keep the crowd moving. There is not much more you can say about this one as it speaks for itself as you let the music and the lyrics seep into your soul and feel the vibe that puts you in a place where everything is Off The Meter...

What I liked about this one is that there is a real sense of progression as you move through the EP. It kinda starts of in a dark place but, then gets more positive as we move through ending with a solid feel-good feeling. Karlow and Lomax may appear to have slightly differing lyrical styles, in their flows and quality of wordplay but, they bounce off each other with ease, each complimenting the other perfectly. You also get this feeling that they are about doing what they do with style and keeping the lyrics solid and with intellect, allowing their words to truly speak to the listener, even if the listener is not aware of it. Production is solid on the EP to demonstrating that progression from the darker aspect to the light and really bringing it to life in a way you feel deeply.

Overall, Surplus To Requirements is an impressive debut from the Obselites, demonstrating the impressive stable of artists that Northentic Records has and the pure quality of the music they produce. I don’t do favourites on anything I review but, I can easily see Off The Meter being on track that will be on heavy rotation with many online radio shows.

This is one you really need to jump on now, so head over and grab it…

On That note,

I’m out,

Steve.

LINKS

Get the EP from Karlow on Bandcamp Here:

https://karlow1.bandcamp.com/album/obselites-surplus-to-requirements

Lomax on Bandcamp Here:

https://lomax1.bandcamp.com/

Northentic Records on Bandcamp Here:

https://northenticrecords.bandcamp.com/artists

Northentic Records on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/c/NORTHENTICRECORDS/featured