I have been pretty lucky to have been able to review pretty
much every release from Whirlwind D since 2017’s Falling. So, I was hyped to
hear that this latest release was coming, and when he mentioned it would be
featuring the legendary figure, and a close friend, Blade, I was even more
hyped.
As the man himself Whirlwind D has featured here many times,
there is no need for me to introduce him in any way. The single is released
through ae Productions and features production and cuts from Djar One, who also
mixed the tracks at Beats House. Plus, there is also art and design from John
Dyer to cap it all off.
So, there is not much more for me to say except, let’s get
into it…
On The Floor finds Whirlwind D taking back; back
beyond the times of labels, Solid N Mind and the Battle Tipped
Rhyme, to speak on the toys that would be instrumental in the years before
Hip Hop, Graff, BMX, and skateboarding would come along, and those toys would
be left on the floor. Now, being of that same era but, also having a younger
brother too, I can really associate with everything that D drops here from
Steve Austin (The Six Million Dollor Man) and Skeletor (He Man), to the Dinky,
Matchbox and Corgi toy cars, to building Airfix model kits of planes and even
Star Wars vehicles. Thinking back over these times brings a smile and even a
tear, these were, as D says, the times that shaped who we were and how we would
interact with the world and people around us. These were good times when we had
no cares and no worries before we grew and world seemed to change. This is the
kind of reminiscing that brings so much enjoyment, and Whirlwind D brings it
all back so vividly. But the enjoyment levels here don’t just come from D’s
skilful wordplay, Djar One brings this upbeat sound that mixes in funk fuelled
keys and horns with the kind of head nod, body moving beat that broadens your smile and really helps to crystallise those
vivid memories; even the cuts here seem to have a vibrant upbeat feel to them.
In fact, this one is so infectious that you kind of want to spin it a few times
before flipping it over.
However, flip it over is something you have to do because
the B-Side is Watcha Waitin’ For and see’s D linking up with Blade. Djar
One brings a deep 70’s, Prince style funk vibe here with cuts, keys and bass
that make you nod your head slowly while thinking to yourself, ‘Oh Yeah’. While
you are bouncin’ to this one, there is a solid message here that D and Blade
make perfectly plain and simple for you to understand. That message is that it
is ok to have dreams about the future but, just sitting back and crystallising
those dreams is not enough; you need to work towards them, reach out and take
hold of those dreams and make them happen for you. It will take you a lot
longer to achieve anything unless you have the determination and drive to make
it happen, and that means working through all those doubts, feeling the fear
and doing it anyway. Remember, practice makes perfect, or close to it anyway. So,
practice over and over, be unapologetically yourself, show them your
authenticity and don’t try to be like someone else.
Overall, what can you say about two completely solid tracks
like these? Either could be an A side track, they both have that strength and
emotive content. Both have equally powerful messages to say on different
subject matter that speak to you on different levels bringing enjoyment,
reflection, and motivation.
As always Whirlwind D uses his intelligent and distinctive
wordplay, with differing flows, to bring you solid Hip Hop vocals that speak to
you in a way that you have no problem having on with youngster’s around, making
them a pleasure to listen to, as you get to hear every word he says; and that
is also reflected by Blade who drops his intellectual wordplay in the same way.
Blade might not make many appearances these days but, when he does there is
always a depth to his words that goes beyond normal thought patterns, and you
have to read between those lines.
There is just so much to like here on this release. On The
Floor has Whirlwind D in full on reflective mode bringing us the kind of feel
good vibes we all need right now, while Watcha Waitin’ For sees D and Blade
working so well together in bringing a track that has a deeper aspect, speaking
to you on a whole other level but, still with an enjoyment factor that rocks
the spot.
Both of these tracks are underpinned by the production from
Djar One who shows here just who you can take that funky Hip Hop to a level
that raises the bar every time. Djar One has a knack of producing funky Hip Hop
vibes that can elevate any track but, that also have a life of their own as
instrumental tracks with an upbeat feel that makes them such a joy to listen
to.
There is nothing left to say except this is one release you
need this year and will stand head and shoulders with other summer releases.
On The Floor / Watcha Waitin’ For is released today, so don't sleep on this one.
As always, my humble thanks to Whirlwind D for giving me the
chance to bring you this one as an exclusive.
Smoke on the Water is a six track EP that was
released back at the beginning of May this year through Veteran Records. Due to
unforeseen circumstances, I have had to delay the review until now.
Joe Blow is a veteran of the South Wales Underground and an
emcee, producer and DJ. Smoke On The Water sees him teaming up with
legendary Cardiff producer AckoBeatzuk, who produces the project, and the
equally legendary DJ Jaffa, who provides all the cuts and scratching. Just
looking at that line-up makes you want to stop everything and hit play.
This review will be the first time I have featured Joe Blow
on his own solo project. However, I did feature him as a guest on 4Dee’sShots Fired album from 2023. Joe had a very early introduction to music as
his mother would put a radio under his pram as a baby to help him sleep. Later
he would play records from his brothers’ collection, on his brothers’ turntable
while he was out, and would still do the same but, on his own turntable once he
had one. In fact, it was discovering the 12 inch single of RUN DMC’s My Adidas,
that would influence Joe’s musical tastes and dress code from that moment
onwards. Later, Joe would go on to form the group Undecorated Veteranz,
alongside 4DEE and the late DJ Stagga. Now, with over thirty years in the game
Joe Blow is looking to cement his place in Hip Hop history…
The EP kicks off with Break Away where strings take
the forefront, with a sprinkle of horns, over the solid head nod beat. This
creates this vibe that brings feelings of summer days and sun filled winter
getaways. Here Joe cleverly spins stories that are full of retrospective
insights that speak of the situations and people you have to break away from in
order to walk forward in life and your career. This is something that we can
all associated with as we look back on our lives. There is a lot here that speaks
on making the most of your life and always walking forward even if there are
things and those you have to leave behind to do that, never let yourself get
held back. Ride or Die sees the drums softened into the background as
guitar and horn vibes take centre stage. This gives the whole sound a vibe that
has that mariachi feel to it. Here that storytelling vibe speaks deeply on
connecting with that special someone. A person who is more that just a
significant other but, who is your best friend and has your back, no matter the
situation. Less of a love story and more of a dedication to a love that runs
deep. This is all finished off with some classic cuts from DJ Jaffa. We move
into the half-way point of the EP with Super Nova. This one has a heavy
guitar sound which gives this one a rock rap sound that tears the speakers open
with the force of sun at the end of its life. This one is a platform for Joe
Blow to set the stories and messages aside and literally just go all in and
drop some insatiable bars that show the quality and intricacy of his wordplay.
So, sit back and slap this one on and just bounce to it…
We cross the tipping point easily with Count Of Three
where organ notes, guitars and psychedelic vibes merge with banging drum beat
to give us the kinda sound that transcends the traditional sound of 3D world,
taking you places unknown. Here we find Joe letting go of the world around him,
not to just spit some sick rhymes but, to open up to the fact that sometimes to
find the peace in the world it takes the smoking of a certain plant to aid
taking to that place where you can that let go of reality and darkness in the
world and find another place where you can find that peace and write the right
rhymes. There is a feint air of the psychedelic vibe on Ten Outta Ten,
where the beat is mixed with a harpsichord sound that helps blur the edges of
reality once more. Here Joe is laying out all his cards on the table with a
dash of braggadocio as he drops bars that tell us exactly what he is all about
and how the work that goes into those bars makes that a solid Ten Outta Ten
every time, and after listening to this one, I think you’ll agree. The Ep ends
with High Noon, this one has a heavy sound that has this sound that
seems to invade your mind with needle like sounds that keep you focused on the
words while the cuts vibrate those needle like sounds, bringing a sound that is
like funk on sci-fi. With this one the get the sense that Joe is basically
saying that there comes a time when you have to stand and face what’s in front
of you or maybe what’s within you? Whatever
it is that you stand and face, and for whatever the reason is, even if it is
for a life of peace, you need to stand and face it for you, because you can’t
face it for anyone else. This is his and your high noon, the point that
everything has been flowing towards…
There is no doubt here that Smoke On The Water is a solid
masterclass from Joe Blow. It has everything you could want from witty rhymes
to complex wordplay, with polished flows too boot. Joe perfectly demonstrates why
he is a veteran in the game. He does not let up or play safe but, gives
everything 100%, giving us a release that stand up as one of the best so far
this year; and if we are speaking of it being one of the best, then can’t
overlook DJ Jaffa on the cut, who always delivers,or incredible soundscapes from AckoBeatzuk,
who has delivered a variety of sounds, all of which are rooted in the Hip Hop
sound.
There really is not a whole lot more I can say that what I
have already done so but, if you enjoy this one as much as I did then you will
find yourself coming away from that with adrenaline buzzing through your veins
and a deep desire to listen again while searching through Joe’s back catalogue
on Bandcamp to see what else you can sink your ears into. This EP does do that;
it makes you want to hear more from all involved. But what it does more than
anything is to well and truly cement Joe Blow’s status into the annuls of Hip
Hop history, not just in Wales or the UK, but into Hip Hop as a whole. It’s a
bold statement I know but, there is just something about that witty, no
nonsense style that says he deserves to be there.
So, if you have not heard this one yet, then I humbly advise
you to give it a listen now, because you won’t regret it and will probably love
it.
My humble thanks go to 4DEE for giving me the chance to
bring you this one. Also, a huge sound out to Wordplay Magazine for the
insights I gained through their interview with Joe.
As I begin to wind things up for a well earned break, I
thought I would treat you to reviews of three singles I have had in recently.
Normally I would do each one separately but, there are times when you just have
to get these things done and so, here are three hot new singles from across the
UK.
Holdin’ Court
By
Boswell Thomas
& >ARRO
Holdin’ Court is the debut from the duo of Producer Boswell
Thomas and Emcee >ARRO, which is released through the awesome Nuke Fam
Records. It was originally released back in April and the first thing to note
about this is the solid upbeat feel of this one. Boswell brings this thumpin’
beat over which is this mix of synth vibes which gives the track this sound
that has a summer banger feel and raises your positive vibes, it just has one
of those feels that you want to bounce to with a broad smile on your face.
>ARRO brings us slick vocals that allow you to hear every
word as he drops some solid bars that introduce us to both himself and Boswell.
He gives us a deep dive into just who they are, what makes them tick, and what
they are here to do in the game. What you get from this is a sense that these
guys have been there, maybe set back from the forefront of the UK Hip Hop scene
but, that has allowed them the time and space to practice and hone their
respective crafts ready to drop this one, just when the time was right, giving
us a chance to see that they have the skills to walk-the-walk as well as
talking the talk.
Holdin’ Court is a solid debut by Boswell Thomas and
>ARRO that is released through one of the UKs top underground labels, the
perfect platform to let these guys do their thing and bring the UK some hot new
Hip Hop sounds to get us all rockin’.
Journey
By
Jonie D
Jonie D is no stranger to the blog. He is one of the KAOS
Crew and featured here with the release of their Over The Iron Bridge album
back in March 2024. Jonie D is now back with this single which comes hot on the
back of his last solo album SENA (2024). Journey features production from Diaz
TowerZ, who also produced a remix album of the KAOS Crews Over The Iron Bridge.
Diaz TowerZ brings a
heavy beat that is backed by this, electronic sound that is almost softened
into the background. This creates this sound which has a soulful edge with a
vibe that brings a reflective energy to it, carrying you along as you listen
intently to the lyrics.
Jonie D gives us a look at how the lives of people can flow
in different directions as they navigate the unpredictable nature of the river
of live. As you listen to the words, and perhaps even read the lyrics that are
there on the Bandcamp page, you realise that these lives could be those of
anyone around us, they might even reflect parts of your own lifes journey; and
this sets up that reflective edge perfectly, giving you the push to actually
sir back and look at where you are now and how you came to be here.
This is one of those tracks that touches you in different
ways, as it allows you to just listen and enjoy the flow, or actually allow
yourself to get immersed deeply into the words, feeling them as Jonie D
expertly weaves intricate and conscious bars that are more than just words
alone.
Ripple
By
Unity
I have featured Unity on the blog before, most recently with
her EP with Zee Rock, The Witching Tree (2023). Unity is now back with her
latest single Ripple. Ripple is the first single from the forthcoming project
with Cardiff legend DJ Jaffa ‘Where We Belong’.
DJ Jaffa provides the production and the cuts on Ripple,
giving us a chilled out Hip Hop vibe that mixes a solid beat with some mellow
guitar vibes. Putting you in mind of warm summer days spent by the sea or
walking among the trees as a light breeze takes the edge off the heat that
beats down from the sun above.
Unity uses this chilled out vibe to showcase her poetic
lyrics that seem to connect with you and put you into dreamy almost meditative
state of mind. Her words here speak od a deep connection with nature and really
letting the beauty that you see around you, sink into the very essence of your
mind, body and soul, feeling how it touches you in different ways letting
emotive energy and inspiration flow from deep within. That inspiration is
another key factor in the track which also inspires you to connect with your
own personal creativity. We all have that within us and its all about feeling
those good times, seeing the beauty around us and letting that bring forth our
own creative side.
This is something that I can personally associate with after
finding my own creative side after being inspired by connecting with myself,
music and the people and nature around me here in somerset. So, I know we all
have it deep within us as I never thought I had a creative bone in my body. So,
you too can find your creative side and see where it takes you.
So, there we have three singles, that on the face of it, are
very different but, what they show us is the wealth of talent that is across
the UK. Although these three tracks seem different in their production, flows
and delivery, what they have in common is that each speaks, between the lines
maybe, on creativity and a connection with what is in the world around us. That
connection might be music, it might be nature, or it might even be how we live
our lives and reflect on them but, there is connection there all the same.
This also, for me anyway, shows how music, in this case Hip
Hop, can unite us all in a shared love of something that inspires us all in the
same way. I say this because it is something that I have always been inspired
by within the Hip Hop community, and that is that shared love of this music and
culture brings us all together, it does not judge us for who we are, where we
are from, or the colour of our skin, and that is something that I find deeply
inspiring in a world where we are literally encouraged to be separate from
those around us. Remember, we are all the same colour underneath, and we all
bleed the same. Think of that as you listen to these tracks.
I will leave it there and just thank The artists for the
chance to bring you these singles.
Now this review is probably gonna come as a surprise to most
people as I have not told anyone I’m doing this one. The B-Line EP series has
been going since way back in 2013, and I happen to own volumes 3 and 4 which
were gifted to me by Specifik at the first ever Rope-A-Dope for being the
unofficial photographer on the day. It is the B-Line EP series that gave me one
of my favourite UK tracks to date, Painkiller by Chrome and Illinspired ft
Whirlwind D and Super JB which featured on Volume 4.
These EP’s have always been packed with top notch Hip Hop
bangers to really get your adrenaline levels ramped up, giving you an insight
into the some of the cream of the underground UK Hip Hop scene.
As a bonus I am going to give you my take on the hot new
single Sunshine from Specifik and Chrome, so keep reading for that little
bonus. I’m not going to give you any insight into who features on this one so
read on for the lowdown.
So, without further ado, let’s get into it…
It all kicks off with a track that has been resurrected from
the early 2000’s, Microphone Mathematics comes from the one and only
Krash Slaughta and features Louis Falasha, Remark and Bandog. As you can
probably guess this one hits max levels from the get-go as Krash hits us with a
pulse pounding mix of horns and an infectious beat, alongside a wealth of cuts,
scratches, and much more getting your body moving and your head nodding. This
one is a trat for the eardrums and gives you exactly what you expect by adding
three mics together, then multiplying by two turntables, dividing between four
legendary figures, and subtracting nothing at all. Working this all out means
the answer is total enjoyment and the freshest thing since sliced bread. If you
were in any doubt as to whether things might ease back after that, think again
as a huge beat explodes in your ears for Molar Rameses from Beattrix
featuring the man Junior Disprol. This one has your adrenaline levels pushing
past the red levels as Junior Disprol seizes your mind and rips your awareness
apart with the kind of lyrical mastery that is second to none. All the while
the beat kicks, the cuts slice, and the samples bring in the one Kool Keith.
All in all, this one pushes your heart to the point of bursting with its shear
hip hop purity. Now its time to bring the pulse levels down a little but,
increasing the energy that vibrates through the body as Specifik and The Doozer
bring us The Grift with beat that literally shakes the walls and the
very core of your being. The guitars add a nice little edge while the beep
monitors your heart rate. This one has The Doozer laying it all about those who
engage in the swindling of the masses. Dropping little nuggets of information
that form a larger scale misdirection, sucking people into their propaganda
without even knowing it. The message here is really not to trust anything to
hear in the media or from sources that stand close to the powers that be. Next
up is Whirlwind D, Franky Roar and Djar One with International Swagger.
This one has a heavy but laid-back beat with an orchestral backdrop that puts
you in mind of some James Bond, espionage vibes, while the cuts hit with laser
like precision. Whirlwind D seems to slip into his Double Agents persona here
delivering intricate and intellectual lyrics that appear to show the trio
promote their Hip Hop swagger while keeping their cloak and dagger exploits
well and truly in the shadows; their one focus to prove to the world that Hip
Hop lives through B-Line Business. The A-Side rounds off with Dancin’ With
Life by Chrome. Time to take things to a more funk fuelled vibe as the
multi-layered beat gets the energy levels pounding big time with a huge
dancefloor sound. Listening to this one is not just infectious but, it takes
over your whole body and mind, helping you understand that, through the music,
you can feel how it intoxicates us all the same, making us move to the beat and
feel the positive vibes that can easily unite us all.
Take to flip the wax over and continue this ride with Paul
Nice (Fabreeze Brothers) featuring AG (D.I.T.C. & Show and A.G.) with For
Old Times Sake. A pounding beat and big horns combine with razor-sharp cuts
to bring the kind of sound that gets the head nodding from the get-go and
screams Hip Hop from the roof tops. AG brings that golden era Hip Hop lyricism,
with a hint of braggadocio for good measure, making it known that sometimes,
you just gotta do things one more time for old times’ sake. This kinda speaks
for itself right here so enjoy. Now, you might think its gonna be hard to
follow that but, now its time for the UK’s legendary Evil Ed to step up with Every
Time, which features Habitat, Chrome, Cappo and Donnie Proppa, and that
line up alone gets the pulse racing. The beat is heavy with a dash or two of
cuts and a chilled out horn sound that gets the head nodding while bringing a
focus to the lyrics. The message in this one is pretty simple and is all about
the universal language of Hip Hop. The message is in the combination of the
lyrics and the music that all comes together in one cohesive moment, just as
the diverse peoples of the world can all come together, and it is the universal
love of music that does it every time. Next Up is Miracle and Deeflux with I
Forgot, bringing a heavy funk vibe to proceedings with a wicked beat with
guitar and keys, combining with slick cuts for the kinda sound that gets you
swaying. This one might sound like a little journey into one person’s
forgetfulness but, there is a deeper part to this if you really listen to
Deeflux. It speaks on how forgetfulness can be a precursor to something much
more challenging for a family and it is important to be aware of this, because
things such as dementia can affect us all so deeply. After such a deep edge to
the last track, the B-Line EP Vol 5 rounds off with a due who got together back
before B-Line Recordings, Specifik and Project Cee with The Medley. The
beat on this one really takes you back to those early days. This one takes you
places you might have forgotten as Specifik lays down some slick breaks that
many of you will remember while Project Cee gives us the kind of lyrics that
remind us of why we fell in love with Hip Hop in the first place. The Medley,
which was originally recorded back in 2002 for live shows only between
2002-2004, is a reminder of what can be achieved by those who have a deep love
for the music and what to create something out of that love for those who share
that love, the love of Hip Hop…
What the B-Line EP Vol. 5 does is to take you from
the shores of the UK, across the pond and back again. It gives you the kind of
experience that, felt to me like experiencing the live Rope-A-Dope events on
vinyl, it really had that vibe about it. It was a treat for Hip Hop music
lovers that really felt like B-Line Recordings was putting out something for
the fans as much as anything. This EP does not just celebrate UK or US Hip Hop
but, brings you the kind of listening experience that leaves you breathless and
wanting much more. This EP has the calibre of artists that gets you excited
just by reading the hype sticker on the cover, just as each one has done over
the years and yeah, I must get Vols 1 and 2 sometime too.
I’m not gonna say too much about this one because, for me,
the EP speaks for itself, and I have probably said enough about it already. So,
it you have heard this one already, then you will know exactly what I’m talking
about, and if you have not heard it yet, then why not? You need to get on this
one now, because this release is what B-Line Recordings is all about, giving
you, the listener the best audible experience you can get, and reminding you
that Hip Hop music is alive and well here in the UK and beyond.
The B-Line EP Vol 5 is available now and there are
still a few vinyl’s out there so jump on this one quick.
Now it’s time for that bonus review of the latest single
release from B-Line Recordings, Sunshine (Gotta Get Away) by Specifik x Chrome.
This one has a nice heavy beat with chilled out Guitar,
bongos, Horns and more. When all combined this one has such an upbeat sound,
especially with that sung chorus, that really does put you in mind of those
summer vibes, listening to dopest beats. Chrome reminisces and takes us back to
the eighties with memories of breakin’, electro beats, and playing your tapes
so much they got distorted or broke. There will be many of us older heads out
there who will be touched by this one, it reminds me of the days we would hop
on the train from Southampton to London, to check out all the big stores for
new trainers and then tour the independent and second hand music stores, trying
to find the latest releases or something we had been wanting for a while. We
even tagged the trains and buses along the way, because that’s what we did back
then, those were the days…
Specifik and Chrome have really knocked this one out the
park and created a single that is not just something that has that summer
anthem vibe but, it really takes you back to a time when you were younger, had
little to care about except what Hip Hop culture was all about.
For me, Sunshine (Gotta Get Away) takes the biscuit as the number one summer
track. It is also out on a very limited run of 30 7” vinyl, so catch one of you
can (Think these are now all sold out! Sorry Peeps).
I have to give huge shouts here to Shaun Dowling at Hip Hop
Be Bop for giving me the chance to bring you my take on the EP and to Specifik
for the single promo, which I just had to include here.
So, till next time, Enjoy the sunshine and the B-Line
Business.
Revolutionary is the debut offering from the duo of
Kemastry (CMPND) and producer King Boyden.
Before I get into things, here is a quick low down, for
those who don’t know, about Kemastry and King Boyden.
Kemastry (Brighton) was a member of the pioneering Brighton
based Team Dreebs and also the VooDoo Collective. He formed CMPND in 2018
alongside Wundrop and Vitamin G, and shortly after this they were signed to
High Focus Records.
King Boyden (Oxford) is a Hip Hop producer who dropped the Suave
Es Todo mixtape back in 2013 which featured, among others, Cappo. His
production has also featured on a number of releases byInner Peace Records in the UK.
Now you have some idea of who these guys are, lets get to
the task at hand. Revolutionary dropped back at the beginning of March
this year (2025) and comes on the back of Kemastry facing jail time for
criminal damage during a protest against Elbit Systems, the largest manufacturer
of arms for Israel. It was these sustained protests that eventually let to the
company losing its UK export licence.
The inspiration for this release comes from some deep
sources and is noted in the press release material: Drawing inspiration from
Kendrick Lamar’s Section 80, Huey Newton’s Revolutionary Suicide, the passion
and power of Fred Hampton’s teachings, the nihilistically enlightened
philosophy of Jim Carrey, conversations on apathy between Earl Sweatshirt and
his mother, and the spiritual wisdom of Kekishrew Sidhwa’s Zoroastrian beliefs,
Revolutionary is an attempt to inspire revolution and offer solutions to
both simultaneously rebel and find peace.
With such a huge focus on huge subjects such as BLM matters,
Police brutality and the drive to free the Palestinian people, alongside some
incredibly powerful philosophical and spiritual beliefs and beyond, you really
get the feeling that this album is going to be a very powerful release, and
that’s even before you actually listen to it!
Alongside the production from King Boyden there are a few
features to note from CMPND crew mate Vitamin G, Rawz and DeSide.
With all that said, its time for me take a deep dive into
Revolutionary and give you my thoughts…
The album is only six tracks long, which some might feel is
only EP length But let’s not judge here and get straight into it with Stankotic.
This one features Vitamin G and Rawz alongside Kemastry, bringing us a deep
beat that is back with some melodic piano vibes which gives this the kinda
sound that grips your focus while still letting you nod your head. This one
really seems to speak on the who so many people are just apathetic to the
struggles of others. But its not just the struggles of others, it is also how
those in a place of power conduct themselves and paint themselves as having a
valid reason for doing what they are doing, even if they are perpetrating a
genocide against an entire nation. They make themselves look to be the victim
and therefore to validated in what they are doing. These types of behaviours go
on at all levels of ruling and governing bodies throughout the world in the so
called developed world. Its time to be mindful and to drop the apathy, then we
can really see the truth of what is going on around us. Up next is Section
80 (I am Revolutionary) which has a proper head nod vibe to it with horns
in the background carrying you along and giving the sound a deeper edge.
Section 80 refers to the powers police have to stop and search you if they
suspect a crime might be, or about to be, committed. But, this track goes
beyond that at looks at society and all of the things that happen or are
perpetrated against us, that can push us to the point where we say enough is
enough, its time to stand up and make our voices know, and when you do this,
you revolutionise your thinking and you seek to revolutionise what happens in
society around you and they way you are treated, and you become revolutionary. Pantarei
switches the sound and the flow, taking on a more modern type of sound with
keys taking the forefront and a fractured beat that only pushing forward to
bring more strength to the words. This one is almost a spoken word track where
the focus looks at the flow of life and how everything appears to be collapsing
around us. Society exploits the most vulnerable and marginalised among us, with
those who have the money, keep the money and make everyone else pay, eventually
pushing many to the point of no return in many ways. One way out of this is a
way that is juxtaposed to what you hear but, is the very definition of the
title of the track. Pantarei comes from the philosophy of Heraclitus, the 6th
Century Greek philosopher, and is all about the flow of life and the fact we
are all constantly changing, and by that definition we can change for the
better just by changing our thoughts, our intentions, and focusing on a better
future, if we don’t do this, then life will continue on a downward spiral to
its ultimate end.
Happily brings an upbeat vibe from a solid head nod
beat and a background of xylophone notes bringing a chilled element. That
upbeat vibe from the beat is mirrored across the lyrics, as Kemastry delivers a
couple of verses that speak to you on a higher level, asking you to look past
all that negativity that invades your life every day; and to really live you
live in the best way possible, being the greatest expression of your true self.
Let go of the apathy and the agony and find that spiritual expression of who
you truly are and let that be your guide on the path of life. The positivity
continues with New Dawn, where DeSide joins the journey with us. Here
the chilled beat, keys and guitars all combine to bring a sound that reflects
the fact that the sun has broken through the dark clouds and in now shining
upon us with a loving warmth. This one has a reflective vibe to it, looking
back at all the struggles and the hurdles that life places in front of us, and
speaking on how we overcome those that truly show who we are as a person and
the strength and resolve we carry to express our true selves. Beyond that is
shows who we as a part of the one true people, the one true tribe that live on
this earth. It is a selfish lust for power that has created divide and separation
but, when you truly consider everything, we are all one. Rebel (Ms Hills
Outro) is the final track of the album and brings a chilled kind of sound
where the keys and faint sound of horns lift you up before the soulful vocal
sample carries you to a place where you listen intently to what is being said.
Here we are treated to the words that define what it is to Rebel while
simultaneously finding peace. This may seem like a strange concept to
understand but, speaking out and standing up for what you truly believe, does
not always mean fuelling the fire of rage and taking a violent stance to make
your point; you can still Rebel from a place of inner peace, because then you
will be able to find the most powerful way to make you point heard without harming
anyone, and this will make a point that can be felt the world over, in all the
hearts of those who can feel…
Now, normally in summing up I would begin by talking about
the impact the music and words had on me but, I just want to take a slight
detour here. There has been a lot of talk, recently, about albums being
released that have a short overall runtime with multiple short tracks; and I am
sure that some might say that about Revolutionary. However, whether you
consider this to be an album or EP length, one thing that is without doubt here
is that Revolutionary packs more into its six tracks and twenty one
minute runtime, than many full length albums do. Kemastry packs so much into
this album you forget the timings because it is speaking to you on a higher
level, one that stays with you long after the last bar has been laid down.
There is an impact here that will not fail to touch you, the
depth of the words and the emotive nature of the beats, will have you returning
to this one time and again. Revolutionary is infused with a passion and a
strength that you can literally feel in the depth of your being. It will get
you thinking about the world around you and those who are the victims and those
who are the perpetrators. It will have you thinking of how you can best take a
stand while still feeling and promoting a supreme level of peace, and it will
also make you realise that there is a time for taking action, which is not
always with a show of force, but that’s not to say that the use of force does
not have its place for the revolutionary who is seeking to make a point.
Kemastry brings some deeply emotive story telling with
intelligent wordplay that entertains as much as it instructs and supports. The realism
here that comes from personal experience, something that is invaluable when you
are speaking to people about the subjects that the album touches on; that authentic
energy helps you feel how much this one comes from a place deep inside and is
delivered with a desire to help people as much as it does to serve as an open
book on how to find peace but still be a revolutionary.
The words are the backbone and the brain of this album, but
the body is the solid production from King Boyden, who brings classic Hip Hop
production tinged with elements of modern vibes and many other influences which
all combine with Kemastry to give us a spiritual revolutionary figure, infused
with everything that is needed to be a true wise man in the world. That wise
spiritual creation brings together those other elements, who guest on the
album, who each bring a depth of storytelling that further strengthens and
deepens what this album achieves.
Revolutionary is one you do not want to miss. It is
an album that opens you up to knowledge and a new way to stand up and speak up
on the injustices that you see around you.
There is also a zine that is available alongside the album.
It features artwork from China Rose Jordan (who also did the album artwork) and
inspirational quotes and insights from Kemastry. It comes with a digital copy
of the album too. So, be sure to check that out too if you can.
Revolutionary is out now and is waiting for you to
listen in.
My humble thanks to Kemastry for giving me the chance to
bring this one to you.
Lunar Lounging is the debut album from UK DJ and Producer
Jakk Dexx and is released through Weaponize Records on 30th May this
year.
Now, I’m not gonna say too much about this before we get
into it but, it promises to be an album that is a huge introduction to his
unique style of futuristic, electronic and experimental sounds that are rooted
in the boom bap vibe. Dexx has also brought in a huge line up of talent from
the UK, Australia, USA and more, making this a debut that is truly
international offering.
With all that said, lets sit back and strap ourselves in for
a trip beyond the confines of our planetary body.
As you slowly lower the needle onto this one, there is a
brief respite before the rocket motors engage, and we are on our journey with Shelling.
This one features a massive line up of Tenth Dan (AUS), Stinkin’ Slumrok (UK),
Caesar Crow (AUS), Tanglemandan (UK), and DJ Grazzhoppa (Belgium). Lift-off
seems to be from a boost of a different kind, and we transition from this earth
in a mind-bending way as the drumbeat gets our heads nodding and the background
deep electronic vibes carry us along with a sound that seems to have an air of
trepidation. The wordplay and lyrical dexterity here bring us, not just a
demonstration of skill, but opens our minds ready for the journey’s
continuation, and all the while the bridge is full of cuts that hit like a
lightsabre, slicing deeply into our awareness. Probably True takes us
beyond the atmosphere with a beat that has you sitting back in your seat,
chillin’, while the plethora of electronic vibes and other sounds drift though
your mind like the stars as they pass by. Jack Jetson (UK) and Citizen Nuggz
(UK) bring us a couple of verses that make us realise that the fuel for our
journey is not just liquid, but a tightly packed herbal fuel that helps the
mind transcend the physical. Here the message is pretty simple, you might have
heard things going around and if you have heard them then are probably true. No
need to think too hard here just let the music and the words carry you and
speak to you on whatever level you need. Formi (UK) joins the journey here for The
Guy, where the beat takes on a more classic boom bap funk fuelled feel with
horns, keys, bass guitar and more, giving you a bit more adrenaline to get you
moving to the groove. This one has this vibe that seems to speak on those who
make themselves out to be more that they are, they might think they are the guy
but, right here and now, there is just one guy, and he is dropping the flavour
right here.
As our interstellar journey nears the moon Wundrop (UK)
joins us for Bricks & Mortar where a melodic beat and orchestral
vibes draw us in and the electronic elements first make you feel like you have
been transported underwater before switching to a rapid sound that tweaks the
nerves, these sounds switch back and forth, testing the limits of our mind.
Wundrop speaks frankly on life and how it goes around him as he prepares
himself for the next stage of his journey, constantly working and remaining
focused on what’s important and pushing forward. Warheadz has plodding
drum beat that is backed by keys, strings and electronic elements that seems to
sit between a sixties funk vibe and outer space futuristic vibes. As your mind
drifts on this, Adam Koots (AUS) steps up spinning metaphors and similes that
twist and turn in your mind, giving us a look just who he is and how he
conducts himself and that’s all you need to know really but, you get the
feeling you could sit and listen to him speak for the rest of the journey if
needs be. An outtake from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas gives you some idea,
or perhaps no idea where we are on our journey as the beat drops in and the
bells and electronic elements have our minds realising that we are just
floating through the cosmos, In The Bag. Citizen Nuggz and B Wun (UK)
open the bag and school us to all the things we need to help us make the most
of this journey as we move beyond space and time and slide more into the mind
and where that takes us when it is given the space to be truly open and tap
into other realms. Brew Break brings us to the halfway point of our
trip. This is a classic cut n’ paste style interlude that puts us once and for
all into orbit around the moon. Giving us time to enjoy all those elements and
have a chill while grinning all the while; Oh, and its up to you if you chose
to enjoy this with a real brew or not…
As we float around that celestial body, looking back down on
the earth, out mind cast back to bit of Summer Madness, where the beat
takes a more uplifting sound with an up tempo beat and fresh sounding horns,
bringing you the kinda beat that just makes you wanna move. Mysdiggi takes the
mic and spins us some fun stories that we have no problem in visualising and
enjoying. Mashed Potatoes keeps that upbeat sound going with a head nod
beat and keys that just bring a highly enjoyable sound. Jack Jetson and Sublingual
spin us bars with more food related similes than you can shake a stick at. At
this point of our journey there is a good chance that this one is gonna give
you the munchies if nothing else. Tenth Dan returns for The Meg, where
beats drops in a little harder while the electronic elements bring a
light-hearted sound, and that sound works so well with the lyrics that come
with more than a hint of bravado and maybe a sprinkling of braggadocio too as
Dan looks at how you don’t have to look a certain way and have certain things
to be better than others. Those that look good and have all the expensive
things are not necessarily the best at what they do, they just have things that
make them appear that way, while others have a natural talent that stands them
on the shoulder of giants.
As we float through the cosmos, we realise that we have
broken free of the moons orbit and are now getting Carried Away with a
proper head nod sound and electric guitar vibes that are both energetic and
chilled at the same time. Citizen Nuggz steps up, telling us how it is for him
and how he gets carried away gripping a page of paper and allowing his
imagination to run away with him and the places that takes him to. It seems
that we are now fully Space Trippin and the sound for this one is a full
on banger with cuts and the kinda sound that gets the adrenaline pumping and
the head nodding. Prev Marco (USA) is our captain for this leg of the trip,
laying the cards on the table and giving us a reason to trust him as rap pilot,
as the cosmos is just another step, another place to conquer and he has the
skills and the dedication to do it. The final track of the album brings to Lesson
One, this is a more relaxed affair with a heavy beat, electronic elements
and a classic piano break, giving us another banger that has you thinking that
this trip never needs to end. Lemon Larry (AUS) drops us a solid display of
just who he is and the skills he has but, there is a little more to it than
just a display of wordplay and lyrical dexterity, there is a lot here about
respect, something that, once you have listened to this album, you will have a
great deal of for Jakk Dexx and all the guests.
At this point you will be thinking that we are just going to
be left here, floating through space until perhaps we float by earth, once
more, and maybe we that float back down to solid ground? But no so fast, if you
grabbed the digital download, then your trip ain’t over just yet. Because you
now have Astro Travelling as a seven minute bonus track. Here we have
Jakk Dexx dropping a chilled drum beat with organ and synth sounds that carry
us along on this journey out to the moon. We are treated to a wealth of
answerphone messages from the guest artists, all trying to get hold of Dexx,
who is clearly away from his phone enjoying the serenity of the moon while
Lunar Lounging, no need to come back to earth now…
What is clear here is that we need Jakk Dexx to return from
his Lunar Lounging because this is one wicked debut that is screaming out for a
follow up already.
Overall, this is a truly impressive debut offering. The
beats are all between 72 and 94 BPM, so they are chilled enough to allow to sit
back an enjoy but, also there is enough energy in the sound to fire you up at
the same time. It might not have you jumping around but, it will definitely
have you chilling on the dark side of the moon, wishing you could be float
through the cosmos for eternity, viewing all the wonders that exist beyond our
atmosphere. Jakk Dexx has created a smoked out sound that seamlessly
incorporates these electronic and experimental vibes with a solid grounding in
the classic boom bap Hip Hop sound. I see no reason why you could not
completely trip out to these tracks as instrumentals, as much as you do to the
vocal versions.
Bringing in the international line up of emcees is top
notch. It is heavy on the UK side of things but, with those from Australia and
the US too it is a perfect display of just how Hip Hop can unite us across
borders and seas. Every emcee here looks to be on top of their game and I was
as impressed with those I was not familiar with from AUS, as I was with
everyone else. The quality of wordplay and lyricism on display here is a credit
to all involved.
I could not finish up this review without mentioning the use
of cuts. Jakk Dexx and DJ Grazzhoppa bring that final element of the Hip Hop
music to bear here. I always feel that a Hip Hop album is lacking a little
without cuts, so it good to hear proper cuts used to such good effect. Recently
I have seen many people talking on how the DJs within Hip Hop seem to be
treated as a secondary element. But the DJ was one of the founding elements
within the Hip Hop sound, so the DJ is more than just back up, the DJ is Hip
Hop, let’s not forget that.
Lunar Lounging is not just an experimental Hip Hop album. It
shows the quality of what can be done by a DJ / Producer who is willing to step
outside the box and bring in elements that do not fundamentally change the
sound but, give it extra depth and dimension that allows the listener to truly
experience the concept or vision that is the core of the project.
Lunar Lounging drops on Weaponise Records on 30th
May 2025. I suggest that you don’t sleep on this but tune in and take a journey
alongside Jakk Dexx.
It has been nearly two years since I featured my man
K-Saulz, and at that time he was working alongside production duo DiffHop but,
now he is back, and this time he teams up with another production duo, World of
Ghosts aka Context and Clarity, to bring you the Fortune Seller EP.
This was released just a few days ago on 5th May
and consists of four full tracks and an intro. The promo for the EP promises “a gritty, thought-provoking collaborative project, the EP delves deep
into the darker corners of the human experience, reflecting on toxic culture,
political unrest, and personal battles in an increasingly chaotic world. Rooted
in classic boom bap with a signature UK underground twist, World Of Ghosts
bring their trademark slow-tempo, head-nodding production, laced with eerie
atmospherics and heavy-hitting drums. K-Saulz and World Of Ghosts have created
a snapshot of modern struggle, survival, and truth—wrapped in raw beats and
uncompromising bars”.
Alongside K-Saulz and World of Ghosts,
there are guest appearances from Scrolls The Mystic, Verbz MC, Ill Sykes and
Seek Tha Northerner. With all that said, I hope I have whetted your appetite
enough…
So, join me know as we sit in a tent,
dimly lit by candles, and with the faint smell of incence filling the air…
World of Ghosts remain in the shadows
while K-Saulz takes a seat across the table from us, and once we cross his palm
with silver, he begins. The Intro sets the scene for us, with a down
tempo beat and some eerie key notes, we are drawn into an alternate reality,
created for us by the artist, where paranoia seems to be the order of the day;
something that, in truth is not that from the reality in which we currently
live.
Now things begin in earnest as K-Saulz
becomes the Fortune Seller, while World of Ghost brings a cinematic
sound scape of horns and strings, over plodding beat that floats along to faint
smoke of the incense sticks. K-Saulz captivates us with the depth of his
wordplay and poetic lyricism. As we listen to flow of these captivating words,
there are metaphorical lines that play havoc with our minds and have us
wondering if this is just the intricate flows of am emcee ahead of their time,
of if he is actually getting into our minds and dreams, giving us glimpse of
what is to come? As our minds spin, Scrolls The Mystic appears from the
shadows, seemingly forming from faint smoke that hangs in the air. He joins
K-Saulz for the Rebirth Of Cyrus and a heavy beat kicks in while bells,
keys, cymbals and more bring an eerie edge to proceedings. This one really
tests the limit of our understanding as words, metaphors and similes twist the
very nature of our understanding of the world around us. This goes some way to
mirror the constant stream of information, dis-information, and
mind-controlling information that our awareness is constantly exposed to every
day. It is how we individually process this information that controls how we
see and understand what is happening around us; a deep and, at times, troubling
thought that may make you re-examine what you see as truths and untruths.
The form of Scrolls The Mystic fades away
and is replaced by the form of Verbz MC for War Dance. Here, World Of
Ghosts brings us more heavy drums over which is a mix of guitars, harp, horns,
and much more that goes past eerie and tests our every nerve. K-Saulz and Verbz
MC bring intricate wordplay that serves to bring visions of all forms of
altercations, arguments, civil unrest, wars, and beyond. These visions might
come from what you see in the world around, with those around you, or even from
within yourself but, one thing is for sure, every day we see and experience
these things and must learn not to let them to seep to deeply into who we are,
or the negativity will take control of us and draw us into the darkness. The EP
draws to a close with Reality Check, something we definitely need right
now, and once more the swirling smoke begins to take on human form. This time
if takes on the form of Ill Sykes and Seek The Northerner, standing shoulder to
shoulder with K-Saulz. World Of Ghosts brings this melodic beat with bass,
bells, flute, and vocal samples which all mix to bring us this more uplifting
sound but, still with an air of the mystic. If you have been picturing
yourself, sat in this little tent, questioning just what reality is all about,
then this one will blow it all apart and have you trying to fit the pieces back
together like some mindboggling jigsaw puzzle. The guys take a deep dive into
many aspects of life in the world today and then tear it all apart leaving you
question everything and wonder just what goes where and what the bigger picture
truly is…
Once K-Saulz and World Of Ghosts have stepped away, you
leave that little tent with a sense that the Fortune Seller EP may not
have told you anything you did not know? However, what it has done is to sell
you a whole new way to look at the world around you and how you might see your
life and fortunes progressing. Music is a powerful medium that can paint an
audible picture for you that might, in this case, immediately seem to be a dark
representation of life but, as it seeps into your awareness more and more, you
realise that its all about how you view that reality and how much of the
negative aspects you allow to consume you. If you can take a step back and view
the world from a different standpoint and not allow the darkness in, things
look a whole lot different and you can walk forward knowing it will never
control you, and only you have the ultimate control of yourself and your
journey…
I have to say that I really enjoyed this one and how it
allowed me to have some fun with my interpretations. The production from World
Of Ghosts has this eerie, almost Trip Hop vibe to it but, still has that
foundation of solid boom bap Hip Hop. It is those subtle background sounds that
create the eerie vibe, and when laid over those down-tempo beats it just helps
you float along to the sound, as incense smoke hangs and floats through the
air. K-Sauls really goes all out here in demonstrating his intricate wordplay,
flows, and a deeply poetic edge that really draws you in and helps you get lost
in the moment. Bringing in a few solid emcees here also adds an additional edge
to the proceedings. Each guest emcee brings a different vibe that just adds a
subtle depth to those tracks, taking nothing away from K-Saulz but, fitting
perfectly with the overall vibe of the EP.
The Fortune Seller EP is one of those releases that
you can easily just bang in the car on your headphones and just enjoy the sound
but, equally it has a deep message that allows you to sit back and drink in
those words and let your self get completely immersed in the music.
If you have not checked this one already, then I humbly
suggest that you do so, because you’ll be glad you did. For me, it has me
wondering if there might be an album coming and also wanting to hear more from
World Of Ghosts.
Artwork comes from Fabio Sanna.
The Fortune Seller EP is out now, so don’t sleep on it.
Back in April this year I dropped a review of Triple Piraguaby Mic Mountain. Now I have the pleasure to bring you the next album from the
Washington based emcee. Mountain Dreams was originally released on March 7th,
the album is produced by SeenDaDream and features appearances from AA Rashid
(who also does the artwork for the album), Thirstin Howl the 3rd, Isis
Aset, Oba Olff, and Bri Bri, with all cuts coming from Mr Scratch Hook
The album also has a theme which is worth noting here as you
follow the narrative of the album, “a visionary hip-hop journey, weaving
together a sequence of prophetic dreams from one fateful night long ago. Each
track unfolds as a chapter in this vivid narrative, blending storytelling and
lyrical artistry”.
With that said, I don’t want to keep you hanging around, so
let’s dive into this album…
Strings, horns and a heavy drum beat form the backdrop to
the intro, immediately getting your head nodding. AA Rashid features here,
bringing us the Intro, giving us his thoughts on Mic Mountain and where
he see’s the future for him. The intro does not really set the seen for us on
what’s coming but, it kind of prepares us, allowing us to sit back and get
comfortable.
The album kicks off with Come Back Home which
continues the head nod vibe with more strings, vocal samples and drumbeat,
giving us this solid sound but, with those strings adding a sound that just
draws us away from our current reality. As we are draw into this Hip Hop
dreamscape, Mic mountain brings us the first chapter, An overview of life and
what a day might bring as it unfolds. AA Rashid returns for Da Jungle pt 2
(Interlude), guitar and a more chilled drumbeat keep us focused on the
lyrics as AA Rashid gives us thoughts on the heard mentality and the power the
heard has if they chose to focus their combined energy in one direction. This
thought sets the seen for Da Jungle pt 2, the beat here that has cuts,
keys and drums, that all come together to bring an upbeat sound that ramps up
the adrenaline levels. This one looks at harsh realities of life on the streets
but, here in dreamland we swap the concrete jungle for the true jungle habitat,
a place where we see the threats of streets transformed into the animals and
dangers that about in a place where you might find yourself out of place, and
at the same time aware of the what those who are native to this place,
experience on a daily basis. It might not be pretty but, it is home. Drums,
guitars, and cuts are the foundation for Snakes, this sound has a
mariachi vibe to it, and that story telling vibe fits so well here as Mic
Mountain speaks on those snakes who hide in the jungle, but these snakes are
the ones who might appear to be your friend or acquaintance, but in reality,
are there to strike when you least expect it. Beware of those around you as you
never know which ones might be the snakes.
From the jungle, our backdrop shifts to the desert and a Desert
Sunrise (Interlude). Drums, cymbals, and guitars bring us another mariachi
vibe, but this time the sound is more laid-back. This is more of an extended
interlude that is a look at the story of the Mountain Dreams album from an
interview. This is almost like a break in your dream where you briefly wake and
blink, wondering where you have just been, before rolling over and going back
to sleep…
Tornado Warning takes us back into dreamland in a big
way with a heavy beat that is underpinned with piano vibes. Your head starts
nodding and you realise that this is no ordinary tornado, this is a tumultuous
situation that comes from the strength of the lyricism and the fact that there are
no punches pulled here with a graphic look at world around Mic Mountain.
Thirstin Howl the 3rd joins Mic Mountain for Midnight Oil,
where piano notes take the forefront on the beat, giving this one a deeper edge
that seems made for the dark streets. Here we are treated to slick display of
wordplay, similes, and metaphors as the streets are transformed into a
nightmarish world where you fears come at you in many different forms.
Just as with any dream you are often dragged into an
alternate reality, opposed to where you just were and that is what happens with
WrestleMania Entrance Music. The Macho Man brings us into this one to a
heavy sound that is heavy on the guitars, but with a beat that gets your head
nodding along with more Wrestling name drops than elbows in the ring. OHH
YEAH!!! This one is all about the new tag team duo of Mic Mountain and
SeenDaDream, and it’s time for them to enter the scene.
French Arab Joint flips things once more back into
another dreamscape. Here we are backed by slick beat that is backed by
xylophone notes, guitars, and keys, with vocal samples that bring a real
surreal feal to things. Wordplay abounds here in a way that takes us to more
places like mixing THC into our dream journey, yeah that just happened. Still reeling
from that last aspect of the dream journey, Indian Boy brings another
mind-bending sound that has native American edge to it with a mix of drums,
strings and keys. This one seems to relate to Mic Mountains native American
heritage and how that mixes with their history, treatment in America, and how
their heritage has so many prophetic aspects that relate to what is happening
in the world around us. Isis Aset now joins Mic Mountain on Smokin Da La La,
the beat has a very chilled vibe to it, created by the drums, guitars, and
keys. This one looks at their experiences of smoking the bud and how it affects
them but, also has the effect of relaxing them and taking the focus away from
negative aspects of the world around them. Horns and chimes draw us into Just
Like Heaven, before a classic beat drops in. This sound gives us a vibe
that has an emotive edge to it, which fits perfectly with the lyrics. Mic
Mountain speaks openly on the love he has for his wife, but this is more than
just a love song, it is an expression of what love is, what it means, and how
it truly touches us on so many levels in the time we spend with that special
someone.
Summer Time Joyride finds Mic Mountain and
SeenDaDream taking us on a trip in a new ride. The beat has that summertime
upbeat vibe that makes you wanna turn up the sound and wind down the windows.
This one has all the hallmarks of that summer soundtrack vibe, so listen in and
drift of into the sunset with this one. Time for another break with the Mountain
Dreams (Interlude) which features Oba Olff. The drums, bass, and keys give
this one an air of contemplation about it. The message in this one is about the
traits that people can have. This one speaks to me as I very much intuit the
music when I am writing and so it is important to listen to those little ways
that speak to you. Find what best works for you and trust in it, let it guide
you in life. As we think on that short interlude, its time for the title track
of the album, Mountain Dreams. Get your head nodding to this one as the
drums get you moving and the strings, in the background, keeps you floating
along. Here we find Mic Mountain relating a dream to us; this is emotive moment
as it speaks to us on the deep and prophetic nature that dreams can have, in
fact, all dreams have that nature, it is just up to us to find what each one
means to us, because our dreams are as individual as we are and it is the
content, people and situations within that can say so much to us, as strange as
they might seem at times. With that thought still in mind, AA Rashid returns to
take us out of the album with the Outro. The beat thumps once more, the
piano notes bring an edge that just holds our attention for the lyrics. AA
Rashid brings us a positive message to end the album, assuring us that we are
doing well and all is good. To end the album with this positive message is
truly uplifting and that is just what we need right now…
What is really apparent here is that, if we take into
context that is all set in a dream world, then there is a lot that you can read
into this. In fact, you might find that you get something different every time
you listen. If you were to write your dreams down, then every time you go back
and read that, it would speak to you in different ways, depending on your
situation at the time of the dream, or the situation you were in when you next
read about that dream, and listening to this album is likely to be just like
that.
Dreams are very prophetic, even though they might seem like
a random collection of weird symbolism that has no real relationship to
anything in our lives. But the more to consider different aspects of that
symbolism and combine it with the people and settings, you might begin to
understand the meaning. Mountain Dreams is very much like that, as you
listen through the album, it might seem like these are just random tracks with
intelligent lyricism. Yes, they might have individual meaning but, don’t have
any kind of relationship to each other.
However, the flow of the album is like a river that makes
its way across different terrain and differing scenic displays but ultimately
reaching the same destination. That river flows the same way in different
seasons, different weather conditions. There will be subtle changes along the
way, over time, but the end is always the same. So, consider this when listen
to the album, you might interpret it different to me, but then you are supposed
to as you are not me, and I am not you.
Overall, Mountain Dreams sees Mic Mountain and SeenDaDream
bring us a solid Hip Hop album with intelligent and creative wordplay that is
matched by the kind of production that has the heart and soul of Hip Hop at its
core. But, add to that the depth of Mic Mountains personal experience here and
you get an album that hits on many levels, inviting you to think and feel
things you might expect with a Hip Hop sound. But you can bump this one in the
car with the windows down and volume up or, you can sit back, chill out and let
it soak into your awareness in the comfort of your own home. All I suggest is
that you let it flow as was intended, from start to finish, no stopping, no
skipping, just let it flow…
My huge that’s to Mic Mountain for allowing me to bring this
one to you and having that faith in the intuitive nature of my words.
