Album Review: End Of The World by Sublime Wizardry

 

End Of The World

By

Sublime Wizardry

It’s been nearly ten years since we last heard from Sublime Wizardry and twelve years since their last LP was released. But now two of the original members, Remark and Merlin, have reunited to bring that unique blend of European and UK Hip Hop back, and if they are back then you can be rest assured that they have something to say…

The new album is entitled End Of The World, which seems pretty apt right now, in light of what is happening around the world. The album is self-released, like most of their back catalog. Now, anyone who is familiar with their previous releases will be eagerly anticipating this one so, I’m not gonna keep you waiting, let’s get into it…

The album is fifteen tracks deep and kicks off with Welcome In The End which serves as the albums intro. But there is no easing you into this one as Merlin creates this mind-bending sound that has a foundation of a drum beat but, over this is this twisted mix of sonic sounds and more, which serves to give it a somewhat dark and unhinged vibe. Remark brings some almost spoken word lyrics that do nothing to alleviate the impact on your mind. But this is all about puling no punches and exposing the true reality of the world around you. With your mind literally ripped open we dive straight into the first single released from the album, Man Bites Dog. Big orchestral notes and piano frame the heavy boom bap style beat getting you nodding your head as you are drawn to Remarks vocals. There seems to be a lot here about the misdirection that is put in front of us every day, how the powers that be utilise the media to twist the narrative to their own ends; to justify their evil agendas. You need to raise your own energy above this to help you understand what’s going on and to see it for what it truly is. With your mind opened up you begin to see where this is taking you and so we move on to the Archons, where we see a huge energy shift as Merlin brings a huge sound that takes the drum beat and places strings and horns over it, he then mixes in some sonic vibes that once more twist your awareness beyond the 3D world. This one appears to take a look at the armies of the world, those who march into battle but, we see that in so many conflicts these armies are made up of ordinary people who are thrust into horrors of war to protect what they can from the power hungry. These conflicts feel less like wars and more like the satisfaction of a blood lust for money and power.

Fall Down sees a proper drum beat merge with some big orchestral sounds and piano to bring us a vibe that injects your veins with a hit of adrenaline. This one looks at the fact that those who perpetrate the lies and twist the truth to their own ends, will eventually fall from all they have built up around them and will shown for what they truly are. Drums and sonic sounds merge and intertwine on Shadows In The Dark, creating the kind of vibe that has you constantly looking over your shoulder. Remark brings an almost spoken word stance here as he opens up about the one place where few chose to look. That place in beyond darkness of closed eyes and into the world of our own shadow side. This is something few do but, when you do confront and work with your shadow side, bringing balance to your true self, the benefits are beyond what you might think. You just have to find the courage to face it within yourself. Merlin brings another mind-numbing sound of drums and electronic sounds on Face The Fear, where he also brings in some eerie piano to further stretch your already frayed nerves. Remark speaks directly to your soul with lyrics that seem as twisted as the sound but, the message is simple here, the one way to escape the constant barrage of negativity that is thrust before you everyday is just to face that fear head on. The more you do this the cloak of deceit will fall away and you will be able to see the truth and live that truth.

The Serpent and Dove has this huge organ sound over the drumbeat, this gives way to synth vibes which gives this one a sound that is straight out of a John Carpenter movie. The serpent and dove and the very definition of good and evil, truth and lies, war and peace, and that seems to be reflected in remarks lyrics here where its all about the battles we all face between what is right and wrong as we walk the journey of life. Piano and synth vibes bring us into Allies and Enemies before the beat kicks in and the energy ramps up. This one is a natural progression from the previous track, another aspect of the light and dark sides of life, where things can change so easily, and we so often do not see the truth of who is who but, by walking our paths in the light and coming from the heart in all we do, makes it so much easier to understand who stands with us in the light and who stands close but in the shadows. They Got Em hits with a heavy sound that has this heavy drum beat over which is this multi-layered sound with piano, electronic vibes and so much more. This serves to raise the adrenaline levels once more as the guys take a look at tyranny and democracy. There is little you can say about this one but, it goes on around us every day, the governments use lies and the media to control us, keeping us exactly where they want us, in a place of perpetual fear, where they look like the only saviours.

Crazy Shit twists your mind with a heavy beat, heavy horns, sonic sounds and eerie vocal samples. This might seem like the weird part of some messed up movie but, really this one is just paralleling how our minds get stretched to the limit by what we see and what happens around us. It feels like everything is spiralling out of control and everyone is losing their minds or perhaps they are simply giving in to the sheep mentality? Who knows what the truth is but, it takes a strong heart to find the peace in all this. Thunder, heavy drums and bass alongside sonic sounds, bells and more form the soundscape of Bang On, which will have you bouncing no doubt. For me, this seemed to say a lot about always speaking your truth no matter what. There might be no one listening to what you have to say but, it is important that you continue to speak that truth because it is the essence of who you are. The minute you lose your truth, you become one of the sheep, so keep banging on because sooner or later, the truth will out. Reality or Fantasy sees the guys bringing more truth, and here its all about what situation we choose to live in? Do you want to live the reality of the 3D world or in a fantasy world, maybe similar to the matrix, where nothing is real. Our own reality might be harsh and difficult for us to navigate, at times but, at least we have a say over how our journey plays out. The fantasy world might seem that way too but, it is more likely to be a controlled environment where you will never have control over anything. Which one seems more appealing…

A huge mix of pounding drums, orchestral notes and guitar note creates this heavy soundscape that almost blows you away on Dark Riders. It took a minute to grasp this one but, it really speaks on the futility of conflict and war. The dark riders are those who bring war, death and destruction, where no one wins; even those who appear to win are left with the indelible mark of what they have done, something that lives with them always. The albums penultimate track is also the albums title track, End Of The World. The beat, organ sounds and orchestral sections, bring a slightly uplifting vibe that eases the weight of what has gone before. The message here is no less potent that the rest of the album, it just delivered in a way that sums up the calm before the end. This one is like a summing up of what has gone before, making peace with everything before you let it all go, watching the sun set one last time as the human race all but passes from existence. Even at the end there is a glimmer of hope that a new life will rise and perhaps we are Still Breathing; this one serves like the outro, leaving us with one last hope. The drums are heavy, alongside organ notes, sonic vibes and the sound of a Geiger counter clicking. There is a sense here that nothing has truly ended, and this is a final ode to what has gone before and a hope of what is to come.

 

The return of Sublime Wizardry brings us a dark vision of a world inhabited by a dying race. A race that has killed itself through greed and self-destruction. Only those who were truly awakened to the truth were able to survive and be the seeds of a new hope. That is exactly how this album seems as you progress through it. The main thing here is not sugar coat the reality of what is going on in the world around us. It is about being honest that the few will always seek to control the many through a self-centred greed of wealth and power.     

Yes, there is a sense that all is not lost and that there are those who are waking up to stark truth of the reality we live in. People who see it for what it is and are looking for ways to bring balance back to our society and the world we live in. Because it is not just the human race that needs saving but, the natural world too.

Sublime Wizardry brings a dystopian future to bear on End Of The World both through Merlin’s deep and at times, dark soundscapes that create all sorts of visions in your mind as you listen. Then Remark brings his own conscious lyrics forth, creating a description that is only to real but, that stark reality and those visions are almost softened into the background at time as his vocals seem to create a vibe that is juxtaposed to sound and the content of what you hear. It is like an elder is telling these stories to a youth who are going to be the new race and the harsh stories must be given with a sense of ease to soften the blow as it were…

End Of The World is a solid album that will elicit many different emotions as you listen. The impact of both the vocal and production is intense and almost brings a new edge to the notion of conscious Hip Hop.

End Of The World is something you need to hear and Remark and Merlin have brought Sublime Wizardry back with an insightful and pounding impact.

End Of The World is out now.

My humble Thanks to Remark for helping me bring this one to you.

 

See you next time,

Steve

LINKS

Grab your copy here:

https://sublimewizardry.bandcamp.com/album/end-of-the-world 

Sublime Wizardry Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100024269809312

VIDEOS

Man Bites Dog

 

 

 

 

 

Album Review: Giants Of Defiance by Fireball Flingaz

 

Giants Of Defiance

By

Fireball Flingaz

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time for me to be outta here,

See ya next time,

Steve  

LINKS

Get your copy at the Inflamer website Here:

https://www.inflamer.uk/

Fireball Flingaz on Bandcamp:

https://fireballflingaz.bandcamp.com/

Fireball Flingaz on Facebook Here:

https://www.facebook.com/fireballflingaz

VIDEOS

Fuck The Matrix

Strike

N.M.K - Not My King

 

 

Album Review: Grown Up Too by Legs MC

 

Grown Up Too

By

Legs MC

 

Grown Up Too is the latest album from Legs MC (aka Daddy Legs), originally from Brighton, he started rapping at age 17 in pubs and clubs until he met Graff artist and producer, Req1, at a Slip Jam B open mic night. Req1 taught him the art of making beats and recording his own material. Legs went on to record a string of self-made albums, these went worldwide and earned him collaborations with artists from Japan and Australia. His own songs also featured on German record label, Moon Circle Project. 2008 saw his first professional record, Cheyne Stokes, released after he signed to Latest Records. The project featured an impressive cast list including the likes of Professor Elemental, Wordsmiff and Dizraeli. When things went ‘pear-shaped’ at the label Legs withdrew from the scene altogether, choosing to become a mature student and earn a BA Hons in Film and Screen Studies.

It was during the pandemic lockdowns that Legs returned to recording, releasing ‘7 Year Itch’ in 2022, and he kept the momentum going releasing ‘Grown Up’ early in 2023, his most important project to date, featuring Mic Righteous and Frukwan of the Gravegiggaz. He even featured in the top 100 of the Wu-Tang Clan’s Saga Continues competition. Now, five months on from ‘Grown Up’ comes Grown Up Too and without further ado, join me on trip through the album, and with features from the likes of Remark, Verbz MC (Bristol MC, not Verbs from High Focus) and Krash Slaughta, you can bet this one’s gonna be a treat…

Guitar notes and horns bring us into Wicker Manned, before the beat kicks in and gets your head nodding. In not much more than two minutes, Legs says more than some say in an entire album. He begins by looking at the control used by, and lack of respect given by the UK government and what that really says about what’s going on around us, before moving on to open up about the rap scene and those who chose not to support even though he offered the hand of friendship. There is a hint of coming together and standing as one here or to risk being ones burned in sacrifice, or could it be that Legs MC will be the one to do the burning, with a no-nonsense approach to bringing the facts and lyrics of fury? Drums and strings and the main elements of the sound of The Wizard, which has a slightly dark element to the sound but, it keeps you moving. Using a spin on the tale of The Wizard of OZ, Legs MC gives us three tales of different types of emcees, the strawman who makes a lot of money from rap without using any intellect to say anything of worth, the tinman who copies those who came before him because he doesn’t have the heart for what needs to be said and then the cowardly emcee who has all the talent to go far but, lacks the strength to put himself out there in any way be it physical content or live. Legs MC is one who leads by example using his mind, his heart and soul to bring reality and truth to his work. Bass, strings, and horns are the intro for Night Life, which features Sir Mozart on production, the beat drops in and creates this infectious upbeat sound. The focus of this one is stories from nights on the streets in Brighton but, these are taken from experience too, nothing made up here, just the stark reality of life on the streets once the sun goes down on seaside city that has a huge drug culture.

Business keeps it upbeat with a beat that thumps with drums and guitar notes. Here Legs MC details his love of Hip Hop music and keeping it real to the sound and while most of the time its all about business and working hard to produce good music, there are times when you just gotta have some fun, and this is what this track is all about, balancing the business and the just-for-fun time. Keys and strings form the backdrop the drums on Imposter Syndrome, featuring Remark, Mike Dennis and Krash Slaughta on the cuts; this one has a deep dark edge to the sound. The message here is all about the fact that no one is who they seem, or they just want to be like someone else because the media and record labels hype up the likes of Drake or the Kardashians, implying that real rappers are this or you have to look like these people and act like that person. It is thrust in our faces so much that, especially the young people, feel the peer pressure to look a certain way, and if they don’t, they will not fit in or be accepted. All this does is cause damage to their mental health, leading to so many young people seeking a way out rather than not to fit in. It is a sad state of affairs that being yourself is no longer looked on as authentic but, by being your true authentic self is the one way you can be you and not an imposter. We step over the tipping point of the album with Boss, featuring Undadwella and Verbz MC, this one has a classic breakbeat mixed with keys and bass, giving a banging boom bap, head nod sound. This one speaks to me in different ways as really shows the contrast between working the daily grind as an employee or one where you are your own boss. I have been on both sides of this; being an employee most of my life until ill health made me my own boss a couple of years ago. Being your own boss is, for me, a better situation to be in, I might not make any money right now but, at least I am not being pushed beyond my physical or mental capabilities. Now I am able to nurture the parts of me that can bring out my best abilities, something no boss has ever tried to do for me. I’m not saying all jobs are like this but, sometimes we have to decide what is best for ourselves. Sadly, the society we live in means that a job is very often the only way to make ends meet.

Next, the Rhyme Advocates, The Epochs, join Legs MC on Five Oceans. Strings and keys give this one an almost orchestral feel before the beat drops in with some horns, that give this a deeper vibe, that seems to touch your very soul. The more you listen to this track the more you pick up, the more it seems to say to you and the more it makes you think; and that is key here you need to think with this one as it really seems to be about the art of being creative and authentic at the same time. It’s about being individual and true to yourself that makes you stand out from the other around you. Do what you do but, do it in a way that is unequivocally you. What is also of note here is that Legs son’s join him on the track, they do a little bit on each album now, and Zackary (who is 4) provides the little sung intro, with Raphael (who is 3) providing the little outro. A head nod beat mixed with some electronic sounds gives Woke a kind of nerve tingling edge, making focus on the words a little more. Legs MC looks at the fine line between being awake and woke; in a culture where everyone has an opinion on everything, and the so-called cancel culture has the power to destroy a career or the hard work that has been done by someone. Are things really going too far these days, what really is the point of all this, and do you really know if you are truly awake or just think you’re woke! Think about it, I mean really think about it, only by looking deep inside yourself can you know if you are coming from yourself or just following a trend and the views of others, think for yourself, don’t let other do the thinking for you.

Angry Tune has a thumping beat with strings and John Carpenter style electronic vibes, all of which ramps up the adrenaline, getting you fired up. There are times when we all need to rant on what we see and experience around us, and this is exactly what Legs MC does here is to have a rant, not at anyone in particular but, just letting off a bit of steam, and there is nothing wrong with that. The final track is a bonus, it’s the Back to Burgess Remake, the original being from the ‘Grown Up’ album. The sound mixes drums, organ notes and electric guitar with sonic sounds, giving this a nerve shedding, mind numbing sound. Here Legs MC takes us back to being sixteen, just out of school and getting a job as a labourer, trying to make a bit of money but, all the while his mates are out having fun and getting messed up on the sherbet. It’s a tough position for a youngster to be in, you want to be out with your mates but, there is pressure on you to go get a job as soon as you can.

 

So, lets get real here, there is a lot to like about this album. Musically, the production is all on point here and carries the album along at a nice pace, bringing a cracking audible canvas of mixed vibes that perfectly match the vibe of the vocals. Legs MC produced, mixed, and mastered the entire album, except ‘Night Life’ which is produced, as noted, by Sir Mozart. This shows and incredible creative strength that makes the album really stand out, not just that but lyrically he is very strong too. He has a great style that mixes up the flows and has an engaging quality to it. It is kind of like you are sat listening to a lecture as someone is speaking of the real-life stories they experienced during their life. It’s hard to exactly explain it but, for lack of a better word, it is the authenticity it coveys in a lyrical sense. Top to bottom Grown Up Too is packed with authentic stories from Leg MC’s life. There are no fake stories here that have been made up just to get people listening, in fact that very thing is something that he dislikes, and which you hear mentioned.

Something that I really liked about the album was that each track gave great food for thought and its relatability gave me plenty of scope to bring my own experiences into play, alongside what he was relating from his own experiences. Grown Up Too, like a good many UK underground albums I’ve heard recently, could easily generate some healthy debates as you listen to each track, which for me shows the depth of what is going into the UK Hip Hop music right now. It also displays just how much heart is going into music from Legs MC and others, plus the love of the music and that desire to create good music.

Bringing in some cracking guests into the fold always helps and Legs MC brings in names you easily know like Remark (Glastonbury) and Krash Slaughta (Glasgow), alongside the likes of Verbz MC (Bristol), Sir Mozart, Mike Dennis, Undadwella (Australia), Rhyme Advocates (Brighton), The Epochs (Las Vegas, USA), who you might not instantly recognise but, all of whom bring that individual energy and depth to the project. It also gives that universal Hip Hop aspect to the project, once more showing how Hip Hop crosses borders and unites us through music. I also liked the fact that Legs has his sons on the album, giving them a little credit and giving that track a proper family affair kinda vibe, which brings a whole new depth and heart to things, I loved that.

Overall, Grown Up Too is a solid album which oozes authenticity, relatability and reflects the ups and downs of our current reality. This is one of those albums that will never lose its appeal as the subject matter will always be relatable in some way, shape, and form.

Most definitely one you need to give a good listen to.

Grown Up Too is released on 28th August, Pre-orders are live now.

My thanks to Legs MC and to Remark for putting my name forward.

On that note,

I’m out.

Steve

LINKS

Get Grown Up Too from Bandcamp:

https://daddylegsmc.bandcamp.com/album/grown-up-too

Legs MC Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/legsmc

https://www.instagram.com/daddylegsmc/

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OFFICIAL VIDEOS

Wicker Manned

The Wizard

Angry Tune

Back To Burgess Remake

 

 

 

 

Album Review: SUB-ATOMIC BOOM BAP and a FISTFUL of RAP by IMMUNE

 

SUB-ATOMIC BOOM BAP

AND A FISTFUL OF RAP

By

IMMUNE

 

Sub-Atomic Boom Bap and a Fistful of Rap is the debut release from IMMUNE, the duo of Psykoid and Cylas aka the new alter egos of UK emcee, vocalist, producer, and multi-genre spanning Remark (Psykoid) and Swiss producer Silas (Cylas) who also mixes it up when it comes to his genres of music.

Anyone who has followed my reviews will be well acquainted with these two by now, both as individual artists and from their work together. If you have not followed the reviews to date then, Why Not? Just kidding but, you should definitely check my previous reviews.

Anyway, lets get back on track and see just what Immune has to offer across the following eleven tracks…

The Album kicks off with The Mirror which slowly draws you into this multi-layered sub-sonic sounding boom bap vibe from Cylas. Psykoid takes us on a melodic trip that not only seems to ask us to truly look at ourselves but, it also asks us to look at us as beings on this planet. What do you see when you, your life and everything that humans have done on this planet, to this planet and too each other, is reflected to you as you gaze deep into the surface of The Mirror? With your mind still reeling from that initial cerebral onslaught, grows and sonic sounds grab your attention before drums join the sonic waves and you are opened up to the Sleeping Tiger inside ya. Immune presents us with what at first seems like a post-apocalyptic digital vibe but, you soon realise it is just another view of the current world society. Everywhere you go and every situation that presents itself to you can open up an opportunity for that sleeping tiger to be unleashed But, don’t think this one is coming from the outside in, this sleeping tiger dwells within and with either be unleashed on those around you or it will consume you. The choice is yours as to which it is…

Drums and sounds like those of sirens herald the next track. Soon keys, percussion, guitars, and more sonic sounds drop in alongside Psykoid’s vocals. Somebody goes beyond looking at yourself in the mirror and makes you wonder what would happen if you could wrestle with your own mind about who you are within your own body, who you wanted or didn’t want to be and then, just as your mind is recovering from that possibility, throws in the realisation that one day you will transcend the human body and have no body, where you once knew a body. This is a deep concept one that some of us already understand but, where does it take you? Huge sonic sounds and drums invade your mind, as the intro to The Shadow teases another cerebral conundrum. The grimy edge to this one keeps you focused on the message. That message is all about the self and the fact that external pressures constantly seek to keep you down and under control but, the self needs to learn and to kick back against those pressures and show that it will not be suppressed and will ultimately be free to speak its truth. Synths and sonic electronic sounds take over your mind before the pounding drums and guitars take control of your body. This is one for the Headstrong, those who refuse to be held back and controlled by the powers that be. They know their self-worth and have aligned with their soul’s purpose and always move forward drawing on core beliefs and values, staying true to the origins of their culture. They equal to all, never standing above or below anyone but, simply being shoulder to shoulder with everyone.

Cylas gives us a sonic grime vibe on Sun Rays with heavy bass alongside the electronic sonic sound that has your mind whirling. There are a lot of messages packed into this one and initially you might be forgiven for thinking this one is all about the weather but, listen a bit deeper and you realise that the weather aspect here is just a reflection of how the current state of society has most people feeling there are dark clouds hanging over their heads, created by the power and money hungry few who feed on the blood sweat and tears of the many. There is also a reference here to gun crime but, that can be extended to knife and other violent crimes. We need to bring back the lighter days that are filled with sun rays, stop killing each other and make a stand against the corrupt politicians and make our voice heard. The sub-atomic boom bap is in full effect on Demons at the Door. The sonic sounds here really twist your mind into weird mind states as Psykoid takes aim at all those who have no substance, no heart, and no real desire in what they do. In music this is all those who try to sound like the next man because their only desire is to make money but, by not bringing their true selves to their craft, they only serve to bring more and more of their own demons to their door, who will eventually bring them down. What is key is to be you, to bring who you truly are, you heart and your own experience to the floor. Do this and you can succeed in all you do, even when you try something new. Synths and heavy drums are the basis of Balance, the pounding of the drums really impress the message deep into your mind. That message is focused on the fact that there are negative forces all around us in our daily life. We cannot allow those forces to take control and we can only do that by bringing balance to life. It’s all about us everyday people being more aware of what’s going on around us, waking up to reality and bringing positive vibes wherever we go and with all those we meet.

Intense digital sonic vibes invade your ears before solid boom bap drums have you punching the air. This is exactly what Immune intended as Exile (Fireball Flingaz) joins them to Put ‘Em Up. The energy and intensity are ramped up here as the boys deliver a banger that is a homage to all those who keep that real Hip Hop music and culture alive. This one is for emcees, the writers, the DJs, and the beat makers. There is also no messing about here and no room for the mumble and wack rappers, this is for the hardcore headz and all the rest better just step off. An ominous cloud of digital sonic and grimy vibes darkens the mood. Immune throw multiple razor-sharp beats and rhymes into your body and soul ready to tear you apart. This is The Horror, an unapologetic look at the dark side of the world around us and it is not just the horror that we see and hear daily, it’s also about the horrors that we don’t see like peido’s in high places and hidden agendas such as Eugenics and population control. It’s not nice to hear but, something we have to be aware of if we are to survive. The album ends with a deluge of Acid Rain, pounding drums and grimy vibes pervade as the sonic sounds settle into the background. The message here is that with everything that is setting society on course to implode, it is important not to get caught up in the plan. We must remember and cultivate the lost knowledge that has been torn from our history. What will get us through is understanding that unity, balance, and the ultimate realisation that love is the most powerful thing we have, and it can overcome all obstacles we face.

Sub-Atomic Boom Bap and A Fistful of Rap creates this dystopian vision of a post-apocalyptic world where we live in a digital Tron like Matrix where we are controlled and kept subservient to some minority of evil overlords, whom we once called governments. Is this a true representation of where we are heading or is it just a warning? What does really become apparent from listening to this is that it takes awakened minds to see the truth behind what is thrust upon us everyday through the media outlets and way social media controls what and who we see in so many ways. There is so much in this album that asks you to be aware of what is going on around you, be yourself and discover the true meaning of what it is to be you. Don’t get caught up in being dragged down by the day-to-day pain, suffering and don’t be consumed by anger. Find that peace inside you and use that peace and the core energy of love to bring balance to the world around you.

Aside from all that Immune have also given us one hell of a banging Hip Hop album. Yes, there are some influences from different genre’s, some of which are more modern in their vibe but, none of that takes away from the concept and delivery of the music. Cylas has cooked up this impressive sound scape that has Hip Hop as its core value but, around it he merged this musical vision of a futuristic digital age where a matrix universe and a Tron like universe have collided releasing a devastating sonic shockwave. What this does is to provide Psykoid with the perfect backdrop to unload his deep penetrating lyrical onslaught. Using his intelligent and deeply knowledgeable mind state, he delivers lyrical mastery that not only educates and invites you to open your mind and your third eye but, his adept wordplay spins your awareness to a place where you feel your being integrated into a digital version of yourself like Neo in the Matrix or Dr Will Caster in Transcendence.

All in all, Sub-Atomic Boom Bap and a Fistful of Rap is both a view of a digital dystopian future and a hugely enjoyable Hip Hop album, merged into one that has you punching the air one minute and then expanding beyond three dimensions, the next. Utilising stunning futuristic production and a mix of socially, politically, and spiritually aware vocals, it takes to the edge of reality and back again. Ultimately it invites you open your mind, be aware and make yourself Immune…

Sub-Atomic Boom Bap and a Fistful of Rap is available now from Giftklass Labor, digitally and on strictly limited CD and USB editions. So, grab one before the powers that be make ‘em illegal…

Till next time, I’m out,

See Ya,

Steve

LINKS

Get the album from Immune Bandcamp Here:

https://immunemusic.bandcamp.com/album/sub-atomic-boom-bap-and-a-fistful-of-rap

VIDEOS

The Mirror