Album Review: Neither Collar Nor Crown by Vagrant Real Estate

 

Neither Collar Nor Crown

By

Vagrant Real Estate

 

Neither Collar Nor Crown is the new album from Aberdonian producer Vagrant Real Estate. He has been dropping albums since 2017, is part of the UK Crew It’sLeftField, and with this latest album focuses on Scottish artisty past and present, drawing on diverse sounds including Scottish folk, Traditional and Gaelic, alongside Gospel/R&B and live brass sounds. The album also features lyricism in both English and Gaelic, plus elements of choir and spoken word.

The album features twenty-five artists all in, with names such as Jackill, Bemz, and Globally renowned folk singer Iona Fyfe all featuring on an album that promises to stand as one of the essential Scottish Hip Hop projects.

This album was originally released back in November 2025, so there is a reasonable chance that some of you may have heard this already. However, for those of you that have not, I have just set the scene here and given you a lot to anticipate.

So, as I’m dying to get into this one, let’s get into it…

 

It all kicks off with a short little intro, At The Edge Of The World, a little sample that seems to have been taken from an old public information film about Scotland, just to draw you in. The first track is Go With The Flow which features Jackill, Katherine Aly, AiiTee, Florence Jack and Danny Cliff on vocal duties. The sound on this one mixes a nice head nod beat with strings, harp elements and a sung chorus that give this one a sound that you can easily drift off to. As you listen to the rap vocals and sung elements, there is a very reflective edge to this one. You get the sense that it’s all about looking back to see how far you’ve come to get to where you are now. Just going with the flow has made you who you are, but there is also the hope that continuing with the flow of life will finally help you to know true freedom from the struggles that life puts before you. HOTB is up next and features Jackill, Madhat McGore and DJ Fak of Dope Inc. Cuts, a dope beat, guitar elements and choir sounds, all mesh together to bring a sound that feel from the inside out. I might be mistaken here but, HOTB appears to stand for Home Of The Brave. There is a deep aspect to this one that refers to country of Scotland and what it means to make it your home. You can feel the passion they have for their home country, its music and so much more. There has been a lot of negative and racist comments, and such aimed at Scotland and Scottish artists over the years, and you also get the sense that this is aimed at setting the record straight, showing that Scottish artist have a lot to offer on the Hip Hop scene and beyond. Public Health Announcement is a short instrumental aural pallet cleanser that has a heavy pounding beat with a little comical aside. It seems to be bridging you into the next part of the album.

Easy Now features Jackill, Paque, Symi Nemesis and Kid Pro Quo, on the cut, and has a sound that mixes a pounding beat with flute and horns to give this one a folk edge to the sound. There is this vibe here that seems to bridge styles in the vocals as well as in the music. Here we have four artists with different styles, where spoken word and high paced rap are book ended with more classic rap styles. This is a cracking demonstration of different wordplay and delivery that shows you can easily mix them together without losing impact. Feeches features Jackill, Pro Focus, Kryptik (who has featured on the blog before), Mog and Jinx. Here piano notes take the forefront with etheric vocal samples, while the beat takes a step back, creating a sound that gets your head nodding in a different way while allowing the vocals to stand clear. This one seems to take us on a blistering trip around Scotland with various stories giving us an insight into life. As you focus on what’s being said, you find yourself associating with some, while others give you pause for thought. NMIL features Bemz and Sorley Mackay of DOSS. Guitar vibes grip us from the get-go, the beat drops in and gets you bouncing, both elements almost being at odds with each other. There is a very real uplifting energy to this one, as you listen you get this sense of looking back at the ups and downs of life and those who helped you along the way. It makes you think that no matter how hard things get, you make it to where you want to be. It just takes strength and sometimes that comes from within, while other times it comes from the outstretched hand of a friend.

In Finzean features appearances from FiDa and Fiona Soe Paing, the sound has a very folk driven sound that has a very calming vibe to it with what sounds like more traditional instruments and etheric vocals, which feel like there is a mix of English and Gaelic. Listening, you can’t help but, let your mind fly to Finzean, a rural community in Birse, Aberdeenshire. The former Ecclesiastical parish is known for its historical significance as the subject of many paintings by Joseph Farquharson, whose family owned the Finzean estate. It is also an area recognised for its natural beauty as well. The perfect inspiration for this piece. After that little aside, it’s back to the Hip Hop with All I want, where guitar notes hit alongside the head nod beat. Vocals come from Jackill and Chef The Rapper who give us words with a reflective edge, looking at lived experiences that show the struggles they have experienced on the path of life. As you listen you realise that these experiences are not too dissimilar from your own, giving this one and edge that hits a little too close to home and giving you plenty to think about. Next up is a track, that in English translates to Elm or Elmwood which a species of tree common to the region, but in Scottish Gaelic is Leamhain. It features vocals from Jackill and Chris Greive on trombone, over a sound that has horns, keys and a heavy beat, giving this one a deeply personal edge. The vocals reflect that as this feels like Jackill taking stock of life and detailing the moments that define who he is. What occurs to me here is that if we think of life, you might feel like you can’t separate the wood from the trees? But, Jackill selects each tree carefully from the forest of moments he can choose from, those that stand that little bit taller, are more stout, or whose roots go a little deeper, those are the ones that stick out bring key moments to mind, and the same can be said of anyone reflecting on life.

This Is How We Live features Jackill, Mae Diansangu and Best Girl Athlete. The beat is almost softened into the background as guitar and choral vocals take the forefront, giving this one a sound that hits on many levels. This is a track of two halves, separated by a touching conversation between father and daughter. The first half is a rapped verse, while the second is a spoken word poem, both of these reflect what is around us and things that touch us and affect the way we live day to day. This may mean something different to each person, so listen and just let it take you forward. The penultimate track here is Brighter Days, which features Jackill, Viv Latifa and folk singer Iona Fyfe. The sound uses traditional instruments to great effect to bring a vibe that has a gospel air to it but also has a sound that puts you in mind of singing around an open fire. This gives you a huge sense of those silver linings that we often struggle to see, but are there all the same, and this one helps you bring them into focus in a way lifts you up as only music can. The album ends with Turn The Sun Blue, featuring CRPNTR, there is no music here, just the spoken word poetry. This one might well tax you with vivid mental images that form and disperse as quickly as the words are heard and then gone…

 

Neither Collar Nor Crown is more than just a statement of life in Scotland. It is a celebration of everything that makes living there, the experience that it is and what makes such an impact on those who live there. From the Glens to the cites and every step in between, this album gives you an insight into Scotland the country, its history, its myth, and what connects the lives of those who make it their home. It takes a special kind of passion to bring something like this to life, and Vagrant Real Estate and each of those featured artists who stand alongside him, bring that passion for their country to life.

The sound is very much rooted and inspired by the Hip Hop sound but, beyond that is the knowledge aspect of Hip Hop and here that knowledge aspect is brought alive with knowledge of self and knowledge of the history of the country in a way that breaths passion and with every word and beat. VRE brings a sound that merges Hip Hop and traditional sounds, with other contemporary sounds to bring you soundscapes that move you and bring you some vivid impressions of beauty and stark reality of Scotland and the lives of those living there. Not only that but, the sound also allows the listener to connect with their own experiences, bringing those to mind as you visualise what the music brings to mind.

Bringing some of Scotland’s top artists, from Hip Hop to Folk and vocals that speak to you in both English and Gaelic, shows a desire to draw on the roots of your subject matter in a whole different way. Each of these artists bring their own talent to bear here from rap to spoken word and poetry, this does not just bring us another Hip Hop album with traditional influences; it brings us an album that literally breathes the true essence of Scotland into the Hip Hop mould. An album that is not just for VRE and the artists to be proud of, but one the whole country can be proud of.

For me, this is an inspirational album, unlike any other you are likely to hear for a while and one you have to really hear and allow it to truly speak to you on all levels. There is nothing not to like here and it will have you giving it listen after listen, because it has the kind of fresh sound that only comes along with a blue moon, and also makes you realise that what really binds people together is not a collar or a crown, in fact it is nothing visual or physical, but love. The love for where you are from, to see that place recognised for what it is and the love of your fellow countryman and that recognition that, when it comes down to it, we are all one. 

Album artwork comes from Chelsea Frew.

Don’t sleep on this one, it also has a vinyl release too.

 

My Humble thanks to Vagrant Real Estate for giving me the chance to bring you my take on this superb album.

 

I’ll see you next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab your copy of the album here:

https://vagrantrealestate.bandcamp.com/album/neither-collar-nor-crown

Vagrant Real Estate Website:

https://www.vagrantrealestate.com/

Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/vagrantproducer/

https://www.facebook.com/VagrantRealEstate

VIDEOS

Easy Now ft Jackill, Paque, Symi Memesis and Kid Pro Quo

 

All I Want ft Jackill and Chef The Rapper

Brighter Days ft Jackill, Viv Latifa and Iona Fyfe

 

 

 

 

 

Album Review: All or Nothing by Jay-Lee

 

All Or Nothing

By

Jay-Lee

 

This week my listening takes me back to Scotland and the debut release from Jay-Lee, titled All or Nothing.

Jay-Lee Hails from Govan in Glasgow and is an emcee/producer with a rap style that is thought-provoking, harsh, and thoughtful at times. His lyrics reflect the way he lives and the surroundings he was brought up in. Along the way he has played at the Lindisfarne festival alongside Farma G, and supported the likes of Mobb Deep, Onyx, Obie Trice, and Huey Morgan (FLC). He has had plays from Absolute Radio and BBC Introducing and also featured on two albums from Steg G (sadly, not ones that I have reviewed).

All or Nothing is fully produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Jay-Lee himself (aside from the title track). Which, these days, is impressive for a solo artist.

He also has one other distinction worth noting here. In the two EPK’s that I have for Jay-Lee, the photos used for those bits of promos (and the album cover too) feature photos of him wearing a jacket with a reversable design by artist Keith Haring. The same jacket that I also own and never thought I’d see anyone else wearing. Just a little aside there that made me grin.

Anyway, I digress, and it’s time to get into All or Nothing…

 

The album kicks off with Mirror which has this sound of drum beat backed by keys. The two elements seem at odds with each other as the drums are upbeat while the keys are laid-back. It gives this one a sound that grabs your attention while keeping focused. Jay-Lee pulls no punches with this track that immediately immerses you into the violent and gritty events that has shaped him through his life. It brings to life the enormity of real-life influences that he has experienced. Piano notes bring in Stuck In Time, when the beat drops in, it does not overpower things but, allows the piano to stay in the forefront, giving a reflective edge to this one. That reflective edge is exactly what Jay-Lee brings here as he reminisces on how things have changes so much as time has gone by. Friends who have passed, been jailed, or just lost touch with. These are things so many of us experience in our lives, but here Jay-Lee brings a deep personal edge that hits in a different way. Next up is Canny Forget which has a big electronic edge with high paced elements that test your nerves. Jay-Lee delivers his vocals with pace too, on a track that hits different and focuses on the mental health aspect of life. He delivers vocals that hit hard and show the very real and personal depth of the struggles he has lived through, but more than that it shows how these events have affected him mentally, even now, years later the effects still linger and touch the present…

Nae Hame brings in organ notes, electronic elements and more head nod beat, but all merged together it brings a sound that plays with your nerves and, when the vocals drop, plays with your emotions too. Here Jay-Lee focuses on how it can feel like a lonely place when you are pushing towards your goals. You might not be alone in the physical sense but, when you have a vision, that is yours, and yours alone, it might seem to be a lonely place. This is especially so, when you may be the only one who understands those goals and the road to achieve them. Never Again brings a sound of keys, bass, and a more modern sound with that high paced element. The message in this one really seems to be aimed at never making the same mistakes again. It’s like looking back at all the important moments that have defined your path to this point and looking at those mistakes that were not your best and making a conscious decision never to do that again. It’s all about learning from your mistakes. As those thoughts tumble through your mind, Now A Know takes us to the mid-point of the album with a sound that has piano notes, a heavy beat, and guitar elements that all come together to take you back once more. This one looks at the younger person who didn’t really understand all the things that their journey put before them, but now, and with hindsight, those moments become clearer and the you who stands here in the present moment, now understands what those past moments did for you and prepare you for what was to come.

Late Night Call once more brings that more modern high paced element, alongside synth elements and a beat that, almost unconsciously, has your head nodding. This one is the kind of situation that we might have found ourselves in at some time. When a number you don’t know calls you and you and you question whether you should answer or not? After that, which was almost an audible pallet cleanser, Cold Stare brings a sound that has electronic elements over a hectic drum sound. It brings a vibe that seems to have a John Carpenter inspiration. There is a very relatable focus in this one as Jay-Lee looks at those who bring that look to a situation where they are only seeking to lie and change the situation to fit their own narrative. Many of us will have seen this, even if we were not aware of the persons intentions at the time, but sooner or later we realise and understand exactly what’s happening, and trust is lost. Why? Has a beat that is a little more relaxed and is underpinned by keys that bring a sound that seems to test your nerves with each note. This sound is very appropriate as this one looks at all the things around us that have us questioning exactly why these things are happening. So much, in society, is designed to go in favour of those in a place of power and wealth while the rest of us carry it all on our shoulders, constantly let down and belittled by those who are supposed to have our best interests at heart.

You’ll Never Know has an electronic sound that mixes that high paced element giving this a grimy vibe that gives a focus to the vocals. This one is all about giving advice and having faith in yourself. It’s all about trusting yourself enough to take that step and push yourself in reaching out for your goals. If you don’t take that extra step, you might never know what you are actually capable to doing. Others might be able to see that you have that potential, but only you can have the strength to know you can do it. The penultimate track is the album’s title track, All or Nothing, which is the only track not fully produced by Jay-Lee as it features Jam Harvie. The sound on this one has pounding beat, which is almost softened into the background by the electronic elements, which seems to have this infectious edge to it. Here Jay and Jam go all is about the fact that if you are going to achieve your goals, then you need to go all in, there is no half-hearted attempts. The minute you don’t put you all in, you will struggle to reach those dreams. The album ends with Somewhere, which has synth elements and an overall sound that has an upbeat edge to it, giving you a sense that the sun will make it through the clouds. This one is all about a special someone in your life, someone you feel a special connection to. When a person like this comes into your life, they have a huge impact and when you have finally let that person go, you have a realisation that one day, you will see them again, and it is that realisation that helps as you move forward with your life’s journey.

 

There are times, as a reviewer, that you think to yourself ‘if only every review was this easy to write to’ and this was one of those days. Every track just seemed to speak to me in some way, and in such a way as to give me in immediate impression of what I was listening to and the potential message within; and that is something that I feel will really connect to every listener.

Now, All or Nothing was released back in August 2025, which means that it has taken a while to get to me and so there will be a great many out there who have heard this one; which is especially so as I received it back in February but, life being life has meant that it’s taken me this long to get round to it. So, my apologies to Jay-Lee on that one.

What I feel, overall, on this one is that there is a lot to like here, when you listen to the content production wise and lyrically it does say a lot to you. There is a rawness to the sound that does help the personal nature and the depth of the message hit that little bit harder. Jay-Lee has a great wordplay skill with lyrical content that is not overly complex in nature, which a feel is right for this kind of album as the messages need to be heard in a way that they can be easily understood and received. The production is spot on and really gives the vocals a solid platform. While I am not a fan of those grimy high paced cymbal, ticking elements, this is modern rap and Hip Hop which means it is not always going to sound the way some of us old skool heads like to hear, but there is plenty here for all us heads to get into and enjoy, in fact, as you listen to the words and the messages, some of those elements you might not be a fan of, just seem to soften into the background and you just get immersed into the tracks, as a whole.

This is, without a doubt, an impressive debut, especially since Jay-Lee has done the lion’s share of production and everything else himself. You can’t help but, be impressed in my opinion. So, I would recommend that anyone who has not heard this yet, give it a go because it does a cracking job of marrying the roots of the Hip Hop sound with a more modern vibe that draws inspiration a number of areas. It also has a deep impact from a personal aspect, but also one that hits in a relatable way that touches the listener.

All or Nothing is out now and I give my humble thanks to Jay-Lee for giving me the chance to bring you my thoughts on this one.

I’ll see ya next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab you copy here:

https://jayleecctv.bandcamp.com/album/all-or-nothing

Jay-Lee Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/jayleecctv

VIDEOS

Canny Forget

All or Nothing ft Jam Harvie

Cold Stare

 

Album Review: After The Party by Mackenzie

 

After The Party

By

Mackenzie

 

It is not very often that a submission gets lost in the haze of digital clutter. However, that is just what happened with today’s review.

After The Party comes from Scottish rapper, producer, promoter and videographer Mackenzie. The album was released back in Mid-2025, so it had to go to the top of the list.

Mackenzie, a veteran of the Scottish Hip Hop scene, who crafted a name for himself across fifteen years working in multi-disciplines. Alongside having significant impact on the scene and culture, Mackenzie has also made a mark on the battle rap scene across the last decade. He has competed both in the UK and US, across renown platforms such as Don’t Flop, Premier Battles, King of the Dot, and iBattle. Between 2016 and 2023 he ran the Scottish battle rap league Iron Barz which provided a platform for both new and emerging talent across Scotland.

After The Party marks a new chapter in MacKenzie’s artistic journey—a reflection of growth, resilience, and an evolving understanding of both his craft and the world around him. The album, which produced and written by Mackenzie, looks at the ups and downs of the Scottish party scene:

 With a mix of hard-hitting storytelling, sharp social commentary, and a matured perspective, the album also examines the evolution of both the artist and the Scottish hip-hop scene. While some tracks take a tongue-in-cheek approach to party life, others serve as a serious reflection on addiction, excess, and societal norms. At its core, "After The Party" is a project of balance—one that offers both anthems to motivate and uplift, as well as cautionary tales for those lost in the haze of late-night indulgence.

The album also features a mix of featured artists in Wends, who is a powerful female dub and reggae artist, Gluco, a Glasgow based rapper, and RamZee, a female rapper and spoken word artist.

With all that said, I now invite you join me as I take my own look at After The Party…

 

Our night, or nights, out with Mackenzie begin with the album’s title track After The Party. This one has a sound that gets your head spinning, mixing the sounds along the way from heavy bass and pounding sounds to more relaxed sounds. There is a vibe that has a grime, trap edge to it too. Mackenzie immerses us deep in mind numbing vibe that takes you to the very edge of your sanity. This is the place you find yourself in following a heavy party night and what happens afterward, where are you going and where will you find yourself in morning. This is a place where alcohol impacts your memory, but the desire for enjoying moment overrides all else. It is clear, now, that we have been dropped in at the deep end here and now move on to Lie Like That, where the sound is on that grime edge with pounding bass, cymbals ticking and keys tweaking your nerves. This one took we a while to get to terms with but, as I listened there seemed to be this element of wrestling with yourself, and coming to terms with the fact that sometimes it is just easier not to be completely honest with where you are going and what you are doing; and that can be as much about lying to yourself as to those around you. This might not be exactly what Mackenzie was putting across but, it was what it said to me as I listened. Total Satisfaction features Wends and brings more of a raggae infused sound, but still with a heavy edge to it that vibrates through your whole body. Wends not only drops a verse here but, adds some soulful vocals on the chorus that brings a lighter moment to a track that examines how that darker side of your nature will always look to feed its desires, regardless of what is going on in your life. You might be struggling from day to day, and yet you still find the means to go out and feed on whatever brings those good feelings and helps you forget everything else.

Guitar vibes and cuts bring in Slow Down, a proper head nod vibe for all the real headz out there. Juxtaposed to the title, this one will have you bouncing. There are also two parts to this track as the beat switches, a little over mid-way through. This shows the distinct difference those who chose to slow down on a night out, taking it easy when called for. Which is opposed to those who chose to keep going, spiralling downward at full speed, because to slow down would mean to allow the intrusive thoughts to surface. So, they keep going, regardless of the consequences. Long Walk Home features Gluco and a sound that has a pounding beat with a huge horn sound which keeps your head nodding. There are few among us who cannot relate to this one as Mackenzie and Gluco speak on those long walks home after a night out, as the alcohol influence begins to subside and you ponder the nights events, something which can range from remembering everything to the times you question where you have been and who you were there with? Bounce begins with a more chilled vibe with that reverse sound that tweaks your nervous system. Once the beat kicks in it amps things up a few notches. Mackenzie switches his flows here back and forth, mirroring your thoughts as you begin to question your life, looking toward something better, but wondering if that will really happen. This is like the wake up call to a life that has been spiralling out of control, and you suddenly begin to understand that there is more to life.

Don’t Leave My Side brings a far more laid-back sound that is comprised of guitars and vocal samples. This one has a thoughtful vibe about it which brings an energy of someone wrestling with their thoughts and feelings as they look both within and at the world around them. These are the kinds of things that happen to us as we let go of the party life and reconnect with the world. It also makes us realise that we lose so many along the way, in different ways, and all we really want is someone or something which will always be there for us, especially when we need them most. Lift takes the adrenaline levels up once more with a pulse pounding beat, bass notes and synth vibes, which combine to lift you up once more. Here that is a shift in the idea of what the party culture is from a drug and alcohol induced downward spiral, to an energy that speaks to everyone, using you craft to inspire the listeners; bringing the party vibe to uplift, in a way that is not self-centred but, is there for the culture and those who look to you for something more. Don’t Speak (It’s Over) features RamZee and has a sound that uses No Doubt’s Don’t Speak but merges it with a more modern sound which has a trap edge to it, giving the whole thing a heavy vibe. There is a heaviness to this as it looks at a relationship break up, one of the sad things that can happen when you spend too much time focusing on your own selfish needs and not those closest to you, those who truly love you.

The Penultimate track of the album is Poison which has a beat that seems to vibrate throughout your mind, with guitar notes and synth vibes, all of which come together with an energy that seeps inside, holding your attention all the while. This one is a deep track that looks at how the poison is the mind state of the weekend being your escape from everyday life and getting through the week is just something you do in between those moments of escape. The desire to get through the week and the conflict it can produce, means the weekend becomes more of an escape and the poison takes more of a hold. You have to recognise you are poisoning yourself before you can heal. The album ends on With Us. This one hits with a heavy sound and vocal sample that has this powerful sound, with the beat hitting it all combines to bring a heavy sound that has a deep vibe to it. The beat also switches toward the end becoming a heavy drum beat to round the track out. There is very much a vibe to this one which is looking towards a higher power to be with you as you navigate your way in a world away from excess. This is a way to find peace in a world of chaos, be it with god, your own god or even the energy and memory of a passed loved one.

 

Now, every review has its challenges, some are easier than others, and this one certainly had its challenges, some of which may stem from my own situation. This might mean that some of the interpretations might have missed the mark originally intended by Mackenzie. That is something I enjoy about music is that it can take you to many places, depending on your own situation at the time of listening.

Mackenzie has crafted something here that will probably speak to our Scottish neighbours instantly, but it might take time for others to really get into it. However, there is a nice mix of influences within this album which will make it one of those that can be enjoyed by a fairly wide variety of listeners. The roots are in that Hip Hop and rap scene, but there are enough other vibes that it will appeal to those who like grime, trap, and other vibes too. It just takes a good ear to give it the right listen.

Something that is also worthy of note is the depth of the story telling across the album. Mackenzie delivers some just for fun energy while packing in some raw and, deeply personal vibes which come from not just his own lived experience but, those of friends too, and if you take that time to listen, there is a progression to the storytelling in that it covers the fun of a night out but, also speaks on the flip side of that, the addiction to that party culture and the problems that can arise as a result. There is also a grown man edge that opens you up to the realisations of what you have become immersed in and what happens when you take the time to accept that and work to become a better person, finding your true self and letting it shine through.

It is clear that Mackenzie has put the work in over the years developing a wide range of flows and intricate wordplay, giving him a platform to easily be able to pursue a cross genre career if he so chooses. The broad Scottish accent will mean that some listeners will need to give his work an extra listen to fully appreciate it, but this is the authentic sound we want to hear on the vocals and it grounds in Scotland and speaks volumes on where he is from. His production work is solid and gives each track the right sound and energy to allow you to take in the message, at least the message that it speaks to you in the moment. Also, his choice of feature artists is spot on as each, whether you know them or not, bring a solid performance and adding exactly what was needed to compliment Mackenzie's sound and message.

What After The Party goes to prove is that the Hip Hop and Rap scene is huge in Scotland and is helping to keep the scene alive the world over with a diverse range of artists bringing their own energy to the mix and Mackenzie is certainly one of those. So, anyone who has not checked out his work yet, should definitely give him a listen and this album is the perfect starting point.

After The Party is out now.

Huge thanks to my good friend Conscious Route for bringing this one to my attention.

I’ll see ya next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab or stream the Album Here:

https://mackenzie.bandcamp.com/album/after-the-party

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2tcp9R71FS8noRgUrtxwNM

Mackenzie Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/mackenziescottishrap/

https://www.facebook.com/mackenziescottishrap

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

VIDEOS

Don't Speak (It's Over) ft RamZee

Lie Like That

Total Satisfaction ft Wends

Bounce

 

Album Review: Shadows by Conscious Route and Supermann on da Beat

 

Shadows

By

Conscious Route & Supermann on da Beat

Shadows is the latest release from Conscious Route and marks his debut collaboration with producer Supermann on da Beat. The album was released a few months back now and well overdue having the Infinite Sounds UK treatment.

If you are a regular visitor to the blog then you will have seen my previous reviews for Edinburgh based emcee Conscious Route, LostRoutes (with True Note from 2021) and Belterz (2023), if not then feel free to check those as well. Both of which have received high praise from the likes of The Scotsman and The Skinny Magazine. His recent releases such as Trojan and The Sensory EP have received worldwide airplay from the likes of DJ Shorty, Rapstation 365 Radio, BBC 6 Music and the legendary Chuck D. His music has also been named among the Herald’s top 100 Scottish tunes in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024. On the live stage he has supported the likes of Dead Prez, Onyx, and Jeru Tha Damaja, to name a very few.

This is the first time that I have heard production from Supermann on da Beat and so it is only right I introduce you to him. Sanjeev Mann aka Supermann on da Beat is a Scottish based disabled South Asian producer. He brings a unique blend of influences to his production that includes bands like Nirvana to artists such as Kanye West, Nas, and XXXTentacion, to bring a fresh perspective to the UK scene. He learnt his craft while studying YouTube videos on music production during the Pandemic. This has led to a somewhat meteoric rise in Scotland’s Hip Hop scene and seen him collaborate with artists worldwide such as Chef The Rapper, Genesis Elijah, Mic Righteous, Krudd The Guru and Rockie Fresh. He has hit some huge milestones including a BBC Documentary and 6 entries on BBC Introducing, leading to becoming on the UK’s hottest upcoming producers. 2024 saw him release his debut solo project, which drew on spoken word and grunge to address issues facing disabled people. He has performed at events like Wide Days and New School Rules. His work to highlight the under-representation of disabled artists has led to a vital campaign to make venues fully accessible, and appearing on BBC Scotland, STV, Daily Record and BBC Radio 4.

The Shadows album was born, initially, from a loose promise from Conscious Route to collaborate on a track with Supermann on da Beat. However, although both were working on other projects, this grew into a handful of tracks recorded together and now the full ten track album which reflects their personalities and life experiences, Conscious Route with his often personal lyricism and Supermann bringing production that brings a soundscape that encompasses classic Boom-bap, trap, R&B inflected Hip Hop and more.

They have kept guest appearances light on the album with Stirling’s Pro Focus, Edinburgh’s Bridget Quinn, Glasgow’s P Caso, Milla, and Johnny Cypher (Glasgow), featuring on just four tracks between them. There is also an appearance from Jabbathakut on the album’s title track. This is done to bring a sense of community to the project while also highlighting both Conscious Route’s and Supermann on da Beat’s work with both local and up-and-coming artists, something that is frequently overlooked.

So, with all that said you now have a good introduction in what’s about to come, and now I invite you to join me for a deep dive into Shadows…

Super Smooth kicks things off on the smooth tip with chilled out vibe of piano, guitar, and horns over a laid-back beat, giving you a subtle head nod sound that makes you listen more intently to the lyrics; here we find Conscious Route opening up by taking a few shots at the music industry. You get this real sense that this is like friends sat round speaking on their experiences of the industry and how its set up to properly support the up-and-coming artists to actually make a living from their craft, but more to support the platforms that ‘promote’ the music, and I use the term Promote, loosely. Pro Focus joins us for Fashion as Supermann on da Beat switches things up with acoustic guitars and a trap beat that brings a vibe that claws at your nerves a little. The switch up in beat see’s Conscious Route and Pro Focus trading bars and tweaking their flows to match the sound. That quick-fire vocal style gives a challenge to feel the message here but, there is this feel that there is this vibe that looks at the lack of originality out there right now where there is too much being said that panders to what people want to hear without really saying anything of significance, there is a distinct lack of authenticity being shown and that produces a hollow sound with no substance, just going with the current trend. Plastic Bag opens with a vibe that seems to envelope your mind, closing in on you but, the production shifts throughout which never lets you settle long enough, like sitting on a slowly spinning round-a-bout in a dark room. Conscious Route does a superb job of switching his flows to the changing sound, the inferred darkness in the sound also comes through in the lyrics which seem to mirror the tough times we live in and how struggles of making a living can play with your mind as you constantly search for ways to survive or perhaps looking for a way out. Whatever you get from this track there is a deep emotive edge that permeates everything from the first beat to the last bar. Piano notes open Dubplate before another trap beat drops in giving this one more pace but, again, the production shifts across the track testing Conscious Route once more, taking the opportunity to flex his wordplay skills, giving us a demonstration of his versatility. There is an energy and perhaps some venom in this one that gives it a vibe that comes from a higher plane, speaking to you in a way that impresses the words directly into the subconscious. We move towards the mid-point of the album with the title track, which features Jabbathakut on the cut. Shadows has a head nod vibe to it which comes from the beat but, there is this organ sound which grabs at your awareness, holding your attention as the lyrics are impressed on you. Here Conscious Route spins some intricate wordplay that at first might just seem like a slick display of those words but, the more you listen, the more you realise that this is so much more than that with deeply personal insights that touch on how your own personal experiences have an effect how you grow as a person. But more than that it looks at how lived experience has such a deep impact on how we see the world around us, our own thoughts and how we cope with everything that comes from outside us but, also from within.

We move into the second half of the album with Purge, this sees Johnny Cypher join Conscious Route on vocals. Supermann on da Beat brings piano and string infused sound which has a classic head nod sound that is reminiscent of that 90’s Hip Hop vibe. Cypher and Route trade verses and bars that not only displays the versatility of their wordplay but also gives an insight into how they see their craft and scene they are a part of. Again, there is a deeply personal element to this that should not be overlooked but felt. Next up, Bridget Quinn and P Caso feature on Jazz Unsung. The piano takes the forefront over the beat, giving this the kind of jazz vibe that you can’t help but move to. This one is all about speaking on the sound of jazz music and those who brought and experimented with that sound, and while Conscious Route and P Caso school us intricacies and depth of Jazz, Bridget Quinn brings a quintessential soulful vocal that you can’t help but drift away to. This is definitely one to just sit back and vibe to. Safety brings a host of live instruments in to compliment Supermann on da Beat’s Production and something I always feel adds extra depth too. The sound here has a mix of influences from Hip Hop, RnB, and a sprinkling of trap too. This gives the whole thing a sound that has a reflective edge with an emotive air. Here Conscious Route brings one verse which serves as a bridge between the soulful vocals of Milla. The track which looks at love and relationships and the sad things that so often are apart of those relationships such as betrayal, heartbreak, and trust issues. This is one of those tracks that so many of us can easily relate to, and the emotive edge to the vocals makes it all the more so. We move into the penultimate tracks of the album, Overstood, where we find Supermann on da Beat bringing us a nerve jangling sound with a trap edge to it. The sound has an edge that seems to play havoc with your mind, or is that just my ADHD head? Here we find Conscious Route taking shots at the fake rappers out there and those who think that can make money off the back of Eminem, by being sound-a-likes or simply shouting their lyrics. This might be a short track but, it says just as much as the others. I mean, there are going to be times when rappers are ging to sound like others but, the key is to bring something new to the table, make your sound authentic and relatable, don’t just be like someone else because it sells. The final track of the album is Squashed, where Supermann on da Beat creates another beat that mashes up different influences and mixes them up and that drops a sound that seems to shatter what you thought was possible, which gives this one a sound that seems to be erratic but, on a stable base? Conscious Route gives us some more intricate wordplay that serves to gives us an insight into the fractured mind where everything can appear stable and sane but, can change in an instant…

 

Shadows is an album that you cannot label as one genre. Yes, it has its roots in the Hip Hop sound but, it takes that sound and steps outside the box with it, then infuses a wealth of other influences with it and returns with a finished product that encapsulates the definition of the experimental nature of music. What that does is to bring a diverse range of fans, a sound that is not going to be out of place in many different circles. This is a highly listenable album where, even the bits you might not be a fan of, don’t really seem to be out of place. I myself am not a fan of trap music, I find that high paced tapping, cymbal sound to take the focus away from what is underneath. However, here it has been done in a way that makes you feel that it just seems to work, where it has been placed, there is not feelings that it is too out of place, and, for me, that is an accomplishment.

I always enjoy the depth and the versatility of what Conscious Route does with his flows and his wordplay, mixing it up and deftly following the tone and pace of the tracks. His words have a complexity and depth of feeling that display a connection with himself and those who might be listening, in a way that has a deep spiritual side to it, and this is something that I feel we all need to hear more and more. Music that gives us a deep introspection and a direction to take that is so valuable for us all as we walk forward in a world that seeks destroy our oneness.

Having not heard production from Supermann on da Beat before now, I was suitable impressed with his ability to craft emotive sounds from such a wide range of influences, and for someone who has not been crafting beats for that long, in the grand scheme of things, he is to be commended for that. In fact, it does seem to be that he has a natural ability for bringing alive the sound that is the perfect platform for whoever is gracing the beats. I also salute him for bringing a spotlight on to disabled artists/producers. This is an area where there is not enough diversity in the music business and Supermann on da Beat is a beacon to those out there, showing just what you can achieve, no matter your disability.

Shadows takes a diverse range of sounds and focuses them on an equally diverse range of topics that anyone of us can associate with. It them delivers something them in one package that seems to go beyond it running time, making you feel you have been listening so something much longer. You also come away with a sense that you understand the true passion that went into making it, and the individual messages that each track holds.

Additional Shouts go out to the following:

Digital Dyer for the Artwork.

Chris Greive (Trombone) & Geoffrey Williams (Guitar) on Safety.

If you have not heard this yet then, it is well worth you giving your time to.

I give my humble thanks to Conscious Route for the chance to bring this one too you.

I’ll see ya next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Purchase and Streaming links Here: 

Conscious Route - Shadows LP

https://trueholdrecords.bandcamp.com/album/shadows

Conscious Route Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/conscious_route/

 https://www.facebook.com/groups/34250355773

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGXi9naG7p5CPxdJcvJCviQ

Supermann on da Beat:

https://linktr.ee/supermannon_dabeat

VIDEOS

Shadows ft Jabbathakut

 

 

 

 

 

Album Review : Times Like These by Steg G and Freestyle Master

 

Times Like These

By

Steg G and Freestyle Master

 

Both Steg G and Freestyle Master are no strangers to the blog with Freestyle Master featuring on Steg G’s Demons album back in June last year, they also contributed to the album No Justice No Peace by the Scottish Hip Hop Artists For Equality back in 2020. With Freestyle Master being a major contributor to the recent releases by Steg G, Times Like These comes as a hotly anticipated follow-up to their last full release together The Freedom Frequency (2017).

Conceptually, Times Like These see’s the Glaswegian duo exploring abstractions based around the nature of time itself. The album was released through Powercut Productions at the end of February this year, so there is a good chance that some of you have already heard the album and might have an idea of what to expect but, there will be those of you who have yet to open your ears to this album or even to the music of Steg G and Freestyle Master, so I hope you’ll all join me as I take you through the ten tracks of Times Like These from top to bottom…

 

The guy’s kick things off with Welcome 2 My World which features a pounding drum beat with some piano vibes that have an almost eerie quality to them, creating a heavy head nod sound with dark edge to it. This one is set in the present moment and looks at the harsh realities of life and society in the current world we live in. Although, its not all harsh as Leafdog and High Focus, from my neck of the woods, get a mention, which casts your mind to the work of one of UK Hip Hops dopest, dragging your mind away, albeit briefly, from the dark times around you. The eerie piano vibes continue on Between The Lines, which mixes with other keys, a melodic drum beat and a sprinkling of that more modern cymbal tapping sound, giving this one a heavy sound that seems to weigh heavy on your mind. Here we have a sobering story of how time gets away from you and how drugs and alcohol can also taint your view of how you spent that time. To you the experience may have been fun and enjoyable, when in reality, it was far from that. Next, we move to the albums title track Times Like These. A heavy drumbeat, cymbals and nerve stretching keys combine to infiltrate your mind to put your focus on the lyrics. The mind and how we fight our own inner demons, seems to be the focus of this track; I mean, how many of us have sat in a tough spot we have been in before and thought to our selves ‘how many times is this gonna happen to me’? It’s less about the passage of time here and more about the repetitive nature of the struggles we all face, and yet still we forge forward, no matter the adversity…

All We Got has a sound that brings to mind a nightmarish vision with a sparce beat, keys and nerve shredding electronic sounds on the bridge, all combining to bring a sound that has you questioning the nature of reality. What you get from this one is the imbalance and inequality in social standing. This is an issue that is almost as old as time itself, where the few appear to hold all the balance of power, when in reality it is Us, the many, those looked on as the lower classes that possess the real power and in our current reality we need to look to each other for the strength to use that power in the most positive way. More pounding drums and electronic notes bring a sound that has elements of the electro sound. What this does is to raise the mood slightly to give you a more open mind for Cause And Effect. This might be a shorter track but, the impact of the words are not dumbed down in any way. This is a deep look at the fact that ‘what you give is what you get’ and ‘every action has a reaction’, what you realise here is that things that happen in our past have an impact on our futures. People mistreated in their youth often perpetuate similar behaviours in their adult life, that’s just one example but, leaves you feeling that there is a lot to be said for the saying ‘treat others as you would have them treat you’, it leaves you with much to contemplate. The electronic notes on Spitefully Grimey has a very John Carpenter soundtrack vibe, in fact the whole track has that vibe, making you feel that you are not just listening to something but, being a part of it too; or it that it’s a part of you? That feeling is well placed as this track could be about anyone of us, the good and bad aspects of life and the things we have all done. As you look back at your life, can you honestly say that these words do not describe you too, think about it…!

The Poison is the only track on the album to have a feature as CCTV joins Freestyle Master on vocals. Steg G’s sound here is piano heavy alongside the heavy beat. The cymbal sound and switch up on the drum beat serves to tweak your nerves keeping you focused on the vocals. This one looks at all those individual moments where the negative words and judgements of others impacted on our desire or motivation to reach or achieve something. Although, there are also times when those same derogatory words may even have spurned us to go that extra mile just to prove them wrong. It’s all about who we are and how we chose to take the words and opinions of others, they can nock us back or push us forward, we decide the outcome. Our minds and nerves are once more tested with the electronic sounds and notes that such a part of the sound on She’s A Psycho. The drumbeat is still there and keeps you nodding as you listen to this tale of a moment in time where beauty hid the beast. This could just be a story but, just as easily this is a cautionary tale to be aware that not everyone is who they appear to be on the outside, something that might have happened to anyone of us, it has certainly happened to me in the past. The piano and horns on Rewind, mix with the boom bap drum beat to get the energy pumping and the head nodding with a real uplifting sound. Sometimes you can hear a track that doesn’t just take you back to a moment but, to many moments dotted throughout your life and this is one of those. Speaking on those good friends we meet along the way; the kind of friends we think we’ll always be together. Sometimes we loose touch or those people pass away but, they always hold a special place in our hearts and this one really reminds you of and rewinds you to those moments and those friends. Before you realise it, you’re at the final track of the album Sunset, where organ notes serenade you ears for nearly half the track before the beats drops in bringing more energy but not overshadowing the emotive nature of the sound. That emotive feeling is reflected in the lyrics which look at aspects of human nature But, more than that there is a sunrise and a sunset in all our lives, and it is what we do with the time we have that defines us so, remember to seize each moment and be the greatest expression of who you truly are and create a magnificent sunset…

We measure the passing of each moment we experience under the veil of construct we call time but, this helps us create reference points we can use to remember specific events, things that have happened that have a deep or life changing impact of our lives as we move along the path of life, and Times Like These puts some of these impressions into our awareness in a way that is enjoyable but, at the same time emotive, doing it in such a way as to create something that is easily relatable by anyone listening and who choses to really listen and feel between the lines.

Both Steg G and Freestyle master, in their own way, perfectly emulate this feeling of the passing of time, reflection, everything in-between and beyond. Steg G uses his production skills to craft these stunning musical backdrops that bring these musical triggers for our own emotions. Alongside this Freestyle Master brings his lyrical prowess, flows and emotive story telling that uses his own lived experience to bring our own personal experiences to the surface; together they create this etheric link with the listener, where the individual experiences feel like one shared experience and the essence of time become more than a linear measure and more of place where we all live, separate but, inexorably linked.

Now, all that deep thought aside, Steg G is on fire here with production that captures the essence of each track. The sound has one huge foot planted firmly on the side of Hip Hop but, along the way, there are many other influences that come in, adding extra depth to the sound. I have never been a fan of this this more modern sound that includes this high paced cymbal sound, its just a personal thing however, it does not take anything away from this album, what it does do is to broaden the listener base because Hip Hop heads will love it and the younger generation who like the trap, grime and other vibes, will also get something out of this one too. It has a good cross genre sound and there is nothing wrong with having that because music is more than just one genre. Freestyle Master does a superb job here by bringing his A-game and mixing up the flows, wordplay and using lived experiences to bring a deep level of relatability to every track. He also displays flows that show influences from other sounds too, adding that aspect which will make listeners of other genre’s enjoy what he has to say. What is plainly obvious though is that Steg G and Freestyle Master have this rapport that allows them to work perfectly together, and you get this feeling that each knows exactly what the other is thinking, in a musical context. 

Times Like These is a very deep but, expressive album that really invites the listener to listen, feel and remember what happens over the passage of time and that every experience in any one moment can have far reaching implications but, what is most important is that every moment we experience makes us who we are so, live those moments to the fullest.

Times Like These is out now on Powercut Productions and available on streaming, digital and limited-edition vinyl.

My thanks to both Steg G and Freestyle Master for the chance to bring my impressions to you.

I’m Out,

See ya next time.

Steve.   

LINKS

Times Like These is available from the following links:

https://www.steg-g.com/product-page/steg-g-the-freestyle-master-times-like-these 

https://steg-gandthefreestylemaster.bandcamp.com/album/times-like-these

Social Links:

https://www.instagram.com/freestylemasterpcp/

https://www.instagram.com/steg.g

https://www.facebook.com/Steg3000

https://www.facebook.com/frzamza

VIDEOS

ALL WE GOT

REWIND

 

Album Review: Belterz by Conscious Route

 

Belterz

By

Conscious Route

 

It’s good to finally be able to bring you another release from one of Scotland’s premier Hip Hop artists, Conscious Route, with his new album Belterz.

I want the man himself to give you the lowdown on this new project before I delve any further into it:

Belterz, the new album project by Conscious Route is a social exploration of his personal experience of a changing society and culture, highlighting the insights of an ageing person living life and being an artist in the music Industry.

Conscious Route draws upon years of experience in the music industry as he casts an eye over the state of hip-hop culture and the trials of getting noticed as an underground artist. His vocals mesh perfectly with those of his guests, bringing an array of vocal styles and accents as the music flips from hip-hop head-nodders to a UK Garage throwback, some soul-tinted melodies, dub, and beyond. 

The feature-heavy project boasts guest appearances from some of Scotland's finest, with tunes featuring Empress, YBxgtown, Kryptik, Lynzie Dray, Milles Better, Gluco, Jennifer Anne Todd, One Oz, Mistah Bohze, MacKenzie, JabbaThaKut, Wends, Becci Wallace, Solareye, Queen of Harps and Pro Focus.

The album musically and lyrically navigates a range of sounds and social topics, uniting the introspective with social observation, as we have come to expect from Conscious Route. Most of the production is handled battle rapper/ producer MacKenzie, with just two tracks (‘2 Guys’ produced by Tzusan and ‘Essence’ produced by Vagrant Real Estate) produced by others. Guest musicians, Chris Greive & Scott Bathgate also appear across 5 songs. With Scott Bathgate adding subtlety to ‘Ducks in a Row’ and an eerie edge to ‘Underground’, while Chris Greive brings extra trombone to the subtle style of ‘Late’, nuance to ‘Heart on Sleeves’ and a mix of Jazz influenced keys and trombone with the track ‘2 Guys’. 

 

With all that said, it is also worth noting that the album also features the talents of John Dyer for the artwork. Now, there is probably enough info there to get your pulse racing with anticipation, so join me know on a journey through the album and what it brings to mind…

 

The thirteen-track album kicks off with Amorphous Shape, which features Empress, the melodic beat is backed by keys and guitar vibes, this gives the sound a deep reflective air. There is a distinct difference between the vocals of Conscious Route and Empress, where Route brings a more relaxed flow while Empress has far more pace to her flow. This track really seems to speak on reflecting on their careers to date and how there is this amorphous nature to being an artist, allowing you to mould yourself to whatever sound comes your way and still being able to be 100% you and 100% authentic in the delivery. Next is Pretentious, featuring YBxGtown, this one has a head nod quality from the heavy beat, while it is backed by some guitar and keys that also bring a slightly chilled edge to things which allows the sound to guide you along to the words. This one focuses on the desire to bring more of the roots and the authentic nature of Hip Hop back to sound. A lot of the rappers and ‘so-called’ Hip Hop acts that are promoted in the industry are so far from the roots of the culture. There is that pretentious air to these acts, trying to be more than they are, whereas the true nature of the Hip Hop sound is to be yourself, be authentic and reflect what you see around you in your lyrics. Kryptik now joins Conscious Route on Carry On, this one has a more modern feel to it with some nerve tingling electronic notes helping to mix things up. This track deals with how artists perform live and the fact that there are a lot of those artists who perform their music over the original track and not to an instrumental version. Hip Hop was always about performing live music to the fans and delivering that music with energy and a pure love of what you do, without that does it really show a love for the music or simply a desire to make money?

 

Ducks In A Row, features Lynzie Dray and Milles better alongside Scott Bathgate on guitar, The deep drum beat with bass and live guitar gives this a heavy, emotive vibe, and your only kept from sliding in too deep by that trap style ticking. The soulful chorus adds more to the emotive nature of the track which brings focus to the diverse nature of the world around us, the challenges and nature of the stigma and discrimination this brings. In a society where there is such a diverse range of people on so many levels, it is important to remember to move with the times and always be aware of the changes around you and how you approach situations, even in your music. Sugar Coated, features Gluco and has a soulful air about it with the guitar and strings that provide a background to the drum beat and bass. Here we find that a sugar coating is one thing that you can’t do with the authentic underground scene. When you do something for the love of the culture and the music, it is difficult to get you name known, especially because this is where the artist speak on what matters, there is no sugar coating the words they say in delivering the stark realities of live through music. Essence is the first track that is not produced by Mackenzie, being produced by Vagrant Real Estate, and featuring Jennifer Anne Todd. This one has a definite Garage feel to it with the up-tempo drum beat, keys and bass. The message in this one is all about staying true to the roots of any genre, as the essence of what you do. There are so many differing sounds these days that it is often hard to know what you are hearing (as a reviewer that is definitely something I can struggle with). There are so many modern sounds that use rap but, are not Hip Hop in there essence, and sometimes those modern sounds can be very alike that it is hard define them.

 

Day Ones has features from One OZ, Mistah Bohze and Mackenzie alongside Jabbathakut on the cuts. With a lineup like this you just know it’s gonna be pure head nod Hip Hop, and you won’t be disappointed as the beat hits with bass and guitar vibes. This one has that posse cut vibe about it as each emcee goes in big time, dropping the kind of verses that show exactly why each one of them stands out as some of the best to pick up the mic. Late finds conscious Route joined by Wends on vocals and Chris Greive on trombone, for a reggae dub vibe and soulful chorus. Now, I might be wrong here but, this one seems to speak on the pressures of being an artist, writing, recording, and getting your music out into the public domain where it can be heard by as many people as possible. It's not an easy task but, the rewards of hearing it on the radio and knowing how many people are listening are priceless. Underground features Becci Wallace on vocals and Scott Bathgate on Guitar and Keyboards, the beat is heavy with an eerie, melodic edge. This one speaks to me of the nature of relationships; they are part of everything we do in life and extend from personal relationships and into professional ones. How we see and manage those relationships is often key to some of the most important decisions in our life but, they are also key to who we are and how we are able to develop as a person. Positive relationships can life us up and help us move in the right direction, while negative ones can bring us down and set back our life’s journey.

 

Original features Solareye and brings up-tempo sound that mixes electronic 8-bit style sounds with a heavy beat and rapid trap music style ticking sounds, this creates a weird balance between the old and new, the fast and slow, finishing with a change of style as a heavy bass vibe carries us out of the track. The title of the track speaks volumes here, this sound might not be for everyone but, the message here is that there are times when you have to bring a style that is ‘original’, just to keep the listener buzzing. This one does just that drawing on many influences to bring an original sound to might no be expecting. Hearts On Sleaves sees Queen Of Harps and Lynzie Dray feature on vocals with Chris Greive on Trombone. The sound mixes melodic guitar, a heavy drum beat and bass, with an almost reggae trombone and that more modern Trap style ticking sound, it all comes together to create this deep multi-layered vibe. There is a deeper aspect to this track as you get the idea that this one speaks on emotions, especially those brought up as you move through life and look back on the choices you made in the past and the regrets often attached to them But, at the same time there is an air of learning from those mistakes and moving forward regardless. It is ok to have regrets as long as we learn from them and not wallow in them. The penultimate track is Two Guys and features Pro Focus on vocals, Chris Greive on trombone and keyboards, and is produced by Tzusan. Here xylophone notes mix with piano, over which is a drum beat and this multi-layered sound of horns and electronic elements. This creates this sound that seems to combine grime, hip hop, and soundtrack vibes, it’s hard to pin this one down really. Conscious Route and Pro Focus bounce off each other spinning stories of two guys living in the rap dimension. It’s all about cleaver wordplay and weaving stories that may have their basis in fact and may not, does that really matter when it’s that enjoyable. The album ends with a bonus Day Ones (Remix), the remix turns the head nod vibe of the original into an out and out boom bap banger, with an infectious beat and some recognizable guitar samples thrown in for good measure. This one should have the clubs and airwaves bouncing for sure, so turn it up…

 

 

Belterz is some ride, that’s for sure. It is a genre breaking album that doesn’t pin itself down to one genre, except that the one thing linking all the tracks is rap. From top to bottom this album demonstrates the versatility and quality of Conscious Route as an artist. He shows that his amorphous rap nature gives him the ability to stretch himself to a variety of rap flows and styles, showing just how much of an accomplished artist he is, no matter which genre he applies his skills to.

Mackenzie’s production reflects the versatility of Conscious Routes rap styles, as he mixes up the genres within the soundscapes to provide the perfect platform for Conscious Route to bounce off. The addition of additional production from Tzusan and Vagrant Real Estate, just adds to depth and diverse nature of the project.

With the project having such a guest heavy element, it was spot on adding this wealth of talent that each adds their own depth, style, and accent to the project, helping to add that element of icing to the cake, as it were.

It has to be said that there will be those who will not gel with all the sounds and genres featured here and that is just one of those things as you can’t please all of the people all of the time. But this album does appeal to a wide range of listeners, many of whom do enjoy a wealth of cross genre vibes.

Overall, this is an underground rap album that draws on elements from many genres to create a highly enjoyable listen. Production and vocals are all top notch, not just helping to cement Conscious Route as one of Scotland’s finest and most accomplished artists but, at the same time the album showcases some of Scotland’s finest underground artists. There is also that element of the live instrumentation that gives extra depth to the sound too.

Belterz shows that Scotland has a lot to offer in underground rap music and Conscious Route is one of those accomplished artists that are singing the countries praises from the highest rooftops.

Belterz is out now on True Hold Records.

 

Time for me to be out.

See Ya,

Steve.

LINKS

Get Belterz on Bandcamp:

https://trueholdrecords.bandcamp.com/album/belterz

Streaming Links via the Conscious Route Website:

https://consciousroute.com/belterz-album

Conscious Route Website:

https://consciousroute.com/

Conscious Route Social Media:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Conscious-Route/108346142599877

https://www.instagram.com/conscious_route/

https://twitter.com/consciousroute

https://soundcloud.com/conscious-route

https://www.youtube.com/@consciousroute188/featured

True Hold Records Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/TrueHoldRecords

https://twitter.com/trueholdrecords

VIDEOS

Day Ones

Amorphous Shape