It’s been a while since I last reviewed a B-Line Recordings
release But, whenever I do, I’m always struck by the quality of what they
release. It’s always a total package with artwork, vinyl and quality music and
the latest release on 7” God’s Poet / Just A Page by the mighty Kelz of
Bristol’s own 3PM, is no different.
Released on B-Line Recordings in association with Hip Hop Be
Bop, the vinyl boast’s quality artwork from the one and only John Dyer (Digital
Dyer) with both tracks produced by the legendary SIR Beans OBE (Transcript
Carriers, Parlour Talk etc).
Let’s be honest here, when you look at what little I’ve
already mentioned here, it ramps up the anticipation levels to max. So, let’s
just dive in…
Banging drums, bass and piano notes immediately draw you
into God’s Poet and you know that the anticipation was well founded as
your head get’s to nodding. Kelz, meanwhile, drops three verses that detail the
story of God’s Poet and his experiences on the present-day streets. There is an
intellectual and spiritual depth to his words as he paints pictures in your
head of the struggles faced by this person, these are the kind of experiences
faced by so many black people, especially those who choose to speak out. Here
the God’s Poet is not one simply telling people what to do, where to go or who
to follow, he is a guiding light that is more telling people to be themselves
and know they can be all they can be. In a world of candles this poet is the
taper that helps each one to shine.
There is an etheric quality that is almost hypnotic before
the bass drops followed by the beat, which is interlaced with flute notes that
retains that etheric quality at moments. That flute is almost like the Pied Pipers
flute, and you can’t help but, nod your head and follow Just A Page.
This track is a stunning tribute to the late Bristol rapper Sir Plus. Sir Plus
was one of most respected rappers to come out of Bristol in recent years and
who sadly passed away in 2020. When you lose a close friend, remembering the
good times is one of the best things you can do to keep their memory alive and
that is exactly what Kelz does here, to remember his friend and all those good
times. There is not much more I can say here because Kelz words say it all, R.I.P.
Sir Plus, A Legend Out Here…
How do you sum up something like this? Here you have two
Bristolian legends doing what they do and showing why they are so highly
thought of. Dropping the kind of release that is the definition of the phrase
‘Mic Drop Moment’…
Firstly, you have Sir Beans OBE crafting the kind of funky
Hip Hop that he does so well and that has that infectious quality to it but,
more than that there is a deep vibe to each track here that draws you in and
helps you focus on Kelz words. Here those words span two tracks with differing
flows and vibes. God’s Poet has this dark edge to it that reflects perfectly
how someone can be treated, as all they seek to do uplift and inspire those
around them. Just A Page has this emotional focus on the memory of a good
friend but, far from having any sadness, Kelz world bring and shine a light on
a life well lived and a beautiful legacy that uplifts you as you listen.
There is little more you can say about this release except
you simply can’t sleep on this one. The Limited-Edition Vinyl won’t be around
long so, jump on this one quick.
My humble thanks to Hip Hop Be Bop’s Shaun Dowling for
sending this one my way.
The double single release Fake Friends / Hip Hop Saved My
Life is the debut release from Holly Flo and Crease. It features Holly Flo
on vocals, Crease on production with SIR Beans OBE on the cuts and mixed and
mastered by Rola @ Khameleon 107.
For those of you who might not be familiar with these two,
then here is a little background for you.
Crease is a DJ, Producer and Graff artist from Bournemouth.
Part of the Legendary Outkastz Crew (O.K.S.T), he has been closely associated
with the B-Line Recordings family for many years and has been in the sound and
production game for some 30 years, recording under various names and across
various genres of music. Among his recent releases was the awesome Anything You
Want single, alongside Chrome and Specifik, which was released on B-Line
Recordings in May 2021 and which I featured in a review.
Holly Flo (formerly Holly Flo Lightly) is an underground
emcee and singer from London who released her debut single Tryin’ back in 2014.
The Northeast of England is now her home, where she collaborates on both music
and radio projects, plus studying a BA in Music and Sound. She has close
connections with Bristol’s Hip Hop community, releasing her Aperitif EP through
Sika Records in 2016. Following a few
appearances at the B-Line Recordings Rope-A-Dope events in Bristol, she linked
up with Crease which led to this latest release. Holly Flo’s most recent
releases include the Get Lit Not Gaslit EP (Coming Soon with GasLit out now),
produced by Konchis, and a collaboration with Beyonders (Metalheadz/HeadzState)
on the soulful jazzy vibes of the Moves Like Water single. She also has several
underground collabs and EPs on the way.
The two have been working together on material for two and a
half years now and have recently performed together at 2021’s Rope-A-Dope 6 and
this year’s Lindisfarne festival.
Fake Friends drops with a solid boom bap beat with a
classic drum sample, bass and piano with horns featuring on the chorus and more,
creating this lively sound that just makes you wanna bounce around. Holly Flo
mixes her rap vocals with a soulful sung chorus and speaks openly and
unashamedly on those people who are only there for you while things are going
well and you are in a good place, because it is to their advantage. But the
minute things are not going so well, and you find yourself in a tough spot,
they drop you or turn on you, being among the first to stick the knife in your
back and twist it.
Hip Hop Saved My Life sees Crease dropping a
laid-back drumbeat, over which is a jazzy piano and guitar, which brings this
chilled Jazz Hop fusion sound, that is a proper uplifting head nod vibe. Holly
Flo once more brings her rap vocals and sung chorus to bear on a track that sees
her open her heart on how she discovered Hip Hop music from the US to the UK
artists. She tells how making her first track about Hip Hop truly helped her at
a time she was at her lowest point. Then from living in Barcelona and back to
the UK it’s all about having Hip Hop in your soul so “put your fucking hands
up”.
Here are two tracks that are drastically different, in as
much as they cover topics that display the yin and the yang of life. One
person’s experiences of life that are joined by one common element, the love of
real Hip Hop music.
Crease brings two solid real Hip Hop tracks that show his
pedigree when it comes to music production. On Fake Friends his boom bap vibe
brings the kinda vibe that brings light to the shadowy nature of tracks subject
matter, while on Hip Hop Saved My Life, he brings a Jazzy-tinged vibe that
carries the track along while giving room for you to focus on the lyrics from
Holly Flo. You just get this sense that he understands, on a deep level,
exactly what is needed from the music to fully compliment the vocals, masterful
production…
Holly Flo demonstrates why she is more that one of the UK’s
finest upcoming emcees. With these two tracks she shows her solid lyrical
wordplay, of which you can hear every word, alongside some stunning soulful
sung choruses and if you have ever seen her live performances, then you will
have an even better insight into her vocal range and prowess. I am sure that
with this release she is going to absolutely cement her place on the UK Hip Hop
scene and probably beyond. With some guest appearances out now and some
exciting in coming releases with Crease, Holly Flo is most certainly one to watch.
Make sure you keep watch for future releases from Crease and
Holly Flo as there is, I’m reliably informed, at least one album scheduled for
future release.
So, there is not much more I can say now except that I hope
you have you orders in for this one as its out today and is gonna be on fire,
for sure.
Following on form the recent release of Hung Drawn and
Slaughta’d alongside Krash Slaughta, Cardiff Emcee Junior Disprol is back with
the follow-up to 2020’s Def Valley, DEF II.
The new album is released through the Plague Label and
features one hell of a line up stepping up to feature alongside the man
himself, it includes Krash Slaughta, DJ Jaffa, Thirstin Howl III, Kid Acne, SIR
Beans OBE, Roughneck Jihad, and DJ Alkemy. With an international line up like
this you just know this one is gonna be a banger. You can also bet that this
won’t be your average Hip Hop sound either. To get an idea of just how much
this one does bang and to see if it that’s in more ways than one, I get to cast
my mind over it…
So, why not join me as I immerse myself in DEF II…
The album kicks off with the title track DEF II and
what a way to open too. The sound, created by Cool Edit Chud, is this pounding
bass vibe with these nerve shredding horns and chock full of electronic and
sonic sounds, alongside classic samples and featuring the razor-sharp cutting
and scratching of Krash Slaughta to boot. Junior Disprol seems to take us back
to the eighties where his younger self was all about Hip Hop and pretty much
everything that was DEF about an era that many of us, of a certain age, can
associate with and relate to. The video, by Stepasaur, really takes you back to
the eighties and all the things that were a part of growing up in that era. The
heavy sound continues into The Blood God which has this classic sample
running through it, which my head is unable to pinpoint right now, giving this
a definite head nod vibe as DJ Jaffa’s cuts slice wickedly through your
awareness. Sometimes listening to a track, you find yourself musing over what
it’s all about and realising that you’re enjoying it so much nothing else
matters and that is what I’m getting with this track. So, all you other emcee’s
take note, if you want your listeners to enjoy being pleasantly baffled, here’s
how you do it. Next up the sound becomes more, out the box, with a drum element
that has a raw sound, like it has been created on a trash can, alongside bongos
or djembe drum sounds and horns which gives this a two-tone element. Here
Junior Disprol takes us into the world of the Neighbour From Hell, a
nightmarish place where anything could happen but, whatever does happen, it’s
strangely enjoyable…
From one slice of the strangely enjoyable to another as we
are treated to an almost off-key sound full of pounding beats and an eclectic
mix of sounds that grabs hold of your nerve endings and bitch slaps em before
DJ Jaffa cuts those frayed nerve endings with the skill of surgeon. Let’s face
it, Mugshots yeah, we all got one. The way you look day to day or that
face you make after, before or during a nice mug of tea. I suppose you could
have a mug of coffee but, to be honest our mugs were made for mugs of tea
right. Anyway, Junior Disprol and the one Thirstin Howl III drop mind bending
verses on how you look and how you conduct yourself, yeah that’s what this is
all about, I think that’s right anyway? Don't forget to check the video for this one, also by Stepasaur, see if you can me, yourself or anyone else for that matter. A jazzy organ, bass, guitars, and drums
bring a jazzed-up vibe to Mastadon, which also features the turntable athleticism
of Krash Slaughta to polish it off. You can do nothing more, right here, than
enjoy the pure rhyming ability of Junior Disprol who, once more, seems to prove
that he can take any group of random sentences and words and turn them into
something that is a true pleasure to listen to. Kid Acne now joins Junior
Disprol for The Wrath, drum heavy sound seems almost at odds with the
classic sample and other sounds but, it all works coming together in some
random way. The perfect back drop for both emcees to drop verses that make you
feel like your trapped in someone’s weird dream world. Sandwiched between the
two verses is a classic example of transforming on decks, something that
shouldn’t fit here but works perfectly, a bit like my random thoughts on a
given day, anyway…
Ubermagnetic see’s Junior Disprol joined by Roughneck
Jihad and SIR Beans OBE for a true boom bap sound of a pounding beat over
guitars and bass. RD and RJ spit back and forth, bouncing off each other, verse
after verse, this is how it should be done rhyme after rhyme. SIR Beans OBE
drops some rough but highly polished cuts that cap this one off in style. Next
time you want to order an Uber, then make it this one. A heavy beat over what,
at first, is a fractured sound, once more tests your nerves. Basquiatish
is an abstract art style which is perfectly mirrored on this track both
musically and lyrically as JD is not afraid to be unashamedly abstract in his
vocals. DJ Jaffa cuts some more classic samples giving you a vision of the
roots behind the abstract art. That abstract style continues with the sonic
sounding vibe of Brundle. That sonic vibe is given a nerve-jangling edge
with Krash Slaughtas turntable wizardry. JD gets rough, rugged, and raw on the
ups and downs of daily life and the pace you have to live at. The vibe of this
track really fits with the how society seems to be going right now as we live
day to day and minute to minute.
He Talks Flash hits with a bass guitar heavy vibe
which gives this deep funk edge, while the drums are heavy enough to hold you
attention and get your head slowly nodding. Here JD demonstrates how talking
flash can get you anywhere if you just know how to do it, it’s kind of a
British thing to talk flash, or is it? Well, whatever it is it seems to work,
right? Drums and piano combine on IT’S to form this kinda abstract jazz
vibe that infiltrates your mind, opening it up. Now your mind is open JD goes
in on everything that causes a negative impact in our lives, from the
governments and the high level paedos, to the gun runners and those in charge
of religion and the media to the diseases that kill from the inside out. If it
affects us negatively in anyway then IT’s in here. Krash Slaughta’s slick
razor-sharp cuts slice into our awareness accompanied by head nod drums and
sampled horns. This one takes it up a few notches on the Hip Hop tip as JD kicks
the pace up with some deft rapping while Krash scratches the shit outta the
wax. Could it be that Rotund Shogun is a new alias for Mr Disprol? Who
Knows but, this one is certainly as sharp as a katana in every way…
Now, if you have been listening to this on the vinyl then
this is where that portion of your audible experience ends. The following four
track are exclusive to the tape, CD and digital versions But, don’t worry vinyl
lovers as you get these as a digital download too…
King of BS see’s JD joined by DJ Jaffa on a beat
comprised of pounding drums and a mixed-up phone keypad tone electronic tone
which strangely combine with other electronic sounds into something that you
can’t help but, vibe to. Sit back and spend the first minute enjoying JD’s
pathological Bullshit and then spend the second minute doing nothing but
listening to Jaffa on the cut, this is what Hip Hop is all about. Dj Jaffa
remains on turntable duties with JD for Bwana. The musical backdrop is
mix of drums, guitar notes and Xylophone creating this vibe that makes you feel
like you’re in this pit of sound and looking down on you is Bwana, The Boss,
Junior Disprol. You’re left knowing exactly why they call him Bwana and it’s
all rounded off by Jaffa using his cutting expertise to reinforce that point so
you don’t forget. The penultimate track here see’s DJ Alkemy joining JD for
another abstract mix of drums and electronic keyboard notes that merge together
into a sound that will stretch your mind and twist it in new directions. JD
takes an eclectic mix of words spinning them into sentences and taking your
mind into ever decreasing circles as DJ Alkemy slices cuts through your fragile
awareness not allowing you to drift to far away because JD needs you know one
thing, My Pidgeon Weighs a Ton. DEF II is rounded of with When All
Said, a mind-numbing mix of strings, guitar, drums, and sonic sounds that
at first, might stretch your awareness a step to far but, turns out to simply
ground you back in this reality. The final word here is like the final word in
any situation, which is simply that, when all is said and done all you are left
with is your word, your integrity and if that is anything less than rooted,
solidly in a truthful portrayal of your true self, then what are you really?
Here Junior Disprol shows that when all said this is who he is, Nuff Said…
Overall, this has to be one of the most outstanding albums
you will hear this year. It takes the notion of Hip Hop to new experimental
heights and returns to a standing ovation. Yes, it takes some listening to,
that’s for sure but, you come away from this a fresh new perspective and one
that is likely to stay with you, always being rekindled whenever you listen
again. There is not a weak track here, all sixteen solid and will test the
listener to breaking point.
Junior Disprol is a powerhouse in his delivery with a
lyrical content that is as intellectual as it is, at times, unashamedly raw and
uncouth. The more you listen to what he does as an emcee, the more you realise
that this guy is one of the most underrated out there. He has a style all his
own that is complex, raw, and direct. He as easily able to create verses from
what most people would consider an indecipherable collection of words, mixing
in real life aspects and x-rated metaphors that just leaves you wondering how
he does it. He is, without a doubt, once of the most incredible lyricists out
there right now.
Musically, DEF II was produced entirely by Cool Edit Chud
and what a masterpiece he has created here. He has put together this paradigm
shifting expression of what Hip Hop music is all about, using these abstract
musical soundscapes to stunning effect, and something that constantly keeps the
listener guessing, stretching the boundaries of there understanding, opening
them up to new horizons to explore. It all fits so well with Junior Disprol’s
lyrical content and delivery, which demands a sound that steps outside the box,
then turns around and kicks it out the stadium, and that is what Cool Edit Chud
delivers here.
Also outstanding is the line-up of guest artists and DJs who
all bring that extra depth and seasoning to the project. Delivering the kind of
performances that leave you breathless and just adding the icing to what is
already a perfectly baked cake of an album.
Nothing would be complete here if I didn’t give a nod to the
artwork. As we know Junior Disprol aka Matt is also an incredible artist, which
was demonstrated on the cover of Hung Drawn and Slaughta’d. For DEF II he has
collaborated with Chud and Scott Lewis on the artwork and design.
I really don’t know what else to say here except that the
album is out now on Plague in the coloured vinyl, tape and CD formats with
digital release coming on 20th May. This one you really don’t want
to miss and has to be a strong contender for underground Hip Hop album of the
year.
Back in October I dropped a similar double header for the
previous two AE Productions 45 drops and as these two new 45’s were also
released together I decided to do the same again. So, sit back and enjoy…
AE044 – Sir
Beans OBE
Part Of It ft
KELZ / DEF - Defeat Evil Fools ft Zaeb Dust, Blaktrix & Medusa
Bristol Legend Sir Beans OBE (Parlour Talk, Undivided
Attention & Transcript Carriers) has previously supplied beats for the
Truck album and also turntables on The Aroma on AE Productions but, he now
drops his first solo release.
The A side see’s Sir Beans joined by another Bristol legend
in the form of KELZ for Part Of It. The sound here is a mix of drums,
guitars and keyboards that has that classic Bristol, Sagittarius Sound System,
Ruztic Records vibe. At times it feels like an urban industrial sound which
merges in and out of an almost spaced-out sound alongside it.
That sound is the perfect back drop for KELZ to bring his no
nonsense lyrical style, tinged with ragga elements, to bear on this track.
Listening to this you get that feeling that what KELZ is saying here is that
you gotta stand up for what you believe in, no matter what it is. It could be your
stance on the state of current events, your feelings on what it is to be Hip
Hop or anything you feel passionate about. Don’t just be a Part Of It by
believing everything you are told! Always stand up for who you are and speak
your truth.
This track oozes that Bristol vibe and sound which is
encapsulated by Sir Beans production and KELZ knowledge and inimitable rap style.
Whenever these guys work together, they put out Hip Hop that reeks of
experience and a deep desire to entertain while bringing the truth to the
people as only they know how…
The B side finds Zaeb Dust (The Enjinz), Blaktrix (Ruztik
Records) and Madusa (Project Blowed, L.A.) join Sir Beans on DEF - Defeat Evil Fools. The soundscape here is a surreal mix of drums, horns, bells, and
vocal samples that are mashed together by Sir Beans to create a sound that
seems to ooze from the shadows to reach into your mind.
With that dark vibe established the vocal trio drop lines
that seem to focus on not just shadowy people but also the shadowy side of
people’s characters. The side of people and the very world around us that is
seldom seen and not something many really believe in. It is always this darker
side reality and of people themselves that is kept quiet. We all know the
shadowy nature of governments and the like but, so often we do not realise that
we might live next to a racist or a paedophile, because they are so good at
hiding that part of their nature from us.
With slick vocals and individual styles these emcees bring a
focus to the shadows and those that live there. These people who live by
pulling a veil over everyone’s eyes are the fools and now its time to Defeat Evil Fools…
AE045 – Chrome Plus
Popcorn /
Pieces will align
Now, most of you will know the legendary figure from Norwich
that is Chrome (Def Tex) but, more recently he has put together something new
in Chrome Plus. More of a Hip-Hop band, Chrome Plus is Chrome providing Rap,
Tom Hanna on Bass, aCivillian on Guitar and SuperJB providing the Production
and Cuts etc. So, what does this all add up to on this debut…
The A side, Popcorn features production from DJar One
and SuperJB, who also provides the cuts, and brings us an upbeat funky
feel-good vibe. Chrome brings his classic rapid-fire vocals which uplift you
even more as he breaks it down about just what he and Chrome Plus are all about
and what they are bringing to the party.
This is really one of those tracks where the music does all
the talking. The mix of classic Hip-Hop production and live instruments is a
delight to behold. It has to be said that the addition of live guitar and bass
just adds an extra dimension to the music and makes you want to listen to it
over and over, again and again, because it just pumps you up and get you
moving.
Flipping over to the B side for Pieces will align,
production comes from Steve Ebola and SuperJB. The mix of organ notes and
drums, alongside the live guitar and bass brings the kinda sound you want to
nod your head to but, also has this vibe that makes you want to listen…
Chrome turns slows his pace, ever so slightly, as he
delivers a deeper message. That message seems to focus on the fractured nature
of reality and life around us. In nearly every aspect of life, entertainment
and music, there are many facets that don’t appear to fit. It is like for every
piece of perfection there is an equal or opposite imperfection. But what if we
could turn back the hands of time, find those imperfections and make it that
all those Pieces will align…
There is no doubt that AE Productions has, once again,
delivered two mighty 7” releases for our listening pleasure. On one hand we
have Sir Beans OBE delivering two heavy weight tracks that pound our minds into
submission, whilst on the flip side Chrome Plus brings two equally heavy tracks
that raise us up and have us bouncing around one minute, then have us nodding
our heads in contemplation the next.
I’d like to say more by not saying too much again, here we
have two not to be missed releases that show the high calibre and depth of the
UK Hip Hop scene. AE Productions is truly dropping some of the cream of UK Hip
Hop and Hip Hop that well and truly has its feet solidly in the roots or real
Hip Hop music.
As always AE Productions brings us stunning releases with
full colour artwork and more. AE044 features artwork from Nick Pointon and is
mixed and mastered by Rola (Numskullz/Aroma). AE045 features design by Leon
Nockolds while SuperJB handles mixing and mastering.
Both are released tomorrow on AE Productions.
I’m out,
See Ya,
Steve.
LINKS
Buy both from the AE Productions online shop Here:
