Triple Single Review: Boswell Thomas & >ARRO / Jonie D / Unity

 

Singles Reviews

By

Boswell Thomas & >ARRO / Jonie D / Unity

 

As I begin to wind things up for a well earned break, I thought I would treat you to reviews of three singles I have had in recently. Normally I would do each one separately but, there are times when you just have to get these things done and so, here are three hot new singles from across the UK.

 

 

Holdin’ Court

By

Boswell Thomas & >ARRO

 

Holdin’ Court is the debut from the duo of Producer Boswell Thomas and Emcee >ARRO, which is released through the awesome Nuke Fam Records. It was originally released back in April and the first thing to note about this is the solid upbeat feel of this one. Boswell brings this thumpin’ beat over which is this mix of synth vibes which gives the track this sound that has a summer banger feel and raises your positive vibes, it just has one of those feels that you want to bounce to with a broad smile on your face.

>ARRO brings us slick vocals that allow you to hear every word as he drops some solid bars that introduce us to both himself and Boswell. He gives us a deep dive into just who they are, what makes them tick, and what they are here to do in the game. What you get from this is a sense that these guys have been there, maybe set back from the forefront of the UK Hip Hop scene but, that has allowed them the time and space to practice and hone their respective crafts ready to drop this one, just when the time was right, giving us a chance to see that they have the skills to walk-the-walk as well as talking the talk.

Holdin’ Court is a solid debut by Boswell Thomas and >ARRO that is released through one of the UKs top underground labels, the perfect platform to let these guys do their thing and bring the UK some hot new Hip Hop sounds to get us all rockin’.

 

 

Journey

By

Jonie D

 

Jonie D is no stranger to the blog. He is one of the KAOS Crew and featured here with the release of their Over The Iron Bridge album back in March 2024. Jonie D is now back with this single which comes hot on the back of his last solo album SENA (2024). Journey features production from Diaz TowerZ, who also produced a remix album of the KAOS Crews Over The Iron Bridge.

 Diaz TowerZ brings a heavy beat that is backed by this, electronic sound that is almost softened into the background. This creates this sound which has a soulful edge with a vibe that brings a reflective energy to it, carrying you along as you listen intently to the lyrics.

Jonie D gives us a look at how the lives of people can flow in different directions as they navigate the unpredictable nature of the river of live. As you listen to the words, and perhaps even read the lyrics that are there on the Bandcamp page, you realise that these lives could be those of anyone around us, they might even reflect parts of your own lifes journey; and this sets up that reflective edge perfectly, giving you the push to actually sir back and look at where you are now and how you came to be here.

This is one of those tracks that touches you in different ways, as it allows you to just listen and enjoy the flow, or actually allow yourself to get immersed deeply into the words, feeling them as Jonie D expertly weaves intricate and conscious bars that are more than just words alone.

 

 

Ripple

By

Unity

 

I have featured Unity on the blog before, most recently with her EP with Zee Rock, The Witching Tree (2023). Unity is now back with her latest single Ripple. Ripple is the first single from the forthcoming project with Cardiff legend DJ Jaffa ‘Where We Belong’.

DJ Jaffa provides the production and the cuts on Ripple, giving us a chilled out Hip Hop vibe that mixes a solid beat with some mellow guitar vibes. Putting you in mind of warm summer days spent by the sea or walking among the trees as a light breeze takes the edge off the heat that beats down from the sun above.

Unity uses this chilled out vibe to showcase her poetic lyrics that seem to connect with you and put you into dreamy almost meditative state of mind. Her words here speak od a deep connection with nature and really letting the beauty that you see around you, sink into the very essence of your mind, body and soul, feeling how it touches you in different ways letting emotive energy and inspiration flow from deep within. That inspiration is another key factor in the track which also inspires you to connect with your own personal creativity. We all have that within us and its all about feeling those good times, seeing the beauty around us and letting that bring forth our own creative side.

This is something that I can personally associate with after finding my own creative side after being inspired by connecting with myself, music and the people and nature around me here in somerset. So, I know we all have it deep within us as I never thought I had a creative bone in my body. So, you too can find your creative side and see where it takes you.

 

So, there we have three singles, that on the face of it, are very different but, what they show us is the wealth of talent that is across the UK. Although these three tracks seem different in their production, flows and delivery, what they have in common is that each speaks, between the lines maybe, on creativity and a connection with what is in the world around us. That connection might be music, it might be nature, or it might even be how we live our lives and reflect on them but, there is connection there all the same.

This also, for me anyway, shows how music, in this case Hip Hop, can unite us all in a shared love of something that inspires us all in the same way. I say this because it is something that I have always been inspired by within the Hip Hop community, and that is that shared love of this music and culture brings us all together, it does not judge us for who we are, where we are from, or the colour of our skin, and that is something that I find deeply inspiring in a world where we are literally encouraged to be separate from those around us. Remember, we are all the same colour underneath, and we all bleed the same. Think of that as you listen to these tracks.

I will leave it there and just thank The artists for the chance to bring you these singles.

I’ll see you next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Boswell Thomas and >ARRO

Get Holdin' Court Here:

https://ditto.fm/holdin-court

Socials

https://arro-raps.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mrboswellthomas/

https://www.instagram.com/arro.raps/

https://www.instagram.com/nukefamrecords/

https://nukefamrecords.bandcamp.com/

Jonie D

https://jonied.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/jonie_d_/

UNITY

Everything Unity Here:

https://linktr.ee/millimagic

https://www.instagram.com/artbyunity/

https://unity9.bandcamp.com/

 

VIDEOS

Ripple - UNITY

EP Review: The Witching Tree by Unity and Zee Rock

 

The Witching Tree

By

Unity and Zee Rock

 

I last featured Unity back in January of this year with a review of her EP Red and Blue (Bard Picasso). It is always good to review something a little different and The Witching Tree promises that. For a bit of context here is a few words on the release…

 

The project is an experimental offering constructed using an array of samples, sound bites and adlibs from many sources. The aim with this project was for a rough and ready dusty lofi approach rather than a fully polished overall sound. Unity’s lyrics grew from the name given to each track by Zee Rock as he was creating them, and the project evolved into a collection of spells – the riddle and rhymes brewed in Zee Rock’s cauldron. ‘The Witching Tree’ features cuts from Zee Rock, as well as from Cardiff HipHop legend DJ Jaffa, and features Welsh MC’s A Gent Orange and Luce Kanon, Tewkesbury’s Farai and an overseas contribution from Hush (Philadelphia, USA).

Expect intricate rhyme schemes, abstract lyrical storytelling, and a layered soundscape of sampled vinyl deep from Zee’s crates. The project includes a tale of twin aunties moving through a surreal cityscape, the afterparty, as well as deeper musings about the world and our place in it on the opening and closing tracks.

The pair first collaborated on Unity’s debut release ‘Progress is a Process’ (Later) in 2020, followed by a track featuring Asha Jane ‘Four Leaf Clover’ on her ‘Garden of my Soul’ project, and on a third track ‘I’m Alive’, from Unity’s ‘Diving Deeper’ project (Bard Picasso, 2021), featuring Galaxy Sega who has created the artwork and animations for ‘The Witching Tree’.

 

The Witching Tree sounds like an intriguing journey, so join me for the ride…

 

The EP begins with Habitually, the first thing that strikes you is that raw, unrefined sound that was the basis of the project. The heavy drum beat, and guitar vibes are Records underpinned by these multiple layers of sampled sounds and vocals. But the overall vibe you get from the sound here is deep funk, boom bap one that gets the head nodding. Unity and Luce Kanon use their differing styles to great effect here, Unity with her more spoken word style and Luce with a full on high paced rap style, to weave a message that it is rooted in nature and the spirits which abound there. This one really seems to be focused on the self, the person you will be when you constantly do the same things over and over again, especially within our current society and focused wholly on city life, how people see you and material wealth. The message here is not to forget the power of nature, removing yourself from habitual life and remember your true self.

 

All The Freaky People has a melodic funk sound that sees a lo-fi drum sound mixed with bass, keys and more intricate samples and sound bites. The overall vibe this creates has this almost out-of-body feel to it, causing your awareness to float along to the sound. Unity invites all those freaky people to the after party but, what kind of after party is this? It’s a place where anything goes as you follow Unity’s pied piper figure. This is an after party where Hip Hop people, walk barefooted into the fields, baring their souls to the music, the art, and more; this is where the true nature of your love of the culture and the sound will abound, and you will come out the other side a changed person…

 

Twin Aunties features DJ Jaffa, Farai, and Hush, on a beat that has an infectious edge to it. The drums and keys mix and complement each other creating the kinda funky sound you just wanna move to. It’s hard to get a feel for who the Twin Aunties truly are? One minute they sound like Cinderella’s ugly sisters, then in the next they seem to be more of a reflection of our own family members moving through a cityscape that is as far removed from what we see around us, as it is a true reflection of the same. As you bounce along to the track, subtlety taking in the words, you might find your self questioning your reasoning as you try figure out the true nature of those Twin Aunties.

 

The final track on the EP is Quiet Riot, featuring A Gent Orange, the drum beat switches up a few notches, backed with keys and a subtle essence of strings, it creates another infectious vibe that has a reflective edge to it. As you listen to the words on this one, it seems to sink further and further into your consciousness, encouraging you to look deeper into the world around you. For me, it brought forward thoughts of everyday people who have grown tired of fighting for their rights, the things that we should all be able to have, now we turn that fight into a quiet riot that stews within our mind, body and soul, while threatening to burst forth at any time but, only when the right questions are asked does the flood of frustration and anger explode in tirade of emotion fuelled words that come from the depths of our consciousness mixed with a passion that asks why the powers that be do not listen and only seek to control and amass personal wealth, while we pay their wages but, can’t even afford to heat our homes or properly feed our families…

 

There is a lot that The Witching Tree can elicit within you, the more you listen and really feel the music and words. Your first listen might just make you feel the sound and enjoy the ride, without thinking to much but, if you really choose to feel the vibe of this one it will open you up to questioning the nature of the world you live in.

 

Unity and Zee Rock have really crafted something that might have that experimental and raw edge to it, where you get the feeling that the words were crafted around the music and then it was all poured into an etheric cauldron, where spells were said over it and the nature spirits infused it with magical musical properties; then the finished EP gives you an entertaining listen that has a quality all it’s own, unleashing potent imagery in the mind that opens you up to another level of the true power of music. Just because The Witching Tree has it’s basis in Hip Hop music, does not mean that it cannot have a potent message on a more esoteric level, that is the power of music, regardless of the genre you use, it can help bring powerful messages alongside an enjoyable experience. The way Unity and Zee Rock have crafted The Witching Tree, it has as much power in the music as it does in the wordplay. Zee Rocks multi-layed soundscapes have a deep rugged quality to them and this perfectly matches the depth and quality of Unity’s clever and intelligent wordplay that is delivered in that, almost, spoken word style that allows to hear every word. The Witching Tree truly speaks to you on both levels of the music and words.

 

The addition of the guest artists works perfectly with the whole vibe of the EP. Plus it also shows the universal nature of Hip Hop and music. Music reflects the true nature of the world; it has no boundaries just as there should be no boundaries between us who live upon it.

 

The Witching Tree is out now so, you be the judge of what it says to you but, I highly recommend you check this one out.

 

Time for me to be out,

 

See ya next time.

 

Steve

LINKS

Get a copy of the EP and All things related to Unity Here:

https://linktr.ee/ameliaunity

 

VIDEOs

Quiet Riot ft A Gent Orange

All The Freaky People

Habitually ft Luce Kanon

Twin Aunties ft Farai, Hush and DJ Jaffa

 

EP Review: Red and Blue by Unity

 

Red and Blue

By

Unity

 

I originally received this EP last August on its release but, one thing led to another, and I didn’t get round to reviewing it So, I decided that now was the time. Unity is one of those who has sent a few things my way in the last couple of years, including a T-Shirt, and I am very grateful for that.

So, before I get into the EP let me introduce you to Unity. She is a DJ, BGirl, and graffiti writer from Cardiff in Wales. She grew up in Mid-Wales on a diet of guitar bands, discovering funk and Hip Hop via the Beastie Boys. Unity began her lyrical journey via spoken word and gives a poetic, clear delivery of real-life stories which cut deep. Influenced by Taskforce and Kae Tempest, Unity has been recognised for her understanding of Hip Hop culture and its applications in community settings. She is a founding member of the Ladies of Rage network and has spoken at events by Bristol University, Cardiff’s Festival of Voice and as far afield as Hong Kong University. She has also written a chapter for a global Hiphopography book by professors from the universities of Hong Kong and Western Cape (South Africa). Her debut EP ‘Progress is a Process’ was released in 2020, closely followed by ‘Garden of My Soul’ in February 2021. Her debut album ‘Diving Deeper’ came in November 2021 with This EP Red and Blue in 2022, both of which were released through Bard Picasso (the label she has since parted ways with).

So, in just a few short years Unity has accomplished a lot and that’s not to mention her stunning graffiti artwork as well, so with all that in mind, join me as I take you on a ride through Red and Blue…

The EP kicks off with the title track Red and Blue which features Wolfgang Von Vanderghast and is produced by Billy Phono. Fractured electric guitar vibes and mellow piano guide us in before the drum beat drops triggering a release of adrenaline fuelling every inch of your body. The mix of drums, piano and the nerve shredding guitar brings a vibe that toys with your mind, constantly bouncing from one vibe to the next and this fits so well with the overall feeling of the track. Unity and Vanderghast explore the deep questions of who or what we are in the grand scheme of things. These are questions that often rattle around in our minds, especially after a life changing event. When that happens, we constantly question who we are, what is the greatest expression of true self? How does it fit into the grander scheme of things and do we even understand what reality is? With all those questions and more now vying for a place in our mind, sharp piano notes fill our awareness and switching our focus back to the music. High Street Bullshit, produced by Rollo, has a melodic beat which has this deep feel to it. Unity uses a more spoken word to her delivery as she takes us on a trip through the rundown areas of Swansea where graffiti writers unite to combat the conflicts and the struggles of a society that never wanted people to come together but, to always be against each other. The music and vibe of Unity’s words here almost feel like the ghost of the past has come to guide the listener through these visions of pain before guiding you to a better outlook as those you see seek to overcome their hurdles through visual expression and creativity.

With that vision of a better future still floating in your head the EP moves on with Faith Makers, produced and mixed by Leone Vuetivavalagi and featuring Missy G. Drums and sonic sounds merge here to create a futuristic vibe. Unity takes a look at the pain and suffering around the world and how this can often seem so overwhelming to many of us. There is another side to this as well, we are all human beings we have enough empathy, wisdom, and the power to fill our lives with positive outlooks and the power to bring that positivity, through our own actions, to those who suffer around us. The vibe of this track almost makes it feel like your future self is looking back to pain of the past and sees the power we have to bring change through our own focused energy. There is no time to sit back and consider what you have heard already as Dead Boy Walking drops, produced by DW Smith, and featuring Skunkadelic and Stabitha. The beat has a head nod vibe with vocal samples giving it an almost haunting quality, which fits perfectly with the stories being brought to light here. These distressing stories focus on the plight of children whose parents, through neglect or intention, held their children back, seeking to claim benefits by not teaching their children the fundamentals of life like how to talk or how to use the toilet, instead only putting them in front of a screen. For someone who is a parent, these stories touch the deepest part of you, making you wonder how people could be so desperate as to put money before their child’s welfare and development. Moving into the final track of the EP there is a real consideration as to what might be next but, that only lasts a split second before Running hits, produced by Unity, and featuring Stabitha with cuts from DJ Veto, acoustic guitar and drums create this upbeat vibe that provides the light at the end of the tunnel. The message here is really about who you are, and that you need to look at you and who you are. When you take that time to pause and consider you, ask yourself, “Am I running towards myself or away from myself”? If you are running away, what are you running from? If you are running towards yourself, are you truly ready to meet the real you? Whatever the answer is, the real you is there waiting for the moment you can embrace each other…

 

What is striking about Red and Blue is the depth and the clarity of what is being put across here. Unity puts across these deep reflections of life in such a way that you feel them deep inside, just as if you were stood watching or were even the one experiencing what was happening in that moment. It also brings up feeling from within, perhaps emotions from your own personal experiences are rekindled as you listen. The clarity with which Unity expresses her words is what opens you up to the feelings. You hear every word, understand each sentiment and emotive expression.

What is also immediately evident here is that Red and Blue undoubtedly has its roots in Hip Hop, there are some other influences that come through from the producers but, all the production here is solid and really serves to enhance the emotive vibe of each track. Just as the producers elicit those feels, so it is with the guest artists here. Each one creates perfect balance track to track adding depth along the way. It really makes for stunning listening experience from top to bottom.

I couldn’t go without talking about Unity as an emcee here. She displays this clarity of vocalisation that obviously comes from her experience in spoken word, and it serves to open up her verses so that you can easily get into them word by word and get this sense of what she is putting across. I like her mix of styles matching the rap style with the spoken word and adding that real emotive depth to every subject that always touches the listener. You really have to listen and allow the words to sink in here.

Overall, Red and Blue is a strong emotive project that many of you will be able to associate with and feel both touched and entertained by. It really displays the strength of Unity as both a Hip Hop head and a storyteller. It opens the listener up to the reality of living in Wales, in the now and in a way that is easily relatable and heard no matter where you live. Unity is one to watch in Hip Hop, mark my words.

Red and Blue is available now and don’t forget to check her Graff art too, links below.

My huge thanks to Unity for sending me this and everything else and for the bio which I used a great portion of in italics at the start of the review.

On that Note,

I’m Out,

See Ya.

Steve.

LINKS

All the links you need for the EP and everything Unity are via this Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/ameliaunity

VIDEOS

Red and Blue ft Wolfgang Von Vanderghast