Single Review - Charity Fundraiser Release - DEF DEFINITION (No One Can Breathe) ft DJar One by CARPETFACE

CHARITY FUNDRAISER RELEASE

DEF DEFINITION (No One Can Breathe)

By

CARPETFACE

Single Review

Over the last few years multi talented UK Hip Hop artist CARPETFACE and French Super Producer DJar One have collaborated on a number of critically acclaimed releases which included 5 tracks on Carpetface’s 2017 2^nd Solo Album Cognitive Diss. The pair have been working on a number of project’s, one of which is this latest single, DEF DEFINITION (No One Can Breathe).

This new single is the first release as part of CARPETFACE’s new project the “Friends In High Places” EP series. Volume One of the EP series will be the “Cabin Fever EP” which will be the release to feature DEF DEFINITION.

It is also important to note, before I get into the review, that 100% of the proceeds of this single are going to STOP HATE UK (https://www.stophateuk.org/):

Stop Hate UK is one of the leading national organisations working to challenge all forms of Hate Crime and discrimination, based on any aspect of an individual’s identity. Stop Hate UK provides independent, confidential and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties.

We also offer a range of other services including training, education and consultancy. Stop Hate UK’s core activities also include awareness-raising, campaigning and delivering projects on a variety of issues relevant to Hate Crime and equality.

With such a good cause benefiting from this release let me give you my impressions of the track:

As soon as the melodic jazzy intro starts you get an immediate feel for what this tracks is focused on. As the you are about to drift away you brought back to reality by the voice of US President Trump and his outrageous ‘This is a great day’ speech regarding the death of George Floyd. As DJar One’s beat hits and we get this hit of Hip Hop on the Jazz tip. The sort of beat that you puts you in a chilled state of mind that will easily make you more receptive to the lyrical message you are about to receive.

CARPETFACE uses this platform to drop knowledge on the current situation that has come so much to the forefront of what we see in the world. Racism, Hate crimes and the inexcusable treatment of minorities the world over, how so many have failed to understand the true meaning behind movements such as Black Lives Matter and the failure of governments to address, suitably acknowledge the situation and even attempt to begin to redress the balance. Using his instantly recognisable voice, lyrical clarity and ease of flow, CARPETFACE takes such a hard hitting subject and drops it on you in such a way as to have you subconsciously taking in the message whilst systematically enjoying everything you hear. It is a message that is clear, with the current state of affairs in the world; the pain, suffering and inequality; it is stifling every one of us and I don’t know anyone who has not been affected by these recent events in some way from Disgust to anger and ignorance to seeking knowledge and understanding. 

CARPETFACE is never one to shy away from subjects that so many find controversial and here he does it again. Teaming with DJar one is a stroke of genius, creating the kind of Hip Hop that is conscious and hard-hitting whilst being a listening pleasure. This sets the bar pretty high for this new project and with collab alongside Jimi Lyons still in production the future, for CARPETFACE, looks sure to be a productive one for him and a pleasure for us having such good music to look forward to.

 I want to finish by saying that his single is going to appeal to anyone who knows CARPETFACE and DJar One or anyone who enjoys Hip Hop or just good conscious music in general and with this release supporting such a good cause, it really is one worth supporting.

DEF DEFINITION (No One Can Breathe) is released on New Bias Records tomorrow, 13^th July.

Peace,

Steve

Carpetface Bandcamp: https://carpetface.bandcamp.com/ 

Carpetface Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carpetfaceofficial/ 

Carpetface Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carpetface_dope_mc/ 

Carpetface Twitter: https://twitter.com/carpetfacerocks 

New Bias YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxyH6McFt2TjspCxMnwHW5Q

DJar One Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djar.one.serpat

Overflow Pt2 (ft A-F-R-O & ResoNate) by Cut Beetlez - Single Review

Overflow Pt 2 (ft A-F-R-O & ResoNate)

By

Cut Beetlez

Single Review

Not much more than a week after the release of part one in this series the Cut Beetlez are back with part Two.

Again this single comes with amazing artwork of Teppo Sara and Graphics from Mr Krum But, in a slight change we see ResoNate joining A-F-R-O on lyrical duties. Is that the only change that can be expected?

Well, let’s see...

Following the tempest that was part one; this second offering brings the eye of the storm to bear on us. The rough scratch intro and the hectic electronic sound (which is almost reminiscent of crashed computer game from the 80’s) might lead you to believe this is gonna continue the path of the storm start in the previous release but, as ResoNate’s harmonious vocals kick in that potential adrenalin hit is eased and has the beat drops and A-F-R-O’s laid back vocal style hit’s you realise this truly is the eye of the storm.

As with part one, this one also has the Beetles switching the pace between the verses and the choruses and vocal styles of ResoNate (on the chorus) and A-F-R-O’s chilled out style (on the verses) really match what the Beetlez have done in creating this calm. 

Again here you can really feel the innovative style and approach that the Cut Beetlez use in how they create their visionary Hip Hop. Take away the vocals and you can hear how intricate the construction of their musical vision is and this makes it impossible to try and visualise what they will bring in Part Three. But, One thing is for certain, it will feature A-F-R-O regardless of what the Cut Beetlez have in store.

Overflow Pt 2 is available tomorrow 8^th July from The Cut Beetlez Bandcamp Page.

 https://cutbeetlez.bandcamp.com/music

Streaming links will follow.

Peace, I’m out,

Steve.

Single Review - Overflow ft A-F-R-O by Cut Beetlez

Overflow ft A-F-R-O

By

Cut Beetlez

Single Review

Following the recent release of their album CBNG with the Nice Guys, the duo of DJ J-Man and HP Lovescratch, from Finland, are back with a new single release, Overflow.

This time they have teamed with an artist, who in my humble opinion is one of the most exciting emcees around, A-F-R-O. Overflow marks the first in a three part series of releases from Cut Beetlez and A-F-R-O. The single comes as acomplete package featuring some bold artwork from Teppo Sara and design by Mr Krum.

Knowing of the Beetlez innovative style and A-F-R-O’s lyrical prowess, I was excited to get listen to this one and see what it brought to me.

Now unlike most singles this track has no standard BPM. There are two verses each which start of at this chilled out vibe and slowly build, almost to boiling point with a mixture of drums and electronic sounds that gives each half of the track an individual feel whilst keeping the background on one even flow. Each verse begins on a funky vibe that you instantly feel you wanna bounce to but, as the BPM and A-F-R-O’s lyrical pace increases it takes you to a whole new level. This sort of rollercoaster ride is something you normally experience across an entire album and not on one track.

Overall the Beetlez production, slick cuts and A-F-R-O’s skill at switching it up lyrically, comes together to create an exciting experience for the listener and I’m excited by these artists’s coming together. Spanning the oceans and taking Hip Hop to some new dimensions.

I have to say the follow up to this single has me on the edge of my seat wondering what they will come up with.

Overflow is out today, 1^st July.

Support this awesome release here: https://cutbeetlez.bandcamp.com/track/overflow-pt-1-feat-a-f-r-o

Peace Out,

 

Steve

Single Review - JVF Clique : Masks

Masks

By

JVF Clique

Single Review

Hot on the heels of their recent release Triptych, the Duo from Leicester is back with another single. This Latest offering, Masks, is a full on hardcore Hip Hop banger.

Now you might think that the title is referring to the current Covid situation and the fact that many people have taken to wearing masks as a precaution. However, for me the focus of this track is far from that, well at least in one sense.

On listening you are drawn into the track that has two distinct styles to the lyrical delivery. Now, be this intentional or not what it does is provide a real contrast an almost Yin Yang feel.  For me the message here was not just about those who wear physical masks for criminal purposes or other but, also those who mask who they are by not being the true expression of themselves and that really spoke to me. Now, again, I’m not sure if it was intentional to have a deeper message but, to get that from the track shows the true power of music.

The production is on point Boombap and heavy on the horns. The kinda vibe you bang loud regardless of whether you are feeling the deeper message or if you just want to have that heavy pounding track exploding out your speakers.

JVF are coming out of lockdown hard and Masks is huge short across the bow’s of the scene demonstrating these guys are not here to play but, to entertain, to drop it hard and unrelenting.

Masks is out tomorrow, 1^st July, on all the usual platforms.

All streaming links here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jvfclique/masks

Peace out,

Steve

No Justice No Peace by Scottish Hip Hop Artists for Equality - Album Review

No Justice No Peace

By

Scottish Hip Hop Artists for Equality

Album Review

With everything that is currently going on in the world from Covid to Black Lives Matter it is good to see an album put together where all the proceeds are going to a worthwhile cause. That cause being the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights.

The Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights works to eliminate racial discrimination and harassment and to promote racial justice across Scotland.

Their key mission is to:
Protect, enhance and promote the rights of Black/minority ethnic communities across all areas of life in Scotland; and strengthen the social, economic and political capital of Black/minority ethnic communities, especially those at greatest risk of disadvantage.  

The album was brought to my attention by Wurrd Jenkins and has been put together by Scottish Producer/Composer and Presenter Steg G. Comprising of a whopping 21 tracks the album has a huge line up of talented Scottish artists and covers a wide variety of sound scape’s from Hip Hop to Grime and Trap vibes.

As per my normal reviews I want to give you an insight into every track but, as there are so many I am going to try and keep my words on each track a little shorter than I would normally. Also, I’m going to change the format of my review for this one and give you it track by track in a list style to help make it a little easier to read. So, let’s get into this album and see what it has to offer:

Solareye – WHERE2NOW: Start as you mean to go on is the way to go and this one hits that on so many levels hitting out at the British Government, slavery, big pharma companies and so much more all over a heavy industrial sound that rattles you to the core.

Shogun – KNOW: This one hits on a whole different level as you are taken on a ride through one man’s experiences of life to this point. A sobering feel to this one both lyrically and musically, although the sung chorus provides a lift from what feels like floating in dark waters.

Werd (SOS) – SEONAIDH: The name Seonaidh is Scottish Gaelic and can translate to the English Johnny, I’m not sure if that has any meaning to the track or not? But, this is a straight Hip Hop beat with mind screwing electronic tone helps mirror the feel of the track as it weaves a personal take on the perception of self, the music scene and general life around him.

Gasp – THANK YOU: Lyrically this one is almost pleading for people to listen as it speaks on equality, racism and ultimately gives thanks to the African American and Black Culture in general. Musically it’s laid back electronic vibe that has whispers of a trap feel.

Bigg Taj & Spee 69 – IF YOU WITH ME: This one has a ‘world music’ feel to it, along with a more upbeat vibe. The message here is one of standing up for those who are struggling in society and an awareness of how the media reports and governments fail while they seek to control and profit.

Conscious Route & Tru Note – EVERYTHING TEST: Upping the BPM on this one with fast paced electronic vibe over a banging beat. The vision this one brings is that of a society where everything around you tests you very resolve.

Steg G & The Freestyle Master – SEE IT IN THEIR EYES: On that trap style vibe here as there is a deep message here that really speaks that regardless of what you see on TV and in the media if you truly look there is one place to see the truth, In Their Eyes...

Sherlock – BANG: Staying with the trap vibe here as the track, for me, seemed to speak about not taking any shit and being yourself regardless.

Loki – RUN TO IT: A chilled guitar with huge heavy bass. This one really gave me the view that regardless of the darkness, the hard times, you can push through it and come through it.

Empress – DON’T TELL ME: A laid back, piano heavy, trap style vibe this one see’s the message about being true to yourself and others.

Konchis, Takoh, ID, Remark & Paque – KNOW ABOUT THAT: Heavy trap vibe on this one. You gotta ask yourself, whatever you do in life, what do you truly know about things...

Kid Robotik - SMOKE: Staying with that heavy trap style vibe, this track really seems to speak on the struggles of life and how you cope.

Spawn Zero – AGONY: A more chilled vibe on this track with a message about how it is best not to force things to happen but, to allow them to happen. When you force things it often causes the exact opposite to manifest.

Tzusan – DATA SPIKE: A short track with spacey vibe to it that gives a short message on the current state of affairs.

Becca Star & Orry Caren – IT JUST FEELS SAD: A real heavy vibe on this one that speaks volumes that, even in this day and age, women are still not treated equally in many ways and that is sad.

MacKenzie – DNTWNNKNW: An almost trip-hop chilled feel to this track with its acoustic guitar and then completely flipping to a heavier pounding vibe. It really mirrors what you see in society with the two sides of human nature. There is a deeper meaning here as with everything going on many simply just don’t want to know...

Brian Jamieson – SHATTERDAY: Heavy raw and unrelenting with a trap feel. A darker look at life here with a raw look at what can happen at the weekend following a long hard week working and you then get that escape only to be left Broken...

Bigg Taj – LA LA LA: A nice little head nod beat here that is the perfect stage for the track that speaks on inequality and that fact that many people respond this with an attitude of ignorance.

Wurrd Jenkins – OAN N OAN: Boombap Hip Hop style business right here on a track that put me in mind of that, whatever happens and whatever we see and do, one thing is for sure life goes on and on.

Kryptic – YOU WANT IT: Another one to get your head bobbing. For me, this one really spoke of how, in life, we endure many trials and tribulations but, life is too short for spreading hate.

Jackal Trades – TRIANGULAR TRADES: Going out on a high the album rounds of with a banger of a track that looks at state of the world now and shows that the way forward is to properly educate people. Not just the new generation but, current generation. We never stop learning...

This is quite a powerhouse of an album. It is highly listenable from beginning to end. I, personally, am not a lover of trap style music but, that is not an issue here. All through the album you can feel the energy of each artist and their motivation for being a part of this project. It is that energy that gives the album that extra dimension. Current events show that equality is quickly becoming a huge movement and people are making themselves heard and saying that they will no longer stand to see people being treated with disrespect.  

To look at society and all the forms of inequality that are rife in day to day life, is not an easy thing. As many of us wake up to what is going on and see the racism, the stigma of mental health, the treatment of women in the workplace, how governments truly treat the people and the power of the superrich, it becomes more apparent that changes will need to be made and nothing can stop those changes. How those changes occur will rely a lot on how we educate ourselves and how we pass the knowledge to the coming generations.

We cannot make the same mistakes as have been made in the past. We must recognise that on this planet there are no minority races. Your skin colour, your sexuality, you’re perceived social status or ethnicities do not make us different. We are all one on this planet.

This album makes a statement it recognises what needs to change and, by supporting The Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, shows that the changes are being made and that the education is being put forward and knowledge is being made available.

I only hope now that we will see more statements like this from the musical communities across the world. Music is one of the most powerful educational tools we have available, regardless of which genre of music you enjoy. Music has the power to change lives and to reach out to everyone.

On that note I highly recommend you grab a copy of the album from the link below.

Till next time,

Peace and one love,

Steve. 

Buy the Album HERE: https://shhafe.bandcamp.com/album/no-justice-no-peace 

For more Information on the Coalition For Racial Equality and Rights in Scotland please use the following link: https://www.crer.scot/ 

Check out the home page for Steg G: http://www.steg-g.co.uk/ 

For more information on all the artists please check social media for links.