Single Review: Dark Star Demoralizer by Ill Sykes Prod. by Bogart

 

Dark Star Demoralizer

By

Ill Sykes

Prod. Bogart

It was back in November of last year that I reviewed The Chronicles of Nefaeria Volume 1 by Ill Sykes, and now he is back with a new single Dark Star Demoralizer. This new single is the first collaboration between the London based rapper and the Swiss based duo Bogart aka Marin and Jayztylez.

Released at the end of August, the first thing that hits you about Dark Star Demoralizer is that the opening almost teases you that this one might be a laid-back affair until the pounding beat drops in and gives those background vocal samples an entirely different edge, suddenly the whole thing takes on this dark, almost sinister air. Ill Sykes delivers his rugged poetic vocal style and wordplay in a way that mimics the vibe of Bogarts production and you begin to feel there is this dark, almost demonic feel that penetrates you, chilling you to the core. However, listen a little deeper and what appears to be the cry of a damned soul, is more like the cry of a soul that fears the eternal damnation and is looking for redemption. You almost feel that this reflects someone wrestling with their own sanity, with the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other.

Dark Star Demoralizer is an exciting introduction into what promises to be an exciting collaboration between Ill Sykes and Bogart. The sound has this deep vibe that reflects the state of modern society but also keeps its roots in Hip Hop of the late 90’s and early 2000’s. What is also apparent here is that Ill Sykes rap style and Bogart’s production work very well together, each seemingly aware of exactly what is needed to breath life into the particular vibe they are looking for.

With this insight into what they are about to bring to the Hip Hop community, I for one will be eager to see what they bring in the form of a full album. With this mix of deep emotive beats and vocals that twist the senses with relatable topics and more, it looks to be a highly anticipated sound.

Dark Star Demoralizer is out now with artwork from Sinisa Kandic and a video from Full Clip Media and is released through their own Tu Phaze indie label. Go check it if you haven’t already.

See ya next time…

Steve

LINKS

Check the single out Here:

https://tr.ee/w8PxtNfTjQ

Check everything on Ill Sykes Here:

https://linktr.ee/illsykes

Check out everything on Bogart Here:

https://linktr.ee/bogart.beats

VIDEO

 

 

 

Single Review: Introspection (Remix) by Alias Molombo Feat. Masta Ace, Heart.Wyred, Upfront MC & The Nicewun JM

 

Introspection (Remix)

Produced by Alias Molombo

Feat. Masta Ace, Heart.Wyred, Upfront MC & The Nicewun JM

 

It was only a few months back that I featured a track that was produced by German producer Alias Molombo. That track also featured The Nicewun JM (Wiltshire UK), and so when I heard that these two were going to be linking up again, it seemed only right to drop a review; and a good thing too as its official release is today, 6^th September but, it has already been receiving some big airplay.

The Introspection (Remix) features a big international line up of emcees headlined by the legendary Masta Ace alongside Heart.Wyred (Germany), Upfront MC (Split Prophets, Bristol UK) and The Nicewun JM.

 

Let’s get straight into this one,

The Introspection (Remix) is a remix of Alias Molombo’s own single which featured Masta Ace, Heart.Wyred and Upfront MC, this remix adds The Nicewun JM to the mix. Molombo’s production here is quite laid-back, the drums are the main element but, there is this background sound that features what seems to be a xylophone, which when mixed in the drums gives this one a very thoughtful tone, which fits perfectly for the track. The whole message to this one is about looking within yourself, examining your own thoughts and feelings and questioning, what would be different, or would I be different if the choices I made or the events in life took me down a different path, exactly what Introspection is.

We have all considered what would life be like had choices and events and here we have four emcees giving us their own experiences of this aspect of life; doing it by thought provoking wordplay, mixed with real life experience. It is almost impossible to listen to this track and not have it bring your own introspective thoughts to mind. I know that I have daily introspective moments, and this track really does reflect those moments well.

This is a great track to get the mind ticking over in its relatable contact but is also enjoyable at the same time. There is also that international vibe to the track too, one that gets the mind ticking even more as you welcome the fact that this music brings us all closer together, something you don’t need to reflect on.

This is the second release that features the awesome artwork of Scum Doodlez aka Amir J. Sadeghi. I'll drop a link below to his Insta so you can hit him up for some dope art.

Introspection (Remix) is out today, so go check this one out.

Be seeing you…

Steve

LINKS

Stream on Spotify Here:

https://open.spotify.com/track/

 More from Alias Molombo Here:

https://linktr.ee/aliasmolombo

Masta Ace on Insta:

https://www.instagram.com/mastaacepics/

Heart.Wyred on Insta Here:

https://www.instagram.com/heart.wyred/

Upfront MC on Insta Here:

https://www.instagram.com/upfront_splitprophets/

The Nicewun JM on Insta Here:

https://www.instagram.com/tscrewjm/

Scum Doodlez aka Amir J. Sadeghi on Insta Here:

https://www.instagram.com/scumdoodlezink/

 

 

Single Review: Sambuca (Smoove Mix) by Whirlwind D

 

Sambuca (Smoove Mix)

By

Whirlwind D

 

This one sneaked up on me almost under the radar but, after getting the chance to review the Smoove Remix of Labels, with the 7” version as the B-Side to Without Music (2021) and the full Extended Mix on the Libra album (2023), how could I pass up the chance to do this one. Simple, I couldn’t…

Sambuca (Smoove Mix) is a strictly limited 7” release, that is limited to just 100 copies, on B-Line recordings and is released today via Whirlwind D’s Bandcamp page.

I don’t want to keep you waiting on this one so, lets just get into it…

 

The funky beat immediately grabs your attention and those horns on the bridge give this one the sort of infectious sound that you gets you moving and puts a huge smile on your face and that vibe really fits so well with Whirlwind D’s witty vocals. Now, if you have not heard this track before, if not why not, it’s all about getting hyped up for those live shows, getting rid of any anxious feelings with a little liquid courage. Anyone who has been to Rope-A-Dope or certain live performances since the release of Libra, can tell you that that Sambuca has featured; the firey liquid burns its way from mouth to gut, giving the warmth and internal strength to perform with gusto and engage the crowd throughout. But this track might be all about getting hyped for the shows but, really sambuca is one of those drinks that you can just have fun with, a bit like this track sees Whirlwind D having some fun with it.

What I love about this track and this remix is that Smoove takes nothing away from the original, which was produced by Specific and had cuts from Djar One, but he gives it a whole new spin, giving it a funky vibrant club vibe that would not be out of place being thumped out a few notches above ten at your BBQ, in your car, wherever suits you. This one is sure to have you bouncing around every time you hear it. Just remember to drink responsibly and don’t have a shot every time you hear the word sambuca, otherwise you are likely only to get through one play of the track, Ha Ha…

This is a great addition to Whirlwind D’s catalog and a truly blinding remix from Smoove who just has this uncanny knack of feeling a track and knowing exactly how to elevate it and put the kind of spin on it that takes it off in a whole new direction. Plus, it could not have been released at a better time keeping those summer vibes going. 

The wicked artwork for the Sambuca label comes from the creative talent of John 'Digital' Dyer.

Grab a vinyl why you can and get this one flowing through your musical veins.

Huge thanks to my man Whirlwind D for giving me the chance to bring this one to you.

See ya next time,

Steve.

LINK

Get your copy from Bandcamp Here:

https://whirlwindd.bandcamp.com/album/sambuca-smoove-mix