Cognitive DISS by Carpetface - Pre-Vinyl Album Release Review

Cognitive DISS by Carpetface

A Review

By Steve Rider

I will be honest right here, right now! Prior to 2016 Carpetface was a name that was on the fringe of my UK Hip Hop knowledge. He first released The Friday Night Sniper EP back in 2002 at a time when my focus was not as deep into Hip Hop as it had been or is today.

So, as I began to hear his name more, I did what I could to get acquainted with some of his music. What I heard was someone who, to me anyway, has a voice is as instantly recognisable as, say, Chali2na of J5.

Then on 29^th July this year I was at B-Line’s Rope-a-Dope in Bristol. Carpetface is instantly recognisable, with his Tattoo’s but, seeing the Flower of Life tattoo on the right side of his head, gave me this feeling this guy is deep. When I heard his set that evening, I was blown away and knew I wanted the album. My son, who was with me that day, kindly, ordered the vinyl for my birthday. So, with the vinyl release now immanent, I have been waiting a couple of months since my birthday for this, I mentioned on Facebook that I would like to review it and the man himself contacted me and kindly sent me a Digital Promo pack.

So, let’s get into a track by track breakdown, followed by my overall thoughts.

Kicking off with the short Intro-Note to self, only a few seconds long but, says a great deal “How can you be an Artist and not reflect the times.....”

Then we’re straight into banging track to make your head nod. I’m Fine, is a track that on the surface may appear to be a wicked flowing stream of lyrical nonsense? But, the more you listen, the more it says. Not just that but, it takes you back, way back, to Hip Hop club bangers and you’re just like, ‘I fucking love this...  Cuts on the track are by Djar One, who also co-produces the track with Carpetface.

Make it Right is next up and another club banger style track. Well that’s how I was feeling it anyway! This track, again for me, speaks from the very essence of what Hip Hop is about, Unity, Being one with everyone. The track also features nice backing vocals from Lucy Rice and cuts by Djar One, with production from Carpetface and Yuniq.

Looking out for the World takes us on a funky trip, looking at what’s going around us and to look deep inside ourselves because it’s there we will find what’s needed to make tomorrow a little better. Lucy Rice brings us a sung chorus that fits the track perfectly. The beat here is provided by Ugly Duckling’s Young Einstein and production is by Carpetface.

Next we are into a B-Boy party vibe with title track The Cognitive Diss. But, this is not just a dope track to get down to? It’s a track asking you to wake you the fuck up, open your mind and look deep inside. Are you being your authentic self? Lucy Rice again features on backing vocals, along with J. Russell and production comes from Carpetface and Nonstop.

The Hip Hop legend that is Donald-D, begins Painstaking Arranger, by giving a shout out to the Harlem Jazz clubs from back in the day. A wicked jazzy track which keeps you rocking the whole way through, and how can you not vibe to Carpetface and Don-D, word! Awesome horns come from Carl Woodison, Backing vocals from Lucy Rice with production and live instrumentation by Carpetface...

Mud Sticks is nice little interlude again with a message you really need to listen to. Again this track has live instruments and production by the man himself.

Time to slow it down a bit with Highs and Lows but, still hit you with a banging beat (from Djar One). Another deep message here about the ups and downs of life, something that we can all associate with. Again we hear Carpetface’s versatility as he plays the live instruments. Cuts come from Incredeeple.

The realness keeps coming as You Are Each (Br)other hits us with a nice, up tempo mix. What more do you need, listen to the man and be nice to each other. After all we are all one..... The beat, cuts and co-production comes from Djar One.

One Small Light is a track that takes you back to the RUN DMC sound of Hip Hop beats and rock guitar breaks. I love this track, a hardcore banger with Carpetface reminding us that it only takes one small light to eradicate the darkness around us.... Beat and co-production comes from DJ Moneyshot, with backing vocals by J. Russell.

Time to school those fake gangster rappers out there! Take it Back is a straight up banger that reminds us that Gangster rap has its place and that place is not glorifying violence or making yourself out to be something you ain’t! All you do is give yourself and Hip Hop a bad name. You gotta keep the Hip Hop feel and keep it real. The track features co-production from Djar One.

Carpetface flips the script on the next track and brings it Ragga style with Work it out Now. For a second you might be thinking what the.... But, it just shows that Carpetface is multi-talented and this track is no less relevant that the others and grows on you the more you hear it. Backing vocals come from Lucy Rice, Horns by Carl Woodison and everything else by Carpetface.

 Kicking it back on the last track, Old as Hip Hop! A nice chilled out track that has a simple message, Have no regrets.... Do what you gotta do day to day but, at the end of the day don’t regret anything... Beat and co-production from Djar One.

Damn, I must have played this album umpteen times over the past few days and it just never gets old. It is also not what I was expecting? From his performance at Rope-a-Dope, I was expecting something kinda with a Hardcore edge But, I was surprised when I listened to this for the first time because Carpetface is taking it back to the essence. Every track has a message, a deep message, even if you’re not immediately aware of it. The vibe of this album speaks to your very soul in places and it does feel to me that Carpetface brings the energy of the spiritual warrior to his music.

On the face of it this may seem like an above average Hip Hop album but, in truth it is a very cleaver Hip Hop album brimming with consciousness and drawing on what is going on here and now in this moment. Hip Hop music is energy and the energy of music can change your mood and speak to others in a way that is universally understood no matter your culture or beliefs, you can understand music.

 Photo Copyright S.Rider-Infinite Realities Images 2017

I’m not saying that this sound or vibe is for everyone. I am sure there will be those who don’t quite vibe with it. But, it is a solid album for sure and one I can see standing the test of time.

I don’t think I can say much more than that. Three years in the making this Album is intelligent and bold. It boasts superb production all round and shows an amazing versatility from Carpetface. You can feel how he has channelled his energy into a project that reflects everyday life but, also shows there is hope.

With the up and coming projects and a remix album following, I am looking forward to the future of Carpetface and his label New Bias Recordings.

Cognitive Diss was put out in association with the one and only B-Line recordings. A label that, I feel, is becoming the UK’s premier underground Hip Hop Label.

Carpetface and New Bias recordings are also supported by THTC – The Hemp Trading Company.

As an exclusive for you lucky peeps out there, the re-worked album art that you can see as part of this review, is its first viewing by anyone... Yep, no shit, you heard me right! Re-worked by the tallented Mr.Tibbz from Carpetface's original concept artwork for the digital release. There will also be an album insert but, you will have to get your hands on the product to check that out. So, what are ya waiting for, go order it.....Do it!... Do it Now!....

I give huge thanks to the man Specifik and Mr.Tibbz for allowing me the honour of bringing this exclusive to you.
Massive thanks, of course, goes out to Carpetface for sending me such a wicked promo pack and giving me this chance to bring you this review.

Pre-orders on the link below and Specifik has informed me that orders start shipping on 14th October.

Check the links below for more from Carpetface.

One Love...

Steve

Infinite Sounds UK

Pre-Order from B-Line Recordings - Click Here


Carpetface official Website

Carpetface/New Bias Industries - Official YouTube Channel

Carpetface on Mixcloud

Carpetface on Soundcloud

Remember, Check out Carpetface on all the usual Social Media Platforms and stay informed...

FRSHRZ EP Review

FRSHRZ EP Review

By

Steve Rider

I will completely honest here and say that it is only recently that FRSHRZ came on to my radar. But, I am so glad they did.

I began to see pictures popping up on Facebook and Instagram of people holding the FRSHRZ CD and I started to check em out. Watching video’s of live appearances and so on. I then took the step to contact them find out if I was able to get hold of a copy of the CD EP so I could do a review.

Well, the guys were nice enough to send me a copy and I have been playing it off and on for a week or so now. Before I get into what I thought of it over all, I’ll give you a quick track by track rundown.

So, here we go:

The EP kicks off with a remix of their track LDN Posse. A Hip Hop banger that features the UK legend that is Rodney P. There is some dope name drops on this track that gives the listener an introduction to what inspired the guys to do what they do.

Next up is the N_WRD, a fresh little track to make ya head nod and open ya ears. The track has more N words that you can shake a stick at but, you won’t the N Word here.

Blxck Pride is the next offering and here we have the guys joined by Daak Martin, Si Philli and Logic. This track has a bit of a raga vibe with the emcees giving us some words of wisdom about heritage and the pride of being who they are. A lesson that many could learn from me thinks...

Mas Law joins the guys next for EA Sports and this is not the ‘It’s in the Game’ kinda thing but, ‘I’m in the Game’ with a track that is all about being in the Game but, it’s as far from game as you can get and yet still called a game...

What’s Love is a chilled out vibe with an edge. Exploring what the word love means from different perspectives. The guys keep the message real with a nice beat that keeps a hard edge.

Mental Health is a track that speaks to me on a personal level. Having not just suffered Depression myself, I have also seen others go through several different mental health issues. This is the second single I have really felt recently and it is good to hear these issues being tackled in ways that the youth will associate with and listen to. Again the track has chilled but, hard edged vibe to it whilst the angelic voice of Keesha Simpson echoes many voices.

The tempo is up a few notches for Letter to the Youths. But, don’t think the message in this one is any less powerful. The track simply puts the lesson into a vibe and message that the youth out there will listen to and feel. 

What I really liked about the EP was the fact that FRSHRZ have put together a solid offering that tackles some real deep issues. They have put their own stamp on the game here putting across the messages in way that everyone can vibe to, from the old skool Hip Hop heads to the younger generation and it is the lessons these messages address that the younger generation really need to be aware of.

This self produced EP is definitely one I recommend to everyone out there. It is kinda laid back but, there is still a definite hard edge to it that obviously comes from the true life issues being tackled.

It might not be the kinda vibe that just makes you wanna pound it out ya speakers and bounce around a nutta with ya teeth gritted! But, the messages here need to be heard and sometimes the chilled out deep hitting vibe is just what ya need.

Production is all top notch here: LDN Posse RMX by Kensaye, N_WRD by Earth2Tom, BLAXCK PRIDE by Nutty P, EA SPORTS by Mas Law, What’s Love by Juke84, Mental Health by Mas Law and Letter to the Youths by DJ Supreme. The whole thing is Executively Produced by C Maturine.

Design for the EP is handled by Nicola Gypsicola at WIS:Design.

All this shows that self produced releases can stand side by side with the best of them and give you the pleasure of knowing that all that hard work was well worth it.

I know that CD's are the most cost effective way of producing a physical release but, I would like to see a vinyl release, even a limited one would be awesome.

One last comment, I am looking forward to more from FRSHRZ and hopefully some live gigs to, preferably in an area I can get to.

The FRSHRZ EP is out now. Check the links below.

Steve Rider

Infinite Sounds UK 

FRSHRZ on Bandcamp 

BLXCK PRIDE - FRSHRZ ft Keesha Simpson - Official Video 

FRSHRZ ft Rodney P - LDN POSSE - Offical Video 

FRSHRZ - Club FRSHRZ on YouTube 

FRSHRZ on Soundcloud 

A FRSHRZ Documentary 

Don't forget to follow FRSHRZ on all the usual social media platforms....

Hollow Jack Interview

Yo! What's up everyone?
I have not posted an interview for a while and so now it's time.
Recently, I reviewed the excellent Debut album Dark Religion by Hip Hop Horrorcore artist Hollow Jack.
While we talked about the review over facebook chat, I asked if he would be happy to answer a few questions to see if he would let us see a bit about about what makes him tick?
He was only too happy to do it.
So I put together some questions based around a standard set I use for Hip Hop is Dead on Facebook and below is the result.
I dope interview of short to the point answers to my not exactly hard to answer questions.
So, sit back with your tea and biscuits and enjoy....

A 20 Question Interview

with

Hollow Jack

Yo! Hollow Jack,

Thanks for letting me take some of your time to ask a few questions.

Let's get right into it.....

·         SR - Can you give us a quick bit of background on yourself and how you got into Hip Hop?

·         HJ - I’m from Sweden. Raised in Gothenburg by my parents and I got two older siblings. My real name is Hannes which is a Swedish/German name but it’s not a very typical name. I’ve listened to Hip Hop since I was a kid but I became a real Hip Hop head sorta late. 2009 if I remember it correctly. That’s when I heard That’s Coke with La Coka Nostra and I’ve been hooked ever since.

·         SR - Your style is Horrorcore. What inspired you to this style of Rap music?

·         HJ - I love horror movies so it just came natural to me when I started. However, I got tired of it real fast I have to admit. Horrorcore has a tendency of being a bit repetive and I wanna explore other subjects which you can hear in some of my other songs. I kinda regret doing the song “Lord of Horrorcore” cuz after that everyone started calling me that and I wanna be more diverse in Hip Hop. Holding on to the same theme gets boring with time.

·         SR - Other than Hip Hop, what other music do you listen to?

·         HJ - Everything really. I love music. Im a huge fan of artists like Rammstein, Rage Against the Machine, The Beatles, Sepultura, Madonna, Kraftwerk, Tina Turner, you name it.

·         SR - Do you have a favourite track you have written for a particular reason?

·         HJ - Probably Violent Prophecy, just because Goretex from Non Phixion was on it. Was a dream come true to do a track with him.

·         SR - What would be your favourite non hip hop album?

·         HJ - Kraftwerk – The Man Machine

·         SR - I have already reviewed your Album Dark Religion. I understand that before this was released you spent some time in Hospital and were very Ill? Would you happy to tell us a bit about this?

·         HJ - Last year I got a very aggressive bacteria in my lungs which almost killed me. I was sedated for a week and I had to undergo surgery where they removed a piece of my lung. Spent a month in the hospital and was real close to dying. Worst experience of my life.

·         SR - The Hip Hop scene is really blowing up in the UK. But, for years the Hardcore artists from the UK have had a huge following in Europe. Do you think this has influenced Hip Hop in Europe or do you think that euro countries such as your own, already have their own style?

·         HJ - Not sure to be honest. I listened to a lot of UK Hip Hop when I was younger like Gunshot, Hijack and Killa Instinct but I can’t say any of them was an influence for the music I make.

·         SR - Live music is an essential part of Hip Hop. Have you performed live and do you plan to do some more shows?

·         HJ - Never performed live. I don’t have many connections in Sweden so I don’t really know where to turn to make that happen. But I’m working on it.

·         SR - Where do you draw your inspiration from?

·         HJ - Mainly from movies and stories from my past.

·         SR - Who would you like to collaborate with in the future, Artist and/or Producer?

·         HJ - Be on a track with Sabac Red would be dope and to rap on a DJ Premier beat would be the illest.

·         SR - Who in Hip Hop or just music in general, has had an influence on you and your style?

·         HJ - Cage, no doubt. I relate A LOT to the music he made back in the days and he’s the one who made me wanna rap.

·         SR - I really want to big up underground Artists with a good real Hip Hop vibe. Are there any artists you recommend?

HJ - Dilyrium, Tha Soloist, ILLtemper, Rated R to name a few. There are so many dope ones out there so start diggin’.

·         SR - Do you feel that platforms such as Bandcamp and Soundcloud are a good base to showcase what you have to give?

·         HJ - I have a Soundcloud page but I hardly use it.

·         SR - Getting to where you are today. What has been you biggest struggle and your greatest achievement?

·         HJ - The biggest struggle was to get back on my feet after surgery. Took months. And the biggest achievement was when I released Dark Religion.

·         SR - Do you think that social media has its place in the way people can now connect. Especially for connecting with other artists, producers etc?

·         HJ - Absolutley. I would never be where I’m at now without the internet. Met tons of people cuz of it. Rappers, producers and peeps who enjoy my music.

·         SR - What does your music say about you?

·         HJ - That I love movies and I respect the culture of Hip Hop.

·         SR - Where do you think you would be if you had not taken the music route?

·         HJ - I don’t know. An actor maybe haha

·         SR - Other than music, what else do you enjoy doing?

·         HJ - I’m an avid movie and videogame collector. Besides music those are my biggest hobbies.

·         SR - For me, when I have been at Hip Hop gigs here in the UK, there is rarely any negativity and there is always a big “We are One” vibe! Do you get that from your experience?

·         HJ - Absolutely. Hip Hop heads stick together.

·         SR - Finally, what is next for Hollow Jack?

·         HJ - Right now, I’m working hard to finish my second solo album on which I can’t reveal the title of yet. Also got a music video in the making that you don’t wanna miss out on. Some features here and there for other dudes projects. And that’s about it.

SR - Thanks Jack for taking this time to answer these questions.

HJ – Thank You

SR - I’m glad you liked the review for Dark Religion especially as I got exactly from the album, the experience you had intended for listeners.

I wish you all the best bro and look forward to reviewing anything your might release in the future.

Big Up,

Steve

Hip Hop is Dead – Facebook

Infinite sounds UK

FALLING by Whirlwind D - REVIEW

FALLING by Whirlwind D

Review

Ever since the video for Nothing’s Better dropped, I have been eagerly awaiting this EP from Whirlwind D. In fact, the man himself kindly sent me a press release pack to download so I could do this review whilst awaiting my own copy. I send huge thanks to him for doing this.

So, without further ado let’s get right into it...

The EP is three tracks on the A Side and Instrumentals and acappellas forming the B Side.

The EP Kicks off with Minutes and Hours. Deep beats and the ticking of a clock create an ominous sound for D to tackle some of the harsh realities of live at this present moment. The Government lies and Fascism on the rise is not a pretty picture of the world outside our doors but, D captures a verbal representation of life that is the current reality.

As you are pondering the message you have just heard, another deep melodic beat hits your ears. This is Falling Down! Hear we can feel a sense of concern for the pain, challenges and insurmountable odds of those around him. If you have ever faced situations, from which you felt there was no return, you understand the deep message here. Even if you have not faced a life changing event, you will still be moved.

By now you are feeling energy of life experiences, deep understandings and you might be wondering what’s next? Nothing’s Better might well have the most eye opening message of the EP. Depression is often a hidden affliction but, is suffered by many. For someone who suffers with depression this track touched me deeper than normal. Whirlwind D, who draws on personal experience of a family member with depression, tackles this serious subject very poignantly. Jointing D on this track is Uncle Mic Nitro who brings his own carefully crafted vision of male depression to what is, in many ways, a stunning verbal picture that urges everyone to be aware of the quiet suffering of those who may be closest to them.

FALLING is dark and emotional but, finely crafted work. It takes on, in three tracks, what others take on in a whole album! This gives FALLING a powerful punch and leaves you knowing you have heard words of experience and wisdom.

What makes this EP so graphic? Is it Whirlwind D’s expert lyrical craftsmanship and flow or the added lyrical dexterity of fellow B-Line artist Uncle Mic Nitro? Here all the elements form the realness of this musical heavy weight.

Minutes and Hours features production from Crease and cuts by Sir Beans OBE to form that hypnotic, dark flow.

Falling Down see’s B-Line’s very own Specifik on production with Jabbathakut and DJ Tones on the cuts, giving us that dark twilight beat with sad lost voice floating around for company.

Nothing’s Better brings us Production by Mr Fantastic and cuts by Miracle who, together, crafts the perfect track for this important message.

Vocals were mixed and mastered at the Khameleon 107 by Bristol’s own Rola.

The dark and visually powerful artwork was provided by the talented John Dyer.

I can’t recommend this release more highly and I look forward to future releases by this talented Emcee.

FALLING is released on B-Line recordings.

Format: 12” Vinyl in full colour sleeve.

Steve Rider – Infinite Sounds UK

Sept 2017.

Order your copy here:

Whirlwind D - Falling EP

Nothings Better - Official Video

Whirlwind D on Facebook