ALBUM REVIEW: OBADIAH - BAPTISM BENEATH MONSOON

OBADIAH

Baptism Beneath Monsoon

Album Review

I first heard this guy at the last ever Dookie Squad gig in Exeter back in July last year. He was brought up on stage by Jman during his set. Back then I was thinking, this guy is good and so I kept an eye on his career since.

Straight out of Plymouth in the South West of the UK, Obadiah has had a couple of previous releases via Bandcamp, 2016’s Obiwan EP and 2017’s Thoughts Manifest Reality Album.

Baptism Beneath Monsoon comes with a nice physical CD in a limited run of 150. Not sure if Vinyl is on the way or not? The nice thing is the CD inlay comes with full lyric breakdown. Sure helps with a review I can tell ya. The album is 13 tracks deep with a few guest appearances and will hit you in the eardrums for the best part of 43 minutes.

So, let’s take a quick rundown through the tracks:

Frequent Flyer (Prod. DaMaven): A nice intro track giving you a taste of the verbal skills to follow. Some great word play, that flows effortlessly along with the top notch production.

Times of Adolescence (ft Chillman & Prod. Moff): Nice laid back track with stories from the days of way back. Something we can all relate to, even if you’re one of those adolescent ones out there.

Like That (ft Moraless & Prod. James Tsoi): Laid back and drawing on experiences from real life. This is one of those tracks that has you thinking ‘Yeah, I’m with dat’.

The Dreamer (ft Lazy Eyez, Big Rain, Nuggz & Prod. DaMaven): We all have dreams and the message here, well the way I see it, is to never lose sight of those dreams. You are the one who can make them come true.

Soul Secrets (Prod. DaMaven): Back to Obadiah on the solo tip dropping lyrics about life and how we all have and keep those secrets and we keep them for countless reasons. The beat just rolls along giving you the right atmosphere.

Imagery (ft Flowtecs, Tok, K.C & Prod. Hybrid Freqs): Heating things up a bit on this one. Lyrical content is still rooted in reality to keep you focused cos you can relate to every verse.

The Chronicle (Prod. DaMaven): Half way through and the realness in this album is cemented. Obadiah is hitting hard on this one, spittin’ double time just to make sure you got the message.

Right in the Zone (Prod. Soss): Different vibe to this one. No less appealing to the ear. Obadiah switching speeds up n down on this one. Proving what happens when he gets Right in the Zone.

Drowning Demons (ft Mish, Gaddzilla & Prod. DML): Out of the whole album, this was the only track I can’t quite get into as much as I would like. Lyrically on point, no issues there. I just found the production was not really my thing. Don’t get me wrong, it does not detract from the album one bit. It’s just not my thing personally.

Fruit of Nubia (ft R. I. Z & Prod. DaMaven): Deep track this and one of those that you get a lot from having the lyrics. You are drawn into some of the crazy shit that goes on in day to day life, where most people walk around in a mind numbed daze unaware and controlled by the powers that be.

Cross (ft Gaddvilla & Prod. DaMaven): Banger this one. Powerful lyrical delivery with reggae chorous. I just wanted an extra verse on this one. Definitely could have vibed to this for an extra minute or two.

Mic Check (ft Lauren Thomas & Prod. DaMaven): Bit more laid back this track but, no less harder than what has gone before. What you get is that feel of the energy and the pride of what Obadiah is doing.

War Wit Us (ft Unanymous & Prod. DaMaven): Some proper Hip Hop dropping on this. Giving it straight to all the fakes out there and drawing on a diverse range of real life stories.  For me, this one just stands out a little.

Ok, so overall what did I think?

What Obadiah has done here is bring in a diverse range of producers who each bring a different vibe and a different edge. Especially DaMaven, who has a diverse range all of his own.

This allows Obadiah to showcase the range of his skills. His writing and lyrical delivery is superb. The way he crafts his verses drawing on all manner of true life stories that we can all relate to and associate with, you can feel the energy and the pride he puts into everything he does. Regardless of whether you like this or not, what you can’t get away from is that Obadiah is one, of a steadily growing stream, of Hip Hop artists from the South West of the UK, who are really making their mark on the UK Hip Hop scene.

Baptism Beneath Monsoon is definitely one album you need to check out. Get the CD as it’s a great package and if CD’s ain’t your thing, then fingers crossed there will be a vinyl version at some point soon to quench your thirst. 

Definitely one on my recommended list this and will be looking forward to more from Obadiah in the future.

Check below for all the links that you need.

I’m outta here,

Steve – Infinite Sounds

OBADIAH on Bandcamp 

OBADIAH on YouTube 

Don't Interrupt - Jabbathakut REVIEW

12” Single Review

Don’t Interrupt – Jabbathakut

The first thing I have to say about this singles is, it took me back. Back to the days when artists released a track over multiple formats like cassette, CD, 7” and 12”, and back then a 12” could be just a single or a remix or an Extended Play single (The E.P.).

So, what do you get on this single:

A Side:

Don’t Interrupt ft Dubbledge – Dirty, Clean & Instrumental

B Side:

Can U Handle Me? Ft Dubbledge & Ziggy – Dirty & Clean

Dazzling Display ft Grazzhoppa

The first thing to note is the reason this took me back is that it was Jabbathakut’s first 12” single released back in 2005. So, This is not a new release. But, i’ll tell ya one thing? It might as well be a new release because it sounds as fresh now as it did then. In fact if you put this up against some of the stuff that is out there, this is a damn sight fresher.

Production and Cuts from Jabbathakut are firmly on point and bring you tunes that keep you rockin’ and show that he was then and is still at the top of his game. Dubbledge brings his A game to the release with crisp expert wordplay throughout.

Don’t Interrupt is banger with a fun edge. You can listen, nod or groove to this but, one thing you don’t do is interrupt when Dubbledge and Jabbathakut are rockin’ it.

Can you Handle Me? Is a wicked funky tune that is type of tune that most definitely will have you noddin’ along. You will definitely appreciate Dubbledge’s lyrics which again have that comic edge and Ziggy’s tuneful chorus just tops of another wicked Jabbathakut track.

 Dazzling Display is one of those fun turntableist tracks that almost every album had at one point. Just a small sample of the DJ’s talent on the 1’s and 2’s, and here Jabbathakut bring’s in one of Europe’s best in Grazzhoppa to rock the track with him. Side by side these two show why they are still highly in demand 13 years later.

I totally recommend this to anyone out there. You can order direct from Jabbathakut and if you ask real nice like, he will tag that shit up for you giving you a one of a kind Jabbathakut single to play to your heart’s content and then some.

So, you will need a record player or a turntable. If you ain’t got one, for fuck’s sake go out and get one. This is Hip Hop how it’s supposed to sound. School is dismissed, you can go now.

I’ll see you for the next review soon.

Steve – Infinite Sounds

Jabbathakut - Cut Above Records on Bandcamp 

Jabbathacut - Bandcamp 

Jabbathacut - Audiomack 

Jabbathakut - Website 

Singles Reviews

SINGLES reviews

Uhuru & CNT

Hi Everyone,

I have been quiet recently. Which is due to some personal shit I got going on But, I ain’t gonna bore you with that.

To get me back into the review groove, I decided to do some quick reviews of some singles i have been spinning or rather banging in the car.

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

Murderation by Uhuru (Cyclonious & Tha 4orce)

Murderation is the first single from the Album ‘Uhuru – Expect the Unexpected’

Proper Hip Hop right here that has a nice reggae melody to keep you grooving from start to finish, with Cyclonious and (UK Hip Hop legend) Tha 4orce bouncing of each other with verses that will have you hooked.

As a first single from a forthcoming album this track makes a statement. Basically telling your brain, if you ain’t herd of us yet? You gonna, real soon and then some. 

With the vocal skills these two deliver and Tha 4orce’s pinpoint production, everything just fits together and reminds you, that here in the UK, Hip Hop just keeps creeping up on you and slapping you round the back of the head, just when you thought it was safe.

Get the single and wet your taste buds for the Album cos it’s gonna be huge.

Check out more from Uhuru Here:

Murderation Official Video 

Uhuru on Bandcamp 

Run with This & Stone Folk by Code Name Theory

Run with This

A straight up banger right here, Damn I love this track. 

Such a dope track that fits perfectly with some on point vocals by the CNT boys (Manage & Blitz) to give you a track you can’t help but, vibe to.

Top notch Production (By Kolak47), Dope rhymes and deft cuts (By the one and only JABBATHAKUT), this track has it all. Do I need to say more...

 

Nah...

Stone Folk

Time to kick back, chill out and light it up on this track, The CNT boys letting you take a break but, keeping it hard to the core and full of realness.

Again the deep track and the vocals just work. You just wanna here more from these guys...

If these two tracks are anything to go by, the album that they are taken from is gonna be one not to miss. 

I for one will be waiting on it and hopefully be able to bring you a review as soon as I hear more about it.

As they say – CNT, all thats missing is U....

Seriously, Don't miss out on the CNT boys.

Here is where you can check the CNT boys:

Run with This Official Video

Stone Folk Official Video

CNT Bandcamp

CNT Facebook

Sorry these are quick reviews but, I have a whole lot going on but, I wanted to give you all something to wet your appetites to. Watch out for Uhuru and CNT, big things are coming peeps.

I’m out, Till next time,

Laters...

Steve – Infinite Sounds

REVIEW: PROJECT KUBRICK - SIR Beanz O.B.E. & M.C. Kelz

SIR Beanz O.B.E. & M.C. Kelz

Project Kubrick - Review

I grabbed a copy of this EP from Sir Beanz Himself at the recent Rope-a-Dope 3 at the Rope Walk pub in Bristol.

This review is my first of 2018 and I can’t think of a better way to make my return to reviewing than with this slice wax from a couple of the UK’s finest.

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

Project Kubrick is a four track EP from SIR Beanz O.B.E. & M.C. Kelz who hail from Bristol in the UK. 

Both these guys have an impressive resume some of you will be familiar with But, for those who don’t know...

Producer and DJ Sir Beanz has been a part of some impressive Crews out of Bristol, Transcript Carriers, Parlour Talk, Undivided Attention and Wordsworth Surgery. M.C. Kelz or Kelz was part of 3PM. The two have worked together before on the projects Rhyme Stopper and Sagittarius Sound System.

There was a good buzz around this release and I was really up for checking out to see what all the hype was about. Originally released a few weeks back now I had to wait till Rope-a-Dope 3 to get my hands on it but, was it worth the wait?

Let’s see shall we....

Kicking off with Concrete Sands, we have Kelz in fine form with his instantly recognizable style. He hits you with lines about his history, putting Bristol on the map and so much more over a chilled out, laid back beat. You are instantly gripped by the track, thinking “yeah, I’m liking this” and you’re wondering what’s next before the track is even over.

As you sit in anticipation Kelz grabs you and warns you to Be Careful while Sir Beanz drops it splendid. What more can I say except that you can’t help but, nod your head to this one, trust me.

Next up is Same Way, where Kelz and Sir Beanz keep your attention held, transport you to a parallel universe and give you the “opportunity for you to rock with the same way.”

While you are still rockin’ out to the last track Sir Beanz and M.C. Kelz are back with a proper banger just to remind you that you’re listening to the Other Dudes.

By the time these four tracks are done you are at the point where you’re so hyped up you’re like thinking damn, where is the album. These two guys are so good together surely an album is a given? Well, not at this time. But, perhaps if this review goes down well and enough people love the EP then perhaps, just perhaps an album could be in the offing?

Seriously, this EP is 4 tracks of pure Hip Hop listening pleasure for old and new headz alike. There is none of your mainstream stuff here. This is proper raw and pure Hip Hop where you have Beats, cuts and rhymes at the highest level.

On a social media post recently, I made a comment about currently sticking with UK artists for my Hip Hop. Not say I don’t listen to Hip Hop from the US, Australia or anywhere else but, right now, I am able to associate with what UK Hip Hop is all about. In that post it was said that there are no UK artists better that the likes of the top US artists? Well, as we hit 2018, Sir Beanz and M.C. Kelz are just one of a long line of UK artists who, in my opinion, show that the UK has a plethora of talent that can side by side with the best from overseas.

But, like I always say, don’t take my word for it. Go get a copy of Project Kubrick and make your own mind up but, I tell you this, you ain’t gonna regret it. This is class A Hip Hop for sure.

Project Kubrick by Sir Beanz O.B.E. is available now on Ruztik Records.

Check the links below to get your copy.

 Respect peeps, see you again soon.

Steve Rider

Infinite Sounds UK 

Ruztik Records on Bandcamp 

SIR Beanz OBE on Bandcamp 

SIR Beanz OBE on Soundcloud