Beats' Bits & Bobs - Whirlwind D - Review

Beats, Bits & Bobs – Whirlwind D

After Falling, Whirlwind D’s previous release, I was kinda excited to hear this one. With Falling being such a strong release (See my review on this page) and not knowing which way he was going with this one it was easy to speculate on if was gonna be on the serious tip or if he was gonna flip and take us on a whole new journey.

Well, he has taken us on a whole new journey and with an impressive line up of support from Specifik, Djar One, Phil Wilks, DJ Tones, Miracle, Phil Most Chill and Mr Fantastic, this is one journey that is sure have you jumping around whether your new to Hip Hop or, like me, you have grown up with it. In fact it was growing up with Hip Hop that made this EP so enjoyable and gave it an extra depth for me.

So, let me dive into this track by track. What I’m gonna do is give you my thoughts on each track but, on in the running order. Something which I hope will become apparent as I go through.

Radioactive Bass: A track that Whirlwind D notes was taken from a shelved Electro Album due for release on B-Line Recordings. This track too me back to 1984 and the music that brought me into Hip Hop. I have continued to follow Electro music over the years and what Whirlwind D and Phil Wilks have crafted on this track, for me, is most perfectly crafted audible recollection of those early days of Hip Hop and the Electro sound.

Labels: The EP’s headline track and which received a video release the same day as the EP release. Labels, is a wicked track taking you on a journey through Whirlwind D’s early experiences in Hip Hop. What is interesting here is something I remember from back in the days, which is being in record shops and going through the vinyl and checking out not only the artist’s but, also the Label’s as well to check new artists you might not have heard and so on. Labels is a journey in itself and had me going back to those days and remembering how I was looked up to by the younger generation for bringing home the newest and freshest sounds in the neighbourhood. The production comes from the talented Djar One, who has crafted an awesome platform for Whirlwinds storytelling, with the freshest scratches from the man like Specifik. I guarantee it’ll be hard to keep this one outta your head.

Reap the Whirlwind: This track took me back to the late 80’s and early 90’s, a time when every album seemed to have a battle rhyme on it. Battle rhymes back then where proper, not like the YouTube battle tracks we see now. On Reap the Whirlwind, Whirlwind D is joined by Phil Wilks and DJ Tones on track that takes D back to his Solid n Mind days, hitting you with hard rhymes and a solid flow. Wilks guitar gives the whole thing a RUN DMC vibe and Tones cuts rip you to the core.

Run Fast Remix: Originally taken from Whirlwind D’s 2014 Album Nomansland, it features the awesome Phill Most Chill and original production from AE Productions Mr Fantastic. This remix comes courtesy of Miracle, Whirlwind D’s partner from the Pioneers Radio show on Kane FM. Initially it took me a couple of listens to get into this track. But, the more I listened the more I could feel the relationship with the title and actually running. Yeah! That might sound weird but, the more I listened the more that vision kept coming to me. Miracle’s remix just made you feel the emotion as if you were running for your life. For me the track was screaming, or should I say running, for another verse to extend our listening pleasure.

You get all those tracks on the A side of the EP with the B side giving you Instrumental Edits and Acappellas. Damn we get spoiled.

I have to say that reflecting on this EP; I could not get it outta my head that listening to this took me back to my own experiences growing alongside Hip Hop. From leafing through records to the electronic stories of those early electro tracks and the hard hitting vibe of the battle rhyming to the more present day Rap vibe. Whirlwind D and those he has brought in on this EP have put together something that I have not felt from just 4 tracks, an album maybe but, 4 tracks!

Damn this release is as close to perfect as I have heard in a very long time. I don’t have a poor word to say on it. My only minuscule gripe is that Run Fast would be awesome with an extra verse but, then what do I know. It’s just a personal preference.

EP artwork comes courtesy of the awesome digitaldyer (John Dyer) who has hit this one outta the park. Recorded and mixed by the great Rola and executively produced by Whirlwind D himself, Beats, Bits and Bobs is released through B-Line Recordings. 

I’m not finished yet! Before I go, you have probably seen the video for Labels by now and if not, go check it now (Link below), because the video is awesome and shot around some areas, like my home city Southampton, that I recognised. The video really compliments the track and brings D’s story a bit more to life.

If you have followed social media recently you will know the talented MrTibbz designed a cover for the EP’s Test Pressing that created some much buzz that he tweaked the design and produced some slip mats which sold quicker than a bank giving away free money. If you have these (and yes I do) you will know these bring a new element to the release of the EP. 

Whirlwind D’s Falling EP sold out quickly and Beats, Bits and Bobs is looking to beat that hands down. In fact it could be close to being sold out by the time this review is published. So, don’t delay anymore get on the website (Link below) and get this quickly.

Finally, on that note, enjoy the EP and I am outta here,

PEACE...    

Buy your copy here 

Spotify Link 

iTunes Link 

          

Leave a Light On – Remark ft Jamie B Sings - Review

Leave a Light On – Remark ft Jamie B Sings

Review

Released at the end of September Remark drops another track to make us sit back and think.

This track took me back to the early eighties and the Electro days where we listened to Hip Hop and electronic music by the likes of Kraftwerk. This track really had that feel for me. It had that smooth electronic feel with Remark’s calmly delivered Lyric’s and Jamie B Sings melodic voice.

But, as with a lot that Remark does, this comes with a message, something that is deep and that we can all relate to each and every day.

It’s about remembering that in this world of dark times, dark messages and pain. We just need to remember that relief from that darkness comes from one thing, just Leave a Light On. Weather that light is physical or metaphysical, holding that light keeps us from losing our grip on reality.

This is what I really like about what Remark produces, music that gives you something to feel and not just to hear. We all hear music everyday in many contexts but, when you feel that music and not just hear it, then you know you are listening to something special. This is all complimented by visuals in the video that accompanies the track. Not your standard music video but, then when your track is not the average music track the video has to match that and Remark always hits the spot.

Another top release from Remark with production from the tallented IronSkinMusic. So, support independent releases and go get this one.

Links below,

Steve.

Leave a Light On Video 

Bandcamp DOWNLOAD 

iTunes DOWNLOAD 

Remark on Facebook 

Remark on Instagram 

ONE OZ - All For Nothing REVIEW

One OZ – All for Nothing

Review

This is the latest release from Edinburgh’s own ONE OZ and was released back in May of this year. It is available as a free Download from his Bandcamp page and I gotta say its well worth checking out. 

ONE OZ has worked alongside some top rap artists from the likes of Black Poet and Ruste Juxx to the UK’s Leafdog and Micall Parknsun. He has been dropping his releases on Bandcamp since 2013 and has a catalogue worth checking out.

‘All for Nothing’ is 19 tracks deep and has Production features from the likes of Leafdog, Micall Parknsun, Wilson Fisk and more. There are also a few guest emcee’s who feature including Ironmaster and Jed.

Features and Production aside ‘All for Nothing’ display’s ONE OZ’s style and shows he is no slouch on the Mic. For me the opening track, The Greatest, shows this guys style perfectly, very much a no nonsense, not giving a Fuck kinda style. Well anyone who hits you with the line “You can piss on the floor or be a hero and try and take a shit on the roof” is telling it the way they see it no fluff and silver linings.

I have found this to be good listening during my long car journey’s and one of those album’s you can bang on and listen to all the way, no need to skip. ONE OZ has a distinctive voice, as you would expect coming from Scotland but, that only adds to the uniqueness. 

Stand out tracks for me are the opening track, The Greatest, That featuring Leafdog on the Production, More Time featuring Production by CRINK, I Spy produced by STS & Broken Arrow produced by Wilson Fisk. But, all truth be told it was difficult really picking out stand out tracks because the whole album is pretty strong.

The only think I would have liked to hear more of was for the bass to be a bit heavier. This is just a personal think as I do like my bass to be deep. 

I would like to hear more from ONE OZ and would like to hear him feature on a few more tracks cos this guy has the skills and deserves the recognition.

Check the link below to get your copy.

Steve

All for Nothing on BANDCAMP 

Let It Go - Single Review

LET IT GO

By REMARK

The latest single from UK Hip Hop legend Remark is sure to cause a few waves. There will be those that get it from the outset and those that don’t. But, if you are one of the latter, I urge you to give it a deep listen and see where it takes you.

A blend of Hip Hop, electronica and a twist of the alternative, Let It Go has the kinda vibe that has you see sawing between genres but, there is no time to spend on which vibe is which because this track is fast paced and drags you kicking and screaming into Remarks deep message.

Remarks instantly recognizable voice kicks in to a message deeply rooted in the society we live, no matter which country you live in. Every day we are bombarded by the negativity that human beings have created. It matters not what you do with your day, watch TV, read the papers, spend ages on Social Media or just walk down the street. There is a lot out there orchestrated to bring you down or hold you back. Remarks message is giving you a way out of how that negativity affects you. The way out is to Let It Go! 

Don’t get sucked in by what goes on around you. Don’t react to all that negativity. Take a deep breath cos shit’s always gonna happen but, it does not have to happen to you. Take a deep breath, and as you exhale, Let It Go.

Demonstrates Remarks talent for blending and bridging different genres, Let it Go even had me going back to an electromic 80’s feel. His delivery is on point in tackling important current issues and giving it to you straight, no bullshit. Also important here is the power of putting your music out independently. You can touch the subjects the mainstream only wishes they could.

Get yourself Let it Go for your listening pleasure and see for yourself if the deeper meaning will stay with you, just let it in. For extra impact, check out the official video on YouTube (Link Below) with the added visual element that reinforces the lesson.

I, for one, am looking forward to a long awaited Remark Long Player.

One more thing, Support Remark and go buy the single, Link below.

Enjoy everyone,

I’m outta here.

Steve

Let It Go - Official Video 

Buy Let It Go here on Bandcamp 

Buy on Itunes here 

Connect with Remark on Facebook 

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Iceski & Merlin - Single Review

UK Hip Hop Single Review

Full Battle Rhymer/Elemental – Iceski & Merlin

First things first, the cover is on some Full Metal Jacket vibe and expertly crafted, in that movie poster theme, by MR.TIBBZ and EXILE. It is the first thing that hits you about this release from Show and Prove Records and gives you feeling that the vibe of this piece of wax is gonna hit harder than an M60 machine gun at point blank range.

Full Battle Rhymer – begins rather calmly but, as your about to sit back relax you ears are assaulted by a relentless volley of the hardest beats, rhymes and scratches that I’ve heard in a while. Merlin provides production of the most heart pounding artillery while DJ Tones and DJ Highfly provide cuts of devastating cover fire. All this to back-up Iceski and Exile who stroll into the Hip Hop battle field with Lyrical guns blazing. This track is a statement to the competition and provides a line drawn in the dust. A line that invites others to step up to and try their hand at taking on this incredible musical force but, be warned they take no prisoners.

Elemental – Just when you thought it was safe to stick you head out of cover our duo creep up behind you and unload a fresh clip. Again the production pounds away at your ear drums while the cuts tear deep into your soul. As you are lying there wondering what’s happening, Iceski is loading the final bullet into the verbal gun, drawing back the hammer and holding it to your temple, before slowly squeezing the trigger...

What we have here is the closest thing to Hip Hops Expendables. Iceski & Merlin are joined by Exile, DJ Tones and DJ Highfly and backed up by Whirlwind D and MR.TIBBZ. This is a solid release from Show and Prove Records and one that pushes the bar that little bit higher. 

Anyone who loves their Hip Hop will not be failed to be impressed by this banger and believe me it’s a Banger plain and simple. It has everything from a couple of blistering tracks to a stunning artistic concept to a very apt description, which you should digest before unleashing the fury on your ears and nerves.

Get yours from the link below.

P.S. Turn the volume way up on this one…

That said,

I’m outta here.

Steve

ICESKI & MERLIN - ORDER IT HERE 

ICESKI & MERLIN - FACEBOOK