Its true the last eighteen months or so has seem like a
lifetime to many of us and so for The Local Healers (Nay Loco & Ty Healy)
and Louis Cypher to bring us The Long Year, kinda fits so well with the way
things have been. These guys have worked together before on a few projects and
to bring us this EP the Notts legends have teamed up with none other than that
man from Exeter Pandamonium, who has obviously not been resting on his laurels
recently…
So, I’m not gonna speculate what we might expect from the next
six tracks, plus one bonus, I’m simply gonna get right into it, so here goes…
The Intro has a nice soulful vibe that comes from the
drums and piano and is enhanced by the vocal samples and, as it is with most
intro’s, this is just giving us a hint, kinda dangling the carrot in front of
us for what is about to drop so, if you thought that soulful vibe was gonna
continue, you sadly mistaken, because what hits is a jazzy, funk fuelled mix of
keyboards, horns and drums. Wu Saa takes the vibe of Busta’s ‘Woo Hah’ and
gives it a UK makeover. With the guys dropping bars about life, Hip Hop, their
influences and more, this is kinda vibe that gets you bouncing and nodding
along, while you’re driving, eating or whatever you’re doing. The drums and
strings of 10 Macs brings a thoughtful or reflective kinda feel and if
the number ten is your thing than this track is for you. This is all about
things in groups of ten. Although it might have that reflective air about it,
this shows what you can do in dropping line after line with one common theme
and make it bang…
Moving into the second half of the EP we find the focus
shifting. Bass, guitars and sparce drums brings a futuristic feel to
proceedings, the perfect backdrop for Westworld. There is that air of a
dystopian future where things are not all they seem. You get visions of the
1973 movie and the more recent Amazon prime series reboot but, is this all just
inspired by those stories or is there some aspect of this that is not a million
miles away from what we a currently experiencing? Next, we move into the EP’s
title track, Long Year has a soulful vibe provided by the backdrop of
drums, vocal samples, and orchestral notes. There is also this reflective
aspect to it as the track focuses on the struggles and stresses that we have
all encountered over this last year or so. Two years have appeared to morph
into one over an extended period where fear and the pain of separation and
those lost has been most dominant but, there is still hope and we need to use
the strength that we have found inside to bring it to us. The EP shifts focus
once more from that slightly darker edge to one that is upbeat and takes us out
on a high. Drums, guitars, and xylophone notes are the catalyst to get us
moving. Here it is all about dropping those bars to get the people hyped up,
rep where you’re from and get that feel good vibe flowing. So, get up and throw
ya hands up, Ya Get Me…
The guys aren’t finished yet as its time to bring in a
chilled vibe of Keyboards, guitar, and drums as we get a bonus of The Local
Healers and Louis Cypher’s segment from the Drop Bar Cypher that was
dropped by Dizzy Dustin and Pandamonium, what could be better as a bonus right…
Overall, there is such a great mix of vibes going on
throughout this EP. We kick off and end on some high’s that really have that
feel good and club banger style feel, while in the middle we get this slightly
more serious deeper vibe that gets your mind working. It really reflects the
vibe of this long year we’ve had perfectly.
Pandamonium’s production shows, once more, how his own brand
of Hip Hop can fit with any project as he easily keeps the whole thing flowing.
Raising you up when you need it and giving just the right amount of feeling to
allow that deeper aspect to filter in when called for, perfectly reflecting the
moods that emcees are looking for and, that said, Louis Cypher, Nay Loco and Ty
Healy all handle their vocals with aplomb. They switch from club banger bars
and feel good to deep reflection and back again with an effortless ease as they
condense The Long Year into just six tracks.
I like the fact that you can really feel the passion and
feeling in every track, regardless of the subject matter. There is this real
sense that the ultimate message here is that, yeah, it has felt like we have
been moving through a fog of fear, confusion, and pain but, that we are still
here and through the strength that has brought with it we can move through
anything and create better times and music is one of the best ways to do that.
There is not much else I can say here really except the EP is topped off by some wicked artwork from Danny Cleary and I urge
you to grab this, stick it on and properly enjoy it.
The Long Year EP is released tomorrow, 25th March 2022, through I'm Not From London and Kamikaze Airlines Records.
Check the links below for the official EP launch on I'm Not From London Bandcamp page and details of tomorrows official launch party for the EP.
K-Saulz is an emcee from Surrey in Southern England, now
residing in South Wales, he is signed to the label Bard Picasso Records. Part
of Surrey based Hip Hop group Glass Eyed Pupils, K-Saulz has amassed a decent
sized catalogue as solo artist as well as with the group. His vocal sound
ranges from oldskool boombap 90’s style to a more melodic and atmospheric
sound.
For this new EP, The Abstract Arsonist, he has teamed with
East Cardiff based production/beat maker duo Diffhop. Otherwise known as
DaiHard and HardyBeatz, the guy’s sound comes from hardware sampling and crate
digging and is heavily influenced by the mid to late 90’s sound.
All being said, what can we expect from The Abstract Arsonist
EP?
Well, join me as I take you through the EP track by track
and give you my thoughts and feelings.
The album kicks of in an upbeat feel-good style where we get
to feel that sampling and crate digging vibe on the beat from DiffHop as plenty
of classic samples combine to raise our moods. Record In Time see’s
K-Saulz take us on a surreal trip through some key moments in history where he
intertwines his own experiences with these historical moments. This is all used
to good effect as he gives us the lowdown on his career and progression to
date. The tone then changes as DiffHop bring in this deeper and more mystical
tone. Drums and a music box melody combine for a vibe that pinches and
stretches your nerves. That musical backdrop is perfect for K-Saulz to take us
on a mind-bending journey that is number based. On 6th of the 7th
he skillfully spins an intricate web of bars that detail special and important
dates and much more that relate to the numbers Six and Seven. This is no Sesame
Street though with everything from his birthday to the seven chakras and beyond
getting a mention. This is one track that you get a buzz out of listening to
over and over as you focus on picking out everything that packed in this one.
Colourful World has this nice simplistic beat of
guitars and drums But, mixed into this are the dulset tones of the one and only
Bob Ross, what more could you want right. As you float along with the
simplicity of the production, it gives more focus to the words from K-Saulz.
Here we get some slick verbal storytelling that all relates, in some way, to
colour. This creates this wonderful mental picture of just what a colourful
place the world around us is. Its all about taking the time to really see and
feel those colours. This is probably the closest you can get to a verbal Bob
Ross painting. Time to switch things up a little now as DiffHop take a mixture
of violins, bongos, and drums to create a boombap that not only makes you wanna
bounce but, also captures your full attention. Shape Shifters has K-Saulz
looking at all the shapes that create what we see in the world around us. This
seems a natural progression from the colourful nature of the world. The shapes
we see everyday seem to be infinite in their appearance, morphing from one
thing to another. There is also an analogy here in that, in life, you can
remain fixed in your attitude and your approach to life’s journey, or you can
be the Shape Shifter, constantly morphing and adapting to what comes your way.
Our final track of the EP has DiffHop dropping another
upbeat track which features drums and a rock style guitar. This sound not only
serves to uplift but, also to inject some energy that really makes you wanna
move. On Different, K-Saulz is all about how it is so important to really take
a different perspective when looking at our life experiences. One perspective
see’s a challenge that appears to be too much, while another aspect see’s that
challenge as a chance to adapt and to change in order to overcome, it’s all
about looking at this differently, just as an emcee or producer does in
creating their music…
Overall, The Abstract Arsonist EP does exactly what
is says, taking an abstract view of life and the world around us and doing it
in such a way as to a fire in the heart and soul of the listener.
K-Saulz shows he is more that adept at switching his style
to suit the beat and his wordplay really does set up some intricate stories
that not only entertain but, also give you something to think about, igniting a
desire to want to go back to again because you are sure you missed something
the first time around, or was that the third time around, I forget…
DiffHop’s production is spot on here. You feel their influences
and chosen way of beat making in each track but, there is depth also that
perfectly captures the musical vibe to setup K-Saulz. The range of vibes they
created for the EP is excellent and gives plenty for the listener to enjoy.
That whole sampling and crate digging vibe really takes you back to the 90’s
but, also has enough to keep their sound fresh.
What I do like about The Abstract Arsonist EP is that
it is one of those releases that enables me to say more with less words. Plus,
the use of Bob Ross is probably genius here as you can’t help but love a bit of
Bob. More than that is this EP has a bit of a timeless aspect in that you could
listen to this anytime for days weeks and even years and there will be
something here that will relate to whatever situation you are in at the time,
and I have to give huge credit to K-Saulz and DiffHop for creating that feel.
On a number of occasions, I have included some notes about
how you can often get a different outlook on some tracks depending on how you
hear them or in what context. Here on The Abstract Arsonist EP, I can
once more show you that. The EP’s first track, Record In Time, was
conceived by K-Saulz as a track that details the history of the vinyl record
from the perspective of vinyl. What is key here is that you pay particular
attention to the first bar with the date, then the history of the vinyl record
becomes more apparent. However, if like me, you obviously missed that, then you
could well see the track the way I did in my review. This really shows the
multi-layered aspect of the EP and how you can pick up different things with
each listen. A real credit to K-Saulz writing.
The Abstract Arsonist EP has gotta be one you need to
check out. Give it a listen or more and see if you agree with me. It’s out now
so go grab yours…
On that note,
I’m outta here or maybe I’m still here? It’s all about
perspective, I guess…
These guys first teamed up back in 2019 with the incredible
AA sided single This Is Where We Dwell / No Compromise. The sound was a heavy
hardcore vibe that you could call Hardcore Euro Hip Hop or Eurocore, if you
prefer to shorten things…
The King Slayers EP is the follow up to that single and
promises more of that same hardcore vibe but, also with a sprinkling of
incredible features that are likely to blow you away. The guys have also
recruited B-Line Recordings head honcho, Specifik, to provide the cuts.
With all this in mind, the anticipation is almost too much
to bear so, lets just sit back, put our headphones on and get into it…
There is an almost serene vibe as the title track begins
but, alongside it there is this feint dark undertone detected, which should
make you wary of what’s to come but, you are so hyped that you pay it no mind.
Suddenly the beat hits and you are dragged into what is like an audible Hip Hop
version of a Clockwork Orange, as the King Slayers have you pinned in
your chair with a blistering stream of guitar and drums while Specifik’s buts
leave you scared to move for fear of being sliced open at even the tiniest
movement. Alikazam proceeds to let loose with a slick and intelligent verbal
assault into your ears. As the message permeates your very being to the core,
opening your third eye, you understand that these guys are not here to play
but, to take out all those who would be kings with the heaviest of hardcore
vibes, lyrical mayhem and the sharpest of cuts precise…
You might have thought that because Alikazam ended the last
track with a mic drop moment, that you can move and take a breath? You only
have time for one deep breath before your sense of normality is once more torn
apart with a heavy beat that is backed by a multi-layered sound. Here Chrome
joins Alikazam to speak on a terrifying subject. When you were young, no one
told you that those monsters that lived under your bed or in the closet, would
one day evolve into the Lyrical Monster. With Alikazam and Chrome being
the very embodiment of that vision they proceed to crawl out from those dark
spaces to seek out the competition, to catch them off guard allowing Specifik
to take them down with deadly accuracy. Franky Roar then holds them down with
his heavy production leaving Alikazam and Chrome to devour them with ferocious
lyrical attacks, leaving nothing but remains. The opening scene from ‘Live and
Let Die’ gives you a feeling that you might just be about to witness the demise
of more competition but, perhaps this is something more? As the beat drops with
a mixture of drums, horns, and a plethora of multi-layered sounds alongside
side needle sharp cuts, any thoughts you had are torn away as your mind seems
to implode. Alikazam uses his own brand of cerebral terrorism to infiltrate the
deepest parts of your being. No one is safe, especially not those wack emcee’s
out there as the relentless verbal attack tears at their fragile mental state
from within. It leaves them with just one thing to be sure of about what just
happened and that fact it that They Just Don’t Know what happened…
There is more bass, drums and horns as Frank Roar lightens
the mood just a little as he sets the stage for the Dookie Legacy with Mr
Memory joining Alikazam once again. The vibe is still heavy and the message a
simple one. When you create a sound so unique that it becomes more that a sound
but, a true legacy, then it follows you and that sound, that lyrical template
becomes like a beacon or an impression on the environment around you. Every
time that you step up and feature it lets everyone know one thing, you’re Still
Doing It. The clouds inside your skull begin to darken once more as horns,
a heavy pounding beat, nerve shredding guitar and cuts once more invade every
aspect of your awareness. As the deadly lyrical assault begins you realise you
might just be Better Off Dead after this one. It feels like you are stood
in the middle of a muddy field at night. There is no light to see and all you
can feel is through your ears but, you can’t pinpoint the source as the sound
is coming at you from 360 degrees and leaves you wondering where you are and
what direction is what…
As you turn in every direction wondering where to go next
Frank Roar unleashes a devastating beat. Drums and keyboards mix with a
multitude of sounds and samples that once more has you disorientated. In the
feint light you begin to see hints of shadows moving in your peripheral vision.
The scene looks more like a battlefield, and you wonder what’s coming? Before
you can truly comprehend what’s going on you are attacked from all sides. You
barely see anything as one after the other Remark, Alikazam, MC Oliver Twist,
Whirlwind D and Mistah Bohze all hit you with their own unique set of skills,
skills they have acquired over many years in Hip Hop’s special forces. They are
backed up with a continuous volley of deadly cuts delivered by Krash Slaughta
who delivers some of deadliest techniques from his arsenal. This is not a place
for the wack or the unskilled as all those who step up are systematically swept
aside. Once you Enter The Cypher it’s put up or shut up and whatever
happens you leave with your head bowed, knowing that you have just been in the
fight of your live with some of the best of the best…
There is no doubt that once you are able to free your ears
from the headphones and peel yourself from the chair, the immediate realisation
is that this EP is a hardcore Hip Hop masterclass that is presented by one of
the best UK emcees alongside one of Europe’s premier Hip Hop producers.
The last couple of years has seen a rise in some incredible
Hip Hop releases that go extremely deep into what is happen in the world around
us and the world within us. Music like this is emotive and allows us think very
deeply. Once in a while it is nice to listen to something that is highly
entertaining and pumps us full of high energy, allowing us to step outside the
3D world for a few minutes and King Slayers is one of those moments.
So, lets just break it down a bit here…
Franky Roar’s production is on point and creates the energy
that immediately hits you full on. There is no gradual building up of energy
across a track or two, it simply explodes from within, almost as though that
initial calm opening planted a seed inside you but, that false sense of
security is torn asunder as the first beat hits and the seed inside suddenly
comes to life. There is this sense of a darker edge but, this does not come
across in a negative way, moreover it is simply the deep heavy vibe of the
music that simply seems to overshadow everything in the moment. There is also
light within that is fuelled by the intense energy that bursts forth unconsciously.
Alikazam brings his experience to bear in the most stunning
way here. Across the six tracks he drops line after line of lyrical fury that
displays an insane ability to craft the most entertaining bars that are packed
full of similes, metaphors, and anything else you can care to mention. He
demonstrates a rhyme style that appears, on the face of it, to be gritty and
raw but, the more you listen you understand that it only appears that way as he
expertly only lets you see what he wants you see moment to moment. You have to
look deep between the lines to get a feel for what he is all about, which has
been crafted from years of immersing himself in Hip Hop, Rap and much more.
Bringing DJ Specifik in to provide cuts for all but one of
the tracks adds that extra dimension that truly roots this in the foundations
of Hip Hop music. His years of experience with Turntables, production and even
a bar or two himself, allows him to expertly match the effect his cuts will
have on the listener and how they will fit with each track. It all adds up to
bringing that extra dimension, depth, and energy.
I also just want to add here that if you are gonna put a
posse cut out then do it right and here, on the King Slayers EP, Franky Roar
and Alikazam have absolutely nailed the posse cut. This is one of the best
tracks of its style that I have heard in a long while.
Overall, the King Slayers EP is solid and blisteringly
hardcore slice of Hip Hop. It hits you like a Hip Hop version of the movie
Alien, bursting forth from your chest before devouring your brain without mercy
and with only one aim, to raise you up, pump you full of energy and entertain
you at a time when this kind of thing is sorely needed.
The King Slayers EP is released through Britcore
Rawmance/Burning Anger, features artwork and design from Digital Dyer.
It is available today and will see a standard black and limited-Edition Red Splatter vinyl release so don’t sleep on this cos they won’t be around
long.
Huge thanks to Franky Roar for sending this to me.
On that note,
It’s time to get back to the King Slayers, See Ya…
Steve
LINKS
Please note these links go live at 8pm CET 06th March 2022
With the wealth of talent that currently peppers the
underground UK Hip Hop scene you often feel how cool it would be to see certain
artists, DJ’s and producers working together. Now and again your prayers are
answered and certain collaborations you have dreamed of just happen, as if
those involved have heard your thoughts…
I can think of no better collaboration than these two
artists, Fleapit and Dead Residents emcee Junior Disprol and II Tone Committee,
Monkey Mafia and All Time High (to name a few) DJ and Producer Krash Slaughta.
To have these two legendary powerhouse guys get together for
a project means one thing, in my mind, you are gonna get a heavy, masterclass
in pure Hip Hop fire, that will probably be littered with more rawness that you
can shake a stick at whilst, at the same time, being flawless, polished, and
faceted for your pure enjoyment. Well, at least that was my first thoughts when
found out about this one.
So, without further ado, lets see if my initial thoughts
were anywhere near being right…
The album, which is twelve cuts deep, kicks off in style
with Krash Slaughta’s multi-layered sound featuring horns, guitars and much
more, Oh and there are also cuts galore too, which all interlace to bring you
the heavy and hardcore sound of U is for Underground. Junior Disprol
details just what it takes to be a part of that underground Hip Hop music
scene. Its not just about making the music and laying it down on wax, it’s also
about what it takes to get out there and to rock the mic and the turntables for
the crowds. For the crowds to get as much out of the music as the artists do
making and performing it, that’s Hip Hop. If you were feeling hyped by track
one, then there is no let up as Krash Slaughta brings a high-octane mix of
drums, guitars and, of course, cuts. This vibe will have you jumping, bouncing
and, undoubtedly, scratching on imaginary decks. Scratch Terminator is
exactly what you might think, it’s a straight up homage to man himself Krash
Slaughta. Junior Disprol breaks it down here, telling you exactly who Krash
Slaughta is and how and why he does what he does. This one will surely leave
you breathless and in awe. Is there a better DJ dedication track than this one?
Next up is the heavy street sound of drums, piano and cuts
unleashed for World Renowned. The unapologetic street vibe hits your
awareness from multiple angles, making you wonder what’s coming and from where
Junior Disprol is joined by South Bay Area emcee, Roughneck Jihad, for a
mind-bending track that see’s each emcee taking seemingly unrelated phrases and
turning them into something entertaining. Why would they do this? Simple
because that is what good rappers do. If that has left your mind reeling, then Word
Is Bond will bring it back into focus as Krash Slaughta unleashes a 70’s
movie soundtrack vibe, full of horns, strings and drums. Alongside that is a
“Diamonds Are Forever” sample on the chorus that is packed full of the hardest
cuts known to man, all slicing through your mind with precision. It might seem
here that Junior Disprol is continuing that mash-up of unrelated phases but,
there is a definite twist here of 007 and Hip-Hop espionage. The shadow world
of the spy where misdirection, knowledge and a slick flow go hand-in-hand.
From the world of the spy, we morph into something far creepier
as Krash Slaughta tugs at, and slices into our every nerve with some sparse
drums and strings that, alongside some freaky cuts, drag us into a dark
underground place where shadows reach out and tap you on the shoulder. Junior
Disprol uses this freaky backdrop to his advantage, as deep guttural vocals
pull you ever further into a paranormal place where most fear to tread and
where those who do tread, never return the same. This is the world of the Ghost
Writer. The albums A Side is rounded off with another high-octane
multi-layered sound. Krash Slaughta brings drums, guitars and much more besides
to bring you a sound that hovers on the vibe of action movies and seeps into
your every pore and infiltrates your mind. Sonic Assassin see’s Junior
Disprol detailing life from the viewpoint of the villain, like the flip side to
good guy in the track Word is Bond. This alternate view makes you realize that
the villains might loose most of the time but, along the way they have a great
time and end up really being the antihero and getting more of the spotlight…
As we flip to the B Side, Krash Slaughta’s high energy vibe
continues with pounding drums, strings, horns, and cuts, all mashed up to bring
you the kinda sound you just wanna jump to. Back in the early days of Hip Hop,
the rappers would Throwdown, telling you who they were and why they were
the best etc… Here Junior Disprol captures that vibe and just takes slices of
his life experiences, throwing down to give you more of a snapshot of who he is.
Ska Borough see’s Krash Slaughta bring us a Ska vibe with plenty of
horns. There is also a Hip Hop twist here, with some slick cuts, that really
brings a nice upbeat feel-good vibe. Junior Disprol and Cardiff emcee
Skunkadelic team up to bring you bars that just uplift and make you really feel
the good vibes, making you just wanna get up and get moving. The chorus on this
one just says it all.
We Bring It Back see’s Krash Slaughta bring back that
old-school hip-hop vibe with funked up mix of bass, drums, and cuts. Junior
Disprol mirrors that musical vibe by looking at snapshots of Hip Hop in the UK,
from the influences to the history. Rappin’, Breakin’, Graff and Scratchin’,
it’s all here. In fact, there is just one thing to do here, stop talkin’ and
just feel it. We have already heard a Ska vibe on the album with Ska Borough
and there is no doubt that many of us, of a certain age, were into SKA before,
during or still are, alongside our love of Hip Hop. However, another sound that
had a big impact on Hip Hop is the ragga sound and Wickedest Disciple
brings that sound to the forefront as Krash Slaughta interlaces keyboards,
bass, drums, and cuts to bring us a Soundsystem vibe. With the ragga influence
on Hip Hop noted, Junior Disprol is seemingly giving us a homage to all those
who have inspired him along his musical journey. There is so much here from the
different sounds and vibes to movies and so much more. Oh, and trust me, Krash
does make the scratch sound exceptional on this one.
The penultimate track of the album is Special Delivery.
Krash Slaughta switches the energy levels to max with a booming mix of drums,
horns, guitars, and cuts. But not being satisfied with max levels he also
appears to inject some nitrous into this one too. Bristol emcee Stepchild (aka
Stepasaur) and Scottish emcee Loki join Junior Disprol for what is a mini posse
cut. There is no messing on this track as the emcees go in three the hard way,
dropping bars that are raw and hardcore, just because they can. This is furious
entertainment to the fullest. If you thought the final track of the album would
ease you back to reality, think again. For The Takeout, Krash Slaughta brings
drums, horns and cuts to funk shit up like never before on a track that’s bound
to leave you wanting more. Junior Disprol rocks the mic in his inevitable style
with the kinda bars that leave you speechless. By the end of this, you are in
no doubt whatsoever, Junior Disprol and Krash Slaughta are here to rock the
mic, the speakers, the decks, and the crowd…
What can I say overall about this album? Well, it’s simple
Hung Drawn and Slaughta’d is completely flawless slice of Hip Hop.
There it is, nuff said…
Seriously, this is as damn near perfect as you can get.
Krash Slaughta’s production and turntable wizardry is pretty much second to
none here. Every track is Hip Hop music at is very best, produced by someone
who is Hip Hop for the ears of those who love real Hip Hop. Not just that but,
the precision and dedication that has gone into those beats just oozes,
constantly, from the speakers. I’m not sure what else to say, except the
professionalism and pedigree of Krash Slaughta shines through here and his
experience and continued evolution on the scene means that listening to this
album leaves you with nothing but, respect for what he has achieved and
continues to achieve.
Speaking of respect, when it comes to Junior Disprol then
respect is one of the first words you think of. Like Krash, Junior Disprol has
achieved a hell of a lot over the years and here he uses his raw and
unflinching vocal style and his intricate way of spinning entertaining stories
from anything and everything, to such good use. In fact, there are times on the
album where his intricate verbal and mind-bending dictation is so mental, it is
like you are listening to the musical equivalent of a painting by MC Echer or
H.R.Geiger, it really is that crazy.
You can’t be failed to be moved by this album. Anyone who
loves that real hip hop vibe will find something different here every time they
listen. You will pick up little things like a reference to a movie or artist,
you will pick up certain samples and so on. He addition of the lyric sheet is
also a huge plus here, especially for me, as it really gives you an insight
into the intricate lyrical content. It’s a masterpiece that you could time
travel to, and it would still sound fresh in 80’s, 90’s, 00’s and on into the
future. This one is most definitely gonna stand the test of time for many moons
to come and then some.
Before I go, I also want to focus on the artwork too. Junior
Disprol’s cover art is nothing short of stunning. While you are listening to
the album you can pick up the sleeve and see who you can spot on the album
cover. I spoke a lot about influences with this album and here the cover art
continues that as every person, character etc. on the cover has had an influence
on one or more of us at some time. See who you can spot from American Werewolf
in London to Sean Connery and Judge Dredd to Bushwick Bill (R.I.P) this is such
a great cover and so much fun to boot.
If this album is not on your shelves, then it should be. At
the very least you need to hear it in some shape or form even if it is just a
digital version as you need to hear it.
Hung Drawn and Slaughta’d is out now.
On that note, remember that the letter U is for Underground,
a place that I’m off back to now.
Back in September of 2020 Arrested
Development released their first album which featured production from UK Super
Producer Configa, ‘Don’t Fight Your Demons’. That album was a huge testament to
the longevity of the group and was packed with knowledge and politically
charged statements, all fused together with solid hip-hop beats that would
equally appeal to old and new heads alike.
When I originally reviewed that album
there was a little voice inside me that mused over what they could do next, and
could any future project stand up to the power and energy of that album? Then,
in December of last year, Arrested Development and Configa were back again,
dropping ‘For The FKN Love’, and when the album dropped in my inbox, courtesy
of Configa, I was extremely excited, to say the least.
At the time there was actually no
pressure for me to review the album. However, the more I listened to the album
the more it spoke to me, through a haze of personal fog. The more it spoke the
more I decided that, as soon as the time was right, I would make this my first
written piece of 2022 and here we are so, let me take you through the album and
give you my thoughts and feelings in a way that might be a little different
than usual…
The album kicks off in a big way with
some huge orchestral horns and a no nonsense boombap beat which immediately has
your pulse racing and your heart pounding. Configa’s production brings a
powerful yet uplifting vibe which is crucial right at the start. ‘Yes
Always’ has Speech and Dee-1 bringing a message that speaks to the deepest
parts of your being. We all have times that challenge us and make us question
if we can ever continue but, when those times weigh upon us, we just stand a
little taller and rise up one more time, essentially you have the strength in
you to do that and you CAN do it. This was a message, at the time, that I
needed to hear and was a reminder to me that I could do it, it might take time
to rise up but, I would do it and here I am today and if I can do it, you can
do it too. There is strength in those words, you can do it, Yes Always you can.
The uplifting vibe continues with Configa’s inspired deep funk sound of
strings, bass and big drums perfectly matching with the message of ‘Building
From The Bottom’. Speech, 1 Love and 4-IZE take you on an inspiring journey
as they detail what it is to build something from scratch. Bringing you all the
challenges, the drive, the inspirations, and those ultimate rewards as you work
on your craft, growing something amazing from the smallest of seeds.
‘Never Had Your Back’ has a
dualistic approach to getting its message across. Here Configa provides an
uplifting mix of piano, drums, and cuts as a backdrop for Speech and Ke’andra
to bring us a deep message on the treatment of black women by the patriarchal
American society. It’s time for this degrading portrayal of how black women
should be or how they should act to change, and that certainly means telling it
how it is to make people listen, as displayed on this banger. The ultimate
message here is to give them true strength and true power by showing them in
their true light that shines from the inside out. They are not an object and
should not be viewed as such. ‘Swing Um’ is a track that has club anthem
written all over it. Creating a homage to one of the ultimate posse cuts, ‘The
Symphony’, is HUGE and requires a big line up and here AD’s Speech, Masta Ace,
Dell-P and Fatman Scoop step up. Configa drops a scintillating club vibe with
keyboards, drums, and cuts while Fatman Scoop whips the crowd up and has
everyone in a bouncing frenzy, which is just what you need for Speech, Masta
Ace and Dell-P to drop the kinda rhymes that gets the crowds hearts pounding,
fists pumping and jumping, while still keeping the wise words flowing with ease
that engage the mind as much as the body. Turn the volume up on this one!
It’s time to chill things out a bit
but, that does not mean that AD will let your heads come out of the clouds.
Configa’s harmonious drums, strings, and piano notes are the key to being a
little more laid back as Speech is joined by Monie Love and Tony Momrelle, with
a soulful chorus, on ‘Thank You’. This one speaks to us all, by giving
us the inspiration to remember and to celebrate all of those who have inspired
us or been a key part of our life’s journey. We all have many people to thank
in some way and whatever way you choose to thank them, let it be from the
heart. Time to switch the energy levels back up on ‘Bout It’ with a funk
fuelled vibe of horns, drums, guitar, and cuts. In fact, what Configa has
captured on this beat really seems to have been inspired by Prince, it really
has the feel for being like a homage to the purple one. Speech is joined by
MRK-SX, Jahah and guitarist Alex Jones to deliver words of wisdom that
celebrate the female form, it’s true beauty and how all aspects of the feminine
energy touch us on every level. ‘UNI (TY)’ has a more simplistic feel to
the beat with just piano, drums and vocals creating the backdrop, courtesy of
Clint Taylor. This opens up the track to let the vocals of Speech resonate.
Putting more emphasis on the lyrics works so well here as the message is deep,
looking at what divides us as people and the ways in which we choose to see
differences in each other. What we truly need is to see past these apparent
differences and understand that all we truly need is ‘U n I and UNITY’. From
that thought provoking moment it’s time to get your head nodding and body
moving, in a laid-back way, to the strings, keyboards and drums of ‘I Don’t
Care’, perfectly produced by Configa. Here Speech details what it is to be
who he truly is. Many may constantly scrutinise his life and all he is doing
but, the truth is he is just doing his best to live his life. His message in
this track is simple and one that we can all heed - no matter what others may
think of you and how they might choose to see you, all you need to be is YOU
and to be the grandest expression of who you truly are. Don’t concern yourself
with what others might think as that that is their stuff, you are you so, be
you.
‘Do It Up’ is the first of two
tracks from Speech produced by Cris Acosta and another track that has a dual
aspect to it. The beat has this laid-back guitar vibe that seems in almost full
contrast to the drums, that have this kind of industrial feel to them. This
dualistic nature is mirrored in the lyrics which look at both the dark and
light times we all experience in our lives. We may often slip in cark periods
in our lives but, the light is always there for us to reach out to. There are
many different ways we can elevate ourselves to reach for the light and music
is one of those ways, a catalyst to bring forth the light in our lives. ‘Where
Lions Roam’ is the second track from Speech and Cris Acosta. The syths,
electronic sounds and sparce beat give this a kind of focused feel, like you
are on one path, going one way and any deviation from that path and who you are
is an alien concept. The world can be a dangerous place and as we grow, we are
taught that we have to be a certain way and follow a certain path. We are
conditioned to be and act a certain way from birth. It takes courage to look
beyond the social conditioning and to change who we have been taught to be but,
in taking that step, into the place where lions roam, we can exhibit our inner
lion and we can truly be free to be ourselves.
The experience of the small-town boy
moving to the big city is the setting for ‘We Are Not In Kansas’.
Configa’s pounding drums and keyboards take Arrested Development to the streets
as Speech and Freddie Foxx look at situations of where you’re from and where
you’re at, examining the differences and how it affects you in moving from a
small quiet town to the hustle, stresses, and strains of life in the city. As I
first listened to ‘Be Refreshed’, the mix of strings, drums, keyboards,
and etheric vocal samples from Configa seemed to have an almost modern trap
vibe but, the more I listened the less apparent that became, my head was
definitely nodding all the same. The lyrics from Speech, 1 Love and Twan Mack
have this definite feel of looking at what is going on in America and, to a
point, the world. There is so much that is affecting people right now and what
can be done to separate them from the pain. It’s a song about taking a step
back to relax and refresh before taking time to understand differing viewpoints
and situations, then taking time to consider the best way forward… That feeling
of how best to approach certain situations follows us into ‘Grandma’s
Southern Ways’. The horns, harmonica, piano, and drums all combine to bring
a huge upbeat vibe with an abundance of pure energy, courtesy of Configa.
Speech, G-Love and Lish Speaks focus on the many challenges that life brings
and how we choose to overcome them. So many times, when we are faced with a
difficult situation, we will look to those tried and tested methods, that have
been handed down to us, as the simplest way to get through and overcome
whatever obstacle lies in front of us. The abundance of energy we just had is
the perfect springboard for Speech and Twisted Royalty on ‘We Feeling It
All’. The drums, percussion, xylophone, and choral vocals, produced by
Speech himself, bring us a definite feel-good vibe where the energy hits in
short bursts. This one speaks on many levels but, the ultimate message here is
deep and acknowledges that we have all been through some tough times. We have
faced challenges in all aspects of our lives, seen people and loved ones pass
from this life but, we are still here. We carry on doing what we do, feeling
every ounce of emotion and do our very best to channel it in the most positive
ways, as we look to a brighter future.
After considering all that, what you
need is something to give you a glimpse of that brighter future. What you get
is Configa dropping a straight up boombap beat full of horns, drums, guitar,
and cuts that has you seriously amped up while touching you on a certain level
too. ‘Vibe’ was released as a single and sees Speech joined by the
legendary Big Daddy Kane, Cleveland P Jones, and Tasha LaRae for some
high-energy, feel-good hip-hop. ‘Vibe’ is all about that energy that is
inside us all, that spark that will never fail to bring out all those positive
feelings within us. Sometimes we might question if that spark really does exist
or we might feel we have lost it for good but, one listen to this track and you
cannot fail to reach inside and light that spark… As we move into the
penultimate track of the album, we find a deep vibe once more but, one that is
most certainly tinged with a silver lining. The deep musical aspect comes from
Configa’s mix of horns, guitar, drums, and xylophone notes. That musical
backdrop fits perfectly as Speech and KXNG Crooked focus on the many
experiences people have in their drive to push forward in life and to make
something of themselves and to leave a legacy. You might not know the story
behind the faces, just as they may not know your story but, have faith in each
other, support and encourage each other in reaching your goals, and tell them ‘I
Want U To Make It’. Supporting each other means you can all ‘Have Your
Moment’ and that is exactly what Speech, Configa, The Sugarhill Gang and 1
Love are here to tell you. The beat is big and one to bounce to, full of
guitars, drums and cuts it lifts you up and holds you there. The lyrics swirl
around your mind with an energy that encourages you to raise yourself up and
have your own moment in the spotlight. Not everyone will know you, they might
not even like you but, your moment is just that, it’s yours and it’s gonna feel
damn good. So, have faith in your ability and in who you truly are, the more
you do that, the more others will see it and the brighter you moment will be.
So, what can I say about the album
overall? What is plainly obvious is that Arrested Development have not reached
a level with ‘Don’t Fight Your Demons’ and then plateaued, they have in
fact continued to step it up and ‘For The FKN Love’ shows that there is
no need for the sky to be the limit, you can keep pushing into the atmosphere
and beyond. One thing that has struck me is the level of knowledge and
entertainment value this album has. I would go for as say that Arrested
Development has a definite sense of Edutainment. By edutainment I mean that
this album can be looked on as being both educational and entertaining.
Its educational value comes from the
depth of knowledge, personal experience and the deep level of social/political
narrative that Speech and the guest artists use to focus on things such as the
struggles of the black community, the treatment of black women and even mental
health. There is something to be learned by everyone here. There is so much
here, lyrically, that is delivered with knowledge, presence of mind and without
compromise, producing music that is full of feeling and character that speaks
so deeply to the listener at times.
The entertainment value musically
really goes without saying. But, in working with Configa, it has just brought
that extra dimension to what Arrested Development do. Configa brings that solid
boombap hip-hop sound whilst also being able to strikingly switch between vibes
and moods as the nature of the lyrics require. When the beat is boombap it is
the perfect stage for Speech to deliver straight up hip-hop vibes to get the
listener or the whole club bouncing. There is no doubt in my mind that ‘For
The FKN Love’ is going to easily stand the test of time.
Everything that has gone into this
album from Arrested Development, Configa and the guest artists is the perfect
sound to help give you that sense of energy and drive you need to feel the love
and reach for that light you want in your future. In fact, it helps you not
just reach for the light but, to also grip it with both hands and pull it
towards you. I really felt that this album was conscious hip-hop on another
level. You could feel the emotion at times, the strength of the energy that
went into every word, every line, and every beat. In reflecting on the album as
I wrote my notes for the review, I could feel how deeply the album had touched
me at times and the level of emotions it raised.
There is simply no better way of
stepping into a positive and free future than by listening to ‘For The FKN
Love’ by Arrested Development.
