Album Review: Over The Iron Bridge by Kaos Krew

 

Over The Iron Bridge

By

KAOS Krew

 

Over The Iron Bridge is the brand-new album from veteran London, UK Hip Hop trio the KAOS Krew. The album was released on 9^th March through Original Rockerz Records.

KAOS Krew were formed back in 1985 and consist of Jonie D, TJ Chill and Peek-A-Boo. They would release their first album titled Mind Revolution in 2020, which was closely followed by the sophomore release, Ignorance Is No Defence in 2021. They also have the distinction of being the first Hip Hop group to record at the fabled Abbey Road Studios. Now, almost three years later they are back with their third album and, unlike the previous releases which saw varied production, Over The Iron Bridge is produced solely by Jonie D.

With all three of the albums receiving radio play, it speaks volumes for the creativity and longevity of the London group.

So, join me as I take you through album…

Nilton Hornz starts things of in style with pounding drums, horns and strings giving something raise your energy and get your head nodding. It is something to open the album with its longest track, and there is so much packed in here it is almost beyond interpretation as you just want to listen but, there is much here that shows the foundations of the group and why they have remained, doing what they do for so long. From the struggles of life to the power of words and the family bond, if you really want to get it then live in the moment with the words of the KAOS Krew. From such a powerful opening statement we move on to Wall Street Greed, more boom bap drums mix with strings and more to keep that uplifting Hip Hop sound booming. The title of the track says a lot and it gives you a idea of what is coming. Her the focus is on the greed of the rich and powerful, the bankers and the corporations, at a time when people are struggling to heat their homes, pay the bills and food banks are at an all time high, there is still money to finance wars and line the pockets of the rich with bonus payments. There is no balance in the country, and we are the ones who pay the price. A heavy drum beat pounds along with a mariachi style guitar to create a reflective vibe on Quiet KAOS. This one finds the guys focusing words, the words that you say. Everything you say has the potential to say more than simple words can say, so it’s all about choosing your words carefully and always speak from the heart, when you do this, you show your authentic self and everything you say is the truth.

Love (is the foundation) grabs your attention with drums, strings and a heavy bass vibe that periodically vibrates your whole body. The message in this one is simple really, living in a society, a world as we experience every day, there is a lot that can test us and push us to places and states of mind that are not who we truly are but, when we change are focus and bring it back to love and remember that love is the foundation of all we do, then the darkness can never win out. Drums pound your ears with a hint of guitars and cuts, get you head nodding on Nice and Decent. Here we have the guys bouncing off each other with a slick display of their vocal talents. With all the deep messages, it is nice to have the odd track that just screams fun-loving upbeat Hip Hop and the guys lay it down hard on this one. The drums and keys of Serious Times have an element of a ragga vibe that flips things a little while keeping you moving. The guys reflect that ragga vibe in their lyrical style, all the time looking at the times we live in. The 2020’s have given rise to some serious subject matter getting more focus, from inequality, hate crimes, poverty and seen governments turn their backs on what is clearly genocidal wars. This is what we see around us everyday and the Kaos Krew open up on what it is to live in the here and now.

Look At My Face has a mix of drums, bass and keys that brings a deep vibe that seems to seep into your very soul. The added dimension of the added soulful vocal adds an almost dreamy element. I get a real feeling, with this one, of how each experience we go through in life, as individuals, shapes who we are and can take its toll on our facial features. It feels like, if you really want to know what someone has been through, then you just need to look at their face, as this will tell you a thousand words of the path they have walked, what they have seen and what they feel. Motoscaf, seems to be all about the bassline, with the drums and strings there to add to the atmosphere. This brings a vibe that fires up the adrenaline in a different way and doesn’t necessarily get your head nodding straight away but definitely gets you moving. Not gonna lie that this one took me a while but, it made me feel that this one of those that will get the crowds jumping at shows and is all about the KAOS Krew doing just that, lighting up the shows, the airwaves, and the speakers. I might have missed the mark here but, you get my thinking right…

Soul Style gives us a dope sound that takes us back to early days of Hip Hop with a drumbeat, bass, guitars and slick cuts, it really took me back to the eighties sound. KAOS Krew really reflect that eighties vibe in their lyrics that have that display that uplifting, just for fun style of rapping. This is one of those you can put on and really nod along to and reminds you of that feel-good sound that got the party rocking. The penultimate track is Drop It Like Last Time, another head nod vibe with a sound that almost has a middle eastern vibe to it. There is also a throw back element to this track too, like the eighty’s vibe has filtered in and crossed over into the present. That comes from the fact that this one looks at how things are now and how they were, all the things that inspire and influence the words of the KAOS Krew. Life brings a lot of experiences that we draw on as we grow, and the guys really pepper this one with how things have changed over the years. We are now into the final track of the album, Magic Number, which keeps the energy going with a heavy drum beat alongside bass, horns, and hand drums, all this brings a vibe that has elements of that Soundsystem sound. As you listen to this one you get the sense that, reading between the lines, this one is all about lifting people up, giving the listener something to grab on to help them lift themselves up. The magic number just happens to be three, because there are three of the KAOS Krew and the magic is what the music can do, and the Krew are the conduit to bring it too you… 

I have to say that Over The Iron Bridge is an album that not only speaks on important issues and entertains the listener but, it also gives the listener something else that might not be immediately understood. This is an album that is infused with an underlying tone of positive energy and uplifting vibes. To uplift you have to show people why they need that energy and so you open their eyes to the world around them and what is going on, and then you interspace that with words that create the fun and plant the seed of that uplifting nature; then, by wrapping it all in a sound that keeps the energy flowing and the body moving, you create a whole that leaves the listener feeling positive and uplifted. I get this as I was struggling today to get motivated but, the sound kept me going and helped me get through.

I feel grateful for the music of KAOS Krew planning that seed in me. There were times when I struggled to interpret their word but, the more I listened, the more I relaxed and just allowed my impressions to flow, not saying I nailed every track but, I did what I always do and brought you my interpretation of what ach track made me feel. The flows, styles and the intelligent nature of the rhymes really stand out here and are the kind of tracks you will need to listen to again and again. Jonie D has done a superb job with the production by creating something that is rooted in the foundations of real Hip Hop but, also has elements other sounds that have inspired him along the way, much the same vibe you get from the lyrics as well.

What you do come away with from this album is a sense of being uplifted and those positive vibes. Yes, these guys pull no punched in laying out their experiences but, that is what gives this that air of authenticity and relatability. In fact, in the press release for this one TJ Chill says, “You need this in your life” and I have to say that I am not gonna argue with him on that point. This is UK Hip Hop at its best but, more than that, this is what Hip Hop is about…

Over The Iron Bridge is available now from Original Rockerz Records on digital outlets and a limited CD run too.

My thanks to the KAOS Krew for the chance to review this one.

See ya next time,

Steve.

LINKS

Get Over The Iron Bridge on Bandcamp Here:

https://kaoskrewldn.bandcamp.com/album/over-the-iron-bridge-3

KAOS Krew Socials and streaming:

https://www.instagram.com/kaoskrewldn/

https://soundcloud.com/originalrockerzenq

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7HjWi9LQEZsEQ0GNw4lNFT

https://twitter.com/KAOSKrewLDN

Original Rockerz YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@originalrockerzuk/featured

 

Single Review: Mic Check, Mic Check by Planky ft Dynamite MC and Harry Shotta

 

MIC CHECK, MIC CHECK

By

PLANKY

Feat. Dynamite MC & Harry Shotta

 

Back in April of last year I featured Planky with his single Rescue Me which featured 2^nd Generation Wu on vocals. So, it is a pleasure to once again feature the Hampshire based Beat Maker/Producer with his latest offering MIC CHECK, MIC CHECK featuring two huge UK rap artists in Dynamite MC and Harry Shotta, plus Andreas Millns on keys, which was released on 23^rd February.

Without further ado, let’s get into it…

Planky uses a mix of drums, guitar vibes and those live keys to create this instantly infectious sound that is upbeat, funky, and full of energy. Dynamite MC and Harry Shotta bounce off each other with slick, seamless flows and bars that show these two were the perfect choice for this track. MIC CHECK, MIC CHECK is really all about two MC’s demonstrating their lyrical prowess over dope Hip Hop beat, no more no less but, you know, sometimes you don’t need any more than that.

MIC CHECK, MIC CHECK is a solid, banger of a track that is sure to be one of those that is a certified floor filler in the clubs and one of those you gotta turn way up when it on the speakers, regardless of where you are.

Planky once more proves he is a standout producer on the UK Scene with a track that has its roots in that real Hip Hop sound, while keeping the sound fresh and packed with adrenaline for those who like to move, as well as those who like to groove. The added dimension of the live keys helps elevate this one for sure, I love hearing live instruments on a track, and he caps it all off by drafting in two UK powerhouse MCs to get you bouncing, and let’s be real here, Dynamite MC and Harry Shotta are off the hook on this one…

This might seem like a short one by my standards but, I don’t think I need to say anymore here, except may be that you just need to get online, grab a copy, and get that volume way up.

Huge Thanks to Planky for sending this one my way.

On that note,

I’m Out…

See Ya.

Steve

LINKS

Streaming links for Mic Check, Mic Check Here:

https://cygnusmusic.link/74zojpa

Planky on Instagram Here:

https://www.instagram.com/planky/

VIDEO

MIC CHECK, MIC CHECK

Single Review: Pressure by Skunkadelic and Abstract Soundz

 

Pressure

By

Skunkadelic and Abstract Soundz

 

Pressure is the new single from UK Producer Abstract Soundz and Cardiff emcee Skunkadelic. Both Skunkadelic and Abstract Soundz have featured on the blog previously, with Abstract Soundz on the Ill Natured EP as part of the Ill Natured crew back in July 2022 and Skunkadelic in 2022 on the Hung, Drawn NSlaughta’d album by Junior Disprol and Krash Slaughta, and in 2023 on Red andBlue by Unity.

Pressure is sure to be a unique single with the classic boom bap hip hop sound of Abstract Soundz production, mixed with the vocals from Skunkadelic who’s sound is inspired both by the Jazz Rap  and the sound of his own ancestral Nigerian music. However, there is only one way to truly get the feel of this one and that is to immerse ourselves in it. So, join me as I take you into the sound of Pressure…

 

Organ notes and bass open this one as the faint sounds of bells steadily grows, then, just as we hear Skunkadelic for the first time, the drum beat kicks in and giving us this nice head nod beat mixed with a mellow vibe that really seems to draw on the classic Jazz Rap sound of the likes of ATCQ etc. Skunkadelic skilfully takes us into what it is to live in the stressful reality that is our current society. He looks at what it is to live with one of life’s silent killers, stress, and also looks at self-loathing, another aspect of the self that many of us can associate with in these tough times. There is a deeper element to this too as he is open about some of his own recent life experiences. There is also a hint of there being a brighter future to whatever is currently going on in life, like you might be finding all that pressure hard to deal with but, in the end it will all be worth it and the sun will shine on you once again.

Overall, Pressure is a track that takes an honest look at life in our current society in a way that the listener can easily associate with and puts it to a classic sounding jazz rap vibe that can either bump in your car or sit back and chill to, if I’m honest I can also easily see this one pumping out the speakers in the clubs.

Skunkadelic and Abstract Sounds have really nailed this one and you definitely need to get on this if you’ve not heard it already.

My thanks to Abstract Soundz for sending this one my way and letting me bring you my honest opinion.

On that note,

See Ya,

Steve.

LINKS

Stream the single on Spotify Here:

https://open.spotify.com/album/

Skunkadelic on Spotify Here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2yQw986UYgDIdTqruTHija

Absract Soundz on Spotify Here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4HUyyP4DyIu0n3mkoI93HB?si=4hxlOWFTTYqAuHpMdQsvKQ&nd=1&dlsi=30f79352e9ce4b65

Abstract Sounds on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/abstractsoundz/

Skunkadelic on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/skunkadelic/

VIDEO

PRESSURE

Album Review: Giants Of Defiance by Fireball Flingaz

 

Giants Of Defiance

By

Fireball Flingaz

 

Back in 2020 Remark and Exile returned as the Fireball Flingaz dropped powerful album, Back 2 Burn. That release tore into the establishment and the powers that be, making a firm and incendiary statement about what they saw happening in the world around them.

Now, almost four years later, there has been little change; in fact, you could say that the powers that be, have continued to chisel away at the heart of democracy. We see people suffer when governments flourish, they rage war in the name of their people even though the people do not support their actions and we even see nations supporting and refusing to even recognise when genocide is perpetrated on an entire nation of people right in front of their faces.

So, with a world in turmoil, the Fireball Flingaz have returned with the Giants Of Defiance, fourteen tracks that promise to unload their frustrations at the state of society. Remark and Exile handle the vocals with Exile on production, cuts, artwork and more. It is all wrapped up in a stunning package with all lyrics and a wealth of AI infused artwork to interest and terrify.

With that said, expect controversial language, subjects and opinions throughout but, now its time to open your eyes, ears and minds to the Giants Of Defiance…

The G.O.D Intro sets the stage for what’s about to be unleashed, with pounding drums, guitars, and frantic cuts. The energy and power sinks deep into you psyche with such force it threatens to tear your mind to pieces. There is no priming yourself for what's to come as the albums title track, Giants Of Defiance continues to pull at your awareness with a heavy pounding sound with an eerie twist and electronic elements keeping you focused. The Flingaz words explode with a rage born of the fire that is in the hearts of all of us, feeding on that fire they take aim and stand in defiance of those who use misdirection and fake facts in order to control us and make us all look the other way from what their true intentions. Standing in defiance and not in silence is the Fireball Flingaz way and they have much to say…

Now you know where the Flingaz stand, its time for them to Wake ‘Em Up and they do that with a pounding drum beat mixed with bass and orchestral strings creating the kind of sound that opens the eyes and fuels the fire in the belly. This one is aimed at those who either choose not to wake up, or are so brainwashed by the system that they are unable to wake up and see what is truly going on around them. It takes strength of will and an unrelenting force to wake these people, especially those who do the bidding of the powers that be, and still refuse to see the pain and suffering they inflict, which is particularly true of those who are supposed to be there to protect us. Here the Flingaz show that there is often only one way to wake the blind, and that is to force them to see the truth. Chokehold brings a head nod, boom bap sound of drums and more that injects energy into your body causing the adrenaline to be released, fuelling you to move and pump your fist in the air. Now that the Flingaz have filtered into your awareness and cleared the way to open your third eye, it’s time to start showing you what is going on around you and how you have been kept in a chokehold by the media and the governments; keeping you living in a false, safe view of the world while the truth undermines and destroyed everything you thought was good, paving the way for a new world that makes 1984 look like a child’s story. Now they have your head nodding and your fist pumping, it’s time to keep that energy going with drums, horns, bass, and more deadly cuts. Strike sees the Flingaz keeping the fires burning with one that seems to be more of an anthem or a call to arms. This is the Flingaz getting the listener fired up but, in way that is once more showing who they are and how they do it. This is a statement of facts for all those who stand in the way of defiance or those who look for a cause to fight for. So, jump around and have fun with this one because things are not gona be this way for long…

Run 4 It sees the drums and strings heavy but, with BPM knocked back a bit, just to allow the vocals to come to the forefront, while keeping you moving. Here the Flingaz bring more focus to the corrupt government and how they seek to run everything, control everything. They want you in this perpetual state of fear, wrapped in a cloak of darkness, from where they can keep you where they want you. If you wake up and see the truth and look towards the light then you will break their hold on you, and this is what the Flingaz do here, is to invite you, no scream at you, to run for it, run for the light or even fight for the light because, in the light is where you can stand tall and fight against the demons who seek to control you life and every thought. Pounding drums and horns provide and main elements of Enuf Iz Enuf. This one ramps up the adrenaline levels once more as the Flingaz show their exasperation at the way the world is headed, all of the snakes, the lies and the alibies. Enough is enough, and now and its time let all that frustration and pent-up anger out, for all to see. There is no way to sugarcoat things, you have to be real and pull no punches if people are to see past all the BS that is being perpetrated in the world. Guitars and a pounding drumbeat finds the Flingaz questioning our very existence. Fuck The Matrix questions the very foundations of the reality we are living in. Could we be living in a reality that is fabricated by the powers that be or could it be we are living in a reality that was never truly real and has always been under some outside control? Whatever the answer is, we are coming to realise that the very lives we lead seem to be something where we the many exist to make money for and serve the few. Now is a time not to be woke but, to simply wake up and see the true reality of the world in which we live and to say fuck it, I’m not living this way anymore...

Its heavy boom bap all the way with One Dead Body as the Flingaz look at the way our mental health can and is affected by what is around us every day. The media delivers news stories that are designed to mislead and keep us in a state of fear, smart devices are all around us and spy on all we do, listening to our conversations and even mapping everywhere we go and what we do, using algorithms to filter us adverts and suggestions to keep us from using our own minds and intuition. They want us to be dead inside, mindless zombies to their control and when we truly die, there will be one more dead body to replace the last. Drums, keys, and strings are all apparent as our ears are pounded by the sound, while our lives are pounded by Unfriendly Fire. While the music ignites the fire in our souls, the Flingaz hold their middle fingers in the air and take aim at the government once more. Here the focus is on a different type of fire, one that has been burning unseen by us since we created any type of class system. Governments or anyone who seeks to control or rule over others has been stoking these flames, flames which threaten to engulf us all unless we stand up and show the few just who has the true power. The fire that burns deep within us has the potential to consume all in its way but, with the power of truth and light, we just have to know it and the Fireball Flingaz are helping to ignite that friendly fire within. Choose Ya Weapon pound our ears once more with drums and orchestral strings, ensuring we do no loose focus. What the Flingaz are doing here is not asking you to go out and pick up a physical weapon to use, no; they are inviting you to think and find a different kind of weapon. When the attacks are coming at you from the media, your smart devices and more, you have to use your mind and soul to fight back with the same weapons. One of the most powerful weapons is music, whether you make music or just listen, if you chose that weapon, choose wisely and make sure it speaks the truth and opens you up to a way to fight back.

N.M.K Not My King hits with heavy sound of drums, strings, and cuts, as the Fireball Flingaz direct their anger at the monarchy. Many in the UK and across the world celebrate the British monarchy but, fail to realise just what that monarchy and bloodline is built on. We did not ask for these people to be our figureheads but, we fund them and celebrate all they do, unless one chooses a different path. The British monarchy is one of the richest landowners in the world and built a legacy that was based on invading and taking from others across the globe, stealing, enslaving, and murdering. There is also much more that could be said but, this is the Flingaz stating what many of us feel, we did not ask or vote for you to be our king, you have no power over us, and we will not bow our heads to you. Some might find this a little too powerful but, sometimes frustration is a powerful things and the words follow. The penultimate track of the album is the final full track, Among Us has a powerful beat with some eerie elements that have us looking over our shoulders. Just what are the Flingaz referring to here? Who is it that walks among us? Well, think of those who are looking to sell you something or the ones who make the decisions that effect so many, the ones who do the bidding of those in charge. The sort of people who appear to be a friend but, who are really only looking to forge their own career path. They will draw you in and gain your trust but, throw you under the bus the minute anything goes wrong. They may also be the person that draws you in, making you sign your name on the dotted line, not fully explaining the small print, just getting your signature is the aim. You could go on wondering just who these people are but, they are far more dangerous than any alien that might walk among us. The final track is the Outro, taking us out of the album with a pounding drum and cut infused sound that gets us bouncing once more, easing the weight of all we have just assimilated from the Fireball Flingaz but, wait just a second because the guys still have a couple of verses left just in case you thought you might forget what has got before, the Flingaz seal you minds in the open position. You are now awake and part of the revolution…

 

What you have just been exposed to is 50 minutes of hardcore Hip Hop that takes a stand against everything and any person that seeks to undermine your true self or looks to control you from a place of power by putting you in a place of fear.

 Giants Of Defiance is an unrelenting and unapologetic shot across the bow of all the powers that be. This is not an album that seeks to bring light but, by being outspoken and allowing all that frustration and anger to come out, it actually makes you realise that there is a silver lining out there, you just have to wake up and see it because it is the star in the night sky, the blue beyond the thunder clouds, the calm after the storm; that positive aspect is there, it is many things and to see it, sometimes you just have to vent all that is stopping you from seeing it.

Let’s be real here, there is subject matter here that not everyone will agree with but, there is nothing here that is not the truth, there is nothing false here. These are not the ramblings of a couple of angry rappers who are pissed off at the establishment. Exile and Remark have been in the game for years and know their stuff and what they see around them builds up, like a pressure cooker, and sometimes they just need to vent it all because sometimes there is a place for anger, a place for frustration, you just have to channel it all into the music. The Fireball Flingaz have some stunning flows and lyrical prowess that is intense and deeply powerful, it does leave you breathless by the end. Putting this much strength into their vocals really reminds me of the likes of Killa Instinct in its delivery. The production from Exile is just as powerful and unrelenting as the lyrics, with every track being hardcore but, still keeping you buzzing, and when you add his frantic and razor sharp cuts it just has this air about it that is uniquely UK Hip Hop, or what some would call Britcore.

Overall, Giants Of Defiance is a UK hardcore Hip Hop explosion of an album. The Fireball Flingaz are full on for the entire album, standing strong in the face of adversity and holding up their middle fingers to all who make life hell for the common people. Giants Of Defiance is a statement, the voice of the masses channelled through two guys who are not afraid voice their feelings over some of the hardest Hip Hop beats you are likely to hear this year.

Giants Of Defiance is out now and I suggest you grab it while you can because the Fireball Flingaz are not finished, so keep watch for what’s coming…

Huge thanks to my good friend Remark for letting me loose on this one.

Time for me to be outta here,

See ya next time,

Steve  

LINKS

Get your copy at the Inflamer website Here:

https://www.inflamer.uk/

Fireball Flingaz on Bandcamp:

https://fireballflingaz.bandcamp.com/

Fireball Flingaz on Facebook Here:

https://www.facebook.com/fireballflingaz

VIDEOS

Fuck The Matrix

Strike

N.M.K - Not My King

 

 

Single Review: Thoughts by SayKriDD Daly

 

Thoughts

By

SayKriDD Daly

 

Thoughts is the latest single from Cardiff emcee SayKriDD Daly, it is also the first single from his upcoming album Lost, Love: Lessons. He has featured on this blog before, way back in 2020 when I reviewed DJ Sammy B (Jungle Brothers) album BushCamp The Mixtape. As this is the first time I have featured his solo work I asked him to give me a little background. So, here is a bit about the man himself, in his own words...

SayKriDD Daly hiphop artist from Cardiff known for his witty lyricism, catchy hooks and energetic performances have led him to support acts such as RA The Rugged Man, Skepta, Wiley, Crazy Town, Tinie Tempah, DJ Whoo Kid, Bashy, Chipmunk and many many more around the UK, aswell as working alongside hiphop legends from New York, The Jungle Brothers and featuring on Sammy B's album. 

SayKriDD has featured on hiphop websites such as HipHopDX, radio plays globally, charted on Amazon with his album 'Growing Up Daly' and many more achievements. 

With accomplishing some success as an underground independent artist with his many styles of hiphop from pop rap, to boom bap to party and dubstep style rap, it shows SayKriDD Daly is very versatile and an artist that will be around for a long time...

So, now you know a bit more about SayKriDD Daly, lets get into the single...

There is a chilled jazz vibe to the sound on this one which is provided by the horns and piano, the melodic sound of the drums adds just enough to give this a jazz hop vibe. There is also a reflective edge to this one too, and one that comes, not just from the music but, also from SayKriDD’s words. The more you listen to this one, the more you can really feel the words and their meaning (Check the video below too for the words and the music). Thoughts takes us on what is very much a reflective journey as SayKriDD opens up about his own struggles through life, making the same mistakes, over and over again, something that so many of us can associate with in our own lives; what this does is give you that sense that you are not alone in your own struggles and that it is ok to speak out, because we can only begin to heal when we accept that there is something that needs healing.

Being such a deeply personal track, the essence of this one stays with you long after the music is done and leaves you with much to think about. It also gives you a glimpse into what to expect from the album and if Thoughts is anything to go by them the album promises to be an emotive ride.

This track was my full introduction to the solo music of SayKriDD and I have to say that it really touched me; this is some grown man Hip Hop for those who are not afraid to look at their shadow self and confront what is there before moving on.

Huge thanks to SayKriDD for sending me this one, and I’m really looking forward to the album.

See Ya next time,

Steve

LINKS

All the links for the single can be found here:

https://songwhip.com/saykridd-daly/thoughts

Links for all things related to SayKriDD Daly are here:

https://linktr.ee/itzsaykridd

VIDEO

Thoughts

 

 

Album Review: Love And Honour Pt 1 by Decksterror

 

Love and Honour Pt. 1

By

Decksterror

 

The last time that I featured the work of g-man (Decksterror Prod.) was way back in 2021 with his production on Mattanza by COSM. Recently he signed to Hidden Hobby Records, the new label created by Montener The Menace, and his debut release on the label is Love and Honour Pt 1.

To help this release really showcase his production talents, g-man has drafted in some top artists as well, including Hus Kingpin (USA), COSM, C.o.N_Vers, Ill Sykes, King Kakarot and Ash The Author, alongside Jabbathakut on cuts. Now, with a line-up like this you can bet that this six-track album is gonna bang, so let’s get straight into it…

 

Proceedings kick off with Tom Clancy, a heavy head nod sound with pulse pounding drums, organ notes and horns, to fire up your adrenaline levels right out the gate. C.o.N_Vers provides the vocals here as he uses the analogy of the infamous American writer to show that writing rhymes and novels are not that far apart. The rhymes that rap artists use are often intricate and use a variety of flows and styles, just as a writer will display intricate plot twists and flows of pace to fit the story line. Just as the soundbite at the end explains, it can often be easier to display you craft to the listener or reader than it is to explain how you do it, something I can associate with as a writer. Next up we have the album’s title track Love and Honour, which features Hus Kingpin, COSM and C.o.N_Vers. The intro has motorcycles sounds and elements from Kill Bill while g-man soundscape has a vibe of the movie soundtrack with the heavy drums and guitars tacking the forefront on this one. First impressions are that this one is a platform to display the vocal talents of these three accomplished MC’s but, the more you listen, the more you realise that each verse has this story to it that, like the plot of some Hollywood movie, shows the things one might do for love and for honour. Ash The Author and Jabbathakut join g-man on The Invisible Man; where the drums are mixed with electronic elements and cuts to give you the kind of vibe that takes you into a weird sci-fi universe where nothing is what it seems. Ash The Author takes us on a journey as the invisible one, twisting the tale this way and that; even having us question if he exists in reality or just as part of a digital existence in the machine.

Halfway through the album and its time to Move Back as King Kakarot steps up while g-man brings more pounding drums, backed by electronic elements and heavy horns, the kung-fu movie sound bites have you looking over your shoulder for what’s about to come. As you listen it becomes clear it is only the wack rappers that need to be looking over their shoulders as King Kakarot unloads his frustrations on those rappers who have no love for the music and who care only the image it gives them, or those safe rappers who never speak on the real-life subjects. Here its all about not being afraid to be yourself and stand up for something, to speak from the heart and with heart. Running For The Shade sees C.o.N_Vers join g-man for one more track. The drums still pound, while strings and other elements give this a lighter, more uplifting sound. There is also an uplifting message within the words here too; you get the sense that what C.o.N_Vers is saying is that people are so used to the darkness in society and the world around them, that when the good times and the light finally breaks through, they are often still running to take shade from it as they are afraid to be in the light but, you just have remember that the light is something to welcome and not to fear. The final track of the album is Dark Speed which features Ill Sykes on vocals with g-man crafting one final beat that seams to be an audible reflection of the name Decksterror, with heavy raw drums and strings bring the kind of sound that stretches your every nerve to breaking point. Ill Sykes brings an equally raw rhyme style that pulls no punches, moving from the darkness with speed he hits you with words from every angle with an unrelenting salvo that leaves you wondering if you’ll ever be the same…

 

Lets be real here for a moment, if you are going to sign to a fledgling label (regardless of who set it up) then you what you first release to be a statement, a shot across the bow of others, one that shows exactly what you are all about and what to expect moving forward; and that is exactly what g-man does here, he openly displays the quality of his production and how good a stage it sets can set up for any emcee out there. Bringing in some of the UK’s brightest talent and a rising talent from the US (all of whom are on fire here, by the way) shows that he has the capability to work with anyone as his work here shows the producer compliments the rapper and likewise.

First impressions here show that g-man has a sound that is boom bap Hip Hop on a hardcore vibe but, on reflection, you realise that its all about that boom bap Hip Hop sound and bringing a sound that has vibrant energy, one that will really catch the attention of the listener and leave them with a lasting impression, long after album is done. I have been lucky enough to review g-man’s Decksterror production before and so I know this guy is making huge waves out there but, if this is your first time listening to his work then, I am sure you will agree with everything I say.

Overall, Love and Honour Pt 1 is a solid album that gives you a heavy dose of pulse pounding, head nodding Hip Hop, that is likely to receive some heavy rotation in the coming weeks. It displays the craft of one of the UKs premier Hip Hop producers and shows that Hidden Hobby Records is well on the way to becoming a force to be reckoned with on the underground Hip Hop scene. Honestly, there just isn’t anything not to like about this one, trust me.

My thanks to Montener The Menace for the chance to review this one and it’s out today too.

On that note,

I’m out.

Steve.

LINKS

Get the album from Hidden Hobby Records Bandcamp Here:

https://hiddenhobbyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/love-honour-pt-1

Your links to all things Decksterror related:

https://linktr.ee/decksterror

VIDEOS

Love and Honour

Album Review: Bullets In The Chamber by Arrested Development

 

Bullets In The Chamber

By

Arrested Development

Produced by Configa

 

Following on from Don’t Fight Your Demons (2020) and For The FKN Love (2021), Arrested Development have once more teamed with UK Super-producer Configa for their latest album Bullets In The Chamber (who also serves as Co-Executive Producer for Configuration Records alongside Speech for Vagabond Productions), which was released on January 12^th this year.

As with the previous two albums, Bullets In The Chamber also has an impressive line-up of guest artists and producers, alongside AD The Band and Configa. Guest artists include Rass Kas, DoitAll Dupree (Lords of the Underground), Canibus, Diana King, SkyZoo, MRK SK, Twan Mack, Chuck D, Grandmaster Caz, O’Hene Savant, Sa Roc, Flavia Coelho and special appearances from original AD members Montsho Eshe and Rasa Don. Additional production comes from Will Montgomery, Sol Messiah, Mistact and Fenix.

Now, with all that said, if you are not already oozing with anticipation, then it will help to know that this is a double album with the original Bullets In The Chamber (17 Tracks) and Round Two (4 Tracks), all of which culminates in a huge release firing twenty-one shots (20 joints and 1 remix) of Hip Hop musical dopeness, that is sure to have our minds buzzing as much as our ears...

So, let’s not wait any longer but, press play and unleash those Bullets In The Chamber…

 

Opening with Hello, produced by Configa and featuring 1 Love and Ras Kass, this one hits with an uplifting party vibe sound but, this is a party vibe with depth and attitude. The drums take the forefront here but, there is that multi-layered sound that Configa always brings. Speech, 1 Love and Rass Kas really set the tone for what’s to come, there is much here about celebrating the music and the contribution of AD to Hip Hop. While welcoming the fans to this third album with Configa there is also a hint that this might also be the last album from AD. Now that we are all fired up Configa keeps the energy going with an infectious sound of drums, horns, bass, and soulful background vocals, which has a rawness with a funky edge that keeps your head nodding. Classy sees Rasa Don provide a reggae infused chorus while Speech brings the spotlight to those peoples who struggle under a veil of oppression, both in America and around the world. The more you listen, the more the track takes on the feeling of an anthem for those peoples. Will Montgomery takes over production duties for Overachiever, where horns take the forefront alongside the drums and bass, bringing a deep funk vibe to the sound. Montsho Eshe features on the chorus bringing a soulful edge as Speech celebrates everything that Arrested Development is, a multi-talented group that spans decades within Hip Hop and music in general, achieving everything they set out to do and much more.

Crowd Surf finds Speech joined by DoItAll, 1 Love, Fareedah and Dee Wiz, while Configa comes with an energetic head-nod vibe of pumping drums, bass, horns, and cuts. This one will really have you bouncing around without a care in the world, wanting to surf the crowd as AD celebrates and brings the energy of the live shows into this track, and if you have ever been to an AD show or Hip Hop show, you’ll know the feeling. There is a deeper vibe to the sound Configa brings on Hour Glass, the sound is undoubtedly Hip Hop but, there is this unconscious heartfelt aura to it. Speech, alongside CanIbus, SkyZoo and Diana King on the chorus, bring some deep verses with emotion that reflect the real-world experiences that form the individual grains of sand that fall through the hour glass, combining to create our life experiences, our memories, and shaping who we are as individuals. Horns and Drums form the main elements of the production from Will Montgomery on Still Fired Up. Speech is joined by Montsho-Eshe on the chorus here as the track gets you moving while still speaking to you on many levels. This one reflects back to 1992 and AD’s first Album, 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days In The Life of… showing that AD is still here, still bringing focus to subjects that matter and still calling for a revolution, just like this is a part two to Raining Revolution from that original album; they are still calling for peace too.

And This I Know features MRK SX and Twan Mack alongside Speech while Sol Messiah handles production, bringing a more laid-back emotive vibe but, still with those pounding drums. The focus of this one touches on some troubling subjects such as gun violence, exploitation, white supremacy and more but, at the same time, with all of these dark issues we witness, there is also a lot of good things to see and be thankful for. This track is all about those things that you know for sure, just speaking real truths. Configa is back on production with For Free as he brings a pounding beat with organ and string elements that creates a sound that you nod to but, also makes you focus on the lyrics from Speech and April So Lyrical. The message here is that, as humans, we are the ones who created the issues we face, we have made ourselves separate from nature, and we are the ones who have created a society where money is rated above all else, making us pay for things that nature has provided for us already for free, we just have to live in harmony with it. With that thought of the society humans have created, We Want This (To Be Ruled) continues this thought process. Speech is joined by Kamonzi for a joint that looks at how we, as humans, are responsible for this way in which we live, we have created being ruled and controlled, humans created the social standings and inequality that we see around us, and there is only one way we can truly find freedom, which for us to all stand together and say that we no longer want this. Configa brings a pounding boom bap beat with drums, organ notes and bass at the forefront, creating a sound which gets you animated, bouncing, and throwing your fist in the air for freedom.

Ride finds Configa bringing an uplifting beat with drums and piano vibes with soulful background vocals, this creates a summertime sound that raises your mood a few notches. Speech reflects that uplifting sound with lyrics that speak on things that are important to him, from womens rights to Hip Hop and just having fun, this one encompasses those things and so much more while bringing warmth throughout your body. Next, we move to a track that can only be described as an anthem as Speech is joined by Chuck D (Public Enemy) and Grandmaster Caz (Cold Crush Brothers) for Hip Hop Saves Lives. Configa provides a slamming beat with strings that merges that boom bap sound with an emotive energy that lifts you up. Speech, Chuck, and Caz speak on how corporate and white supremacy has sought to take over the music, trying to take it away from its roots and use it to make money but, Hip Hop is more than those entities can ever understand, and this joint celebrates that, the pioneers of the culture, AD’s contribution and peace within Hip Hop. More than just an anthem, this track stands for true Hip Hop and those who still hold that foundation true. Arrogance has sparce drums and other percussion which gives this a more native sound which allows the lyrics to take the forefront. Speech, O’hene Savant and Montsho-Eshe drop a freestyle type joint that looks at the arrogance of people, the music industry and more. This is one will get your mind working in many ways as the lyrics are impressed on your awareness.

Ain’t Got Much To Say No More sees Configa drop a solid head-nod beat of drums, bass and keys that has a light-hearted sound. Speech takes a look at those internet critics who chose to talk loud from behind their keyboards, screens and avatars, while they don’t have much to say; well, nothing that carries any weight or has any real validity. They are the type of people who would never stand up and talk that stuff to your face either. Fire has been two or three years in production and was originally written during the U.S. Riots following what happened to George Floyd (R.I.P.). Here, Speech speaks on the dangers of ignoring inequality and injustice (in its many forms). When you chose to ignore or even perpetrate many injustices, you light the touchpaper that burns brightly until it ignites the fire in the hearts of the many who will then stand, united for justice and freedom. Configa brings a slamming beat of banging drums, guitars and horns that helps fuel the fire inside your body alongside the fire in the lyrics from Speech. That message continues with The Meek, produced by Fenix, the sound is a head-nodder and created from drums and guitar vibes. Speech looks at what is happening within the U.S. How wealth, injustice and inequality is the disease that is eroding the foundations of the country. The message here comes from the biblical scriptures of how the meek will inherit the earth but, here it is the meek that stand to inherit the country as America crumbles from a once great Nation, allowing greed to take over.

Turn The Speakers Up, produced by Configa, has an infectious sound of drums and keys that, once more, has an uplifting vibe. Speech and 1 Love look at all that is going on in the world today and invite us to turn the speakers up real loud, this will allow the music to be more in our awareness and bringing it’s healing qualities and message directly into our minds. Let music be the source of your information and not the media. God Bless You is produced by Sol Messiah and has an instant posse vibe about it as Speech is joined by Sa-Roc, April So Lyrical and 1 Love (with some extra keys from Michael Williams) but, it’s less of a posse vibe and more of a collective, standing together to bring one message. That message is like an olive branch being extended to all, despite there being a lot of sin, pain and suffering in the world. 1 Love, in particular speaks with passion and venom here on injustice and inequality he sees around him but, the real message here is that there is a way out of all this negativity and we have to remember that we are all blessed in one way, regardless of how you look at it, you are blessed be it by God, the universe, however, you see it in your own beliefs, you are loved and if everyone truly saw that, the world would be a different place.

At this point we have reached the end of Bullets In The Chamber, as it was released, now we move to Round 2, an EP with 4 tracks (3 additional tracks and a remix) that completes the Bullets In The Chamber double album. Round 2 was actually released first but, now when see the digital and streaming releases, they are all together in one complete album…

Round 2 begins with Mine, featuring Brazilian artist Flavia Coelho, Configa us a head-nod beat with electronic vibes that has a real uplifting sound. The chorus is inspired by Tracy Chapman and the track itself is playful with many double-entendres that will make you smile and just have a good time enjoying the lyrics. Now you might not understand the verse from Flavia but, it still brings that fun vibe with it, which is the real message here; do what you got to do but, have fun doing it. Grateful is next and Configa has a funky vibe for us with banging drums, bass, cuts, and funk guitar vibes, I really challenge you not to groove to this. Speech and 1 Love take us through all the things that they are grateful for in life, from a true story about white privilege and the difference between white and black lives to your own journey and sharing it with your wife. There is much here you can feel and that can be associated with in your own life, you just have to realise what you are grateful for and have been grateful for but, also think of how that affects others too. It Couldn’t Be is the penultimate track but is also the last track of the album, with the final track being a remix. Production comes from Mistract and sees Piano, and strings take the forefront over the drumbeat, bringing a chilled reflective air to the track. Here we find Speech looking back over shows and particularly important events in life and how these things help us see past the darkness, seeing what is truly special in our lives. The album ends with the Arrogance (Jahah Remix) the message of the original is not lost here but, the sound has a solid drum beat which is heavy with double bass, creating another infectious sound that is the perfect way to take you out of the album.

 

After listening to the album top to bottom and fully taking it all in I can see how some have this on their best of the year lists already. Everything about this album is just incredible, it flows at a great pace keeping the listener engaged at every turn. The mix of vibes throughout the album is almost lost by the sheer enjoyment value but, don’t be fooled because alongside that enjoyment value, this is grown-up Hip Hop where the fun and good times does not loose sight of the important subjects that are a part of our everyday lives. Arrested Development does what they always do, using Hip Hop music to bring your awareness to both sides of the coin and you can’t listen to the album without coming away without a sense that there is still so much to do in this world if we are ever to get anywhere near peace and unity, and it has to start with changes at the most fundamental levels by leaving greed behind.

Let’s take a look at the album from a musical point of view. This is an album entwined in the roots of real Hip Hop music from a group who have achieved much within the music industry by speaking out on subjects that matter. Arrested Development still bring a great balance of real-world problems to bear while entertaining you all the way. Speech and 1 Love show the calibre of their rap skills here by mixing up the flows and styles to perfectly convey the emotive nature of the messages they deliver. Fareedah and April So Lyrical, bring the soulful backing vocals to just bring that much needed touching quality to the sound. The use of live instruments from the band really serves to enhance the sound that is brought predominantly by Configa along with Will Montgomery, Sol Messiah, Mistact and Fenix.

The production here is all top quality with the producers all bringing their own unique stamps to the sound. Configa, being the main producer on the album, once more brings such an amazing sound, proving that he is not just one of the best producers out of the UK but, one of the best Hip Hop producers out there right now. This takes nothing away from any of the other producers who all bring amazing sounds.

I have said so much about Bullets In The Chamber already but, I couldn’t wrap this up with out mentioning the amazing guest artists on this one. Bringing in the calibre of Chuck D, Grandmaster Caz, CanIbus, Rass Kas, Skyzoo, and others, alongside original members Montsho Eshe and Rasa Don, not only adds the icing to the cake but also takes it to the next level, what more do I need to say, these are some masterful choices.

Overall, Bullets In The Chamber is a Hip Hop album that keeps its roots in the foundations of the culture while having a conscious edge that speaks on so many levels. The enjoyment factor of the album is second to none and will leave you almost breathless but, at the same time wanting more. This is Arrested Development at their very best, standing up for those who need a voice and ultimately standing up for peace.

There is one last thing I would like to add here. In putting down my thoughts and feelings on this album, it was invaluable to have the short insights available from Speech himself, which he put into individual videos. These helped me in knowing that my insights were close to how he saw each track and it also gave me some much needed background for the review. I am also very grateful to Configa who helped me to get the album and its press pack, without which there would be no review.

My advice is simple, just listen to this one because it’s truly not easy to convey just how good it is, you need to hear it.

My humble thanks to Configa, Speech and the entire Arrested Development band for giving me the chance to once more do a deep dive and put down my feelings on this album and the two previous albums as well. It has been something special for me to be able to review these works of art, I have always been a fan of their music and have respected Speech and all that AD stands for, and I have always felt that their music touched you on a deep level and if this is to be their last album, then what a legacy they will leave, one that will continue to speak to the listener for as long as these words need to be said.

Time for me to be out,

One Love People,

Steve.

LINKS

The One link for all things Arrested Development and Speech:

https://linktr.ee/brotherspeech

Get Bullets In The Chamber on Bandcamp Here:

https://officialarresteddevelopment.bandcamp.com/album/bullets-in-the-chamber

The One link for all things Configa Here:

https://linktr.ee/configa

 

VIDEOS

Hip Hop Saves Lives (ft Chuck D and Grandmaster Caz)