'The Dark/The Light' - Brotherman (album review)

If there is any album that you buy this year, instead of downloading (legally of course), it’s Brotherman’s ‘The Dark/The Light’. The packaging is the most original I’ve seen in UK Hip Hop. The project is a double EP, 6 tracks on each so effectively it’s a 12 track album on two CDs. Each CD has its own sleeve, they slot together to combine the light and dark inspired artwork and to form one jewel case sized package… argh, you’ll just have to buy it to understand what I mean!

Thankfully, the marketing ploys are thoroughly backed up by the quality of the music. Brotherman has that likeable voice (also possessed by Dr. Syntax and Verb T) and is poetical with his lyrics. He gives a voice to society’s silent and scripts situations confined usually to the psyche.

‘The Dark’ is a 6 track lament with Brotherman’s everyday observations providing fodder for his lyrics. A focus on education and children appears to be the inspiration for these songs as crime of all kinds are discouraged and family values are promoted. Brotherman brings a message of hope to those in difficult situations and opens a window to those who don’t really understand the plight of the ghettos of the UK. The production lifts the poignant subject matter, furthering the feeling of hope.

Some elements of ‘The Light’ set it apart from ‘The Dark’ although it’s really a natural progression of its other half. The production is more upbeat and the introduction, for example, is just straight rap boasting. ‘One I’ is an ode to a life with Hip Hop but ‘Heart of Dem’ returns to analysing today’s youth. ‘Wrong’ pushes the message that relationships need to be worked at, something society needs to heed. ‘Who Knows What’ is the stand out for me, the opening lyrics (ones I’ve already quoted here) are so beautiful and emotive and the growing up theme is done to a T.

‘The Dark/The Light’ is one of the best releases this year and Silent Soundz should be proud to add this to their already quality back catalogue. Everyone from the streets to the Natty-fan-in-Tesco should love this album; let’s hope they get to hear it.

‘Speaking From Xperience’ - Blak Twang (album review)

Twang’s back again (‘…Although I never left, I’m takin’ my seat back//Back with a spring in my step, back in my element…’) with his fourth album release, fifth if you count the never-released-due-to-label-problems, promo only ‘Dettwork SouthEast’. ‘Speaking From Xperience’ is an aptly named volume of work, and a hefty tome at that. Frankly, I recoil at the thought of reviewing an album with 18 tracks proper (24 counting skits). How can I possibly listen to that much music and assess it all at once? ‘Tis pretty hard, but I’ve started now haven’t I?

As usual Mr. Rotton touches on a variety of issues but this time round to accompany and complement this, he utilises a range of ‘urban’ sounds. ‘Hey People’ sits in the grime domain, however ‘Made Me Strong’ crosses over into dancehall territory. ‘So Hard’ displays soul influences but showcases a double time flow and ‘There For You’ has an eastern feel but is clearly influenced by modern R’n’B. The resulting overall sound is a cleverly blended version of all that’s hot right now in the sphere of ‘black music’ on both sides of the pond. Nevertheless, Twang’s recognisable production sound is still evident. This clever move should afford Tony a good few new listeners to add to his ever loyal fan base.

If you’re into UK Hip Hop you’ll know Blak Twang’s name is huge. You’ll also probably know the names Sway and Estelle. Man, who doesn’t know Estelle’s name? Sway’s pretty huge too. Both artists pop up on ‘SFX’ adding to the value and appeal of this release. Sway features on ‘Legends’ on which both exercise their rapid fire raps. To be honest, neither MC’s are at their best here; Twang has difficulty spitting some lyrics and Sway is just not as entertaining and humorous as usual. Love story ‘Nu N’uh’ features Tor as well as Estelle. Tor provides the voice of the other half whilst Estelle offers a mournful chorus. Other similarly themed tracks (Sway’s ‘F Ur X’, Dizzee’s ‘I Luv U’, The Street’s ‘Get Out Of My House’) have succeeded where ultimately this one bores a bit. Neither of these tracks are bad, they just could have been better with the talent involved. For a better, nay, brilliant Twang/Estelle collabo, check ‘Trixstar’ on the album ‘Kik Off’.

But it’s far from bad. The single ‘Champagne Lifestyle’ is cool as is it’s flip ‘4 Tha Summa’ (maybe next year eh?!) but I’ve already reviewed that (click the link). The first single ‘Help Dem Lord’, released on 12” last year is awesome and in the vein of ‘So Rotton’, it’s a track I don’t tire of. ‘‘96’ is a belting 3 verse autobiography, modestly reserved for last track. ‘We Gonna Win’, the opener is a dramatic and weighty statement of intent – check for the amazing flute riff. ‘Nah I Aint Done’ with Sheriff and K9 and ‘Rap Life’ are just great Hip Hop songs and a testament to the diversity of our genre. Rhymefest appears on ‘Tale of 2 Cityz’ a jumbled but bubbly production that should stimulate at least a couple of neck muscles. Without mentioning each track, be assured that the rest of the album is solid stuff.

The addition of this album to his back catalogue should see Blak Twang’s name remain in the arena for a good while – the man deserves all the success in the world. He’s been consistent, interesting and wise and is a true pioneer. Here’s to another hour and a bit of Tony Olabode’s music that will provide many hours more entertainment.

The single ‘Champagne Lifestyle’ is available now and ‘Speaking From Xperience’ will be out on September 15th on the Abstract Urban label and will probably be available absolutely everywhere that’s worth shopping at.

Sincere - 'Once Upon A Time' ft. Natty

Check out the latest single from rising stars Sincere and Natty. It's produced by First Man Productions and is a super happy bit of summery, trumpety UK rap with that radio twist. I don't say this often (never said it yet) but I will put my personal stamp of guarantee on the fact that you WILL hear this on your wireless (if you live in Britain that is). Sin hasn't just jumped on Natty's recent radio/itunes success, they go way back and Sincere already has some sterling, sterling work under his belt including tracks with Skinny Man.

'Once Upon a Time' tells, I suspect, a brief story of Sincere's life. With a sing song rap style and an even more sing song chorus it's just a real pleasure to listen to. Check the video too, it's not just the same old, same old rap video. The first part is set on a theatre stage with a fish and chip shop on it!

The single is out on the 26th June and on the 2nd June hotstep to Sincere's myspace page to get a link to a free mixtape download.