Next... some singles

Last week I was privileged enough to recieve, all the way from the US, a promo copy of Yea Big + Kid Static's latest single entitled 'Eatchyo Samwich'. The single is the first part of a series called 'FMSMPRC Presents...3 Inches to Paradise'. Each release is a limited edition of 100 copies, now that is limited so I strongly advise you to get in touch with them and get yourself one.

The 1 track, 3 inch CD (package between two slices of bread) is worth whatever you'll have to pay, the track matches up to it's exclusivity. The beat, even now through my laptop speakers, is heavy and the lyrics are mean-muggin' and sandwich related. No buttery flows here, just a straight up slice of meat. Sample lyric: "Hold the Bacon, We don't even mess with them killers//comin' to git us just because we makin' that lettuce".

Yea Big + Kid Static - Eatchyo Samwich

The second single of the day is 'Blackstars' by Highly Rated. Slated for release on 3rd March this tracks rides the welling wave of tracks representing the artists heritage. The country in question here is Ghana, currently in the limelight in Hip Hop circles because of Sway (check his 'Black Stars' remix of Bashy's 'Black Boys') and in sports news because of the African Nations Cup.

Highly Rated are a trio consisting of Beckz Winter, Xploder and D.Dark. Despite all being previously known for their work in the grime arena, 'Blackstars' definitely crosses over into Hip Hop territories. The beat, produced by D.Dark is the stand-out component of this track, a beautiful violin melody soars between the more grimey but uplifting synths whilst chanted vocals finish the proud sounding instrumental off nicely. The chorus is simple but effective and if you're anything like me, you'll be singing along. The verses are nice enough, nothing special lyrically, but the MC's are more than capable when riding the beat. All in all this a well finished piece of work and worth alot of praise, it's definitly a track I'll listen to all year.

Highly Rated - Blackstars

Yea Big + Kid Static

Are you a fan of Parkour, fun Hip Hop and geeky producers getting chased by dogs? Of course you are! So watch this video you donkey!

Sorry for calling y'all donkeys, please don't stop reading for I would like to tell you about Yea Big + Kid Static. Yea Big (Pronounced 'Yay'...and, erm, 'Big') is a nerdy producer who makes beats that vaguely resemble Hip Hop. Kid Static is an MC who kindly makes Yea Big's beats a little less wonky and a little more Hip Hop with his rapping. Oooh, don't get me wrong, I love Yea's beats; they're cool and fun and happy. Their album, released last month on Jib Door is called (blink and you'll miss it) 'S/T'.

'Geek-Glitch-Hop' might sum up the sound of this album but so might 'Comic Book-alt-rap'. If that doesn't give you an idea then you're just going to have to listen to it aren't you? As you do I'll say these things:

- Some of the beats remind me of the Beastie Boys (a good thing in my books).
- Kid Static is a good MC who sometimes reminds me of De La Soul but with a different vocal tone.
- 'We've Built a Time Machine That Runs on Beats. We Shall Only Use it For Good.' is a great song title, possibly one of the best, if not it's definitely one of the longest.

MP3s: THE BASEMENT / ENFANT TERRIBLE“ “THE LIFE HERE“ “DUCK, MOTHER EFFERS!

Also check out Yea Big's mashup of the entire upcoming album HLLLYH by spaz-rock band The Mae Shi. Big's reinterpretation is entitled HLLLYEA. Big explains, “All of the material used to make the beats is off of HLLLYH, hence the punny title, HLLLYEA, which in hindsight will probably only further perpetuate the false notion that my name is pronounced ‘yeah’ instead of the correct pronunciation, ‘yea’”

Yea Big v.s The Mae Shi MP3: “RUN TO THE FACTS“