Mudmowth & Metabeats - Sledgehammer Kisses (Review)

Associated Minds seem to pull out all the stops for Mudmowth releases. His Circus In The Cemetary set from a couple of years ago came out on particularly stylish white vinyl. This joint 'mini-LP' with Metabeats comes in an equally posh embossed digipack. I'm always one of the first to moan when a project that you have to pay for is only released digitally, and I guess this is one way to try and counter that trend. If artists and labels put as much thought into the product as they do the music itself, then they can create something that may persuade people to go for the physical rather than the digital product. Props to AM for leading the way.

But, none of this would matter if the tunes were wack, so how do the 8 tracks onboard here shape up? Mudmowth has clearly come a long way as an MC. I first heard him on Ghost's Seldom Seen Often Heard album, where his featured track was (an admittedly dope) self parody of a Welshman making hip-hop. Whilst this track clearly demonstrated the man's talent, it's almost gimmicky nature didn't necessarily suggest that a great career was in store. These days however, Mudmowth is nothing if not versatile. The lyrical tone shifts dramatically from track to track, through introspective self-criticism to inspirational stories to dark streams of punchlines. The quality of the rhymes holds up throughout, although the cohesiveness of the project does suffer a touch, as you may not always be inclined to play it through from start to finish.

The quality of the production here shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who heard Metabeats' heavily slept on Metaphysical album from 2008. No beat here misses the mark, whether it's the heavyweight neck-snapper of 'Maaad Tight', the RZA-like wails on 'Sledgehammer' or the horns on the intro. Things are also kept interesting with a smattering of live instrumentation, mainly provided by P.L.O. The guitar on Sing Tears being a particular highlight.

Picking out highlights here is really just down to personal taste, due to the consistent quality. For me, Sing Tears, Concrete Buttercups & Life's Never Enough are all vying to be the best track on here, as these are the ones where the songwriting really stands out. Sing Tears is a particularly personal effort, with Mudmowth breaking down his relationship with his father amongst other subjects. An infectious hook is provided by Richie Hayes, and when all this is coupled with Metabeats' plodding keys, the result is a captivating track. Concrete Buttercups is an excellent way for the project to finish. The laidback, soulful, sax laced production allows Mud to put forward a more optimistic view of the world than is on display elsewhere on the album, verse 3 probably being the best:

"There's too many people in this world who are simply existing,

You need to break out of your bubble and really start living.

Because nowadays the only people smiling are the children,

Because when you hit your teens, all that stress starts building.

The British mindstate: wake early, work late.

Man, we're slaves to the wage until we reach our graves.

I know you've all got to keep a little food on your plate,

But some of you people live to work, and it should be the other way."

So what missteps are there? The use of a tongue-in-cheek autotune chorus on Ghost doesn't really work. Satirically using autotune is starting to become a cliché in itself, and the fact that this track's own hook begins to grate after repeated listening ironically emphasises the point it was trying to make in the first place. Mud also has a tendency to slip the odd unnecessarily crass line in here and there, such as claiming on Maaad Tight that he is "fisting Rihanna with her umbrella". But when you have to pick on individual lines, rather than whole verses or tracks, the artist must be doing something right. In the liner notes, Mudmowth says that "it's gotta be an album next time". Damn right, as there is no doubt that as an Mud has the songwriting ability and versatility to hold down a full length project, and that Metabeats status as one of the most slept on beatsmiths in the country will be in danger if he keeps producing Sledgehammers like this.

8/10.

Maaad Tight feat. Sonnyjim & Skamma (Video):

Mudmowth & Metabeats - Let It Breathe (Free Download)

New tune to check here from the Associated Minds camp. This is the second single to be taken from Mudmowth & Metabeats' forthcoming album Sledgehammer Kisses. If you don't remember, the first was the Sonnyjim & Skamma featuring Maaad Tight.

Here, Metabeats brings a dark, bassline dominated track, that Mudmowth rips into in his usual fashion. Download with the downwards arrow on the Soundcloud player below:

MUDMOWTH & METABEATS - Let It Breathe (Dirty) by AssociatedMinds

The album is scheduled to drop on the 28th Feb...

'Lollipop Lady's Favourite' - Willo Wispa (video)

A banging beat, as you'd expect from Metabeats, and some off-the-wall lyricism, as you'd expect from Willo - it's 'Lollipop Lady's Favourite' from Willo Wispa. I know you'll want to buy it so head over to itunes now to get your download on. And then sit and wait patiently for his full length to drop - can't wait. You can also get the track here for less I believe.

Suspect Packages Xmas Bashing!

Have a UK Hip Hop Happy Christmas with Suspect Packages!

'Revenge of the Blowfish' - Squid Ninjaz (album review)

Drawing comparisons between Squid Ninjaz and Wu-Tang would be easy, lazy journalism – but I’ll do it anyway because it seems so apt: there are lots of them, they’re dirty and grimey and there’s the whole martial arts thing too.

The production comes from Metabeats mainly although Dogruffbeats, Lousain Hekla and Imakemadbeats all pitch in too with beats. Sparse, crunchy and dusty and ultimately very heavy backdrops back up the Squids – the LP’s strength.

Opener ‘8 Bars’ features fifteen MCs who all come in full on ill lyrical mode. However, as the album goes on the allusions to violence and misogyny wear pretty thin – if you can stomach it to begin with. I appreciate their quest to bring “raw raps” but I’m pretty sure that doesn’t necessitate so much sordid imagery. For some heads – this is just what you’re looking for. For me, it’s not. Having said that, all these MCs have skills – they all rhyme the rhyme well – it’s just the relentless content that’s the problem.

Single ‘Luna Disco’ is a dope track and I can’t front on that!

‘Revenge Of The Blowfish’ will be out on December 7th on Squid Ninja Records.

Kyza, Dubbledge, Beatbox Fozzy and Metabeats Show, Oct 17th

Higher Learning, Associated Minds, Mutty Wango Party presents Kyza, Dubbledge, Metabeats, Beatbox Fozzy and Chrome Kids on Saturday 17th October @ The Globe, Cardiff - big!

Bang on over to the Chrome Kids blogspot for loads of free downloads from all the artists on the bill.

Also checkout Beatbox Fozzy and Metabeats who have been included in the BBC's A-Z of Welsh music!

'Fruit Salad' - Metabeats (streaming)

Metabeats' 2007 LP 'Metaphysical' was one of my favourite UK albums of that year, even if I did get onto it a little late. It came out on the excellent Associated Minds label who have an awesome roster and have been dropping some gems over the last year or so.

Metabeats has just dropped this beauty entitled 'Fruit Salad' and it may or not be taken from his forthcoming LP 'Sledgehammer Kisses'. I'll echo the Mayor's challenge: try not to nod! It's impossible! This is on that spacey, futuristic, swinging tip - get involved:

Metabeats - 'Fruit Salad' by associatedminds

Certified Banger Presents 'On The Radar Vol. 3' Out Now!

The third in the series of free to download compilations compiled by Certified Banger. What more is there to say?

Well actually, loads. Representing the UK and 100% supported by all artists involved ‘OTR Vol. 3’ is 21 tracks deep and features bare exclusives.

Reain (aka Wha’s His Face) has recorded an exclusive track entitled ‘On The Radar’ over one of RJD2’s finest beats. Yosh and Vee Kay have offered an up-front exclusive taken from Yosh’s forthcoming EP. The guys over at Don’t Talk To Strangers give you all the chance to get 2 tracks previously only available on a limited pressing of 200 CDs (‘When Planets Collide’ by Bane & Jonny Alpha and ‘Leafs’ by Chief Wigz).

Delegates of Culture offer you a chance to sample their soon to be released LP ‘Bad Guys’ with their track ‘Grip’. Mr. Loop brings some never-heard-before vibes with ‘Grown Man Music’ featuring Yosh, Slippa and Zoo Mark and Krate Krusaders grant you the opportunity to download their Ramson Badbonez featuring track ‘Incredible’ for the first time.

JVF Clique, Mr. Shaodow, Dialect and Stylah also provide special tunes from soon to be released projects. Elsewhere Joe Blow and Metabeats, E Hustle, Kasha, Baron Samedi, Ozmosis, JC and SonnyJim, Jee4ce and Capitol 1212 and Profisee give away tracks from previously available EPs and albums.

‘On The Radar Vol. 3’ features artists from up and down the country including Northern Ireland, South and West Yorkshire, London, Manchester, Birmingham and Cambridge – Certified Banger fully represents the talent this country holds. If you don’t recognise the names on here, there’s all the more reason to download this – you need to hear these tracks and then you need to find out more.

In a time when so much music is given away for free it’s good to remember that these guys need to eat too. ‘OTR Vol. 3’ is intended to be a signpost that points towards the places where these MCs and producers sell their wares. Check these tracks out, then buy the albums, EPs and 12”s that these artists put out.

1. On The Radar - Reain
2. Incredible ft. Ramson Badbonez - Krate Krusaders
3. The Siesta ft. Yosh - Vee Kay
4. Say Yeah - Joe Blow (prod. by Metabeats & cuts by Stagga)
5. I’m Gunna - Dialect
6. Grip - Delegates of Culture (prod. by Toe)
7. Fear The Future - Stylah (prod. by Jon Phonics)
8. Black Rhyme - Kasha (prod. by Vivid Imagery)
9. The Positive Pessimist - Jee4ce (prod. by Whys)
10. I See ft. Profisee - Capitol 1212
11. The British Are Coming - Mr. ShaoDow
12. Leafs - Cheif Wigz (prod. by Brutal Artistry)
13. Rise To The Top - Cyclonius
14. Cannibal Rights - Baron Samedi
15. Judgement Day ft. SonnyJim, Kosyne, R.C. & LKC – JC
16. Tomorrow’s World - Ozmosis (prod. by Miss Tofelees)
17. Manchester ft. Stoney - Pockets (prod. by Pro P)
18. Grown Man Music ft. Zoo Mark, Yosh & Slippa - Mr. Loop
19. When Planets Collide - Bane & Jonny Alpha (prod. by Brutal Artistry)
20. Phenomenal - E Hustle
21. Drugs Need Kids - JVF Clique

Certified Banger Presents 'On The Radar Volume 3' Coming Soon!

'On The Radar Volume 3' is on it's way, it's due to digitally drop on Monday 6th April. If you are a blogger or similar who wants to have it early to review just drop me an email and I'll let you know the secret link. If you just really want it and you won't be reviewing it but you will be passing it on to your friends, send me an email too! Check out the video promo to hear some of the tracks.

Guerilla links are going up right now at undisclosed locations on the web so if you really want it early, you can find it! (Clue: Check the tracklisting and find those artists on facebook and myspace)

1. On The Radar - Reain
2. Incredible ft. Ramson Badbonez - Krate Krusaders
3. The Siesta ft. Yosh - Vee Kay
4. Say Yeah - Joe Blow (prod. by Metabeats & cuts by Stagga)
5. I’m Gunna - Dialect
6. Grip - Delegates of Culture (prod. by Toe)
7. Fear The Future - Stylah (prod. by Jon Phonics)
8. Black Rhyme - Kasha (prod. by Vivid Imagery)
9. The Positive Pessimist - Jee4ce (prod. by Whys)
10. I See ft. Profisee - Capitol 1212
11. The British Are Coming - Mr. ShaoDow
12. Leafs - Cheif Wigz (prod. by Brutal Artistry)
13. Rise To The Top - Cyclonius
14. Cannibal Rights - Baron Samedi
15. Judgement Day ft. SonnyJim, Kosyne, R.C. & LKC – JC
16. Tomorrow’s World - Ozmosis (prod. by Miss Tofelees)
17. Manchester ft. Stoney - Pockets (prod. by Pro P)
18. Grown Man Music ft. Zoo Mark, Yosh & Slippa - Mr. Loop
19. When Planets Collide - Bane & Jonny Alpha (prod. by Brutal Artistry)
20. Phenomenal - E Hustle
21. Drugs Need Kids - JVF Clique

Check out the title track from Reain:

Wrapped Up 2008

Seriously one of the best ideas ever: 'Wrapped Up 2008': 6 producers, 2 from England, 2 from Wales, 2 from Scotland, send each other a themed vinyl - the theme this time is Christmas. Each producer has to use the vinyl they get to produce a Hip Hop beat - simple! Metabeats and P.L.O. rep Wales, Kosyne and Kelakovski hold down England's corner and S-Type and Jaisu fight for Scotland (not that it's really a battle). Find yourself half an hour, settle down with your laptop and a cuppa and be properly entertained by the masters at work:

Download Metabeats' beat here and P.L.O.'s here courtesy of those kind Associated Minds peeps.

Mudmowth Interview

"As for calling everyone label mates... that’s too official, we’re all boys. If I do ever marry Lily Allen they’re all in the front row except for Ralph – he’s down front giving up the ring!"

Certified Banger: Yo Mudmowth, how’s it going, what’ve you been up to?

Mudmowth: What’s happening? Everything’s wicked at the moment man, the record’s been selling real well, just got back from a small tour of Denmark and Austria now, the crowds were amazing over there, they love their Hip Hop man. Besides touring and pushing the music just been real busy recording new stuff with Metabeats we got an EP coming soon called ‘Sledgehammer Kisses’, I’ve been doing stuff with P.L.O who produced ‘Skullcrackology’ which is pushing the boundaries, its gonna be a project for everyone into music full stop - we got violinists, guitars everything on there, the stuff we got recorded so far s**ts on anything I’ve ever done so I’m really excited about getting that out! As for my album ‘Breakin Blocks in Legoland’, that’s recorded waiting to be mixed down and features production from Ghost, Evil Ed, Conspicuous, Sam Rockwell (who produced ‘Circus in the Cemetery’ and ‘Broken home’) and others. I can go on all day about how good it is but I’ll just sound like an egomaniac, all I will say is if it had been released this year it would have s**t on everything in UK Hip Hop that came out.

Click here to find out what Mudmowth will be doing at Christmas, what he thinks of Goldie Lookin' Chain and more (including something to do with a midget and some rhubarb).

Associated Minds... Men, Women and Enzymes

Welsh based Hip Hop label Associated Minds have got a new website and they seriously mean business. So far they've not put a foot wrong release-wise what with Mudmowth's 'Circus in the Cemetery' and Metabeats's 'Metaphysical' LP and a load of other top quizzality CDs and 12"s and the website continues their winning streak.

AssociatedMinds.com has been professionally designed by professionals - man like Burning Red and Southpaw Vision deserve props over here (or there) - and it looks like the dog's donuts (except much nicer). It's got everything you need on there to get you really really well acquainted with what they're doing in the land of sheep and dragons.

You can also find news about things like Mr. Shrew's lovely artwork being in a gallery and the fact that Metabeats is making a new album. You can even find quotes from yours truly on their press cuttings section - thanks chaps! You can even join the very same mailing list that Mayor has kindly put me on right here.

It also makes me want to go buy all their things from their shop which is surely a reason to have such a spanky website. Get on o'er there with a hotstep! It's the home of the leaders of the next school!

Since they sent it to me, you might as well reap the benefits too: 'Skullcrackology' by Mudmowth, produced by P.L.O. for absolutely nada. Also check this Metabeats produced track/video by Joe Blow, it's called 'Poetry in Motion':

Some Welsh Rarebits

If you're at all into Hip Hop then you should check this out:

The boys over at Chrome Kids have put together a very comprehensive selection of Welsh Hip Hop tracks. What's even better is that a mix of the tracks was played live on Rob Da Bank's Radio 1 show (listen now on iplayer).

Loads of the individual tracks are on their blog for free download which is just brilliant - there's no excuse not listen and get into it. Artists included are Metabeats, Blaktrix, Mudmowth, Willo Wispa and Dead Residents amongst many other Welsh names (some more Welsh than others - Y Diwygiad). No Goldie Lookin' Chain though - only pulling your... legs, lads!

Associated Minds

Big up to Mayor from Associated Minds, the Welsh Hip Hop label currently impressing fans and journos alike with their roster of artists. He got in touch a few weeks ago and has since provided me with some goodies. And best believe, this is one email and package I was very glad to get!

One of the goodies was 'Metaphysical', the LP from producer Metabeats. This has been garnering great praise from all the big UKHH publications and websites and I only didn't have it because I'm really poor at the moment! It's an awesome album and I may follow this up with a proper review but right now I thought I'd let you look at the proper professionally made videos for two of the albums biggest tracks. 'Live and Let Live' is definitely my favourite track on the album whereas the video for 'F**k with Me' is an absolute killer - big up Ryan Andrews for these:

If those tunes tickle your fancy then get steppin' to somewhere that sells it and buy it! Look out for more mentions of Associated Minds, they're going to do all right for themselves! Here's a taster of what they do (these downloads also available on their myspace page):

Metabeats - Live and let Live
MudMowth - The Most Colourful Years
Beatbox Fozzy - Tuna Fish ft. Willo Wispa