LOWKEY FT. KLASHNEKOFF - BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Lowkey is back with a banger from the highly anticipated Soundtrack to the Struggle. Produced by Nutty P and featurimg Klashnekoff.
Video by Global Faction

Ramson Badbonez 'The Official Part 2' Coming Soon

It seems there's always someone who's not yet heard of Ramson Badbonez. If you're that person, don't worry, there's still time to get to know what he's all about.

My impression of what he's all about is that he's all about writing witty, jaw-dropping rhymes that then drip effortlessly from his lips.

Boot Records are about to put out 'The Official Part 2' (I say about, but it won't be 'til September') and to get you in the mood they're being kind enough to let you have 4 radio edits from the CD:

'I Just Don't Care' ft. Remus (Produced by Nutty P)

'Knock Knock' (Produced by Zygote & Jazz T)

'I Got Dat Sting' (Produced by Jetsun Beats)

'Follow My Lead' (Produced by Wizard)

'Dear Listener' - Lowkey (album review)

One of the best albums this year (see my newly amended list – I underestimated this one). Lowkey’s years of hard work, although lamented somewhat on document ‘Rise and Fall’, have really paid off – ‘Dear Listener’ is a complete and comprehensive release.

Observations and musings on subjects such as the motivation behind infidelity, the contrasting realities of life in Britain and Iraq, an interesting take on Hip Hop’s mortality and man’s morality are the order of the day here. But just in case you can’t see past the contents to the bare rhyme skills ‘Alphabet Assassin’ is thrown in to remind you that Lowkey is linguistically ahead of many of today’s MCs. In fact it’s the lyricism that makes the topics he explores impact so heavily.

‘Relatives’ produced by Sivey and featuring Logic is a cleverly interwoven tale of two men - one Iraqi, one British. It would have helped if the rappers had very different voices but it’s not too hard to follow who’s saying what. ‘Revolution’ is a beatbox production by Faith SFX and features a taste of things to come with Jon McClure on chorus duties. ‘I’m Back’ is a full on Quincey Tones produced banger – a tongue twisting exercise over a harpsichord-laced beat.

There are plenty more tracks that I could mention but instead, I’m just going to recommend a purchase – let the music speak for itself. It’s out now on So Empire/Hip Hop Village although its official release date is 26th January 2009.

'Scene Stealers' - Skreintax (album review)

Skreintax may not have been the most obvious collaboration. Dr Syntax and Skrein each have quite a unique take on Hip Hop but in no way is ‘Scene Stealers’ a mash-up of the two. Synners and Skrizzle have cooperated to create a joint stage for their skills.

Dr. Syntax and Skrein retain their identifiable timbres; you know when one MC stops and the other start – more than can be said for some collaborative efforts. The other MC’s complement this; Stig of the Dump, Farma G, Verb T, Sir Smurf Lil’ and Dubbledge all show up to rap. ‘Mine for the Taking’ showcases yet another Farma G style – that man is really experimenting right now. ‘Express Train’ and ‘T.E.T.M.D’ (The Evil That Men Do) both feature Stig, who seems to have all but lost the Geordie twang but still raps ferociously.

Lyrically there are many messages to be had here. On an overall positive vibe, words of advice and encouragement flow thoughtfully, especially on tracks like ‘Mothers’ and ‘Reach’. Other tracks follow concepts; ‘Express Train’ discusses getting away for a day, ‘Back Down’, a night on the pull with disappointing consequences. ‘Venus’ examines a woman who, despite her name, revolves around material things. Other tracks, like ‘6 Bitters’ (Sick Spitters….get it?), are all about the ill lyrics. As usual Dr. Syntax shines as he displays his awesome propensity to write amazing rhymes.

The production is perfect, not a bad beat in sight. Boom bap, a splash of jazz, a hint of reggae, all stirred in the sunshine is the order of the day here. The beats are courtesy of Nutty P, Kelakovski, Chemo, DJ Snips, Dag Nabbit and Tom Caruana among others. Graziella also provides her golden tones on some deliciously sung hooks.

If you’re already a fan of Dr. Syntax or Skrein then I can guarantee you will want this LP in your collection. It’s out on Dented Records on December 1st; one for your stocking then.

'Smell the Tea' - Kuelz (single review)

Right from the title of this track you get an inkling that this isn't just another London kid rapping about guns and ends. You also guess it's not just another London kid rapping against rapping about guns and ends. The title makes clear that the song is going to be at least mildly interesting and that the MC has some idea about wordplay.

'Smell the Tea' is essentially a break up song. OK, so we've had a few of those in UK Hip Hop and about 7 million in other genres but this one is quite fresh. Firstly, it's evident that Kulez has some battle experience; the way he flings metaphorical insults is amusing. 'Smell the Tea' is a pragmatic view on a relationship that everyone can relate to (unless you've never had a girlfriend that is).

The homebrewed production comes courtesy of Nutty P who is no amateur in this game. Having produced for the likes of Sway, Shola Ama, Big Brovaz and many more he's fully experienced at making great tunes. The live sounding drums and the interweaving piano and strings on 'Smell the Tea' evoke the sad but good feeling of breaking up with someone who's not right for you.

This track is available now on itunes. Go get it for a few meagre pence.