'The Big Band Theory' - Tough Touch Productions (review)

Making the best use of the most cheerful and lively samples from the Big Band Jazz and Swing genre Tough Touch Productions present a tight and focussed (and best of all, short) set of tracks.

The nature of the beats means that MCs Social Conscience, Reggie Million$ and Kali Mist get live and basically have a load of fun over the 8 tunes on offer. That’s not to say that they get ignorant – in an amusing way issues are addressed. Production comes from Kali Mist, Nicky Beats, Matchstick and Fresh

Tough Touch are an example of how underground artists can come out with something fresh and appealing without sounding like the rest of the UK Hip Hop scene or resorting to the kind of thing that litters the radio waves nowadays.

‘The Big Band Theory’ is available at the Tough Touch blog right now: http://toughtouchproductions.blogspot.com/

'The Script' - C-Froo (album review)

Bristol stand up! 'On The Radar' artist C-Froo dropped his debut 'The Script' earlier this year and you may just wanna check it out.

C-Froo swiftly carves himself a rapidfire flow (but not double-time) groove over some hyped up BPMs on 'Elemental Gentlemen' and 'The Gauntlet'. C-Froo's down with Tough Touch so you know the beats are gonna get your head nodding - 'Proper Mint' will for sure, even if you don't share their(Chalk MC & Kali Mist feature) definitions of what's mint and what's not.

Things mellow out briefly when it gets to 'Let It Out' but it's only a brief respite - 'Where U 2?' explodes back in with some details of temptation then 'You Made Your Bed Now Go Lie In It' then tells the story of the aftermath.

'Mad Method Posse Cut' is straight up Hip Hop over a simple but banging loop featuring Kali Mist, Mighty Mandroid, Pins, Ewan Hoozami, Social Conscience and DJ Kraf-T. 'On The Radar' track 'Financial Times' ft. D-Melo still bangs - my favourite beat on here and C-Froo chats sense that we can all relate to.

'The Script' is a real solid first outing - a more mature second outing will be anticipated here at the CBHQ - possibly with a few more concepts and a more refined rap style. Hit C-Froo up on his myspace and get your copy - it's all properly presented with dope artwork.