Tanya Morgan – YGWY$4 (Review)

Donwill and Von Pea have enjoyed a dedicated, cult-like following as imaginative duo Tanya Morgan. The blogs jumped on them like hawks when they first made an impact back in the mid-2000s, but their material hasn’t dipped in quality in the decade-plus they’ve been active since. ‘YGWY$4’ is their latest offering, and it’s another exciting, thoroughly entertaining release.

Witty bars and a punchy instrumental are on show from the word go with ‘Started’; creative punchlines fall over a funky, textured beat and Tanya Morgan kick things off with a lively banger. The dodgy singing on the hook is perfect for the unique brand of humour found throughout the collective’s verses, and this is clearly an experienced, talented group. ‘VPMD”s crisp, uptempo boom bap makes it an early highlight. The consistent, smooth and precisely executed raps are melodic and charismatic, and it’s a testament to their undeniable quality that the duo’s cult following has stayed loyal since Tanya Morgan was first talked about on the blogisphere.

Crunchy snares and jazzy keys keep the heads nodding on the off-kilter, straight up ‘Trunk Shit’. Donwill and Von Pea demonstrate their cocky flavours, both exhibiting an energetic presence over a pimped-out instrumental. The groovy instrumentals on show here make ‘YGWY$4’ cohesive and enjoyable without exception; the stuttering percussion and dope bassline on ‘Louder’ are a perfect example of the LP’s successful feel-good vibe. ‘Filthiest aka LESSLOWITT!’ is a fantastic penultimate tune; the lofi drums and intricate picked guitar allows Tanya Morgan and Ilyas to ride with ease over the intoxicating loop.

Tanya Morgan have delivered the goods here; ‘YGW$4’ is a concise, enjoyable LP, and the diverse, eclectic sounds come together to make for an impressive low-key release. Whether you’re a longstanding listener or a new fan that’s just stumbled across this talented duo, you’re bound to enjoy this one.

By Sam Bennett

@TheRealPP

@LYTEWORK

@TanyaMorgan

http://www.facebook.com/LYTEWORK

http://www.tanyamorgan.net

 

Benaddict – The Garden Of England (Review)

UK lyricist Benaddict has established himself as one of the most talented writers on the circuit, and it’s surprising it’s taken until now for a full length album to emerge. Any connoisseur looking for narrative driven bars delivered with flair and finesse can’t go wrong with ‘The Garden Of England’, and it’s a debut the skilful MC can be proud of.

‘Does Anybody Care’ is a dope opener, and Benaddict goes back to back with fellow Yogocop MC NuphZed over a summery beat with effortless finesse. The talented writer’s storytelling abilities are displayed throughout the project, and the emotion and melodic delivery makes the consistently mellow sound incredibly captivating. One of the best instrumentals of the album features on ‘As The World Whirls Round’. The crisp drums and jazzy samples find Benaddict exhibiting a mixture of introspective reflection and positive messages alongside Omaure and Ella Mae.

‘Ninety Three’ is a raw banger that touches on the heavy graffiti influence to Benaddict’s material. His verses are delivered with intricate, precise syllables laced with silky, melodic flows over a brilliant Ded Tebiase instrumental, and it’s one of the tracks of the album. The collaboration with Illiterate entitled ‘When Life Gives You Lemons’ is a smooth, mellow cut, and the snappy snare and slow-paced, smoked-out bars are expertly handled by the Yogocop representatives. ‘Yellow Self Storage’ closes the album out with a blisful beat, topped with a disturbing, adventurous story. Benaddict’s dense imagery and sophisticated writing leaves you returning straight back to track one.

‘The Garden Of England’ is a concise, well-structured and maturely executed project packed with character and thought-provoking content. The production is top quality, and Benaddict’s rhymes are reminiscent of nineties lyricists with an unmistakable British twist. If you’ve not already got this one in your collection, sort your life out now.

By Sam Bennett

@TheRealPP

@LYTEWORK

@BGHDiamond

@Yogocop

http://www.facebook.com/LYTEWORK

http://www.yogocop.bandcamp.com

DJ Rhum’1 – Musical Surgery (Review)

French beatsmith and Shark Records representative DJ Rhum’1 releases his ‘Musical Surgery’ LP, and it continue his trend of uncut, rough and dark boom bap. An assortment of underground spitters contribute verses to the project, and the cohesive collection is one of the more under-the-radar releases of recent weeks.

‘Styles Upon Styles’ is a perfect example of the hard hitting, relentlessly raw boom bap on display here. Rhum’1 recruits frequent collaborators British wordsmith Samuel Tafari and dope spitter Seiza, who each bring banging bars over a gritty beat laced with strings and pounding drums.

Long Island lyricist Ixion Form and Toronto MC Swann Flu kill the epic vocals and piano lines of ‘Guilty Conscious’. Their gravelly tones, heartfelt delivery and passionate content build to a crescendo before cutting out to a mellow finale, and the recruitment of DJ Trickalome is the icing on the cake.

The brutal beat of ‘War Torn’ is the epitome of in your face and aggressive, and underground lyricists Xplicit Content contribute an exhilerating performance. The harsh tones and raw rhymes are a perfect match for the tense instrumental, and the combination of punchline heavy verses and orchestral production make this one a definite standout.

The piano-driven boom bap of ‘Paid Dues’ finds Rhum’1 showcasing a mellower style, and the melodic samples back duo Poet On Drugs, comprised of technical writers Rated R and J.A.I. Pera, as they spit with confidence, clarity and undeniable skill. The stacked ‘Throats Cut’ is a great penultimate track, and the vast array of lyricists on display is sure to keep this on any rap fan’s rotation.

‘Musical Surgery’ is an onslaught of hard-hitting beats and equally rugged rhymes, and the consistently banging drums keep the head nodding throughout. Some of the production is a little basic, and at times repetitive, but when the battle-themed verses keep coming at an alarming rate, it’s hard to imagine any other kind of soundtrack. DJ Rhum’1 knows his style and his audience, and he recruits some talented vocalists to complete the puzzle.

By Sam Bennett

@TheRealPP

@LYTEWORK

@DJRhum1

http://www.facebook.com/LYTEWORK

http://www.djrhum1.bandcamp.com

Bisk – Rawson’s Creek (Review)

Prolific London lyricist Bisk drops his latest offering, the thirteen track project ‘Rawson’s Creek’, continuing a steady stream of stellar releases. The latest collection clocks in at a total playing time of just under twenty five minutes, and it’s packed with short, to-the-point tracks laced with Bisk’s signature confident style over a selection of beats contributed by some of the most talented producers in the scene.

The funky bassline and crisp drums of the opening track ‘Out Of Sight’ set the scene for the understated, subtle tones that play throughout the project. Bisk’s relaxed presence makes his verses easy to listen to, and he spits with a clarity and experience that has been improving with each release, and boy has there been a lot of them. The punchy, soulful Illinformed production ‘Fuck’ is a well-executed track too; Bisk switches his flow up to a pacey, aggressive approach, and his performance is blistering, powerful and gritty to the core.

The dusty, sparkiling piano patterns and grandiose vocal chops of ‘Manic’ are brilliantly executed, once again by RLD beatmaker Illinformed, and Bisk’s cocky lyricism is on top form. Sheffield producer Morriarchi contributes a superb beat for the intricate, punchline infused ‘Nautical’, and the short runtime of the majority of the tracks on here make the LP encapsulating, not giving your attention to wander for a second. ‘World Champ’s groovy double bass is accompanied by dope lofi sound effects, and the glitchy, experimental sound is a perfect match for Bisk’s stream of consciousness bars.

The London MC recruits fellow Blah lyricists Lee Scott and Salar for the slow-moving, mellow highlight ‘La Sombra’. The sophisticated production across the ‘Rawson’s Creek’ project make the release thoroughly entertaining, and Bisk’s consistent quality is incredibly impressive. The raw loop and cutting delivery present on ‘Goodnite’ and the hard-hitting, Lee Scott produced penultimate banger ‘Reset’ make for a class end run of tracks, and round off a concise project that is packed with swagger from beginning to end.

Another month, another top quality tape from Bisk; ‘Rawson’s Creek’ is a short-knit, cohesive release that showcases a brilliant selection of producers, who allow the creative MC to expertly demonstrate his organic, effortless sound throughout the project. 2017 has seen Bisk deliver some memorable projects, and ‘Rawson’s Creek’ might just be the best yet. Having said that, as we’ve still got four months to go, there’s guaranteed to be a couple more in contention by the time the year’s out.

By Sam Bennett

@TheRealPP

@LYTEWORK

@BlahRecords

http://www.facebook.com/LYTEWORK

http://www.blahrecords.com

The Great & The Magnificent – Rebirth.Life.Death (Review)

Newcastle based rap group The Great & The Magnificent deliver the goods on the cohesive, consistent ‘Rebirth.Life.Death’. The positive undertones and unique sound make this an entertaining and enlightening release, and it’s a refreshing change from the gloomy tones of the majority of hip-hop coming out of the British shores.

T3 of legendary Detroit group Slum Village, as well as talented Atlanta vocalist Kameron Corvet, both make excellent appearances on the early highlight, ‘Back To The Future’. The crisp drums and layered, spacey effects contribute to a great showcase of The Great & The Magnificent’s adventurous sonic direction, and the interesting textures and polished production continue throughout. ‘It’s On’ is a funky, upbeat cut, and the summery vibe is complimented with melodic, charismatic flows and intricate writing. The duo are able to inject a poppy, commercial approach without any detrimental effect, which is a skill that is very hard to master.

The mellow, uplifting ‘Ruin Your Day’ is a definite standout; the simplistic, subtle production and catchy hook make for a really enjoyable cut, and The Great & The Magnificent have mastered the classy pop-rap crossover. There’s never an overload of synthesizers or riffs, and the flows and lyricism remain reaching a high standard across the project. Horns and witty bars over a crisp, traditional beat run through ‘One Last Time’, and precise flows sit in the pocket as the big-beat backs the two MCs. The LP closes out with ‘Encore’, and the dope horns and celebratory vibe finish off a cohesive, entertaining and overwhelmingly positive album from the North East partnership.

This release has crept under the radar, but it’s well worth investing your time in. The Great & The Magnificent have created a fresh, well-executed project, and ‘Rebirth.Life.Death’ is a dope showcase of their professionally structured, catchy material.

By Sam Bennett

@TheRealPP

@LYTEWORK

@TheGreatAndMag

http://www.facebook.com/LYTEWORK

http://www.thegreatandthemagnificent.bandcamp.com

Danny Lover – The Church Restaurant Official Soundtrack (Review)

Canadian musician Danny Lover blesses us with his latest full length project; ‘The Church Restaurant Official Soundtrack’ is a ten-track release fresh for 2017, and he partners once again with prolific underground British label Blah Records for the LP. Danny’s eclectic, experimental style has won him the attention of listeners across the globe, and this project is sure to capitalise on and further increase the stature he already enjoys.

The eery piano keys that punctuate the off-beats on ‘Secrets’ are a masterful touch on an early reminder of Danny’s super-swagged out style. The raw, slurred vocals are effortlessly delivered over the under-water vocal samples and shuffled drums, and the Blah Records MC exhibits his truly unique technique the whole way across the LP. Revered Sheffield lyricist and Bad Taste Records representative Trellion appears on the gorgeous, soulful ‘Skinny Pimp’. Lover and Trelli are both renowned for their super-slow flows (if you’re not a fan, Danny’s calling you out on here), and the smoked-out vibe is expertly handled.

The rising trend in cinematic, subtle beats with no drums is a welcome new tradition in hip-hop, and Danny seamlessly delivers his vivid lyrics on a simplistic string-based production on the emphatic ‘Lex’. It’s not easy to make this sound so fluid, and it’s a true testament to the Canadian spitter’s ability and natural charisma that this is one of the album’s finest. ‘Rare Nirvana’ features fellow Blah heads Salar and Lee Scott, and the witty, sing-a-long chorus is partnered with verses packed with banging punchlines from the dope line-up of MC’s dropping with precision over a dreamy instrumental. The penultimate tune ‘Rose Garden’ is a mellow, jazzy number; the dusty drums, gracious sax and melodic vocal blend to make a stunning cut in the closing stages.

The consistent, absorbing vibe on ‘The Church Restaurant Official Soundtrack’ makes the album wonderfully hypnotic; Danny commands a great vocabulary, and encompasses vivid imagery, slick punchlines and a charismatic demeanour that makes this latest release a resounding achievement. Blah Records have done it again, and with a few more months left in the year, the prolific label is bound to have a couple more things up it’s sleeve.

By Sam Bennett

@TheRealPP

@LYTEWORK

@PoppaXanny

@BlahRecords

http://www.facebook.com/LYTEWORK

http://www.blahrecords.com

Nitty Scott – Creature (Review)

East coast MC Nitty Scott may have first caught your attention as a part of No Panty (along with Joell Ortiz and Bodega Bamz), and their 2016 LP release ‘Westside Highway Story’, but the nifty spitter is well and truly an artist in her own right. She’s been grinding with some dope mixtapes, EPs and features over the past few years, as well as the 2014 LP ‘The Art Of Chill’, but ‘Creature’ is Scott’s most ambitious work yet.

The album opens with the off-kilter ‘La Diaspora’; the track features Belgian musician Zap Mama, and the frantic, upbeat percussive instrumental backs staccato, energetic spitting from the Brooklyn born MC. The energetic, charismatic approach extends throughout ‘Creature’, and the musical, adventurous approach is refreshing and entertaining from front to back. The eclectic stylistic journey continues on the excellent ‘Negrita’; a mixture of crossover-ready electronic influence, savage lyricism and impressive melodic performances makes the intoxicating tune a definite highlight.

Scott exhibits masterful subtlety on the acoustic-guitar driven ‘Nitty Scott For Sarah Baartman’, and the intricate writing and solid flow results in a concise and captivating cut. The New York rapper keeps a strong hip-hop sensibility throughout the full length project, whilst maintaining a current, accessible sound. The trap-infused ‘In The Water’ is a prime example, with swelling synths and hard-hitting drums making for an intense backdrop which allows Scott to excel with cutting lines. ‘Mango Juice’ closes out the LP, and the frantic, bass-heavy production is a perfect match as Nitty displays her colossal charisma for the final time.

‘Creature’ is a musical, adventurous and exciting project from a talented young MC who is going from strength to strength. Nitty Scott allows her own voice to shine on this LP, with a couple of well-chosen guest appearances providing dope intervals from the Brooklyn lyricist’s savage flows. The eclectic production, and energetic approach gives the project great continuity, and Nitty’s upbeat, technical writing is a perfect blend for the polished instrumentals.

By Sam Bennett

@TheRealPP

@LYTEWORK

@NittyScottMC

http://www.facebook.com/LYTEWORK

http://www.smarturl.it/NSCreature

Blind MIC – Codeine Bluez (Review)

Manchester MC Blind MIC debuts his drug dependent, lazy vibes with the ‘Codeine Bluez’ EP. With clear inspiration taken from the trap flavours coming out of the states, the current sound is executed professionally, resulting in a concise, enjoyable project.

The hazed out, slow-rolling vibe is exemplified on the album’s opener, and remains a consistent throughout the six track offering. The waved ‘Out’ is a highlight for sure; the simplistic, precise flow is slurred over a bouncy, polished production courtesy of Skrrt Cobain, who handles all but one of the tunes on ‘Codeine Bluez’.

The funky bass and airy synthesizers of ‘Snap’ make the track another standout. Blind MIC drops relaxed bars, free-of-concept with a mellow delivery as he rhymes charismatically about smoking trees and drinking lean. Metrodome and Kydro lend their hand on the production for ‘Stack’, and the Mancunian beatmakers create a jazzy, trap-infused banger for MIC to lace with confident verses.

Blind MIC exhibits a unique sound on the short project, and the EP is the perfect length to introduce listeners to his trippy sessions. The production provides a perfect backdrop for the accessible vocal flavours, which impress both with rap-technique and melodic capability.

By Sam Bennett

@TheRealPP

@LYTEWORK

http://www.facebook.com/LYTEWORK

http://www.blindmic.bandcamp.com

Skyzoo – Peddler Themes (Review)

‘Peddler Themes’ serves as a prelude of sorts for Skyzoo’s upcoming LP ‘Celebration Of Us’, scheduled for release at the end of the year. The New York lyricist showcases his smooth flow, intricate rhymes and experienced technique across this enjoyable eight track EP, which is guaranteed to stay on any boom bap fan’s playlist for the foreseeable future.

The dusty, soulful ‘Bamboo’ is a dope cut; the instrumental’s off-kilter textures during the verses are partnered with subtle, jazzy brass-lines in the cool, calm chorus. Skyzoo’s lyrical prowess is well-known amongst rhyme enthusiasts, and his ear for tasteful beats that compliment his developed style is a strong skill to have. ‘Finesse Everything’ is a definite highlight; summer, old-school vibes provide a pocket that Sky always shines in, and the melodic, precise flow is executed as professionally as ever.

Revered Ner Jersey musician !llmind’s knocking, nineties influenced production on ‘Let It Fly’ makes for an impressive track; the crisp snares and filtered, soulful vocal chops back confident, cocky stanzas from the Brooklyn based writer. The sophisticated, tasteful production continues on ’95 Bad Boy Logo’, with a dope mixture of traditional influence offset by quirky, synthetic lines courtesy of Atlanta beatsmith Tuamie. The cohesive sound of ‘Peddler Themes’ makes the concise EP a chilled, mellow listen, and the stellar line-up of producers makes the project one that will standout in Skyzoo’s already impressive discography.

‘Peddler Themes’ is another reminder that the lyrical, soulful hip-hop of years gone past is still well and truly alive. Skyzoo commands a masterful penmanship, and the musicality of the producers on display allow him to paint vividly with his complex, heartfelt delivery. The New York spitter has dropped an EP that will be a guaranteed fan favourite, although if you’re a less seasoned Skyzoo listener, it’s not a bad introduction either.

By Sam Bennett

@TheRealPP

@LYTEWORK

@Skyzoo

http://www.facebook.com/LYTEWORK

http://www.itunes.apple.com/us/album/peddler-themes/id1257967161

 

EazyMan – Eazy Street (Review)

Croydon MC EazyMan delivers his full length release ‘Eazy Street’, and it’s a high-octane ride with a dope mixture of bass music, grime and trap throughout. The authoritative approach is a resounding success, and the lively sound is cohesive and consistent; Eazy matches a commercial, current vibe with dense, biographical lyrics in a truly vivid fashion, and ‘Eazy Street’ makes a powerful first impression.

‘Work Rate’ is the project’s opener, and the hard-hitting, deep bassline, rattling percussion and trapped out beat compliments Eazy’s powerful, grimy delivery perfectly. Confident flows and punchline-heavy bars make for an energetic, entertaining first track that sets the upbeat, pounding tone that carries through the twelve track tape. ‘Man Like This’ is a standout cut, and the London lyricist drops precise flows with swagger and witty lines infused throughout the heavy verses. Unashamedly cocky, the shots sent in all directions at inferior guys are delivered over a relentlessly frantic beat, and Eazy’s charismatic, likeable character takes the track to the next level.

‘3 Chapters’ is another great showcase of EazyMan’s diversity; he executes a sound that is reminiscent of the Chicago drill inspired music that is coming out of the UK capital in vast quantities. Eazy’s bars are packed with realness, and his matter-of-fact bar-structure makes the impact all the more substantial. The intense ‘Get Em’ is another highlight, and the rowdy, percussive production, with it’s banging kicks and gritty synths, backs EazyMan’s dynamic voice as he flows seamlessly over the unrelenting instrumental. ‘Government Slaves’ is the penultimate cut, and the bouncy vibe is partnered with intelligent subject matter. The social commentary and club-ready production is a welcome blend, and is a testament to the originality on offer with this release.

EazyMan’s writing is packed with punchlines, and although they’re sometimes a little predictable, they are always witty and expertly delivered. He rides the beat with experience and a confident demeanour, and this is a key factor in ‘Eazy Street’s success. This is his debut full length project, and it’s a wild, diverse step into the game; if the originality and well-balanced sound continue, there will be far more quality music to come from the Croydon MC.

By Sam Bennett

@TheRealPP

@LYTEWORK

@EazyManOfficial

http://www.facebook.com/LYTEWORK

http://www.eazyman.com