hiphoplifeandtimes

Alright I didn’t want to start this review saying Just P is back, because the first song on this release is ‘We’re Back’, but errrr he is. Unlike a lot of other artists, (and I’m not hating on these type of tracks at all, I’m a fan of them) but a lot them comeback to music is a big old angry track with lots of disses, and a healthy potion of gassing. Just P has taken a slightly different route to his return to hip-hop; in place of that he’s thrown out tracks and this mixtape telling the audience where he’s been, and making the unaware amongst you where his roots lie. A little retrospect without living in his past success; and he’s pulled it off really well without appearing egotistical or bigheaded. That brings us nicely along to the general vibe of the EP (is it an EP? I reckon so, it’s 7 songs so I’m going with it), whilst Just P isn’t pulling any punches, or missing a beat on any song this is a very humble and honest tape. He’s not telling you HE’S THE BEST MC IN THE WORLD FUCK YOU ALL. He’s not worried about what other rappers are doing, he’s just concentrating on himself and the issues and subjects he’s addressing.

Just P talks on a varied amount of subjects, strays away from preaching to the converted but never dumbs it down. I feel like My Bars On His Beats is amongst a collection of other UK rappers that have recently released albums/mixtapes that truly reflect grimy underground British hip-hop. Ruthless’ new one ‘The Last Instrument’ is a good example, and coincidentally is featured on a collaboration ‘Cold Blood’ which shows the two MCs individual but complimentary styles off really well. It doesn’t necessarily mean gloomy-weather lyrics on every track, instead it showcases two major traits that I love about UK hip-hop, stoic realism but always backed up with constant optimism. In underground hip-hop regardless of country, it’s not about the flashy chorus it’s about the bars and Aleksander Koziel shows off his production skills with enough interesting diversity in his beats and samples that you really don’t need a hook, the instrumentation does a good job of it on its own. He’s a really versatile producer and I think he could happily work with a pretty mixed bunch of MCs and still make it work.

In short ‘My Bars On His Beats’ is a welcomed return to Just P, and I’m excited to see what’s next to come out of the Black Budget camp this year. We’re never let down by those guys.

For fans of: Ruthless, Big Dutty Deeze, Remus.

My Bars On His Beats Free Download Link

Words: Aimee