Twizzy and Ramson Badbonez have been steadily growing in recognition and attention over the last few years, and through hard work and dedication have built up a strong and loyal fanbase . They’ve both released solid EPs and albums respectfully, but in my mind have still managed to pass under the radar of a lot of people that just didn’t quite recognise their individual skills. Now yeah, yeah sure, sure we could say that about a million MCs right? Well of course, but that’s all swings and roundabouts; we’re talking about these two today, and in my humble opinion they still have not reached a high enough pinnacle in relation to attention from an wider audience.
It’s also my humble opinion that ‘The Good, The Bad & The Ugly’ is the album that could change that trend for a lot of people. When I talk of a wider audience, I don’t simply mean radio airplay, or getting on Charlie Sloth’s show-I mean more hip-hop heads respecting their diverse talents. The reason I think this new record changes that all for these two is because it finally showcases their range and technique when it comes to different styles within hip-hop. This album is going to appeal to the snottiest backpacker, roadman rap lover, golden era kid that’s stuck in 94, U.S lover, hardcore UKHH fan, and maybe even a few rap pop dudes. Well, maybe not the last one, but I stand by all the others for sure. The first track that shares the same name as the album alone is enough to get you hooked, and reminded me of early Wu-Tang and Snoop, just as much as Aspects, and I don’t say that lightly; that isn’t an easy task to take on at all.
They don’t give away all their cards in the first 3 songs however, and songs like ‘1st Come, 1st Served’ which features M.A.B and ‘Underdogz’ prove it’s a full ten songs, not just a few stand out tracks.
Talking of the features, M.A.B, Jinxsta Jx and J-Man all shine individually in their own right and add to the diversity of the overall sound of the record. Instrumentally and musicality-wise, Hutch who handled production, and Charlic Mac who took on mastering and cuts both really proved their talents on this one, and without them-it wouldn’t be half as good.
When it comes to Twizzy and Ramson Badbones themselves; they play off each other’s styles perfectly. Twizzy is the calm and collected of the two, whereas Ramson is the more relentless of the pair. They manage to not outdo each other, and I throughout the whole album I never wanted to skip one MC for the other, or wait for the other to step up. It felt natural, and balanced. Their content of course is far from shallow, and if you’re aware of these dudes anyway, you’ll know that at times, the subject matter is pretty introspective, and always firmly grounded in realism. Of course that doesn’t mean that all the subject matter of their song are discussing the finer points of the existence and the universe. It’s a healthy mix of pure rap jams, intelligent lyrics and clever wordplay. Proof that you don’t need to be stupid to write fun songs.
In any case, I really shouldn’t have to convince you to support this release; but if this review steered you towards copping it then it can’t be bad. (STARBUCKS DOESN’T NEED YOUR MONEY, THEY’VE ALREADY TAKEN YOUR TAX)
– Words: Aimee
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