First and foremost, if you’re looking for a ‘Sloshpots EP’ mark 2 then you’ve come to the wrong place. In the same way, if you’re looking for a sequel to ‘Constant Dikestar’ then again, this isn’t that record so don’t be getting your knickers in a twist.
I had a bit of a love-hate relationship with ‘Sloshpots’; it was an angry and passionate release, but with just a little bit too much misogyny in it. On one hand I understood that the dude had obviously had a bad break-up and wanted to vent, which anyone can emphasise with. On the other ‘Fuckpig Sloshpots’ was pretty much a giant track all about chauvinism. I’ve been a big fan of Dike for a few years, and I was a bit disappointed after that EP, so when I first listened to ‘Return Of The Twat’ I was a little apprehensive.
What’s that saying about expect to be disappointed, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised? Oh blahblah some guy that a million people quote on their Facebook feed probably. Anyway, who cares? The point is I was really impressed with Dike’s full-length. Straightaway it’s obvious that he’s straightened a few bits out, and smoothed the edges of his last release. I’m not going to patronise you, and say he’s ‘matured’ or ‘grown up’. No, but he’s definitely sharpened up his craft a lot, and this is an album that’s obviously written by a rapper that knows his style.
He’s upped his game on this record, and if I was to show someone who’s never listened to him, I’d show them this.
‘He’s Getting Judged Like An Idiot’ featuring Ronnie Bosh is a perfect starter, and I’m really glad the two joined up on more songs, as both their vocal styles work really well together. It gives you a nice intro to the rest of the album, and sets a good tone for the rest of the record.
Without doubt, the standout songs are ‘Rapping Over Silence’ which features Dabbla and DJ Manipulate, and shows off Dike’s flow and wordplay so well, it became my very favourite as soon as I heard it. The theme is pretty much directed at battle rappers who can’t actually rap. If he had written weak rhymes on this one, it would’ve shown up a lot more, but both him and Dabbla completely kill it. ‘New Street’ is a very dark song and Dike addresses the subject matter of this one with the same sense of stark realism, and completely non-apologetic approach he does on all his other songs, which is something I can really respect. It’s a short one, at less than two minutes but still one of the record’s best. Now if I didn’t include ‘Future Posse Cut One Thousand’ I would pretty much be an idiot. It’s a straight crew track featuring Stig Of The Dump, Dr Syntax, BVA, Datkid, Verb T, Jam Baxter, Ed Scissortongue, Mr Key, Fliptrix and Leaf dog, and the best way I can really describe it is, it’s fucking rad. Every MC on this track stands out in his own right, and the production on it is ridiculous. It’s a pretty long song, but honestly I didn’t notice the length of minutes until I checked later. It’s the perfect way to end the album, and gives it a proper finisher.
No I didn’t do a wrong song run down, because it’s an album and you need a few surprises in your little lives. I will say though, this is Dirty Dike at some of his best, and if some of his last releases put you off, or you haven’t been a fan before than I suggest you give him a second chance with this full-length.
Dike’s currently on tour, to check if he’s coming anywhere near you have a gander at the poster below.
Words-Aimee
To order the album click this link.
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