It’s been nearly 5 years since the critically-acclaimed release Black Feather Messengers, Bedlam Brethren‘s full-length debut. Now Hollow Christ,Cheating Death (a/k/a Merc Versus) and New Zealand’s own dark classic hip hop composer Spearman have returned to deliver another powerful contribution from their ancient form of hip hop. Join them as they bring order out of chaos! Bedlam Brethren have worked with Chief Kamachi, Thirstin Howl the 3rd, C-Rayz Walz, and the late Kevlaar 7, shared stages with Cappadonna and Bronze Nazareth representing the true art form. Instruments of Cruelty is the new album that drops early 2017 and will feature production from Spearman, Endemic Emerald, White Lotus, and Bronze Nazareth, as well as some surprise special guests. Stay tuned in to Bedlam World…Peep the new single “Assassin Art” below!
If we had an office for HHLAT I’m pretty sure that there would have been a bundle to see who got to review Dabbla’s debut solo album ‘Year Of The Monkey’, as we all wanted this banger of an album, another to add to High Focus Records ever growing list of quality releases. However we don’t, so I gave the opportunity to Intuitive who done such a great job with his first review for us last month. Here’s what he thought about Dabbla’s highly anticipated ‘Year Of The Monkey’ album out Friday (9th Sept)……
Nowadays Hip Hop is a very broad genre, but I’ve always felt as though rappers can be grouped into two general types.
Four decades of Hip Hop emcees from all corners of the globe, from the worst bad-breath sideman spitting 16s in your ear on a Sunday night in suburbia to the absolute pinnacle of underground talent, pushing the limits of what we thought possible in music, can be differentiated as belonging to one of two classifications. Two types. Those heads you’d prefer to hear smash out a set live on a messy night, or the ones you listen to whilst you smoke a zoot to recover the morning after.
Dabbla is definitely the first type.
Bouncing and skipping over beats that thump with that trademarked High Focus sound, he oozes personality, charisma and narcissism in a perfect combination. This is his debut album and in classic Dabbla style, every track is a statement. Subject matter is strictly limited to a witty blend of bars, bitches, booze and buds in a way that is actually fresh and enjoyable. Any new listeners should not be deceived into thinking that Dabbla is some next guy fresh onto the scene, however – he uses descriptive wordplay and multisyllabics with the experienced ease of a rapper that is ten years deep in the scene, having sharpened his skills over his years in groups such as London Zoo, the well-respected Problem Child and Dead Players.
As with any High Focus release, ‘Year Of The Monkey’ comes with a string of brilliant features and production attached. I have been a long-time believer in the fantastic production that High Focus get for their artists being a major factor in the label’s distinct sound and long-term success, and this theory is collated by this album. Names such as Star.One, Naïve, Don Piper, Tom Caruana, Sumgii, Chemo, Roast Beatz and DJ Kermit all bring fucking ace beats to the table, and many of these names are recognisable from other HF releases.
Long-time allies of Dabbla such as Jam Baxter and Ghosttown make expected appearances as well, but we also have brilliant additions from talents like Ocean Wisdom, Dirty Dike, Dubbledge, Graziella and Cobes. This is a 17-track album and despite having a roster of musical talent to compete with, Dabbla not only matches pace on every collaboration track but with every one of the 12 solo tunes being just as good, also proves to any listener that he does not need any help to make a banger.
One of my favourite tracks from the album is ‘Cheers’, produced by Ghosttown – to me it really sums up what Dabbla is about. The beat is fucking DIRTY, one of them really greasy smooth screwfacers, and Dabbla flows over it like water. A perfect track to chug a bottle of vodka to, or kill a bear, or something. I listened to this album in the gym and I put on three stone of solid muscle just from listening to this song once. I’ve got a name for Dabbla – the doubletime Dirty Dike. I’m also copywriting that if it takes off. He seems most comfortable on fast-paced tracks, and he utilises this on the majority of tracks on ‘Year Of The Monkey’. This doesn’t mean he’s not great at a slower BPM however, and shows this on tracks like ‘Psychoville’ and ‘Everything’. ‘Psychoville’ is a really snappy tune, with a great hook from Graziella that makes me wish Dabbla did more hooks with female singers.
Dabbla – Psychoville Feat. Graziella (Prod. Roast Beatz) (OFFICIAL VIDEO by Obese Aesthetics)
‘Everything’ is another great boombap track that encapsulates Dabbla’s arrogant attitude – “you might not like me, but I fucking love me”. Songs like this prove that he’s not just a party rapper, but a Hip Hop head.
There is a definite difference. Another facet of his personality, aside from the badman bars and his affair with himself – is a distinct element of a love of the ridiculous – the rude side of rap. I think heads like Dabbla, Dirty Dike and Dubbledge are some of the only people who could just about get away with writing tracks about dicks and them still be listenable. Just about.
Like I said before, I think there are two types of rapper, and Dabbla fits very neatly into one of those types. There are pros and cons to this. I absolutely love this album, and I’ve already cleared a space on my shelf and in my playlists for it, but that’s because I love this kind of album – nothing but hard beats, ridiculous concepts, doubletime bars, and all round general get-messy-to music. This album is definitely catered towards a certain demographic – there isn’t a lot of variation in what each individual song provides in comparison to the rest and there is definitely some repetition. But I’ll accept that there is definitely an argument for there not being too much of a good thing within music, and also for that just being a reflection of who Dabbla is as an individual. What is definite is that this release solidifies his presence as one of the best in the underground scene, as a solo artist, and puts him right up alongside all the newest players on High Focus’s roster as some of the best in the UK. Big the fuck up!
Words; Intuitive
Dabbla’s ‘Year Of The Monkey’ is out now on all formats, digitally, on CD and Limited Edition Vinyl from
Back in June Andover, UK duo Broken Poetz dropped this dope open and honest album ‘Soul Searching’ on KBTZ Recordings at a time when the site was inactive. An album that was two years in the making, it was only right that now things are kind of getting back on track here at HHLAT we fully rep the album because we think it’s one you should add to your collection! Here’s what Adam had to say about ‘Soul Searching’…
It’s too easy to get over serious in the the judgy waters of Hip Hop, even more specifically in UK Hip Hop it seems at times. Every so often you need a little reminder that art is to be enjoyed more than it is scrutinised, and that’s exactly what Broken Poetz newest release ‘Soul Searching’ did for me. I listened to it through a bunch of times to think of stuff to write, except I kept just enjoying it and not thinking about why, kept nodding my head instead of thinking of witty ways to heap praise on a deserving release.
For those unfamiliar with Broken Poetz they are D-Know and Mystero, a duo of naturally gifted emcees whose genuine sound and character has found them consistently gain not only more and more support, but produce better and better art. The two of them are such a cohesive act that you get a proper group feeling instead of just two good artists that don’t quite match, the extent of this is so massively important to what makes the Poetz music something you don’t ever want to sleep on.
Both members are individually strong with flows and lyrics that have so much heart and passion that it’s inescapable, strong with presence and relatable content throughout ‘Soul Searching’. They sound at home to a degree that you can’t buy, in an age of a thousand rappers they cut out their own way through the pack and I’d doubt they even give a second thought to anything other than doing their thing. Nothing here sounds forced its all about confidence with Broken Poetz, their overwhelmingly positive vibe and calm nature even has you rocking a grin when they are dealing with negative issues, because they aren’t just moaning or venting but it’s more like their self therapy, it’s more like they are saying ‘yeah it’s trying to get us but we’re all together here’.
‘Soul Searching’ is bolstered with features from CW Jones, Twizzy, Upfront and Cutta Chase the album is a lyrical wonderland that you can’t not enjoy (wahey double negative) set to a musical backdrop of massive vibes and soulful sounds from names like Runone and Molotov, DJ Jabbathakut and Hozay. Hip Hop is meant to be enjoyed and not picked apart and I thank Broken Poetz for their efforts to remind me.
Words; Adam
‘Soul Searching’ is out now and available for digital download here
Check the visual for ‘Train of Thought’ from Coventry, UK rapper Shakezpeare linking up with Detroit rapper/producer and Wu Tang affiliate Bronze Nazareth, the track also features cuts from DJ TMB.
The track is lifted from the upcoming ‘New Golden Era (NGE)’ EP by Shakezpeare & Bronze Nazareth that will be released by NGE Records on all online records stores from Sept 1st 2016!
DJ Shadow has unveiled the music video for the song “Nobody Speak” featuring Run The Jewels, a standout track from his latest album ‘The Mountain Will Fall,’ out now on Mass Appeal Records. The video depicts a meeting of leaders that quickly descends into chaos, a scene not unlike what is unfolding in governments around the globe. It also features appearances by DJ Shadow and Run The Jewels.
Says DJ Shadow: “We wanted to make a positive, life-affirming video that captures politicians at their election-year best. We got this instead.”
Says Run The Jewels’ Killer Mike: “It’s such a dope video. It’s what I really wish Trump and Hillary would just do and get it over with…And even in that fight I think Hillary would win – and that’s not an endorsement.”
The video was directed by Sam Pilling and produced by Pulse Films, stars Igor Tsyshkevych and Ian Bailey, and was shot in NYC, London and Ukraine.
DOPE!!! Emerging from the late 90’s, early 00’s battle scene, Woody, Tigerstyle and Dopey went up against each other countless times, collectively they took 7 major World titles at arguably the fiercest, most creative period in DJ battle history.
Taken from DJ Woody’s debut album ‘The Point Of Contact’, the track ‘Get Down’ channels that battle mentality with a spirit of camaraderie as these battle veterans prove that their cuts are still as sharp as ever.
Battle Stats:
(DJ Woody)
2001 ITF World Champion
2002 Vestax World Champion
(DJ Tigerstyle)
2003 DMC Supremacy World Champion
2003 ITF World Champion
2003 Allies Allstar Beatdown World Champion
(DJ Dopey)
2001 Allies Allstar Beatdown World Champion
2003 DMC World Champion
‘The Point Of Contact’ is available now to preorder on double vinyl and digital and is due for release in October
Check the Official music video for the first single ‘My Addiction’ from the forthcoming Novar FLIP album ‘Damaged’. I’m not usually a fan of trap sounding music, but when the music has content like this track then I’m more open to it. Salute to Novar for his honesty and showing a side many rappers would shy away from.
We original shared this video to our FB and Twitter page when this powerful song ‘Ahmed’ from Lowkey featuring Mai Khalil and produced by Agent of Change was released at the end of July, but its only right we rep it on the site too!
Lowkey’s music and social commentary has been missed, however with this new music and visual from GlobalFaction here is his first release in a few years and it’s as thought provoking as ever.
The long awaited debut album ‘Hastility (H1)’ from the UK/US duo consisting of producer Configa and Queens, NYC emcee HaStyle drops tomorrow (Mon 29th August) and boy it’s been worth the wait!
I’ve been a fan of Configa’s dope Boom Bap production style and repped his music in the past and knew of his love for the Golden Era sound that is evident in his music. Then he hooked up with the like minded creative NYC lyricist and storyteller HaStyle. They introduced themselves swiftly as a duo to watch out for with two well received EP’s during 2015, ‘The Calm Before HaStility’ and the aptly named ‘A Good Combination’
A year later we now have the full length debut album from this talented duo. After previously whetting our appetites with the fore mentioned EP’s, Configa and HaStyle come with deeper content and a darker, heavier vibe with this banger of an LP with features from El Da Sensei, Prince Po, Chino XL, Rashan and dope cuts from UK turntablist DJ Madhandz.
We are living in times of great social injustice, racism is still prevalent, Police act with impunity, the use of propaganda and media manipulation is rife, more and more areas of our world are engulfed in conflict and war and people like you and I are fed up, disillusioned and angry with our governments not just in the States or here in the UK it’s a global issue. ‘Hastility (H1)’ hits on and encompasses those thoughts and feelings as HaStyle draws on that anger and address the issues waxing lyrical with an effortless flow over the musical canvas Configa provides with his characteristic neck snapping beats that come with a grittier, moody edge to them.
There really isn’t a weak joint on this album all the guest features deliver to the standards you’d expect, but Configa and HaStyle are not over shadowed in the slightest and obviously the talent and creativity from the pair of them is what makes this such a DOPE album. Here’s a few joints that caught my attention.
The record starts with the Dr Configa Intro (Configa really is a Doctor on Hip Hop ya know, man has a PhD!) this concept sets the scene for the direction in which ‘Hastility (H1)’ is going to take us.
‘Mind Control’ sees HaStyle address how history can and HAS been manipulated and encourages the listener to seek knowledge for yourself whilst at the same time warning our governments can control, watch and invade citizens privacy at any given moment and features a dope verse from El Da Sensei.
With heavy boom bap drums from Configa ‘Channel Zero’ examines peoples dependency on TV and its ability to brainwash the masses with constant 24 hour news ramming negativity and fear in to our living rooms.
HaStyle examines his dreams in the joint ‘Nightmares’ whether they are his dreams or a reality, accompained by Configa’s head nodding beat and Madhandz dope cuts. The track comes with a newly released visual today, Shot by Peter Clark (Attic Studios) and the Video Edited by Nate Pommer. Check it out here
‘Hastility’ was the first single and title track taken from ‘Hastility (H1)’. Rather than me tell you how dope it is, check out the video directed by Nick Light here
The track ‘Substance Abuse’ speaks for itself there aren’t too many towns and cities across the globe that aren’t touched by the scourge of substance abuse, whether it be alcohol or drugs. I myself still have my own demons that I fight and have lost friends to both drink and drugs. HaStyle doesn’t come across all preachy however, just offering pearls of wisdom to those that may be in that spiral or advising family and friends to look for the signs, this track resonated with me.
‘This World’ featuring Rashan is a more laid back vibe with HaStyle exploring finding your way in life, trying to stay on the right path whilst acknowledging the traps, pitfalls, stereotypes and prejudices that we can encounter on our journeys through this often unpredictable life.
We then jump pace again with the sick joint ‘World War Rap (Remix)’ featuring the legendary Prince Po, i’ll let the music do the talking for itself……
As I previously mentioned there really isn’t a weak joint, if I haven’t mentioned a track it’s not that I didn’t like it, I just didn’t want to bore you with my ramblings! ‘Hastility (H1)’ flows seamlessly with cleverly worked samples and cuts that compliment the music without over powering.
There is also a clear chemistry between both Configa and HaStyle which shines throughout the album. A lot of time and effort of travelling between the UK and New York has gone on to create this great piece of music and I think it’s that personal interaction between the producer and emcee which makes this stand out above a lot of submissions we get.
I have said in the past it’s almost criminal the amount of UK rappers that sleep on Configa’s production, but its their loss, and where many rappers can rap, many can’t story tell like HaStyle so it’s a win win for the pair of them and also for us as fans of Hip Hop.
It’s far too easy these days to buy a selection of beats of a handful of producers and throw a project together, but the real craft and art is building something together from the bottom up and that is what Configa and HaStyle have accomplished with ‘Hastility (H1)’, a record that oozes the Golden Era Sound, whilst commenting on the issues that face us today.
Words; Stix
You can Pre-Order Configa and HaStyle’s debut album ‘Hastility (H1)’ digitally and on CD but it is released and available to purchase tomorrow (Mon 29th August)
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