So, how to go about describing this frankly monstrous release from one of the most buzz worthy groups to emerge in recent years, Problem Child.
Words such as ‘Hype’, ‘Rowdy’ and ‘Original’ hardly do justice to the groups début, ‘Confessions Of A Normal Human Being’ , a 16 track monster of pounding digital production (Courtesy of Sumgii) and razor sharp, witty and sometimes absurd rhymes (Courtesy of LDZ veterans Dubbledge and Dabbla, and resident Tomb Crew MC Illaman).
This is one of the most original albums in a long time, and takes a completely fresh approach.
Not since Fallacy’s ‘Black Market Boy’ has the melting pot of UK MC led music been so masterfully represented. Grime, Dubstep, Garage, Reggae and Jungle, as well as Hip Hop and Rap, influences can be found throughout the project both in the bass heavy production and the rapid fire flows and slang that are heavily present in all three MC’s bars.
First and foremost this is music to party to, tracks like ‘Sheep’ and ‘Fully Fledged’ will destroy any rave or festival stage with ease, and the trio of rappers often reference their party life style and catalogue their misadventures with booze and substances (most notably on ‘Woddle’, an ode to intoxication ). However, this is not the same as saying that they are glorifying or promoting this lifestyle, they are simply telling the listener that this is how they live their lives.
The album has a distinctly UK feel about it, and the album is full of references to the absurdities of living here, most strongly on the title track ‘Confessions of a Normal Human Being’, and the CD only bonus track ‘Your Estates Dead’.
As a fan of Grime this album is something special in as much that the crew combine the raw energy and aggression of Grime with the razor sharp wit and on point lyricism often lacking from the genre. There is no talk of killing (unless its killing a beat), instead you are more likely to hear tales of drunken antics, dis illusion with our society, or straight up heavy word play and flows.
The living room destruction on the cover sums up rather nicely how you are likely to react to this release, and i for one am very interested to see what is to come next from this dynamic and highly original crew.
Words; Chris
Stream and Download ‘Confessions of a normal human being’ here
Kyza brings that Fire in the streets for Charlie Sloth and is back with a sick new album ‘Hibernation’. We’ve been highly anticipating new music from this UK heavyweight emcee here at HHLAT, and he is back with a BANG! We are sure you wont be disappointed too!
This album is the first project that Kyza has undertaken all of the production duties, singing, and general direction to date. After having a very turbulent couple of years away from making music, Kyza has decided to stick his head out of the cave and wave a bear paw to the masses to let them know that after spending time cleaning up and building his cave, he is ready to tell his story, and that time for hibernation is over….
Now whether or not you think we’re being bias by reviewing our own team’s work then please remember these key points before we get badly written complaints about it (Seriously step up your grammar. This is coming from a person with dyslexia). Regardless of who we’re friends with doesn’t mean a thing; if the material they’re producing is of a high standard and they’re progressing hip-hop in their own part of the world, then obviously we want to promote it. That’s a no-brainer. Actually you know what? This is the very last time I ever write a disclaimer about who we promote, if it really bothers you then go to Worldstarhiphop, you tinker. Are you the co-editor? NO U R NOT JOG ON. Ooh got a bit defensive then eh?
GET ON WITH THE REVIEW.
The varied producers on this record have a lot to do with the reason this is Nephilim’s best work to date. As a group, the guys that he picked to grace the boards never stick to one particular pattern or formula, but it’s pretty obvious to the listener who’s produced which track and their own definitive styles are very prominent. This isn’t a bad thing by any stretch and helps the record not to become stale or slow paced. Each producer puts his own stamp on the individual songs, and whilst it could potentially run the risk of sounding messy or becoming over saturated (too many cooks spoils the broth and all that) it does quite the opposite and I strongly suggest you check them out as well. The full list is Runone, Faulty Clicks, Andrew Luck, GdotAssasin and bandmate SingerDread. Not forgetting of course Rebs who mixed and mastered it.
When it comes to the rapper himself (yes we’re on the third paragraph already what of it?) he’s improved a great deal in the last few years in terms of style and content. When I initially was introduced to Nephilim way before he became the famous Adamtheintern we now know and love (although he isn’t really an intern I just think I’m funny and the rest of HHLAT let me believe it), I enjoyed his work but it needed a lot of spit and polish. Since then every project and demo I’ve heard is a vast improvement on the previous. Regardless of genre or medium when it comes to art, stagnation is your worst enemy. Even if for a time what you create is atrocious, and everyone hates it-at least you’re fucking giving it a go and trying everything to see what fits well with you, and even if that only fits for a short while. This is something I’ll be talking about again when I review Yoshi Riot’s new record ‘The Contrast EP’ later on this week (yes cheap plug).
Nephilim is a lot more focused in both his rhythmic concepts and lyrics, even when he goes off on little tangents he still brings it back and makes it work within the whole song or on a smaller scale, on a particular verse. His politics are very obvious on this as well, but he’s not a studio revolutionary shouting empty phrases. There’s cause and points to what he’s talking about, and as someone that has listened to A LOT of ‘conscience rap’ over the years I can tell very quickly the glaring difference between rappers who’ve read a few blogs, and the ones who’ve actually read a book (with real pages waaa) and worked within their’s or a larger community. Now I’m not saying our man is reinventing the wheel, or single handedly saving the world with this EP I’m simply saying he’s progressive and aware with both his music, and his ideas. This in turn makes the EP a pleasure to listen to. There are still a few cracks and parts that need smoothing over of course, but he’s really begun to make a solid foundation and has clear markers within each release now that are wholly his own. It’s a very UKHH record, but that’s not to say he’s stuck to a certain framework or blueprint. It’s just ashamedly local in its sound which I think gives it a lot of charm and will endear most UKHH fans as well those further afield.
Tell us Aimee, is this the best thing to ever to be brought into being? Is it completely without blemish? Did Beyonce write ‘Flawless’ just for Adam? Well no (although maybe to the third one who can say), not exactly but it’s still a great EP so listen to my wise words and get yourselves a copy.
Here’s a little bonus of a recent song Ad recorded for the birth of his lovely baby girl.
RE3CO answers what would happen if he had it his way …
This video continues a new series where rappers are asked to deliver their thoughts on the theme ‘If I Had It My Way’. The series launches the video arm of new platform Rethunk.
John Robinson & PVD celebrate the release of there new LP, Modern Vintage, by releasing the first visual, “All Of The World,” from the project which is now available on Brick Records.
Modern Vintage is the new collaboration album from veteran emcee John Robinson (aka Lil Sci of world renown Hip-Hop group Scienz Of Life) and prolific drummer, composer, producer and band-leader Pat Van Dkye (aka PVD). John Robinson and PVD originally met at a show in 2008 and since then their chemistry has grown organically and has developed into the duo performing many formal shows together at venues like SOB’s, Blue Note NYC, LPR and others around the NY-NJ Tristate area.
Modern Vintage spells out the approach in which this album was made from front to back: The music was composed with a combination of modern technology software mixed with vintage synths and outboard gear, all blended seamlessly with live instrumentation being the foundation. The lyrics and concepts were all spontaneously crafted in the studio, session by session, by letting the soundscapes speak to the lyricist similar to how vintage recordings of the 60’s & 70’s were created.
“I took a much more structured songwriting approach to the lyrics on this album; my goal from the beginning of making this record was to take advantage of the fact that I am working with PVD- a composer/musician and not just a beat maker/producer, which definitely makes this record different from my other releases. This one is for all the true music lovers worldwide” says John Robinson.
PVD states “making this record was a dream come true. From the very first session, we set out to craft quality songs that capture a cohesive vibe and feel good. In many cases, JR was writing to merely a sketch of what actually ended up on the record. It felt great to work with an artist who trusted me enough to lend his talents to the music not knowing where I would take it sonically. Live drums, keys, guitars, horns, and synths give this record a distinctly human feel that is present in all of my favorite records, old and new. A modern-day true Hip-Hop record, grounded firmly in the traditions of jazz, funk, and soul music.”
Brick Records present the REKS & Hazardis Soundz collaborative album Eyes Watching God. The concept album has the duo showcasing a contrast between “good and evil” beginning with a “God Side” and finishing with a “Devil Side.” The CD artwork features a dual-image album cover showing both the ‘Good’ and ‘Evil’ sides, depending on what angle you view it from. The Massachusetts lyricist linked up with the Queens native in South Florida to complete the album during the past year, and they enlisted N.O.R.E, Saigon, Fredro Starr, Termanology, Ruste Juxx, Dutch Rebelle and others to add to their cause. The result is a highly conscious and fiercely political album.
“Working with REKS on this project has been a great experience. The creative process was organic and effortless. We were in the studio together for every song on the album and it was as simple as me showing Reks a beat and him picking up the pen and writing. Nothing was ever forced. I am really proud of this body of work and I’m very excited for the world to hear it.” says Haz.
REKS adds, “It felt natural working with Haz. He has a great ear for music and was interested in me trying beats I am not accustomed to spitting on. It helped me diversify myself a bit”. The chemistry between the two is evident throughout Eyes Watching God, which was released on CD and digitally on 15-07-14.
Ramson Badbonez – ‘July – Foul Moods’. This track is lifted from the Ramson Badbonez sick album ‘A Year In The Life Of Oscar The Slouch’ entirely produced by Charlie Mac! The album is OUT NOW on High Focus Records and features Fliptrix, Rag N Bone Man, Jam Baxter, Mystro, Genesis Elijah, M.A.B & more!
