Check out the visual for ‘SOLO’, produced by BCHILL MUSIC lifted from Baltimore emcee Sullee J’s album of the same title. ‘SOLO’ is an album which reflects the come up of this talented artist. The album is full of bars, lyricism and wisdom that Sullee is renowned for, every track is a story.
Sullee J has recently been picked up by the label Bogish Brand Ent. owned by King Ca$his former Shady Records Artist. His latest single with his group TRIPL3 Threat was just released last week on iTunes, Apple Music & more featuring Slaughterhouse’s Royce Da 5’9.
On Friday 25th November, High Focus head honcho and highly respected UK emcee Fliptrix releases his 6th solo album ‘Patterns Of Escapism’. We were lucky enough to get an early copy from the good people at High Focus Records of this DOPE release, so i went to my go to reviewer at present Intuitive and it would appear ‘Dope’ is relevant to his review in more ways than one! Here’s what Intuitive had to say about the album……
So over the last few weeks, I’ve been trying to keep myself on the straight and narrow.
Trying out veganism, joining a gym, quitting weed – you know the ones. Those resolutions you make to stop you from coming to the conclusion that your life is one empty, unstoppable train wreck, happening in slow motion. And I’ve been doing okay at it, as well. I haven’t been eating meat, I’ve been getting up early, but the weed… Well…
I was trying my hardest, but then Stix decided it was time for me to do another review. Another week of listening to brand-new UKHH bangers for me to assess. To keep my mind off of the ever-growing need for a zoot. And who does he give me?
Fliptrix. Of course it’s fucking Fliptrix.
So a week later here I am, big stinky zoot in hand, typing at my computer with eyes redder than an angry tomato, feeling at peace with the world. Fuck going to the gym. Fuck it.
Fliptrix has been one of my all-time favourite artists ever since I heard ‘Theory of Rhyme’ and he does anything but disappoint on his newest release, ‘Patterns of Escapism’. Entirely produced by Illinformed, it’s a 17-track experience – featuring some brilliant verses by names such as King Kashmere, Ocean Wisdom, Life MC, Verb T, Dabbla and the Four Owls. Many would argue, myself included, that Fliptrix has been instrumental in the development and success of the UK hip-hop scene so far, having spearheaded the legendary High Focus label that is now one of the biggest hip-hop labels in Europe, and also mentored and assisted countless UK artists who have gone on to big things such as Rag ’n’ Bone Man and Ocean Wisdom. Therefore this release and the artists who collaborated to create it are right at the forefront of where UKHH is going – helping to shape the scene’s sounds and influences in a groundbreaking fashion.
Characterised by wise words, thought-provoking concepts, greezy style and a strong underlying message of both peace and passion for music, Fliptrix has very sharply defined who he is and what he stands for over the last twelve years. As a result of this I have always felt his songs have two main ‘themes’ or ‘styles’ – one style where he is not attempting to send any specific message, but is going as hard as possible – and another where the beats are more contemplative and less neck-breaky, and he attempts to educate you rather than make you go nuts. This duality and versatility is one of the reasons Fliptrix is a unique artist and is also why he has such a loyal fanbase. After coming to this conclusion I decided to try and pick my favourite ‘go hard style’ tune and my favourite ‘send a message’ tune from this album. ‘One Time’ outstripped the other tunes as my favourite banger – packed full of punchy flows, witty lines and big boomin’ samples, for me, it’s Fliptrix at his finest. ‘Burn It’ featuring Ocean Wisdom definitely deserves a mention though as well – the beat is one of Illinformed’s best contributions for this release, the bounce that the track has is fantastic – and for anyone new to High Focus, listening to Ocean Wisdom’s feature on this tune will help you realise why High Focus stuck him on practically every one of their releases this year doing doubletime features. In terms of the more laid-back songs with a message to transmit, I felt as though ‘Spread Peace Around’ was a standout effort – I’ve felt for a while like Fliptrix’s ability at lyricism gets forgotten sometimes because he always has such great production. As an emcee myself I can see the care and thought that goes into songs like this – too often rappers leave a line that they’ve written that doesn’t really fit because it rhymes nicely. With songs like this however you can tell that there is a real, conscious effort to connect to the listener’s emotions and understanding of the world around them. Fliptrix himself said “The music I make is all about the depths of self-exploration and the heights of human consciousness.”
In conclusion, this album is absolutely fantastic. I cannot really fault it – it’s hard to try and find cracks in music that you consider to be better than your own. From the production, to the features, to Fliptrix’s own verses, message and style, the album is consistent in a way that can only come from making honest music and music that you truly believe in. This is Fliptrix’s 6th solo release, and so marks the 6th chapter in his extraordinary story and list of achievements. If I had to think of a criticism, I would say that Fliptrix and High Focus in general have positioned themselves to be ambassadors of the UK scene, and as such could collaborate wider within the scene with things like features and guest production. They do this already, don’t get me wrong – but as somebody who listens to every High Focus release (and I’m not the only one – their fanbase is steadily growing) I’d really like to see a wider range of artists on their albums. After all is said and done, however – I reckon I can probably forgive Fliptrix and ‘Patterns of Escapism’ for completely destroying my attempts to quit weed. It was worth it.
Words; Intuitive
Fliptrix ‘Patterns Of Escapism’ is available digitally, on CD and Vinyl here
NEW VIDEO (Out Today) Fliptrix – ‘Smoke Lingers Always’ Feat. King Kashmere (Prod. Illinformed)
Fliptrix – The Poltergeist (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
Fliptrix – Thunder Clouds (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
HF TV – Fliptrix (EXCLUSIVE BARS)
NOMINATED FOR BEST NEWCOMER URBAN MUSIC AWARDS
Despite having released 6 solo albums, 2 crew albums and over a decade in the game, it was revealed that Fliptrix has been nominated for the ‘Best Newcomer’ Award at the UK Urban Music Awards. The award ceremony is scheduled for the 26th of November(the day after the release of ‘Patterns Of Escapism’), it would be a real honor for a High Focus artist to pick up such a prestigious award. Please take one minute out of your day to vote for Fliptrix using the following link: HERE
On top of all this, High Focus also have the ‘Patterns Of Escapism’ Official Launch Party taking place at the infamous Brixton Jamm in South London on the 10th of December. Not Only will both Fliptrix and Illinformed be present performing a special album launch set, but legends such as Task Force will be in the building performing their first show together in London for over a decade, The Four Owls will also be swooping in as will Dabbla and new signings Strange U. Dont miss out on this event, its bound to be a night to remember! GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
Inglewood native Koache returns to one of his hottest tracks of the year, “Turn Me Back,”on this super-smooth, Nottz-produced remix featuring guest vocals from Xzibit, Demrick, and Quan.
The original track appeared on Koache’s ‘Game Point’ album, which dropped this past March on LOTZAH. And it, too, featured a head nodding instrumental from Nottz, along with a strong guest verse from X-to-the-Z. But on the remix, the Virginia producer flipped his approach entirely by ditching the grit of the original track, for a jazzier, more laid-back sound.
New visual from Amsterdam’s MC Melodee and Spanish production duo Cookin Soul’s joint ‘Up & Down’ the 4th video single of Melodees new album “Passport Pimpin”. Hitting you with that soulful 90s flavour with Cookin Soul on production and Melodees rhymes, “Up & Down” makes your head bounce and makes you crack a smile as you reminisce about them good old days.
Video directed and recorded in Valencia, Spain by Assen Petrov
Get the MC Melodee album “Passport Pimpin” on all digital platforms here
New York City is widely known & respected as the birth place of Hip Hop culture. “New York Gangsters” brings 10 NYC rappers together on one track repping all 5 boroughs (Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, The Bronx & Staten Island).
“I think this track & video is incredible, it’s the reason I got involved so deeply, to make sure it reached the masses in the way I always release my solo material. I feel this project is an amazing spectrum of seasoned vets rapping their styles over a really hot beat, with everyone hailing from New York. It’s important for the world to see this kind of Hip Hop now in 2016”, Necro
In order of appearance:
Tragedy Khadafi of Queensbridge Projects
Hec Teck from Jamaica, Queens
Necro of PLR(Psycho+Logical-Records) from Brooklyn
Capone of Capone-N-Noreaga from QB
Dom Pachino of Killarmy/Wu-Tang fam from Shaolin(Staten Island)
Thirstin Howl The 3rd of The Lo-Lifes from Brownsville BK
Raze The Ratchet of Ghetto Inmates from Lower East Side, Manhattan
Willie Stubz of Beatnuts fam from QU
Chris Rivers (Big Pun’s son) from The Bronx
Kurious Jorge of CM Fam from Uptown, NYC
Dope track as Conscious Route brings you this raw edgy truth of his life experience over haunting reflective melody, produced by UK producer Micall Parknsun.
Conscious Route has been steadily building a solid repertoire over the last five years since his return to hip hop. This new release lays testament to his lyrical ability, as well as being reflective of his own life journey. The song takes you through layers of struggle and personal change as the chorus reflects the hope and purpose gained from struggle alongside a willingness to support the community towards progression and change. The hauntingly reflective lyrics ride on a tough instrumental back drop courtesy of Micall Parknsun, and this track isn’t to be taken lightly, as both lyrics and melody take you on a focused journey, showing that there is light at the end of the tunnel!
True Hold Records bring exclusive B side “Played slaves” ft Zenga The Titan also produced by Micall Parknsun and heavy Monosapiens “On Da Up” (Remix) to boot!
One for our classics section, Legendary freestyle from A Tribe Called Quest featuring Consequence back in 1996 with Funk Flex on the decks, Westwood recently uploaded this never heard before audio.
Check out the dope first single ‘Bang’, produced By Hinesy, taken from Brighton, UK artist Bobbie Johnson’s New EP entitled ‘You & I.’
I’ve always been a big fan of Bobbie’s work from my days writing for StandUpUK when she was releasing music under the name Stanza. ‘You & I’ perfectly illustrates why I am such a fan of this multi talented artist and the progression she has made. The EP showcases Bobbie’s lyricism, songwriting and vocal talents, her ability to tear up a beat as good as anyone out there and now production skills added to her list of talents.
Bobbie is about to embark on a tour supporting Rag N Bone Man, don’t sleep on this outstanding release, cop it here on Bandcamp….
Two of our favourite emcees from the North East Jister and Leddie MC collaborate for the first time with the track ‘InBetween’ as they drop knowledge and intellect with style and skill over a brooding, dark SVNTY6 produced beat.
hiphoplifeandtimes 