Fans of the fast rising Granville Sessions/ Moose Funk Squad family will be no stranger to Jester Jacobs, the rapid fire MC who shone throughout last years ‘Moose Tape Vol 1’, and who has released a couple of solo projects, the first of which was 2008’s ‘Mental Disorder’, which included the well received single ‘Blap’ , followed by 2010’s ‘More of The Sane’ EP.
After a solo hiatus, during which Jacobs has found acclaim on the stand up comedy circuit, Jester returns with his new album, ‘Chicken Souped Up’. 22 tracks deep, the project covers a range of topics, from 1st world problems, selling ham, to medieval warfare and trips away with Harry Styles, and is littered with pop culture references including Peep Show, Vanessa Feltz (who im fairly sure has a cheeky cameo at the beginning of the track ‘Feltzing’) and Jack Whitehall to name but a few.
The rapid fire, aggressive flows of Jacobs are in contrast to his self deprecating, very British lyrics, which portray the struggles of an artist trying to make it, as well as the day to day trials and tribulations that we all face. Jacobs explains the feel of the album…..
“The overall message of CSU is one of begrudging acceptance. Although I may never reach the dizzying heights of my contemporaries, at least I can take pleasure from articulating my own tragic downfall in the trajectory of British rap music. It is in many ways like the North London Jewish equivalent of ‘Boy In Da Corner.’ In fact, rather tellingly, the albums original title was ‘Boy In Da Deli.”
Although this may sound a little melancholy, the album is an up beat affair and features some interesting and varied production, with not a single track sounding similar. Add to this Jesters rugged style and quick fire delivery, witty and honest lyrics, and a smattering of guest verses from the Moose Funk Squad members and you have an original, honest, funny and most of all neck snappingly funky release, which should go somewhat towards pushing Jacobs further towards the recognition he deserves.
Words; Chris
Stream and download Jester Jacobs ‘Chicken Souped Up’ here
Here is the new album from London rapper Gee Bag which is produced by Downstroke Beats. This is s a must for all real UK Hip-Hop heads, its solid album and really hits the spot. Complete with all the video tracks and much more this is something you need in your collection.
Gee Bag – Show & Tell (Prod. by Downstroke Beats) Track-list:
01. Show And Tell (Intro) 02:51
02. Easy 03:52
03. Let It Be 04:35
04. Rock On 02:25
05. Toast of the Cronx Feat. Oliver Sudden & Big Toast 03:12
06. Overload 04:14
07. Stun Gun Feat. Tenchoo 05:04
08. Battersea Bridge 01:43
09. Feel Free 03:45
10. Lyrical Digest 02:46
11. Gee Baggy 04:18
12. White Boys 03:54
13. Two To The Three 03:02
14. Stones Throw 04:18
Leamington Spar rapper Flowlosopha has recently released Flowlosophy Volume 1, a 13 track album which is available as a name – your – price bandcamp download.
The release features a mixture of heavy beats and honest, raw, lyrics with a dash of humorous observation to create a pretty unique listening experience.
Throughout the album, the rapper holds no punches in describing the trials and tribulations he has gone through, his hopes and dreams, and also makes brutally honest observations of the world around him. Comfortable on a range of tempo’s , Flow’s lyrics are always clear and easily understandable, although it may take a few listens to appreciate the hidden meanings in some of the bars.
Personal favourite tracks include the grimy banger ‘Dont Ever Ask’ featuring a fire guest appearance from Munkz MCeaser , the heartfelt ‘Your Problems’ and the hilarious ‘FWFFB’.
All in all this is solid project with some good tracks that nicely highlights the diversity of Flowlosopha, and is well worth checking out.
Words; Chris
Stream and download Flowlosophy Vol. 1: Out Of The Frying Pan
UK producer Configa is back with a bang as he teams up with NYC emcee HaStyle for this dope EP to kick the year off! On this early offering from the duo I’m sure this EP will prove to be a stepping stone to further success in 2015.
Now neither Configa nor HaStyle are new to the game, Configa is 14 years deep in the industry with his head nodding signature boom bap sound and NYC’s HaStyle (Rhymes) being a former mic sparring partner with Apani B Fly MC & Lifelong, both Configa and HaS are a product of the Golden Era which is a vibe apparent throughout this EP. With their time spent grinding both have endured unscrupulous times and have been stung by the industry. With Configa himself currently going through a battle at the moment after having a beat jacked and openly jacked too might I add, and to everyone in the know and people I’ve spoken to its obviously been jacked!! Find out more here in Configa’s An Open Letter to Epic Records re: TeeFlii “Change Your World”
Also, Check out a recent radio interview Configa gave on the matter here
However, (Getting back on topic!!) since a chance meeting Between Configa and HaS a few years ago things clicked for the duo and for our musical pleasure a match was made in heaven! I was lucky enough to hear the opening joint of the EP near to a year ago, so you can appreciate I’ve been waiting a while for this release and man it doesn’t disappoint!
Configa lays down the dope soundscape of soul filled samples, head nodding, neck snapping beats as HaStyle laces the musical canvas with his lyricism. HaS is not an emcee to be slept on, he has a great delivery and flow accompanied by the ability to deliver gritty rhymes and unlike a lot of emcees he is able to tell a story with his narrative driven raps.
Straight from pressing play this EP bumps, with the opening track ‘CB4H’ with HaStyle stating “We’re attacking the mainstream from the underground” before going on a lyrical onslaught. Followed quickly by the heavy track ‘Ghetto USA’, featuring Rashan, which tells the gritty truths of growing up in the ghetto without glorifying it over Configa’s dope production and well chosen sample for the hook.
The EP moves swiftly on with HaStyle displaying his storytelling abilities over Configa’s smooth production for the joint ‘Love Lost’ another track that I really dig. There really is not a joint on this 9 track EP worth skipping. Whether it be the track ‘R.I.P’ paying homage to all the greats, or HaStyle calling out fellow Barbers from his other profession with the track ‘Razor Bumps’ which anyone who’s had a fade can relate to over a reggae inspired beat from Configa.
‘7MCs’ is another favourite and the conceptial track ‘Lost in Space’ reminds me a little of something Kool Keith may have come up with which is a huge compliment to HaStyle. Let’s be real here there just isn’t a weak joint on this EP!
What I love most about this project is the time and love that has obviously gone in to it. To many submissions we receive here at HHLAT, are various emcees working with numerous producers dropping material week after week, while I applaud their workrate, for me you can’t beat a producer/emcee collaboration where they work closely together to produce a piece of art, which is what we have with Configa and HaStyle Present The Calm Before Hastility.
As an example of the love put into the project, HaStyle (with yet more creativity on display) has been putting together a comic series depicting the adventures of the duo in the build up to the EP release, I’ve collected a few for you to view below.
This is just a taste of the comic series for earlier episodes search on FB or Twitter #ConfigHaS
SO, If it’s that real underground Hip Hop that sound you are after then Configa and HaStyle Present The Calm Before Hastility EP is just for you! Yeah YOU!!! The EP is now available for pre order and will be available to download from 5th January 2015!
Remember this is just the beginning, with a full LP already recorded and expected for release later in the year expect BIG things from Configa and HaStyle in the coming months. With the artwork from HaS and the quality of the music I hope this will come with some kind of physical release either CD or Limited Edition Vinyl run or even Retro Cassettes are proving popular again. Let’s hope so!
Anyway enough gas from me, don’t take my word for it on how dope it is, here is a taste of what to expect from the EP check out the promo mix here and don’t forget to Pre Order your copy of the EP below
Configa & HaStyle Present: “The Calm Before HaStility EP” (DJ RuKisS Promo Mix)
Wolverhampton rapper Big Ribzy has a come a long way in the last few years, performing with the likes of Genesis Elijah, Phili N Dotz, Raggo Zulu Rebel and Supar Novar, he has concreted himself in the Midlands hip-hop scene. His mixtape ‘King Size Blues’ really solidified himself as an emcee of great things, but now with his debut album he has unleashed a much deeper body of work that really in commendable. Produced by Lost Alliance, a duo also from Wolverhampton, the album has some amazing highlights with the beats making the quality of the songs. ‘Blunts & Insecurities’ is an album of diverse Hip-Hop goodness and we think you will be bang into this!
Big Ribzy – Blunts & Insecurities (Produced by Lost Alliance) Track-list:
01 – First Track
02 – Nobody But You
03 – Drop It Low
04 – Petrified
05 – Cypher Feat. Twiggy & Lost Alliance
06 – Spark In Her Eye
07 – Pray For Me
08 – Around Here
09 – Best Thing I Ever Had
10 – Insecurities (Deeper Than Music)
All tracks produced by Lost Alliance
All tracks mixed & mastered by DeBate Music
Manchester is a city that has long been associated with music and culture, and has played a part in almost all areas of British music, probably most famously during the Brit Pop era of the early 90’s,however (maybe due to my southerners ignorance!) I had not been aware of much Manny Hip Hop.
However over the past few years the city has been producing more and more artists that are impossible to ignore, whether its the live band party vibes of The Mouse Outfit (and their stellar cast of guest MC’s), the wavey ‘sweg’ of Black Josh , the gritty, hard styling’s of Meany or Mosh Team, or the party starting, sound system inspired Chimpo, Manny has been making serious noise!
Continuing the Manchester onslaught is talented MC Sangy, and his debut release on Room 2 Records, ‘Introspection’.
The 7 Track EP is the second release of 2014 for Sangy (the first being his independently released EP ‘Paving the Way’) and is a solid and well rounded showcase for the various styles and flows that seem to effortlessly flow from his pen.
Throughout the EP Sangy’s confident ,but relaxed, delivery and flow perfectly compliment the organic, smooth beats provided by Manny go – to producers Pro P and Kydro, and the mix of styles and tempos keeps the listener’s interest.
All in all this is a solid release, and there will be no need for the skip button! Highlight’s include the bouncy double time party tune ‘One Night’ featuring Blind MIC and Afro Sam, the lead single ‘Deadline Day’, and the cautionary, rather sad, track ‘Joe (skit)’, the latter highlighting Sangy’s story telling ability.
Definitely one to add to the growing number of banging Manny releases, and a name I will certainly be keeping an eye on.
Words; Chris
Stream and download Sangy’s ‘Introspection’ EP here
As Rappers/ MC’s go Inja is part of a small number (along with the likes of Dabbla, Fallacy, Foreign Beggars, Sway and Skinnyman) who are happy spitting on almost any genre of music. Be it late 90’s Boom Bap with The Delegates OF Culture (The crew that Inja, along with Skuff and Stakka Lyrics, among others, came up in), Dubstep influenced Bioviolence banger’s (The duo’s remix of Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’ even got airplay on the BBC) or holding down hosting duties at Warning, the UK’s longest running Drum and Bass night, the man is comfortable with all!.
Therefore one never knows what to expect from an Inja release, which is no bad thing!
‘First World Living’ is Inja’s latest release, and sees him return after a couple of years off, as he has recently become a dad. Fans of Inja’s melting pot of sounds and influences will not be dissapointed, as the EP packs in Trap influenced bangers such as ‘Nothings Changed’ (a personal favourite) , which sees Inja smashing the Bioviolence beat with some sick double time flows and expert delivery, alongside reflective and thought provoking selections such as ‘Camb Shores’ and ‘The Greatest’.
Another highlight is the title track, which sees Inja comparing the trials and tribulations of living in a developed country to the plight of those less fortunate, and gives a clear message that we are relatively lucky, and to shut up moaning, because it could be worse! What really makes this track stand out however is the hook, beautifully combining the soulful vocals of the very talented Kimberley Newell with Inja’s sing- song voice to make one of my favourite hooks this year.
And if you’re stuck for what to make for dinner, let Inja help you out with a cheeky fish recipe on the clever ‘Cooking Song’!
Inja – ‘The Cooking Song’ (VIDEO)
I think this EP could well be up there in my top 5 UK releases of the year, such is its refreshing sound, solid content and re-play value! Great work from the Cambridge resident and the producers, Sumgii, 184, Pierre Green, Dan Gresham and Bioviolence who provide the backdrop for this well rounded and entertaining release.
Words; Chris
Inja’s ‘First World Living’ EP is out on Monday 17th November released on Audio Danger Records and is available to Pre-Order on Bandcamp
The latest release from long serving veteran, and Nottingham legend Cappo comes in the form of ‘Unicron’, a joint EP with producer, and De Facto Entertainment CEO Stealf.
Those familiar with Cappo’s brand of intricate lyricism will know what to expect… Intricate, simile heavy wordplay, effortless delivery and just the right amount of clever bragging.
Lyrically this EP will not disappoint, and combined with Stealf’s atmospheric, headnodding production makes for a hypnotic late night meditator.
Cappo is a true original in the scene, and seems to effortlessly deliver complex lyrics and obscure metaphors all while keeping the attention of the listener by referencing every day scenario’s. This creates a place for the listener where the everyday is transformed in to the slightly surreal, sometimes with an almost cinematic effect.
It is very apparent on this EP that the songs have been carefully constructed, with every beat perfectly matching the pace and flow of the lyrics, so much so that you do not at first understand the craftmanship that has gone in to the project, such is its seamlessness.
This is not music to party to, nor is it intended to be, but is more a study in complex lyricism, effortless flows and hypnotic beats.
One that the headnodders and Cappo fans will no doubt enjoy immensely.
Words; Chris
Stream and download the dope ‘Unicron’ EP here for just £2.50!
Simon Cowell is a prick. He’s taken an abstract concept to define an immeasurable talent and personality, and watered down the impact of it. What am I going on about I hear you ask? The X factor. That thing that you can’t buy or sell, that you can’t explain you just feel, is now associated with drivel. But let me tell you Flo has the X factor in droves, and she defines it. I am lucky enough to have been aware of this talented woman for a little while now and even in a short space of time she has cemented many a new fan, and has herself grown as both a singer and more so a writer.
So here we have her debut solo release ‘Lazy Days’, a 9 track blissful journey of charisma and confidence. At a blue print level its a brave project. to have a female singer involved heavily in the underground Hip Hop scene that is characteristically male led could lead to one of two things: either we get songs about shaking your ass and how broke men are, or we get a strong positive character and role model, it rarely ever seems to be anything other than those polar ends of the scale in my opinion.
Thankfully to those of us blessed with IQ points it’s the latter, Flo is such a fine example of how to have class and creativity as a female songwriter. It bothered me to bring gender into it but it is a pertinent topic I think we all know that and it’s refreshing to have such a genuine artist come through.
Now back to the music, because it’s an absolute delight of a listen. The layers and levels are obvious from the choice of classic Hip Hop instrumentals, to the vocal gymnastics and harmonies. With a vocal range to shame any famous pop singer she oozes ability and most importantly fun when she sings.
I could break it down in a million ways but that would take away from just how good it is to just listen to, be it early morning chilling vibes through to wavey skanking, it’s sure to become some peoples mainstay feel good groove to listen to. Strongly written lyrics and airy melodies are what set Flo apart from pretty much any other female singer/songwriter you care to compare her to, which some are foolishly prone to do.
You really have to ask yourself, what It is you want from your music? Now if it’s genuine craft and talent you are after then this is definitely something you must check out. When you play this loud it seems to nullify any worries you have while you nod your head and vibe along with it. Again given that this released most prominently into the Hip Hop scene (as far as I see it anyway) it’s a welcome change to the over serious and ego heavy world of rappers, whilst still having that classic style production we can all get on board with to bridge the taste gap.
Top, top notch stuff from a very promising artist that I hope to hear a lot more from in the future. Side note, I can’t see how she’d have many lazy days writing something this good haha. ‘Lazy Days’, get it in you life.
Fliptrix is a man that should need no introduction, but for the uninitiated he is the founder of powerhouse UK label High Focus Records, and 1/4 of the group ‘The Four Owls’ (along with label mates Verb-T, Leaf Dog and BVA) and one he is one of the most unique and inspiring rappers to come out of the scene in a long time.
‘Polyhymnia’ is Flipper’s 5th album and the title is based around the subject of Muses, the 9 ancient Greek goddesses of inspiration. Of the nine masked spirit women adorning the cover which all represent specific sources of inspiration, ‘Polyhymnia’ is the muse of sacred poetry, geometry, meditation and eloquence, which are themes which pertain heavily to Fliptrix as an artist.
The other muses surrounding the Ouroboros (snake eating its tail, representing eternity/life/death & rebirth) represent everything from tragedy, history, comedy, astrology, music, poetry and more which are all themes that are also touched upon on the album.
As you can see by this deep and highly meaningful title and artwork Fliptrix is an artist who is not afraid to delve in to the very essence of what makes us human, and this is explored throughout the album, most obviously on ‘Praise The Sun’ featuring a blusey, feel good chorus from man of the moment Rag N Bone Man, ‘Here Today, Gone Tomorrow‘ and ‘Reflections’, which features the Four Owls.
Throughout the album Fliptrix remains positive and philosophical, dropping words of wisdom and personal thoughts that many will be able to relate to. However this is not to say that there isn’t a feast of razor sharp bars, witty wordplay and consistently excellent beats, provided by Molotov to keep everyone happy.
All in all this is an album that will leave you with no need for the skip button.
Personal highlights include the afore mentioned ‘Praise The Sun’, the effortless skippy flows on ‘Polyhymnia’, an ode to the many quality’s of music, and also the track featuring Chester P ‘Alchemical Vessel’, but really the whole album is a triumph and could well be a contender for album of the year in my humble opinion.
The album launch tour kicks off in London tomorrow, check the flyer below to see if Fliptrix and the High Focus crew are coming to a City/Town near you
hiphoplifeandtimes 