Yesterday I was out and about spending my hard earned cash thinking “I’ve gotta get myself home soon, I’ve got loads to do on HHLAT (Although I didn’t think in abbreviations) when this dude approaches me with a handful of CDs. Good timing or what? He tells me his name is Breakbeat and he’s a rapper and a drummer who’s worked with Estelle, Tinie T (although not my favourite performers I can’t hate on his past credits), I can’t fault anyone hustling hard for their career so I part with my £3 and take the CD back home with me.
The first thing I noticed about Breakbeat’s 18 track-CD is how prevalent his drumming truly is. It’s a welcome fresh air to overproduced logic beats, and whilst there’s nothing wrong with programmed beats it’s just very refreshing to hear an organic drum kit on the tracks. It’s reminiscent of Travis Barker and DJ AM’s tracks and Los Nativos’ use of live drums.
The CD is a healthy mix of fast paced jams and laid back mixes nicely balanced out gives the album a good variation. The opening track is a good combination of both; I’m not sure of the track listing so for now we’ll go with “track 1”. Breakbeat’s flow is showcased well on this song and this could easily be played within a club or chilled setting. Throughout the record Breakbeat constantly bounces from these two levels of flow and it served as a good way to grab you.
I’m also happy to report that there’s no talk of guns, hoes or bling at all. The lyrics are strictly positive, upbeat and good natured, and whether he’s talking about working hard on his music grind or romancing a girl he exudes a confident but self aware swagger that I can’t hate on. The only downside of this release is the use of autotune. I’m not a fan of it at the best of times, but when a good MC uses it I always wonder why you’d want to ruin a good thing but T-Paining it?
One thing I noted is that you can hear Breakbeat’s influences don’t lie exclusively within hip-hop, but ranges from jazz, soul and rock and this is really showcased on track 3 and 10 (I think it’s called “Terrible Monday”). If you need anymore convincing of his drumming and mcing skills though, look no further than track 13. It’s by far my personal stand-out track.
So there you go, I parted with 3 of my diamonds and jewels and ended up hearing some fresh and original songs. I can’t say better than that.
Recommended if you like: Travis Barker/DJ AM, Los Nativos, early Bashy.
