Hip Hop Release Round-up

Blogs

Mystro Presents
The F.D.T. EP
Don't Bizznizz
I've always been a fan of Mys Diggi aka Digmund Freund aka Mystro. He has the voice to masterfully spit lyrics through the music so that all his rhythms and content are crystal clear for the listener to enjoy.

The F.D.T. EP sees Mystro in a more moodier state of mind than usual with much of the content focusing on issues he feels that need addressing. The music reflects this well.

Favourite joint from the EP would probably be Maintain produced by Earth Hip Hop, sounding like an MF Doom production, Mystro discusses the hard work that has to be put in in order to succeed and survive in the music business.

There is plenty of variety musically and lyrically and the smooth styled Aquarius is a good example of this, with Mystro rhyming in a more reflective mood. F.D.T. is a solid taster of Mystro's skills and certainly leaves me ready for more from one of the best MCs the UK has to offer. Look out for the full LP in 2010.

Souls of Mischief
Proper Aim
Heiroglyphics Imperium
Proper Aim is the first single to be taken from the highly anticipated Montezuma's Revenge LP. On first listen it takes me right back to 1993. Now I don't mean this in a negative way as it reminds me of the good feeling I had when I first listened to albums such as the Freestyle Fellowship LP Innercity Griots. It was also the year that was famously mentioned in their classic '93 'til Infinity.

The track has a cool double bass sample and a nice laid back beat. But the highlight is the smooth lyrical flows from the Souls crew, which content and rhythm kept me keenly listening throughout the whole song.

Proper Aim can be best be described as a classic sound (not 'old school' as some mistakingly call it) and why change a hip hop formula when it already works?

Judging by their last trip to the UK they still have their fan base firmly intact too.

Kidkanevil
Basho Basho
First Word Records

If minimal electro is your thing you will love Basho Basho from Kidkanevil.

Kid clearly takes much of his influences on this LP from a mixture of environmental sound FX, computer games and some unique sounds from Asia and Japan. For example tracks such as the long titled The Whistling Of Wintry Wind Lantern 2 Bokusha 3! feature the lovely sound of the kyoto harp mixed with some really nice programmed drum beats, reminding me a little of early Photek. The Asian theme continues with the track such as Drunken Master and Land of Plenty Bokusha 2.

One of my favourites is the computer game inspired single Megajoy with its Pacman, Bomberman and Mario game samples, is right up my street (being an early computer games nerd).

Basho Basho is minimal in places with some tracks consisting of no drum patterns at all. But the music certainly does take your imagination on an interesting journey. The rich electronic soundscapes on this LP are sometimes very relaxing, sometimes quite intense but certainly always enjoyable. Clever, imaginative music!

Greymatter
We Are One / Watch This
Unique Uncut
This isn't hip hop but sometimes I need beats like this in my life. Beats with a powerful engine behind it, pumping beats mixed with thumping basslines. Both tracks on this single release have a really cool, simple production concept combined with a strong energy which focuses on contemporary rhythms.

We Are One comes with a dubstep approach to its sound, sparse in places, yet heavy too. The track has some strong percussion patterns and warm bass sounds which you'll only fully appreciate on a big soundsystem.

Watch This has more of a West London feel about it, definitely more broken in its drum style and it comes with a lovely punching keyboard melody that weaves in and out of the whole tune. Simple and effective, modern electronica with a heavy club sound! Looking forward to hearing the whole Mind Over Matter LP which will be dropping on Unique Uncut in February 2010.

Words: Richy Pitch

Tags: