))ALBUMS
‘Ghetto Tactics’, before returning to that more offerings. With some seriously epic soundscapes of the guests aren’t all that either, but only a small
laidback sound, as the Jazz Cartel, with the rolling this LP should get even the most unimaginative proportion (guest spots are all about business these
‘Freedom Time’. Firing drumfunk flavas are handled heads thinking. An apocalyptic post millennium days anyway). It seems ridiculous trying to find
here by A-Sides, who appears with his recent tension is evident throughout, and such themes are faults anyway as from here on the LP shines. Missy
single ‘Spread Love’, and Greg Packer, who serves explored musically to the fullest extent. Tracks like has got the golden touch and (with the able
up a delicious slice of drum & double bass from ‘Playing With The Big Boys’ raise a smile as the Ruf assistance of Timbaland) from the intro skit through
down under, in the shape of ‘We Hear Drumz’. kicks a story in which he name checks all manner of to the final hidden track “Miss E...” bumps. Most
Further smooth and summery grooves come from big league muso’s, managing to diss Oasis early on must have heard ‘Get UR Freak On’ which is maybe
Dune, with ‘White Sands’, Tertius, who goes in the proceedings! This one is the longest number, the best example of the LP’s strengths - the beat is
all Balearic on his ‘Holiday’ and Carlito & Addiction’s ending after seven and a half minutes! Elsewhere out there - a mix of ragga and bhangra sensibilities.
magnificent ‘Supergrass’, an essential track, to top a old skool ethics are apparent in some dancefloor This premise, of musical diversity and aiming to
marvellous album. RA bombshells, and ambient sci-fi vibes drift about the send carnival-sized crowds into flip mode is the
mix in a predominantly instrumental outing. driving force. And Missy has come up with the
HIP HOP Vehemently anti-industry, The Ruf is a one man goods, whether it be 80s influenced ‘Old School
army, however he does let K-Delight and Jabba Joint’, or ode to masculine neurosis ‘One Minute
DECLAIME The Cut (ill name) lend a hand or four with their Man’ it’s all good. An LP with mad soul, that’s
ANDSOITSAID
SUPERRAPPIN
sharp turntable terrorism. Once again Ruf Beats certain to keep Elektra shareholders happy to boot
This is an album that will grab you and not let go.
keeping shit unique. BW - the term is result I believe. L
Infectious hooks and loops have had me bumping it
all day everyday, and I’m not in the slightest bit
LONDON POSSE MOKA ONLY
GANGSTER CHRONICLE LIME GREEN
bored. Declaime is a master of the laidback left coast WORDPLAY BATTLEAXE
drawl, down with the Lootpack crew this mainly Bionic and Rodney P were dropping London This is an officially inspirational album. For those
Madlib produced LP hits the spot with every spin. It’s accents with the JA lick when most people were that know, from previous Moka releases, expect to
the funkiest material to hit the streets since Lord saying it shouldn’t be done and, in retrospect, a hear some wily, soulful and complex material. The
Quas touched down. D has the stories, the battle massive shout out needs to be given to these man has been blessed to a jealousy inspiring
styles, the insight. All this makes for some special innovators for laying the foundations to what’s here degree, as it is Moka Only who has dealt with most
music, with his focus on all the right areas. Clever today. Wordplay has wisely pressed it to double of the production and, of course, handled the
‘less is more’ rhyming is how it’s dropped with his vinyl and plumped up the original package with microphone duties. The style is going to fox a few
character being the dominant factor. Declaime’s some of the London Posse’s later releases - check harder heads. The production is almost exclusively
voice will keep you magnetised. Draw closer. BW ‘Funky Rhyme, Funky Style’ and ‘Pass Me The synthesiser music, which in my head sounds like a
Rizla’. And in fairness it is these that appease wide berth should be steered. But forget that any
DEF TEX today’s sensibilities more. The content of then and excesses of the 80s are wisely avoided. All the
SERENE BUG
SON
now ain’t changed a jot though, as the partners melodies have soul dripping from every bar. It’s a
Why Def Tex are even slightly slept on within the
endeavour in chasing as many women as possible brave step to make and one that shows Moka is a
media keeps me awake at night. Here at last is the
and doing their lungs long term damage. But it goes madly talented musician. Lyrically he reflects the
full length album, and believe me it is an awesome
to show that nothing changes, they sound fresh virtues of the West US (and uncannily similar to
work. Pushing parameters of delivery, flows and
as... and that’s the final word. The production is Mos Def and Common sometimes too), weaving his
programming these Norwich natives have pioneered
obviously more age damaged, but in hip hop this is flow around, amongst and side by side with the
the music for well over a decade and ‘Serene Bug’ is
a universal precedent, be it Biz’s greatest hits or beat. Wordplay is prominent and stands proud with
one of the most impeccable records I’ve ever had the
London Posse’s. I would of course say buy it as I try the best of them. Add to this a natty singing voice
pleasure to hear, let alone review. There is so much
and grab anything Rodney P has released recently, and line in melodies that lace much of the
going on here my measly column space cannot do it
but being more interested in Super Sprint on the choruses. It makes me sick, frankly. A damn fine
the justice it rightly deserves, however, let me say it’s
Atari than rap music, when ‘Gangster Chronicles’ debut. Ladies and Gentlemen doff your hats for the
got every angle covered, with some amazing guest
first dropped it’s a personal bonus. The new and mighty Moka Only. L
spots adding further flavour to the feast. Chrome and
improved version is an essential addition for the
Anthropologist are unarguably the most incredible
crates of any rap devotee. L REACHOUT
ROKS N’ ROLLS
lyricists our shores have ever conceived. The LP
includes immortal cuts from their classic 12”s and
MISSY MISDEMEANOUR
OH-EYE RECORDS
even an accapella track. ‘Toes Are Sinking’ (with its
ELLIOTT
Scottish artist Reachout does just that here with an
MISS E... SO ADDICTIVE
eyebrowraisingly impressive LP. Largely slept on
live instrumentation) might even make you cry. This ELEKTRA below his home turf Reachout steps into the fore
LP commands your ownership this summer, with its Well, to say this is unexpected is pushing British and lets it be known he has some serious ability.
jazzed out anthems and devastating display of skills. understatement to its limits. Missy hasn’t featured With a big hand in the production and some smooth
In a league of their own, Def Tex have produced a amongst this shit for brains Ikea shelving since verbals, this man has made an indelible mark. The
masterpiece. BW SWV dropped ‘Can We’. And what a fool I was for LP oozes soul and guest spots (Roots Manuva,
the neglect. I can see my positive sentiments going Philly, Africa Sam, Profisee, Necaras) show a knack
JEEP BEAT against the grain of feeling of those reading this for successful collaborations. The beats are crisp
COLLECTIVE mag primarily for the hip hop reviews, but listen up
and turntablist’s will not be displeased with the
DEATHRACE 2001
RUF BEATS
alright. For the sake of it, I’ll start on a negative assortment of DJs flexing within. Expressive stuff,
The Ruf returns with a full length release of more out
angle: The content sometimes smarts a bit. ‘Bling yet maintaining the refinement that is oh so
there atmospherics and fundamentally independent
Bling’ still doesn’t cut the cheese and a proportion essential. Check it. BW
70 KNOWLEDGE
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