Dead PLayers - Freshly Skeletal

2015 has been a great year for UKHH. High Focus are mainly responsible for that with this years release line up still chomping out beasty LP's for people like us to sink our teeth into and they are yet to disappoint. This marks the second release from Dead Players, a musical trio comprised of Jam Baxter, Dabbla and producer GhostTown. All three artists are at the very peak of their game on this record, with each track showing a progressive and all-round psychedelic approach to composition and story crafting. Having always been big fans of all three, upon hearing the debut Dead Players LP we didn't think it would be possible to upstage it.  There was just literally nothing to compare it to, it existed as a lonely anomaly, a beacon to other UK artists proving that the boundaries of hip-hop are there to be pushed.

   But oh were we wrong. From the first to last track this album is as demanding mentally as is it physically. We dare you to try not skankin' down the road with this in your headphones.... nah, didn't think so. Like the last Dead Players release, we don't want to give too much away and dampen the experience of your first time hearing it, but we will break it down for you.

After a hauntingly strained vocal sample GhostTown drops the heavy kicks and shuffled snare with Dabbla making the first move on this album with his menacing first verse. Both Dabbla and Jams approach this one with a laid back demeanor but still manage to be lethal with their delivery. Dabblas drawn out flow works perfectly to set the hazy vibe of track. This is possibly one of the best intros to an album that we've heard all year, which is definitely saying something with some the absolute bangers coming out of the hip hop scene in the past few months. The hook… The hook though….  Oh Well is a monster.  This tune is f***ing big.

Billa showcases Ghosttowns ability to make massive soundscapes with minimal application. Sparse bellowous kicks and crunchy claps offer a hazy groove with the war-chant type vocal sample ringing effectively throughout. Huge bass drops are used to great effect which are accompanied by big pads for added ambiance. Both emcees kill this track with Jam engaging first with his vocab heavy execution and Dabbla with his cool but hyped bars, both giving an extended middle finger to the washed-up norm of everyday life. The next tune, Nah, has one of the catchiest riffs that'll be stuck in your head for head for days, in the best of ways. GhostTown kills it yet again on the production (seeing a pattern here) with this eastern European inspired beat. The tiny organ chops are a great addition to the already stella arrangement. Both emcees are literally killing it, we're wondering if anyone's going to make it home alive.

 If you’re reading this review then you’ve probably already heard the absolute banger debut off of the album, Call Us Now. This tune has already become a bit of an anthem, the beat is nuts and the lyricism of both Baxter and Dabbla is a perfect showcase of what to expect for the rest of the album. Ghosttowns selection of Super Mario esque sound effects along with the drip-drop style percussion is enough to get you moving within seconds of this wizardry hitting your ears.  Both Baxter and Dabbla’s flows throughout this tune are so hype that you just know it is going to go off when this drops at their next show.

Baxter is in his element on B.A.W.G, spitting violently and morbidly about so called “civilization” over another sinister sounding beat from GhostTown. The whole vibe of this track is very ominous and looming, which pairs perfectly with Jams admirable ability to metaphorically take you on a journey through his prodigiously dark thoughts. Dabbla, never one to hold back, goes in on the younger generation reminding young hip hop heads/emcees to pace themselves in their rush to seem older and wiser, or how he so delicately puts it, "younger rappers thinking it’s cool if they act older, just another chip off the block of a fat boulder". Know, your, place.

Lee Scott’s vocals was a genius addition to Do It with its old school R&B style vibe, only this isn't an ode to no love interest…well…if getting off your face is a love interest then we guess it kind of is. GhostTowns production on this one is flawlessly progressive from each verse to the hook, which adds a certain dreaminess to the subject matter in the strangest of ways. Ringing is another eerily heavy beat from Ghosttown which is reminiscent of one of those 'dungeony' boss level from a 90's platform game. This is another track on the album where the Dead Players take a more serious tone to their lyrical content with both emcees spitting truth about the constructs of society and how our false sense of freedom is kept secure through many different means. Deep.

High is a massive f**** you to anyone who thinks that it’s OK to tell you how to live your life (and whether or not you should take drugs). The beat starts off like a holiday with some dreamy synth and a steady bongo-style drum loop, but GhostTown likes to keep us guessing with this one as it almost immediately switches up in a way that you do not see coming. Dabbla’s call for GhostTown to “Bus’ a likkle something she can skank to” is definitely well received as the beat progresses into yet another gritty melody accompanied by the same crisp and in your face drum samples that GhostTown has been showcasing within each track so far.

 

Throughout the album GhostTown has made a habit of leading his listeners into a false sense of security with the intros to his beats and Infinite Limousine is certainly no exception. We won’t ruin it for you too much, but, JEEZ. The amount that this beat evolves with each lyricist that has had the honour of spitting over it is madness. With such a variety of artists featured on this track it’s hard not to get lively when listening to it, especially with UKHH’s newcomer Ocean Wisdom gracing us with his undeniable presence amongst the likes of Sox, Illaman and Orifice Vulgatron. Big features for another big tune. 

The last two tracks, in our opinion, is an example of one of the many perfect ways to close an album. They almost work in tandem, both capturing a similar vibe yet contrast seamlessly with the different vocal styles and auditory arrangements. Cooked is hype from the get go with its screechy violins, trappy hats, boomin' kicks and the sharp-as-hell deliverance from both emcees, never relenting for a single second. The war-drum style hooks add an element of primal surrealism whilst Dabs and Jam kill with bar after bar. But it's Drenching that smashes the outro with the most impact. After the gully vibes that were dished out on the previous track, to the slow, laid back sound and vocals in this one, we can see what GhostTown has done here. Equipped with one of the best hooks on the album, the closing track is recollective of first one, almost giving a full circle sense of a journey drawing to a close. Hopefully not for too long though.

Freshly Skeletal is a beast of an album from start to finish. An erratic blend of dysfunction and chaos told by two of the most gifted emcees on the scene with GhostTowns monster beats to provide the sonic canvas. We look forward to hearing some of these finely crafted anthems out on the many tours that these boys find themselves on and we can only assure that it will be massively messy and ridiculously live, just how we like it. We strongly implore that you grab a copy of Freshly Skeletal upon release if you haven't planned to already. Dead Players have well and truly smashed it again. Links to purchase the album will be provided below.

ORDER 'FRESHLY SKELETAL' ON CD: http://bit.ly/1NLOIIW
ORDER 'FRESHLY SKELETAL' ON LIMITED EDITION VINYL: http://bit.ly/1MIwfOC
ORDER 'FRESHLY SKELETAL' DIGITAL: http://bit.ly/1NLPp51

Dead Players Exclusive Bars

Reviewed by NDLC and Chantelle O'Keefe

Dirty Dike - Sucking On Prawns In The Moonlight

 Dirty Dike seems to be on the verge of having his most successful couple of years to date. Having produced the Rag N Bone Man EP and Lee Scotts Butter Fly album he is now gaining as much attention for his skills as a producer as he is with his already legendary status as an emcee. That takes nothing away from his previous accomplishments with Contact Play and albums Constant DikeStar and Return Of The Twat to name a few. But since he has added making beats to his skill set Dirty Dike seems to be everywhere, which is good for us. Not only is he producing the highly anticipated Chaos 93, Ocean Wisdoms debut LP, he has also managed to pump out a new solo album "Sucking On Prawns In The Moonlight", a monster piece of work set to raise his status and the game once again. Using a variety of producers for this project we also get to hear him rap over his own beats which is something (to our knowledge) he has kept separate until now. Like many of you, we have been eagerly awaiting a new solo release from our favourite outspoken rapper. The wait is finally over, check out our first impressions and final thoughts.

 After swelling ominous drones and screeches, the opening track Great Attempt beings with a thick sombre atmosphere and deep melodies. Forget how you anticipated a Dike album to start, this is way better. The track creates a growing level of suspense in anticipation for the inevitable beat drop, which is as impactful as it is genius. This track fully sets the tone for the album and although we are going to see the old Dikestar that we know and love, this artist has adopted some new trains of thought which are reflected in his more recent works. Just when you think this track couldn't get any better, Fliptrix drops in. The opening track of an album needs to make a statement, Sam Zircon and Naive over deliver with the beat (which is so damn good when it finally drops) and with having the man behind High Focus also feature makes it all the more monumental. Alcoholic Tosser lulls you into a false sense of security with its catchy intro that quickly switches into the dark hip hop vibes we have come to associate with Dikestar. Both producer and Dike go in hard for this track. Before his opening verse we get a great throwback 90's style hook giving Chairman Mafs beat even more character. Dike hits his bars with flawless execution barely pausing for breath as he spews brilliance.

Dirty Dike - I Ain't Got A Clue

 You have all seen it, watch it again. The first taste of the album came in the form of the epic "I Ain't Got A Clue" video which is now available with instrumental here.  Defiantly a stand out track and a great way to showcase what is to come. Mallory and Josephine takes a darker turn immediately with the eerie sound effects over the beat and brutal drums that match the tone of the lyrical content in Dikes bars. We hear the tragic tale of two protagonists who are born into misery and slip down a horrific path of violence, drugs, prostitution and insanity. Dike is excellent at crating complex stories and this track sees him take a more serious approach whereas he may have used a more comedic angle in he past. The is a new and improved Dike. We still get the priceless one liners and the meaningful content, just through the eyes of a more experienced Dikestar, showing how he has evolved as an artist, giving a deeper vibe to some of the tracks featured on the album.

Dirty Dike - Isleham Swamp

 The second single to be released of the album, Isleham Swamp was a nice surprising shift in mood away from the last track, with a more sentimental take on this track. Joe Corfield gives us a chilled beat with delicate pianos and vocal shots and Dike delivers a another stella performance. Link to order the single is here. After a quick Lamb Shank Intermission we're introduced to the second half of the album which kicks off with the semi titular Prawns. Dikestar smashes the bars over a filtered beat before it bounces to life, another banging piece of production from Chairman Mafs. "Sucking On Prawns In The Moonlight" was described in the press pack as "any mischievous outdoor moonlit adventure, that feels luxurious to you in any way, whether you know it or not" which I think we've all been guilty of at some point... and now we have a soundtrack for those such occasions. Take Over featuring Remus starts heavy from the get go. Hypnotic vocal chants and Indian flavoured licks laid over a tight drum loop are the foundation for this banger. Mixing up the vibes again in this tune as Remus and Dike go in on the verse with a beasty hook to match.

Paper Tigers up next packed full of scratchy keys and ominous melodies. The track features Task Forces' Chester P and The Four Owls Verb T. All three emcees kill it on this track with flows that all compliment the mellow yet mildly sinister tones conjured up from the beat. Me And You is punchline after punchline by two of the finest in the scene. Featuring Jam Baxter on this one, both Dike and Baxter smash a lengthy verse each branding some classic one liners from both. These boys together are on another level, and that shows from the various tours and colabs they've produced over the years. This one is no different. Production on this one is handled by Dike himself and he captures the simplicity of the vibe of the track with a neck cracker of a beat.

This is followed up by Crystal Candy with its chilled pads and melancholic keys, Dirty Dike tells a personal and vivid story of a first hand account of watching the devastating effects of drug abuse and self destruction. Dike strikes a fine balance between subtle and the blunt force of a hammer with ease and the result is a haunting track full of raw aggression, offsetting the mood of the contrasting beat behind it. Feast is next and Konchis provides a sombre backbeat with minimalist percussion for Dike to come in hard with the vicious bars that we all love him for and makes it seem so effortless with the laid back delivery on this one. We hear about Dikes frustrations with the music industry throughout the first verse and this is backed up with a great hook. One of the best tracks on the album (which is saying something), Hold My Hands is a deep and slow moving track with an honest and oddly sentimental few minutes of Dirty Dike seemingly speaking out to the people closest to him. Whether its his fans, family or friends, this tracks sheds some light on how he expresses himself to the people around him also reflecting on how he has changed over the years. Klagen brings a nice change with his sound giving Dike the perfect beat for the topics covered in his bars. The album comes to a close with an absolute monster of a track. Like his last couple of solo albums, Posse Gang Eight Million is a cypher style track featuring some of the UK's biggest rappers. This time Dike is joined by Remus, Ocean Wisdom, Jam Baxter, Lee Scott and Dabbla. Dike produced the dark beat and as always likes to wrap things up in style.

After Return Of The Twat, we at Locality Reviews thought. Dike had reached his peak, putting out a great album and showing he truly is one of the best around. We didn't think he was done, just reached the limit of how good he would get. But since then he has found new ways to excel even further as a hip hop artist by put out the Dirty Dike Production series showing us all how talented he is at making beats and now, SOPITM blows away any foolish preconceptions of him reaching his peak. This album has the same Dike we have always loved but also gives you so much more. He has definitely spiced things up by having a so much variety when it comes to the style of tracks on the album, that includes everything from the lyrics/stories told, the plethora of producers used (including himself) and all the guest features from a host of heavyweight UKHH stars. Dike has once again out done himself with this new release not only raising his status as an artist, but also raising the profile of the whole UKHH scene. Massive props to Dike for the new album, this is one hundred percent his finest work to date. Easily a five star album.

http://shop.high-focus.com/product/dirty-dike-sucking-on-prawns-in-the-moonlight-limited-edition-vinyl-pre-order

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Reviewd by Double S & NDLC

New Vids

Illinformed - Wheres The Bud ft Eric The Red, Leaf Dog and DJ Riseone

Taken from The Mould Tape, Wheres The Bud is the first track to get an official video from the new Illinformed LP and it bangs! Featuring a who's who of UKHH artists you can grab the down load for a very reasonable £6.99 here. If you are after a hard copy you have the choice of CD, Tape, Vinyl (including a limited edition version) and an exclusive Box Set that comes in a hand painted pizza box including the 12 inch record and a load of goodies. Check it out here.
Big up @IllinformedProd and RLD Records on this one.

Lee Scott - Butter Tits Prod Dirty Dike

Still one of my favourite albums of 2015, Butter Tits is the latest video to drop from Butter Fly. A hillarious video that fits the track perfectly. I can't say enough good things about Lee Scott as a rapper and Dike as a Producer. Check our review of the album and buy it if you haven't already from High Focus Records. Big up all involved.

Jam Baxter & Edward Scissortongue - First Bite Prod Ghost Town 

A new exclusive from the High Focus camp taken from the forthcoming album Laminated Cakes. Check the fire. JamBaxter, Ed Scissor and Ghost Town have all smashed it with this one.

Dirty Dike - Isheham Swamp Prod Joe Corfield 

Not long to wait for the highly anticipated Sucking on Prawns In The Moonlight. Dirty Dike is on fire at the moment and we have the full album review dropping tomorrow. Big up Dike for all the work he is putting in right now.

Fresh Hip Hop Videos

Verb T - Foggy Eyes - Prod by Illinformed 

Lifted straight from his new album, Foggy eyes gets an official video. This is the opening track from "The Man With The Foggy Eyes" Verb T's latest LP produced entirely by Illinformed. Check out our full album review and cop this banger.

The Man With The Foggy Eyes full album review
Buy the Vinyl
Buy the digital
https://twitter.com/realverbt - https://twitter.com/IllinformedProd

Black Josh - Ohana - Ft Sleazy - Prod by Pete Cannon

Taken from his latest EP "Smoking Kills" Black Josh has just dropped a brand new video to wet your appetite. Known for his work with Blah Records and The Mouse Outfit, Black Josh has teamed up with Pete Cannon for this five track EP. The white label vinyl comes with instrumentals for all five tracks and can be found on the Blah Records website from the link bellow.

White Label Vinyl - Blah Records
Digital Download - Blah Records
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Dr Syntax - Real Easy - Prod by Pitch (The Mouse Outfit)

Another fresh one, this time from Dr Syntax and Pitch. Released on Kompyla Records the six track "Evidence EP" is out now and available from the link bellow. Both artists have been smashing it with the UKHH band "The Mouse Outfit" finding recent success with the new album "Step Steadier" and multiple highly energetic live performances during the festival season over the past year. The duo keep up the work rate dropping this new EP and video, a must for your collection.

Kompyla Records Digital
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Dirty Dike - I Ain't Got A Clue - Prod by Joe Corfield

Speaking of work rate, Dirty Dike seems to be every where right now. His status as a top UK producer is growing stupidly fast having worked with Rag N Bone Man and Lee Scott for the first two parts of the Dirt Dike production series. It is also no secret that he is currently wrapping up an album he has produced for one of the UK's fastest rising stars Ocean Wisdom. Some how he has still found the time to write a new solo album set for release next month, "Sucking On Prawns In The Moonlight" and has dropped the above video for "I Ain't Got A Clue" giving us our first tease of his new material. With Butter Fly (Lee Scott), Chaos 93 (Ocean Wisdom) and SOPITM all slated for a 2015 release, it is safe to say it will be a real good year for the Dikestar. Keep an eye out for our full album review coming real soon.

Pre order the limited edition vinyl - High Focus Records
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Posted by Double S
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Ocean Wisdom - Splittin The Racket - Prod by Dirty Dike

Ocean Wisdom has been making some serious noise in 2015, the buzz around him all started when he dropped the video for his track "Walkin", produced by Dirty Dike. The video caused a storm over the internet leaving us all eagerly anticipating the release of his debut album on High Focus Records, "Chaos 93" which will be the next in the Dirty Dike Production series. Since then Ocean has been touring with High Focus Label over the past year hitting up many of the big name festivals with the crew, we caught his highly energetic performance at he HF 5th birthday party and it was honestly a highlight of the night.

Splittin The Racket is the first single to get a release from the album and is available now for digital download and will be available on Limited Editon Vinyl from the High Focus shop soon. Both the digital and vinyl come with the title track, "Walkin", "Watchin You" and instrumentals of all three tracks. The Vinyl also comes with an acapella and the first 150 will be signed by Ocean Wisdom. Check the videos and go pre order the vinyl! The track speaks for it's self, Ocean Wisdom has an insane delivery and manages to switch up his lyrics from slow fast paced managing to always keep everything fully audible. Dike provides a fat bass line that reminds me of Dj Muggs/Cypress Hill early work and Dj Sammy B Side polishes off the track with some slick cuts. Check the videos and pre order the Vinyl. This one is not to be missed.

Spittin The Racket

Walkin

Exclusive bars HFTV

Get the Download - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/splittin-the-racket-ep/id1030700824

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Posted by Double S

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VERB T - The Man With The Foggy Eyes - Prod by ILLINFORMED

  Once again High Focus are getting ready to drop another big release adding to their monster collection albums featuring the finest that the UK has to offer. Not long after the the release of The Four Owls' masterpiece Natural Order, Verb T and Illinformed have teamed up to bring us what we are sure will be a Massive hit. His status as a veteran emcee is fully backed up with his newest LP The Man With The Foggy Eyes. Verbs has a busy couple of years touring and gigging at festivals all over the world with the High Focus record label, recording with US heavyweight DJ Premier and doing everything else rappers dream of. After self producing both of his last solo projects Verb decided to recruit one the UK's top producers for his latest offering. IllInformed has produced the entire album bringing his signature Jazz infused Boom Bap sound that fully complements Verb T's laid back style. Having produced beats for Lee Scott, Jedi Mind Tricks, KRS ONE and many more, IllInformed is also the producer for his group Brothers Of The Stone with Leaf Dog and BVA. As you can imagine this collaboration is another great pairing from the HF record label and is a must for UK Hip Hop fans. Both Emcee and Producer have put many years into perfecting themselves as artists and seem to be at a level now where they have found their comfort zone and and can make music of the highest quality so that we, the listeners get to reap the rewards.

 The album opens with a bass heavy, head nodding jazz beat for Verb to lay down his opening bars on "Foggy Eyes". As soon as you hear this you will be fully assured this team up is going be something special. Verb T's bars are on point as usual, not just telling a story but creating vivid pictures in your mind with the amazing creativity of his lyrics. After a short interlude you are treated to the first guest emcee of the album the legendary Leaf Dog on "Rolex Dreams". For this track the theme is the aspirations of a young Verb T and how he used to dream of fame, money and living the rapstar life style, acknowledging that he has matured as an Emcee and a person. Leaf Dog gives a similar account of wanting riches and women while trying to break through, but also lets us know what is really important to him now that he is getting to where he wanted to be. The track is backed up with a funky feel good beat that sounds slightly old skool, this is a good thing and helps to back up the stories of Verb and Leaf Dog reminiscing of  the good old days.

 "Somebody Has To Pay" starts with a moody sax sample that is quickly enhanced by a smooth mellow bass as Verb T educates us on being careful with cash and the reality of living being broke, a nice touch after the track that proceeded. This is followed by "Fuck It Up", a short  upbeat track that raises the tempo with its funky guitar riff and drum break.
 

First Stone

 The first single from the album and the first track to get an official video is "First Stone". This is a great upbeat track and a perfect preview of the album. Check the video above. The beat and bars are both incredible and left us thirsty for more when we first listened. Easily a favourite. "Forgiveness" comes next featuring guest bars from Smellington Piff and Moreone. Illinformed uses organ and heavy bass to accompany the trio giving a nice smoky background for the emcees to display their lyrical talent. "Slightly Unhinged" follows with a beat that seems perfectly pitched to set the mood. The menacing keys, deep skitty bass and swung out drums build a trippy tension leading to a tone shift to what sounds like elevator music or a radio advert which just shouldn't work, but is practically seamless. This track is injected with Verbs warped sense of humour and is used to poke fun at commercialism.

Vanity

 Another instant stand out track (this album is full of them) is "Vanity", the second song to get an official video. Verb tells a story of ego and how it could be if you let it get out of check. It also features the eagerly awaited return of Dick Trusay for the outro. Great bass line and a soulful jazz vibe on display from IllInformed with the beat for this one. Check the video above. "Say It Again! opens with slick brass sounds and a catchy hook. We hear of Verbs frustration about how he believes his previous EP was perceived by many and how they would rather listen to his older stuff. Another nice touch is the references to his previous work. A real good track backed up with nice jazzy build ups in the beat from Illinformed. Verb T is astonishingly good at using comedy to vent his feelings and this is on full display here. "Stair Lift" is next and features Verbal Highz Chillman. Nice summery vibes on the beat and some amazing bars from both artists. Alongside comedy, Verb T also seems to be brilliant at creating real catchy hooks, some thing that can often be missing in hip hop and is very effective when done well.

  "For The Best" wastes no time before the brass stabs and smooth trombone licks and showing us that Illinformed is truly one of the best in the UK at chopping up old jazz records. This tune is all about spitting in the face of adversity, with another sick hook to accompany Verbs wisdom throughout. 

"Stepping out a storm cloud with my clothes smoking," 

Such a great line to kick off a track and again showcasing how easily his lyrics fill your head with mental images. This one also has the added bonus of a guest verse from Madlean. "High Street" is a short track that tells the story of trippng out down the high street and taking in the scenery of what we imagine most town centres look like on a boozy Saturday night. A nice short and funny interlude. "Pain Avenue" sees Verb Switch up his delivery for the darker topics covered in this track and it is backed up by an equally menacing beat. "Fade Away" has one of those beats that instantly has you nodding your head, smooth guitar and piano keys with a crisp snare that all work so well together. So laid back and so dam good. More of a serious tone to the lyrics from Verb adding even more variety to this jam packed album. 

Trickery FT BVA

  "Trickery" is the latest track to get an upload featuring BVA from UK hip hop group The Four Owls. Check the video above for the latest album teaser. Having worked with both artists on various other projects BVA has no problem fitting in here and smashes it as always. This is followed by "I Can't Stop", a monster of a track that features bars from Joker Star, Micall Parknsun and Fliptrix. I don't think we need to say any more about this one, the featured artists say it all. The album is finished off with a short outro and some hidden jokes for those that listen to the very end.

 The Man With The Foggy Eyes is quite possibly Verb's best work to date, everything from the story telling through his lyrics to the choice of using IllInformed for production gets a massive thumbs up from us. The album is packed with humour and some of the best jazzy, boom bap beats you are going to hear in a long time. It also includes features from Leaf Dog, Moreone, Smellington Piff, ChillMan, Madlean, BVA, Joker Star, Micall Parknsun and Fliptrix. We highly recommend you grab a copy of this as soon as possible. The album is out now on CD/ digital format and will also be available on Limited Edition Vinyl from http://shop.high-focus.com/.

Buy The Cd. http://shop.high-focus.com/product/verb-t-illinformed-the-man-with-the-foggy-eyes-cd-pre-order

Buy the Limited Edition Vinyl. http://shop.high-focus.com/product/verb-t-illinformed-the-man-with-the-foggy-eyes-limited-edition-vinyl-pre-order

Buy the digital download. http://www.junodownload.com/search/?q%5Ball%5D%5B%5D=verb+t

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Reviewed by Double S, NDLC and Dos Gringos.

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Butter Fly - Lee Scott - A Dirty Dike Production

When it comes to UKHH, Lee Scott has been a big part of the movement for some time. With numerous releases and rap battles under his belt, Lee Scott has been putting the work in ever since he first emerged on the scene as an eighteen year old. The Northern rapper is back once again with Butter Fly - A Dirty Dike production. Dike seems to be becoming as potent with his beats as he is with his tongue. This time he takes a jazzy approach when it comes to making the beats which is the perfect match for Lee Scott's relaxed delivery and fascinating story telling. When two artists of this high-calibre are teaming up you have every right to be excited. So sit back, relax and enjoy as we describe the buttery goodness that is Butter Fly.

Butter Fly

Setting the tone for the upcoming release, Butter Fly is the opening track and the first song to receive an official video. Lee Scott's laid back, smooth delivery opens the album up in the best way possible. The track is a great example of what's to come and the perfect promotional tool for the album. Dikes production is effective in accentuating Lee Scott's bars and over all vibe for the introduction to the album. Check the video link above. Don't Make Me is the next song to get a video and opens with eerie, atmospheric ambiance and effects followed by a sick bass. It's easy to loose yourself in the bass alone, but backed with Lee Scott's opening, off key hook and equally hypnotic verses, we have instant gold. Easily a favourite and sure to be nodding heads worldwide. You can check the video out bellow.

Money Grip starts with a vocal sample and a beautiful jazz piano really showcasing Dikes vast knowledge of music and his ability to find the perfect sound to accompany the mood of the emcee. Lee Scott tears this track apart with a flow so chilled you can't help but admire how well he can set the tone of a track with the way he expresses himself vocally. Big props to Lee Scott and Dirty Dike for this one. Walking The Walk is next and is full of floaty, jazzy sounds from the Dikestar. Again Lee Scott smashes the verse showing us why he is one of the best in the game and how he is still getting better after all this time. It's easy for an artist to become complacent when they have a wining formula, but Lee seems to his step up his already exceptional technique with each release. This track works on every level, from Dikes ever evolving production skills to Lee Scott's impeccable flow and sharp tongue.

We get a nice long trippy intro for Manatee Rap laying the foundations for a beat that completely switches up what we have heard so far. A great way to change up the sound but still keeping the same chilled pace. Lee kicks it off with a nicely laired hook changing up the pitch of his voice blending perfectly with the mood set from Dikes beat. This one ends with a great South Park sample that many of you will recognise.  After a short sci-fi-esque intro, Spaced bursts into life with a beat full of jazzy swagger and sick cutz. Tremendous story telling form Lee Scott as we here a tale of how he wants to leave our planet to be somewhere less destructive. Great lyrics and one of the best beats to feature on the release. Watch TV starts with an old TV/radio sample followed by an entrancing, moody beat and more sick cutz. This time we hear Lees views on how TV dumbs down and effects the world distracting us from real life. 

The beat for Eight O'Clock In The Morning has a slight sense of fear and urgency created from the well structured intro. When the the beat drops complete with creepy chanting and slick snares, Lee seems only happy to give his bars an extra dark twist to accompany the beat. Another great example of how well these to blend. Sell Drugs seems to capture the old school hip hop sound from both artists with Dikes use of piano keys and bass mixed with Lees lyrical ability as he smashes the story telling again here. I don't think I need to explain what this one is about. Another banger. Everything Is Money completely changes up the mood with slower sounding tempo, choice of samples and heavy, heavy bass line. The intro sample that is the back bone of this beat just sounds so damn good and stays with you long after hearing it. You will find your self whistling and humming this one for weeks.    

"Don't pick a bone with a man with more skeletons than clothes,

it's a good job I keep my company sucker free,

a luxury brand of buttery slang,

a summery, when you're this fresh every thing comes for free....."

Don't Tell Me is another instant classic as Lee Scott demonstrates his ability to drastically switch up his flow mid song and make it sound easy. The lyrical content is just as impressive and is backed by amazing use of guitar samples on the beat from Dike. Again, everything just seems to gel together so well. The closing track for the album once again brings something different, full of harmonic, comical lyrics from Lee Scott and more sick guitar samples and laid back beat from Dike. Another one that stays with you constantly playing over in your head. We have got a lot of love for Butter Tits here at Locality Reviews. A fitting way to wrap this one up.

As you may have guessed, when we first learned we would be reviewing a Lee Scott album for High Focus Records we were instantly excited. But when we found out it was part 2 of the Dirty Dike Production series, excitement and expectation levels went through the roof. Here we have two artists with an arsenal of musical achievements between them putting out a record of the highest standard. We assure you that Butter Fly will not disappoint. Lee Scott has the advantage of years of experience behind him as an emcee which has given him the time to fully master his signature style and delivery backed up with the dopest lyrical content. Dirty Dike seems to be on fire with his production right now, everything from the records he is using to sample to the smooth drum breaks is pure gold and shows us how much his skills have developed in such a short time. The two of them together have exceeded everything we anticipated and have blown this one out the water. Don't sleep on this, get your self a copy of Butter Fly as soon as you can get your hands on it. Released 27th April 2015. Pre order bellow.    

   

Pre Order CD http://bit.ly/19M1RkH

Pre Order Limited Edition Vinyl http://bit.ly/1MFHtnw

Pre Order Digital http://bit.ly/1NDT1Tn

Lee Scott Twitter https://twitter.com/tinfoilfronts
Lee Scott Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tinfoilfronts
Lee Scott Instagram https://instagram.com/tinfoilfronts/

Dirty Dike Twitter http://www.twitter.com/DirtyDikeSMB
Dirty Dike Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Dirtydikesmb
Dirty Dike Instagram http://www.instagram.com/DirtyDike

High Focus Records www.high-focus.com
High Focus TV Youtube http://bit.ly/1xuR8Gj

Reviewed by Double S and NDLC.

Sparkz - Angel One EP - Free Download

  For those of you that simply can't wait for the new Mouse Outfit album to drop, Sparkz has got you covered with a new three track EP he has just dropped on bandcmp for free download or name your price. As always we suggest you show your love and donate when you download. Angel One is the first of a three self produced EP's from Sparkz who seems to have talent at creating beats as well as sick bars. Big up Sparkz for helping his fans pass the time as they wait eagerly for Step Steadier. 

The Mouse Outfit - Step Steadier

 Escape Music is one of my favourite hip hop albums of all time so as you can imagine I have very high expectations for this one. The Mouse Outfit are everything we at Locality Reviews love about hip hop. If you have been lucky enough to catch one of their breathtaking live performances you will know that not only do they have an incredible selection of Emcees but they also incorporate the use of live instruments to fully enhance the overall experience.

The Mouse Outfit live at Boom Bap HH festival 2012

Having seen them live before I can tell you that as good as this video is, it doesn't do them justice. The Mouse Outfit are known for electric live performances that just suck the audience in with the raw energy of the band and their trademark sound, and the music they produce in the studio is just the same. Escape music made a real big impression on us because not only are the Emcees and producers very good at what they do, but they also don't focus on dark topics, violence, money and all the other bad stuff a lot of mainstream hip hop can be polluted with. This is how we think hip hop should be, music that makes you feel good instead of angry. For those that don't know, the Mouse Outfit are a nine piece band and super production team centred around Chini on keys, Pitch on percussion/MPC and Deffy on bass. I kind of feel that the producers take a slightly different approach to production than other HH producers, looking at how they can incorporate instruments into the live show. But this is just pure speculation and true or not, whatever they are doing works. Dr Syntax, Sparkz, Truthos Mufasa and Dubbul O are all back for the new album alongside some fresh faces. Verb T is one of the new emcees to appear on the album so already you should be excited. That takes nothing away from Syntax and Sparx who are  both personal favourites, it is just nice to see a couple of new faces added to the mix. Another thing I love about the MO is how you get a lot of variety in the music they put out. Step Steadier is no different to Escape Music in that respect, lots of variety and all of it is good.

The album opens with no intro, they just drop straight into a fresh banger and instantly, the worry of a one time fluke album is gone. Five seconds into the release I know it is going to be a hit. The Mouse outfit have a very unique sound and seem to have a great knowledge of music when it comes to production. No Stoppin' This gives us a new twist on a familiar sample, produced by Pitch and accompanied by Sparkz and Truthos Mufasa who both tear it up with remarkable technique. A great opening track reminding me why I love their music so much. Track two sees the first appearance from Verb T who is on fire at the moment after recently dropping a new album with his group The Four Owls. Verb is a welcome addition to an already glowing roster of talent and he delivers to the highest level fitting perfectly with the Mouse Outfit signature sound here on Credits Roll. The track opens with a funky plucked bass followed shortly by the drop and Verb kicks into action with the hook. Another solid track and as stated earlier it is good to hear the Mouse Outfit expanding the list of MC's they roll with. It is also the first song from the album to get an official video, check it out bellow.

Credits Roll Oficial Video

Bye Bye is up next with a nice jazzy intro followed by a pure head nodding beat, Sparkz rides this one solo and shows us why he has earned his place in the UK's funkiest Hip Hop group. Good use of strings over the hook from Pitch helping give the chorus an extra boost and creates an element of suspense as we wait eagerly for Sparkz to drop his next verse. Next we have the title track from the album Step Steadier, this one is produced by Chini and Pitch and has one of the funkiest bass hooks you will ever hear. This is blended with some bongos, followed by a crisp snare in a sweet drum loop. Fox takes the bars over this funky beat and already we have more variety in just four tracks than you would get on some entire releases. Fox does the title track real justice making this a stand out track, as the title track should be. 

Track five brings us even more variety with the choice of samples used, a sitar brings Power to life followed by a highly energetic performance from Sparkz and Truthos Mufasa. This seems to help almost raise the, not tempo but vibe of the tracks that proceeded it. We can imagine this one rocking parties for a long time. Greatest Story brings the tempo down slightly with a great summery beat complete with synth sounds and Verb T smashing the beat in a double time fashion. Verb really is at the top of his game and delivers a flawless performance here letting us know that right now, UKHH is in good hands. Sip A Bit Of Rum brings the tempo up again slightly with a real nice sounding hip hop break that gets absolutely decimated by Sparkz and Fox. Real party rocker right here and already I feel this album will be a must have for all Hip Hop DJ's. Who's Up Next? is the first track to feature a personal favourite of mine for a long time, Dr Syntax. The track also features Sparkz, Truthos Mufasa, Dubbul O, Cutterz and a beautiful beat from Pitch. Nuff said! 

Verb T and Sparkz in the Mouse Outfit studio

The piano loop used in Time perfectly sets the scene for Ellis Meade to make his Mouse Outfit introduction. He hangs with thew crew with ease using a delivery that is a superb compliment for the beat produced by Pitch. 007 gives Chini the chance to shine on production and he delivers the goods massively with a beat that has elements of so many different music styles and will defiantly get some comparisons to the style of Who Gwan Test from the last album, but this is a good thing. Easily a massive favourite for me and I can't wait to see it performed live. Fox, Sparkz, Jman and Tman take to the booth for this one and ride out the Dub/Ska influenced monster of a beat from Chini, this one is big. The Answer gives Dr Syntax and Pitch the chance to take us on another musical adventure that we have all been craving ever since the last album. It's so easy to get lost in the hypnotic sound of this duo. A real laid back vibe from both artists here helping to give this collection of hip hop gems more depth and extra flavour. Track twelve and it is time to Wrap Another Zoot with Fox, something that would go had in hand with this. A zoot would be the only thing to compliment this song and is highly recommended be for listening to this, sit back, light up and fully loose your self. 

No Wonder has a real sweet beat with sharp kicks, snares, tight bass and piano keys all laid out in perfect arrangement for Sparkz to work his magic with one of the sickest flows in UKHH today. Verb T and Pitch are teamed up again and the result is more musical gold. Real deep beat that fits Verb to perfection. If I was forced to pick only one track from this album as an absolute best of the selection, I would have to pick Up To Scratch. Although picking one track from this album as a best is no easy task with how incredible all the songs are. But track fifteen just manages to raises the bar that little bit more with a smooth Dub approach to the beat and Syntax cramming in more (audible) words per bar than I thought humanly possible. Syntax is one of the best at what he does as far as I am concerned and showcases his skill here on a track I can imagine blowing up gigs, festivals and parties for a long time to come.  A nice chilled song to finish as Sparkz and Dubbul O play us out over a chilled arrangement of piano keys and other jazzy instruments on Saga. Pure bliss and a superb way to close another banging release from the Mouse Outfit.

 I can't possibly show enough love for this release. If we had a rating system it would set a new record. The sheer amount of variety and outstanding content that is featured on this album is enough to set this up as an early candidate for HH album of the year. The Mouse Outfit really have delivered the goods yet again and are set to make a big impact with Step Steadier.The album will get a Cd and Digital release on the 12th of March 2015 and will get a vinyl release a few weeks after. I have also been told that they are repressing Escape Music which is good news for all the MO fans and vinyl junkies that missed it the first time round. Step Steadier comes with the highest of recommendations from Locality Reviews, get the album and go see them live when ever they are playing near you. Big up the Mouse Outfit. 

https://themouseoutfit.bandcamp.com/album/step-steadier-2

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/step-steadier/id970115176

http://www.themouseoutfit.com/

https://www.facebook.com/themouseoutfit

https://twitter.com/themouseoutfit

Review by Double S

Filthy Funk - Funkin Hell

  Filthy Funk are here with their debut release Funkin Hell and it's a banger. This one kind of caught us off guard in a good way. Having only heard and enjoyed the duo's grime work we were pleasantly surprised to find out  that this is a Hip Hop album. Filthy Funk are Dotz and Peterz, most of you will know Dotz from Don't Flop and the grime heads will know them both from the grime collective Blueprint who had success with the Blueprint Planet EP. Dotz has collabed with a lot of emcees over the years and seems to work really well here with Peterz on this 22 track album that Dotz recorded, mixed and mastered himself for the first time in his new studio that is the result of a successful kickstarter campaign. They use a variety of producers throughout the 22 track release which really helps to make each track have its own character.

The album opens with Fuck An Introduction, it starts with a heavy hip hop break produced by Faulty Clicks. It is full of organ stabs and tight cuts giving an energetic build to the start of the release. Dotz and Peterz hit this one in back to back fashion displaying their unique synergy and sound. Long Time Coming sneaks in nicely as if being carefully dropped by a DJ. The instrument used in the sample is hard to describe but sounds real pleasing to the ear and is cut up well by Faulty Clicks. Dotz takes the first with Peterz on the second. Two tracks in and I am loving what I am hearing so far. Stampede changes the tone slightly with a grimey approach to the production from Phocus and with the delivery displayed from the Filthy Funk duo. A great way to add more variety to the release.

"We keep it gully, gully up on these dam streets

 Every time we jump on a rhythm we cause  stampede,

We keep it gully, gully up on these dam beats,

Every time we jump on a rhythm we cause a stampede."

Nobodies Fault is up next and again we have another example of production masterclass, this time coming from Ritchy Spitz. Real nice old skool sound on the beat yet it manages to still sound modern at the same time. Over this beat Peterz and Dotz tell stories of heart ache over relationships that went wrong.  At this point it is clear Filthy Funk have great taste when it comes to selecting producers and beats for album. We Seem Fine starts with an eerily beautiful piano sample that builds to a real smooth hip hop beat. This time we hear about ones struggle with their own mind over a beautiful beat served up by D Seize including some nice cuts over the final hook. Track six "Gone" is again produced by D Seize and is one of our favourites from the release not only for the beat, but also the sick delivery on display as Dotz and Peterz switch up their flow throughout the verses with ease. A stand out track right here. 

Filthy Funk - Back When I Was Young SBTV

Another track that immediately stands out just so happens to be the first song to get an official video. The beat seems to effectively capture that old skool hip hop vibe contributing well to the stories of youth retold by Peterz and Dotz. Loving the beat from E Hill and the bars from Filthy Funk and it is good to get an official video from the album. Check it out above. Richy Spitz takes full advantage of another chance to shine with his production on Burn Em Up whilst  Peterz and Dotz obliterate this epic beat stacking up the pile of bangers on Funkin Hell. Thinking Again is next and starts with a nice snippet of what I assume is the track that Elbe Kim used to construct this monster rhythm. Peterz and Dotz continue to impress and seem to have really evolved as artists showing that they can fully hold their own when it comes to Hip Hop and Grime. Natrill, who also battles for Don't Flop features on the track and fits in nicely. It is obvious that they put as much time into researching producers as they did writing and perfecting the bars for the album. Tell Us What You Know is another shining example of this, both the performance and bars from the guys and the beat from D Seize are all spot on again. 

"They told us that they love us now they telling us they don't,

They told us that we gone make it now the telling us we won't,

They told us it was certain now their telling us to hope

but don't tell us what you think fam just tell us what you know."

Here we hear about the graft, focus and devotion it takes to chase your passion and make it in the rap industry. Filthy Funk seem to be content on making it hard for us to find something we don't like about the album. In track eleven we are educated on the views of Dotz and Peterz when it comes to the music they are making and how they would rather make music from the heart, than sell out for the promise of riches. 

"Yo I don't want so much money that I don't know how to spend it,

to the point it makes a person resent it and ends a friendship, I Just,

want to have enough to live a normal life,

with normal kids and normal wife informal is what I like."

A good way of looking at things instead of letting greed take over, and another banging beat from D Seize. Sporadic Shots is the next track and opens with some sick cutz and a neck snapping beat from Pro P. Wordsmith and Natrill join the crew for this one and help to add a little more spice to the release, not that it needed it but it works and is welcomed. Another stand out track for us at Locality Reviews. 

Don't Talk To Me is next and features a familiar sounding sample with epic strings from Duggi Beats as Dotz and Peterz fully entertain us with a tale of hanging hard after a heavy night out, something we can all relate to. Very good all round.  Track fourteen is equally good when it comes to the lyrical content. Dotz, Peterz and Wordsmiff fully tear up Clown Syndrome with rhymes about general wastemen. Through the hook D.Seize steps up the crazy sounding whistles with samples that to us, sound like circus music and seems to emphasise the element of fun that obviously went into writing the bars for this really funny track. Pot Luck sees the return of Faulty Clicks with a heavy banger of a beat. Big kicks, crisp sounding snares and a cut up electro sounding sample provide the heartbeat for the track all the while Dotz and Peterz are caught up in a car chase that rivals any Hollywood film, trying to avoid causing chaos and failing miserably. The punchine and the whole song will have you in stitches, as it did us. 

Still keeping the humour high Stupid Shit follows up quickly with another tight production from D.Seize with Dotz and Peterz barring exactly what it says on the tin. 

Filthy Funk - Silent Hill SBTV

 The next track Silent Hill has a fresh video that (as we write this) dropped just last night. Check the pure fire above. Featuring Pete Cannon on production, this is usually where we say nuff said. One Day featuring Flo on the hook sees Don Pipers debut on the album completely tearing up the summer vibe with that classic Motown sound. Lovely work on production. Flo is back to bless the hook for a second time on Toke accompanied by a chilled, jazzy approach on the beat complete with perfect intro from D.Seize and we hear Dotz and Peterz pay homage to that sweet, sweet peng. 

Track 20,

Sit down and make sure you stay down pussies,

you man are fucking with a bunch of playground bullies,

were taking your lunch money and your mates clown cookies

you should make your way back into the playhouse rookies. 

You get the idea for this one right? Sick beat from Phocus and featuring Big Red on the bars. Phocus smashes out another banger of a beat on We The People and we have some lyrics designed to make you think focusing on how people need to come together for mutual gain and need to learn that we are all equal. The album is rounded up with Positive/Negative/Negative /Positive, a deep one from Dotz, Peterz and Faulty Clicks. Beautiful beat and intriguing lyrics to wrap this one up.

I have to say we had a lot of fun reviewing this, some high quality production from all the producers involved and an outstanding performance throughout from both Peterz and Dotz. This album has every thing from deep stuff to really funny shit, we honestly laughed a hell of a lot while writing this review. It is backed up by a solid collection beats and some guest appearances from feature emcees over a massive 22 tracks. This comes highly recommended from us at Locality Reviews and this gem will be available for free down load on Bandcamp as soon as the link goes live on the 22nd of March. Big up Filthy Funk and massive respect on this highly impressive debut album. Follow Filthy Funk on Facebook and Twitter for links to the down load as soon as it is evaluable. 

  

Facebook - FilthyFunkUK

Twitter - @FilthyFunkUK

Reviewd by Double S and N.D.L.C.

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