Album Review: Taurus Rising – Chill (of 3KNGZ)

chill of 3kngz

From the hip-hop act 3KNGZ, it’s CHILL‘s turn to come into the spotlight, with the brand new album, Taurus Rising – his first solo project in over ten years.

With arrangements varying from hard-hitting rock to the familiarity old school soul and R&B, in true 3KNGZ style, the veteran delivers reality-bites wordplay that’s second to none.

It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted…but if you can stand the heat in the kitchen, it’s worth a trail!

Must Listens: Love of the Money, Master Plan, Inner Peace.

Amir driver x Flee Kash

Continuing with his daily freestyle series, AMIR DRIVER enlists the help of fellow Virginia artist Flee Ka$h, for  Peace Be With You. Covering The Clipse “Virginia”, Driver & Flee give their take on what Norfolk Virginia’s current state – is to them.

Driver’s next project, Over Everything, is slated for a late May release, but until then, enjoy the freestyles as Driver continues to show diversity & lyrical prowess with each cover.

 

 

 

 

New Track: Holdin’ – Model 86

model 86 Holdin

Forward-thinking producer MODEL 86 returns gets ready to release his latest EP, When You Realise People Are Not One Dimensional Characters In A Movie Of Your Life in early July.

Written over the past six months, the five track release bounces off the walls like nothing Manchester-born, London-based Matthew James Wilcock – the man behind the moniker – has done before. A kaleidoscope of weird and wonderful textures, the EP explores the nooks and crannies of experimental electronic, R&B, and contemporary hip-hop. Blending together an eclectic mix of diced samples, storming bass, beautiful refrains and bold rhythms, When You Realise… provides a sound reminiscent of Hudson Mohawke, Flying Lotus and Flume.

The EP’s opening track Holdin sets the tone straight from the get-go as an explosive hip-hop fling of choppy samples: a footworky rhythm with emotional breakdowns.

After dropping out of Art College to study music, MODEL 86 began exploring a waypoint between New York hip-hop, ‘70s funk, jazz and contemporary electronic music, whilst exploring his interest in the way music and sound dissect. Having produced prolifically for commercials, TV and film, he finally came into his own with his debut EP, Self Help Dance last summer. Following on naturally from his first release, championed by NME, Clash and Radio 1’s Huw Stephens,  the producer’s latest endeavour continues the theme of genre-mashing, but with a more considered structure and approach.

When You Realise People Are Not One Dimensional Characters In A Movie Of Your Life is out for your inspection on 8th July…but for now, listen to the EP’s opener.

New Track: More Time – Coops

coops

London rapper COOPS is gearing up to release new project God Complex on 6 June. He marks his return with a teaser, More Time.

Having released his Lost Soul mixtape in 2014, including tracks Chillin’ and Blessings,  this new release touches on themes including self belief, spirituality and habits and vices. 

Coops says of the album: “God Complex was a musical experiment. Some songs I wrote, and some I just went into the booth and started recording. My intention for this approach was to discover something new musically and within myself.”