Mixtape Review: The Blue Tape 2 – Dizzy Rambunctious

Following the release of mixtape ‘Wond3rland’ in March, DIZZY RAMBUNCTIOUS isn’t messing around and slams another one, this time entitled ‘The Blue Tape 2’.

The title of the nine-set project pretty much gives it all away with occasional jazz-esque tones alluringly meeting the New Jersey producer’s trademark – that bombastic bassline.

Although there are a few great tracks, I’m not sure that this mixtape has the same oomph as its predecessor, ‘Wond3rland‘. Have a listen and see what you think – and don’t be afraid to comment below!

Must Listens: Days, Sazon, Sunshine Notes.

EP Review: Art 2 – Ugly Savaje

A few weeks back, a young rap contender by the name of UGLY SAVAJE hit my mailbox with his latest EP, ‘Art 2’, requesting some feedback on the set…and naturally, I was honoured give my opinion…

The mini project started off on a strong footing, with ‘Set it Off’ and ‘That One Love Song’. This young emcee knows how to slam down an electrifying flow against the chilled out, seriously head rolling bass.

Going further along the EP, the flame created from the start, begins to extinguish. It’s a crying shame as the quality of the beats come heavily distorted which, unfortunately, drown out the upriser’s delivery. It’ll be great if UGLY SAVAJE mix it up with arrangements that’s fun and uplifting, perhaps fusing hip-hop with R&B or pop music.

Personally, ‘Art 2’ doesn’t fully showcase UGLY SAVAJE as a creditable wordsmith, but with the right background tracks, he has the potential to be great.

Have a listen for yourself.

Album Review: Eight Days A Week – King Blitz

After a loooong spell away from the scene, KING BLITZ came back bolder with track, ‘That’s Real’, featured on NEW LEASE MUSIC back in January. Now the Indiana wordsmith is keeping the momentum at full speed with his ten-track album, ‘Eight Days A  Week’, released late last month.

A downtempo and menacing bass dominates and runs riot in the latest project, where this young emcee slams down his flow at varying speed. Somehow this smooth operator always comes out on top as his spats seamlessly weave throughout in every single track – well I guess that’s why he’s called KING BLITZ!

There’s some real gems in this set for those who are into alternative hip-hop; go and check it!

Must Listens: 99, New Wave, No Surprise, Yuu, Does It Matter 

Album Review: Reason Or Rhyme – Midnight Mystery Club

Just on the preview alone (which I discovered at the start of the year), David Newell and Michael Gray – aka MIDNIGHT MYSTERY CLUB – really cause a stir and kept fans and tastemakers on the edge of their seats with the release of their (obviously) highly anticipated album, entitled ‘Reason or Rhyme’, released last Friday.

A summer-hazy electronic/dance drive dominates the ten-track set, with elements of downtempo funk creeping in just before the second half of the album, before making its occasional presence well and truly known, for an even more pleasurable listen.

‘Reason or Rhyme’ was certainly worth the wait and – seriously – I cannot fault these guy’s production – it’s five stars from me!

Must Listens: Richest Man In The World, Orange County, Reason or Rhyme, Alright (Album Remix).

EP Review: Slow Burn – Wolf Kash

It’s pretty hard to conceive that last Christmas, 24-year-old producer Jordan Saward and his 14-year-old brother Harry – otherwise known as WOLF KASH –  came up with compositions that are so complex, forming their debut EP, ‘Slow Burn’, released late last month.

The four-track set is on par with Model’s ’86 EP, ‘When You Realise…’, as it possesses (at times) insanely juxtaposed electronic rhythmic overtones, carried by a mammoth downtempo drive, giving each production that alternative dance/soulful-ish vibe. Quite ingenious really; it’ll be great to see the duo’s next move.

Take a step into the unexpected and sample ‘Slow Burn’ EP.

Must Listens: Slow Burn, Why Bother.