Tag: reviews

Album Review: Primative Beats and Rhymes

Veteran producer REDDTUNE called upon a mammoth lineup, in a bid to keep golden hip-hop/boombap alive, through his latest album, ‘Primative Beats and Rhymes’.

The 11-track production kicks off on a smooth note, with elements of classical and rich sounds of retro soul met with feather-light boombap. Halfway through the album, the tempo does a full 180. Entering full on into the golden era of the eighties/nineties, the bassline becomes more prominently gusty in the latter tracks, giving them that added spice.

Have a listen to ‘Primative Beats and Rhymes’ at least a few times and you’ll discover some real gems shattered throughout the production…real hip-hop heads will get it straight off. Check it out here.

Must Listens: Last of the Classics, Act A Fool, My Waves, Hustler’s Theme, Primative Beats and Rhymes.

 

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Mixtape Review: Foreva Fameos – Fameos

Continuing his combination of light atmospheric overtones and that heavy bassline from his previous mixtape, ‘Hall Of Fame’ – named Mixtape of the Week by NEW LEASE MUSIC late last year –  FAMEOS bounces back, dropping another collection, this time entitled ‘Foreva Fameos’.

His above combination takes on a deeper and gutsy vibe, with the upriser’s newfound “hey, hey” trademark, featured at the beginning of each track – providing the way for the mammoth build up.

There’s some real slick numbers in this neat package, so it’s definitely worth a trial.

Must Listens: Wait For It, Lottery, Rodeo Show, Apply Pressure.

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Mixtape Review: Bean$tock Presents Jay Boogie Bawse – Roses

Boston hip-hop collective BEAN$TOCK is back with another full set entitled, ‘Bean$stock Presents Jay Boogie Bawse – Roses’, pushing its youngest member Jay Boogie Bawse into the spotlight.

Unlike the previous mixtape, ‘Live From District 3’, the ten-track offering takes on a more subdue theme with Jay’s kick back flow, delivering some serious one-liners over a woof of a bassline – so do keep your ears open, as this spitter knows how to crack a punchline.

‘Bean$stock Presents Jay Boogie Bawse – Roses’ is probably one of the most well-produced mixtapes I have heard in a long while…and I’m not just saying this for the hell of it. As a collective, they’re serious about their climb – so you better check this hot one out!

Must Listens: The Life, Amen, Witching Hour, Got It, SLSS

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EP Review: Not Staying The Same – Big Rain & Trigga Ryder

Following their appearance with track, ‘Not Staying The Same’, BIG RAIN & TRIGGA RYDER are back with a collaborative EP bearing the same name.

Representing the UK underground rap scene, the pair inject a laid-back and reflective flow in the four track set, which boasts seriously spiralling deep bassline, with occasional presence of piano-driven overtones. The alternation between the sweet overtones and the dense drive, creates a perfect balance of a bittersweet sensation throughout the collection.

‘Not Staying The Same’ EP makes a very pleasing package for anyone who’s a massive fan of boom bap of the 1990s. Have a listen below:

Must Listens: Not Staying The Same, Dead Fish.

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Album Review: Love, Hugh – Hugh

Last time HUGH were featured on NEW LEASE MUSIC was last September, with their upbeat and chirpy single, ‘Look at In Laughter.’ Soon as I learnt of their debut album, ‘Love, Hugh’, I had to have a peep as the infectious melodic pop overtones in ‘Look Back In Laughter’ have been swimming in mind ever since its feature on the blog.

The four piece band from London, featuring Joshua Idehen and Izzy Brooks, have been praised by BBC Radio One, The Guardian, Stereogum, i-D and Hype Machine for their balanced blend of R&B/soul and synthpop featured in the 11 track album…and quite rightly so.

However I have to say the better part of ‘Love, Hugh’ is the second half of the album. The sweet melancholic presence of pop art takes a back seat, making way for the smooth and atmospheric R&B, enhanced by a woofing electronic bass (which reminds me of Massive Attack, for some reason).

Usually, I don’t follow hypes, but this one for real.. they’re definitely worth a trial. See the recommended tracks below.

Must Listens: I Can’t Figure You Out, Protect My Heart, I Don’t Like You, Take It Slow, In and Out of Love.

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