Still Life review.

Review: 3 out of 5.

Here, another underground artist, the visionary Graphic Designer and Rapper Kieron Boothe has made it with "Still Life". This mix-tape is the demonstration of his artistry. He worked with Aaron London, a singer-songwriter, MC and producer. From East London, Kieron has done well and revealed putting out another mix-tape very soon. My opinion, I have listened and I got to say, the originality is there and the content is quirky. No, that's not the right word for it, I think a perfect term is hybrid. Oh yeah, it's U.K. Hip Hop but this one crossed genres. I spoke to Kieron and insisted Grime is not where he'll go to. That, I can understand, but I'll get to that later.

Good:

Kieron really went all out in this collection of awe-inspiring tracks. Still Life is clearly about the many aspects of his entire life that has shaped up in his work. Every list of music, ripe for the picking, has a taste of who Kieron is as both an artist and the mistakes, problems and willingness to move forward. There are crazy times and other times he would share in this set. The mix-tape has many subjects people from aged 16 and older can relate to, but this ain't the usual school boy aggregation that fuels all of our teenage hormones (twenty somethings included). This is on a whole new level of development, I continue to listen and the hooks really do hold you in place. That is thanks to singer, Amanda Mellid, who sung and hit notes as pleasant as a Robin. Still Life reminded me somewhat of the Wretch 32 album, Black & White, though less about opposite ends of contrast and more of a half way point between vague and exposed. It is balanced and just about right, which bring me to the amalgamation of the crossed genres I said before.

From the rhyming to the production, most of whom composed by Aaron London, the airplay that came to a total of approximately over 32 minutes was amazing. While the crew swung by with songs as uncanny as Awkward, fast enough on point with any beat boxer and Mistakes featuring Mellid herself. This is the ballad or rainy day feel that showed the depth of how far he could plug away and elevate your conscience. On Still Life, the title track of the same set, I couldn't get over that punch line Kieron made "So I went from a boy to a teen, now a teen tryin' tah live a man's dream, Man it's real stuff, then it all went Almond's, real nuts". That was cool and the rest which followed blew up and combined everything neatly. I could go on and on, though it could drag on the whole review. Oh No weren't bad, the chorus was more on the irritating side but Kieron saved about a large majority of the song. Nice touch on the guitar, though.

Bad:

Not much I can say about the negative sides. Most tracks were likable, a couple stood out more than others. The only thing I didn't like was there are too many "fillers" and what I mean by that is a tune used only for the soul purpose of "chilling out" or "raving". Examples of these are Blue Sky, Oh No, Awkward and Dead End featuring Aaron London and Labrinth. While Awkward and Dead End were fine, Oh No was a bit much. I also felt they put a lot in at once, plus they were some that was a downer at times. I needed a high, something upbeat instead of mellow and only steady. It made Mellid not having much to work with even if they did fit her tone. Apart from this, it was a brilliant run and I did enjoy it.

Overall:

Great performance from Kieron, excellent concept and execution by many of the artists such as Aaron, Mellid and Labrinth and well mixed, composed master pieces by XX and again Aaron. I am blown away from the lengths that has gone into this mix-tape. It did come about as overwhelming at certain points and the hybrid flew easily through a pretty reasonable duration of air play. It fell right into place and the ideas didn't encircle. They are close to Karat gold.

- Written by Kbon.

Graveyard Grind (2012) review.

Review: 2.5 out of 5.

My next showcase of music is an underground artist called Igniite, with his mix-tape Graveyard Grind. It was released on the Datpiff website on the 27th January and has so far had quite a few plays ever since. He's fresh on the Grime scene and did a couple music videos you can actually view on his Igniite channel on Youtube. So what's my opinion? Not too bad, actually, but I feel it can be a little bit better.The artist did a lot of work to break through to people in any community about pain, struggle, hard work and happiness. However, I don't think it did enough to move everyone universally.

Good:

The mix-tape did have some parts that were adequate, like the Intro was sonically solid. I thought Igniite's tune was hot but I felt the start could of been more uplifting instead of slow and resolute. In this case, it's the set-up that started the whole part of the air play to a smooth start. "Grind Hard" feat. Young C wasn't too bad. The artist opposite Igniite has some hidden talent, which fell short only by his delivery. Apart from rocks, there is some tunes that speak for the ladies such as the track "She The Type", "My Strength" and "The Business". The last one was better out of all of the three and is well defined for its dreamy melody and finer content.

Bad:

Sadly, there was only a few tracks out of this mix-tape I believed was fine and saw past my judgement but I felt it didn't do enough to make a favourable clash on my I-Tunes library. Igniite promised, or at least attempted to reach to many age groups and barely crossed genders. The tape had a limited resource for content that spoke mainly about street credibility such as grinding, I am saying it's not right and I'm not trying to be a Good Samaritan. It's how you do it: sex, drugs, money and other illegal acts or negative stuff can be dealt with in another light and this was blatant.

Overall:

With a swell choice in selective range of music, cool swag and satisfactory list of guests such as Young C, J.A.Y and Jay Tee it was dampened by a concept that dries up fast. Sometimes it's okay to showboat but other times it can be too much. The statement Igniite made about the tape doesn't prove to me everyone can really connect with it. Graveyard Grind can only target Londoners who just hit puberty or those in their early to mid 20's. Igniite would do better in breaking out of the force bubble he trapped himself in than embracing it, especially in a niche genre as this.

- Written by Kbon.

Stratosphere 2 review.

Review: 3 out of 5.

Kbon to review yet another music piece, again from one artist up in North, Lil Simz. Stratosphere 2, no it's not an airline people, but a mix-tape. Who is she, you ask? The Princess of Rap does it all; write, produce, dance and act. She is also well known in playing Spirit Warriors on CBBC; my cousin, 7 now, showed me. In my rampage of finding stuff to review, I came across some clip on YouTube from around Summer time and viewed her at an event on stage. "Hold on, this girl's good", is what racked in my brain. I needed to get in touch with her somehow. The next few days, I check out my little coz watching some next Crouching-Tiger-Hidden-Whatsoever, but with kids. Next thing I know, I see a young black woman doing kicks and suddenly I get deja vu. "Wait, ain't that the same artist I saw on YouTube?" It took me a few minutes to recollect, but as the weeks soared, I check she's dropped a mixtape. The rest is history.

Good:

Lil Simz is a decent artist, for all intents and purposes, her mix-tape was enough to get applauds. She did justice to both interpretations of Drake's tracks "Dreams Money Can Buy" of the same name; in more up tempo, semitones plus heavy base and with "Space" inspired by "Marvin's Room". However, I'm not too sure about "Rose" an obvious influence of Eminem. What I found brilliant about the mix-tape is she held out her own throughout the whole set. She didn't bother much about bringing along many artists' on board and I commend out to her that is a very brave thing to do. This shows confidence in her abilities and it allows reverence too. Another thing, which I admired about Lil Simz is her feisty persona and "down to earth" traits and her individuality. She does not try to be anyone else but stay true to who she is. When Simz did get other artists, it actually enhanced the concepts to another stage. An instance of this level-up is "Words I Never Said" feat. Chucks.

This mix-tape had some great tracks and I do relate to what Simz has said. Her punch lines are on point e.g. "They call me an alarm clock, I'mma end your dreams whatever the time" and this one "Turn it up coz you're listenin' to duh mix-tape, whether it be on a train or a whip, who cares? Dem ah act greedy like Hershey's". Those are from the start alone. The soundtracks mostly sound edgy and intense but other times it is more tranquil and mellow. "Rose" did make a point about how you must not always depend on people, even those who are your true fans and telling a story in the character of the fan and as herself but I had a little issue about how this was tackled. No one is perfect, though, so I can't really complain. Simz always manages to pick herself up and come up with something quip and fluid.

Bad:

Stratosphere 2 has some content in it that speaks for itself, but to be honest its not a jaw dropper. At times the music blares out at you which is good for attention but can be a bit much. The lines are catchy but sometimes its quite off. "Adidas Shoes" and "Rose" were the least choices I made. The latter sounds forced and not too convincing, at the same time, I do understand where she is coming from. Nevertheless, the majority of the tape managed to carry its way through. Tracks such as "No Minutes Wasted" make me think otherwise. At least her music is positive, there is more that can be done that could elevate it more. Sometimes less said is more, what I mean in relation to this is I want to be kept guessing and I do not mean subliminal messages. What I'm saying here is to step out the comfort zone and try to go beyond your limits. I just feel Simz is holding back, I'm not sure how. Mixing was fine and the production was okay, but some beats could be spiced up a bit.

Overall:

Stratosphere 2 had some fitting tracks to every young audience, man or woman could enjoy but its shaken a bit with not much expansion on the subjects at hand. Some tracks did better than others and some better melodies on a few beats could be called for. The flow was there, other than that, it is great and "Words I Never Said" is the one track that could rocket into the heavens and proves she can hit stuff way out of orbit. My next review will be Misfits Season 3.

- Written by Kbon.

PUK Chicks and Vans review.

Review: 3 out of 5.

Back again with the next line of music, which is a group call P.U.K, I ain't got a clue what it stands for but I'll ask whenever I get the chance. For now, just shorten it and name them "PUK". Its made up of Teezy; dubbed the Fresh Prince of Hip Hop, Tigger Da Author, J Scripts and Paigey Cakey, think Young Money of the UK. I heard them first on Spiff TV (ain't everyone?) and it was hard. We need something fresh and that is what they got. "Chicks and Vans" was released in the peak of summer in July and its not bad. Its casual and has swagger. Onto the review, does it have what it takes to drive past my keen senses? Well, only just about.

Good:

PUK went right to the point, Chicks and Vans is all its ever about yeah? You're half right, don't be fooled by just the title of the mix tape. "How could I be wrong?" you say, I didn't say you are completely wrong, in fact you're almost right. "No vans, Chicks only"; I just gave them a new title it should of been called. Its essential, think about it. That's a hit already, I can smell it, just playin' but serious talk I enjoyed it. The best tracks on this mix tape I'll share with all of you is "Killn' it (Ayo)", "Love you later" and "Sexiest" above the rest. I just feel those four tracks show more character, the beat on the first I mentioned was fluid and quite experimental but its wordplay was cool even though it did talk about money and *cough* *cough* b@#£*$! Don't be offended by what I say, I didn't say it. I respect women and love them like cherry pie and cake. You find that in most Hip Hop, get used to it.

Moving on, PUK had some good tracks I could hype up to like its single "Money and Girls" or "Pow Pow Pow". These are not up tempo, though one; the first of the two tracks in comparison had some needed adrenaline to it, which if done proper could of blown everyone away. "Money and Girls" had a kick to it which felt almost like you were being played, but the bars fit to some degree. On "Sexiest", the part with Queen Latifah on the intro was a nice touch. While the concept of it was just pure and simple "Who's the sexiest one in the room?" Although, the best one had to be "Killin' it (Ayo)". I blew that tune indoors to annoy neighbours, not really.

Bad:

I will be honest, Chicks and Vans is not the best mix tape out there but then again its just that, a mix tape. I appreciate the fact they have tried different beats for this and is sort of Alternative Hip Hop, but the content does not match up. My expectations were not high, but on the other hand, I wanted more from it. This felt unfinished, indecisive and run of the mill. I wanted something that I can ride with the beat and to affect me in some way as I listen but its just nothing much to it.

PUK went in with some attitude plus some layered in punchlines, but I get nothing much from their character and there is not much variety. I don't have much problem with flow or anything of the sort, even the beat, the majority of them is brilliant. Its just there is so much that can be done with the lyrics that could of fit with the rhythms. The fact that its length only had 8 tracks is not really much of an issue, but I am sure if I heard at least 4 or more tracks I could see what I can get out of the music.

Overall:

It was a short road trip, but it did have an incentive that is basic. Teezy and the gang did excellent on delivery, mixing was standard and the pacing of these beats is not too bad, I'm not feeling the way its put together. It had fluid sounds but the content is poor. If not for Teezy and Paigey the score would have been lower but if I had more variety, it would be better. My next review will be Wretch 32 album Black and White.

- Written by Kbon.

Barnation World review.

Review: 3.5 out of 5.

I'm back everyone,

Last month has been crazy. I left my review scribe of movie reels and settled in, now talking about music. What I have for you people here is a person from up North who I met a few times on set during his videos. He is laid back and is pretty safe. He calls himself Blaze Barnation. I have listened to his mix tape and I heard that he produced some of his own songs. That is a great art to have, considering most wannabe artist's or genuine ones scramble to find producer's and worry about gettin' signed to the best label. Music is not that easy to get into. Forget X-Factor an' that so-called reality-pansy rubbish, it's deeper than River Thames. Anyway, back to Blaze, it's not a bad mix at all. In fact, it can be marketable.

Good:

Blaze really knows how to set the mood as he often variate his tone on a particular beat while still keeping his flow locked. He has a very distinctive style which can go from a monotone to an upbeat Garage, Dub step, pace. You can tell which area his background comes from within this genre. The good thing is that his delivery is quite unique and I'm here scratching my head trying to figure out what artist could he be influenced from, British that is. I'm thinking of maybe Bashy, Ghetts or K-Coke but I could be wrong. Not sure, but I'm not gonna wrestle and rack my brain too much on it. Its better left another day.

There are some great tunes out there, but the good thing about this is its a different story every track. Every track is like a new chapter that progressed until the bitter end. The content is great, but I feel there is something missing. I will get onto the other side of it later, but I want to tell you some of the hardest bars on the mix-tape. I won't spoil it, but even though one of his tracks was not on my top list "A Star" featuring Drea was slow and quite built with electronica, but not hardcore. The beat was decent and had a strong voice from the singer. Blaze spit lines I liked "Tupac was talkin' about changes, something that can uplift our nation" and this one "But just cause I'm stuck an' coulda been ballers, but you're not, your more like a supporter". Those two bars are honest, smack in the middle and had meaning. Yes, Tupac was talking about changes. Another thing is "ballers", living the fast lane don't always give easy pickings and if you support that you are just as contradictory as them. There are more tracks I want to dive into.

The favourite tracks I have listened to is "Sometimes I Don't Want to Be Alive", "Legend", "I Am a Champion", just to name a few. The best guests alongside Blaze was Dominic, Abstrakt E, Blink and Sylvia. It feels more mainstream somehow, but I think it will catch on quickly if it hits the right circuit. The mixing was well put together and goes in and some of the tracks sound almost like remixes of each other, but its not, which is strange but yes, he came out the box. The way he ends on a line is a nice touch, something many rappers tend to do these days. He makes it his own though with his flow. Those are the best things about the mix-tape, as he swung punch lines right in a match.

Bad:

Now, with the highs always come with lows. I will be fair, there is not many tunes I listened to in the UK that are like this. I'm a hard judge, I don't try to go for commercial stuff. Not that there's anything wrong, but it has it's short coming's. One thing I have a problem with is his bars are sometimes not clear. I'm not someone who listens to music just for base, and I admit it's sick but I want to hear the lyrics as well. Those are what get me when I jump and start bopping my head. I need it, otherwise I miss out. Another thing is the tracks such as "A Star", "Let go", "Gorgeous" and "Lost With Nowhere to Go" has base and melody that is almost too similar. People may lose interest quickly, but the rest of the mix-tape such as "hood tracks" like "Rain on dem" help to compensate. I'm not into his other track "R-Kelly", but I think it's Blaze just having fun. I gotta say, the "R-Kelly swagger" is corny but catchy. Not a bad run, it's pretty swell.

Overall:

Barnation World did manage to make you feel at home with some very fitting tracks which can easily hit the mainstream. He is a talented rapper and producer who knows what he is doing, there is respectable delivery that goes right in but I feel it needed more work to push it to the right side of the spectrum. The biggest praise was the acts by Dominic, Abstrakt E and Blink. I think if the singers like Drea and Grace had more qualms, it would have potential to push it into the next wing of success. The next review will be P.U.K's EP and after that, is a surprise.

- Written by Kbon.

Baptism Under Fire review

Review: 4 out of 5.

I'm back again people,

It's been about two weeks since my last review on Drake's album. I had a couple loose ends that needed to be tied up and have been a little busy in those weeks but I'm now in the game. Before I start, I would like to keep a notice that at some point I may review classics as well as what's new also. So, those hardcore fans out there, don't feel left out. Change the subject, let's talk about some music and today I'm going to review Phoenix Da Ice Fire.

Phoenix released his mix tape, Baptism Under Fire last year on November 2009. I know this because I actually went to one of his launch parties' to promote the CD. At the moment he's recording his new album, but I won't tell you what it is. I will save the title of that for a next review, but I'll give you a clue. If you listen closely, you'll hear a teaser of the album plus it revealed the name of it. His bars are really great and breaks the definition of true Hip Hop. His flow reminds me of Nas because he drives real deep into an almost immeasurable vocabulary, which some might say would be comparable to Busta Rhymes. Probably, even better than Rhymes. Now down to the bones of the structure.

The mix tape, for all intents and purposes, has constructive lyrics and his style has a classic theme on some of the instrumentals that make it authentic enough for older and younger audiences. Phoenix will rob your mind from all the hype before making you "baptised" in the heat that comes from his list of tracks. While others like his track "Eargasm" leaves you feeling good and takes you out of your comfort zone in your normal routine, certain tracks like "Use Your Imagination" borders on a higher level of consciousness. The songs I favour is "Purple Mist", "Coconut" (you've got to try this one), "Ecstasy", "Aryan Sky" and "Use Your Imagination". I also like "Echo" too, most of them I listed are mostly uplifting of the spirit, but there are a few that are very high thinking. Baptism Under Fire did well to balance the margin between freedom of speech and feel good tunes, which plays smooth. However, does it do well enough to value against reviews? Actually, yes it does.

The Good:

Baptism Under Fire was mixed by DJ Roast and features artists like M9, Prophet, Young Roots and J Tha Exodus. The mixes were beautifully laid out. Each track falls in line with the next and improves with each beat. What is good about this is Phoenix does not take long to make his point when it comes to higher thinking hyperbole's and metaphors in his lines and delivers it how it is in order to make your opinion from them. Another thing is the beats, which sounds very classical, but can be easily accepted with new audiences coming up rather than being trashed. In the mix tape, a description within the case tells us the journey he goes through and I do see where he is coming from. The best collaboration is with J Tha Exodus on "Most High". Like Busta Rhymes, Phoenix executes his lines with strong precision, but rather than use just hardcore rhymes, he selects different subjects to play around with. The same thing he does in every track.

The Bad:

There is not many faults to this mix tape, but I will say one thing: it's mainly style. Phoenix said to me himself that he comes from a Garage background. That is not the problem, however, Phoenix has a very fast rapping pace, which could make it hard for some to pick up what he's saying. Sometimes there is no chance for a breather and other instances we cannot pick up the punch lines when he makes them. Although this is the one part I had a problem with, the rest is fine. I give him four stars out of five because the rhymes are deep; albeit a bit controversial but that's how Hip Hop started out, incredible beats, suitable collaboration and fantastic creativity. With a little more scope, this could have been truly impressive. Another tidbit that had brought it down is the mixing is repetitive in some of the tracks, but that is only due to editing so it wouldn't be fair to judge on that sector.

Overall:

All I can say for this is I can't wait until he's new album comes out. I am confident it will be great and I have very high expectations for it. Phoenix has obviously spent a long time building this mix tape up like fire. I will listen to this until my eardrums fry. The CD has great originality, tackles interesting subjects, a good composition and has a bonus track to go with the package. If you learn from your audience you will go on clear and keep perfecting what you have. I'll leave on to say the next two reviews I will do involves a game, one from a video game console for an open world action-adventure released in June last year and a film that involves a group of mercanaries and convicts thrown onto a planet and soon realise they are playing a game and that they are the prey.

- Written by Kbon