Word Lab / Vol.1

Hip Hop is Dead. Those immortal lines are probably more true today than at any time since its birth and the situation doesn't look like improving anytime soon. No one really knows when it died which is a bit of a pity in terms of organising belated funeral arrangements, but needless to say it's failing health was very apparent in the early years of this new millenium. The malignant tumour of commercialism in the form of Grime and teeny bopping R n'B hooks, finally delivered their fatal blows to the ailing corpse sometime in the last few years (time of death: unknown). But I digress and we must now remember better times. Times where the fundamentals of turntabalism, emceeing and the true art of rhyming lived.

Now that's not to say that this compilation re-lives the days of Kool Herc and Afrika Bambatta and it is not perfect, but it does adhere to the true essence of hip hop. It is raw and real in an organic kind of way and we are reminded of the days where analogue could still strike the odd blow to the rising digital monster. And this is as recently as ten years ago. On display here is a selection of some of the finest hip hop artists in the UK at the turn of this millenium. This was a time where British hip hop was in a state of rude health after a steady progression from the early to mid nineties. The heavy hitters of the scene are all present, most notably in the form of Roots Manuva, Mark B & Blade, Nextmen, Skinnyman,Ty and of course the legendary Rodney P (formerly of scene innovators London Posse). The beats are unpretentious and straight forward in that most British of ways. And for the most part the lyrical dexterity on show would put many of those American bling merchants to shame. There are very few weak songs to speak of but the En4cers track becomes a little monotone and both Blak Twang and Lewis Parker have had far stronger offerings on their own independent releases. The album is, however, tied together wonderfully by some masterful scratching and deck work courtesy of the likes of DJ legends Primecuts, Nextmen, Skitz etc.

And so we have here in this compilation a top quality cross section of what British hip hop had to offer at this time. The future of the music looked to be on an upward trajectory whilst still retaining it's underground credentials and disregard for mainstream sensibilities. But the blight of the 'manufactured celebrity' culture and the pox of radio friendly pop hooks would soon dominate british urban music with the emergence of the bastardized pop music that is; Grime. Artists like Dizzy Rascal, Tiny Tempah, Tinchy Stryder, Chipmunk et al, have about as much to do with UK Hip Hop than Tony Blair has to do with world peace i.e. nothing in common. As a result true hip hop music has gone back to the underground where many would say that it belongs and it is perhaps the better for it. Now, none of the artists on this compilation ever achieved a level of success in the UK that made any of them earn a profitable career from their art. But there was definitely a time when they were more recognised and appreciated for their contribution to the cause. So now in 2010 we pass the baton to new British hip hop artists such as Poetical Son, Lowkey, Klashnekoff and the Poisonous Poets, just to name a few, wondering if they can resuscitate a genre that means so much to those of us who believe in real music.

Yet another quality compilation showcasing great hip hop. Quality tunes throughout such as: Life-In Memory Roots Manuva-Baptism Twilight of God's Nextmen Featuring Ty Numksullz-Raindrops Essential purchase

This CD is a great example of what UK hip-hop artists can achieve. Many of the acts represented here will be familiar to UK rap fans, Mark B & Blade, Mobo winner Roots Manuva, Blak Twang and Lewis Parker for example, but many of the not so familiar acts will have you nodding your head too. Rodney P formerly of the London Posse hooks up with a whole bunch of people including Skinnyman from Mudd Family for the albums finest track "Twilight of the Gods". Also worth a mention are MSI & Asylum, UK Kartel and the reality check that is "In Memory" by Life, telling straight truth about the Steven Lawrence case. If you are a true Hip-Hop fan then you deserve to hear this album. The groups and individuals on here work very hard and deserve your cash. If not for them then buy it for yourself, you will not be disappointed!