RECORD REVIEWS

Dwele – Some Kinda

Soul sensation Dwele (playing this month, check site for info) comes with his second LP “Some Kinda,” and it’s very big.  From the first track Dwele’s soulful voice keeps us captivated over nice melodic beats, many courtesy of Dwele himself.  Dwele explores a whole range of emotions on this album.  From tracks like “A Pimps Dream;” a different take on vanity, to “I Think I Love You” and “Lay it Down;” something Dwele refers to himself as “baby making music.”  Old friends; US Hip Hop crew Slum Village make an appearance also on the bouncy “Keep On.”  Altogether a superb album, a must have for soul fans.

Public Enemy - New Whirl Odor

Seventeen years after the classic “It takes a nation of millions...” Public Enemy are still fighting the power and come with their latest “New Whirl Odor.”  Politically charged as ever, “New Whirl Odor” doesn’t touch classics like “Fear of a Black Planet” but is still well worth a listen.  “Make You Blind” explores relevant rap politics within the industry today.  Other big tracks include “Revolutions,” “Superman is Black in the Building” and “What a Fool Believes.”  With the untimely passing of producer Terminator X, (RIP) the beats are taken care of by a mixture of heavy underground producers including Johnny Juice and Professor Griff.  A good album, one for PE fans to enjoy especially.

Angie Stone - Stone Hits, The Very Best Of

Since her debut “Black Diamond” in 1999, US star Angie Stone has remained one of the most recognisable and respected female voices in R’n’B.  Now Stone comes with her greatest hits album; “Stone Hits, The Very Best Of.”  All the classics are here, from her breakthrough single “No More Rain” to the stunning duet with Joe “More than a Woman.”  The hit single “Brotha” is included (the original and remix feat. Eve and Alicia Keys) as is “Stay for a While” feat. Anthony Hamilton.  If you don’t have any of Stone’s work in your collection already then its all about buying this album.  However big fans will no doubtedly own most of these tunes already.

Baby J - FTP (Fuck The Police)

Big boy British producer Baby J comes with his new album, the appropriatly titled FTP (Fuck The Police).  Baby J is one of our only producers to make big moves on both sides of  the Atlantic, since 1995 he’s worked with Dead Prez, Wu Tang and Brand Nubian.  FTP is heavy; a collection of Baby J produced bangers featuring established UK and US artists in equal measure.  More than matching US producers on beats; the opener “None of Them” feat. Skinnyman and new talent Laurissa on vocals, is sure to become a classic.  The infamous political Dead Prez team up with Shabazz the Disciple on concious anthem “Scattered People.” The album also includes the massive single “Let it Go(remix)” featuring Rukus, Yogi, TY and Klashnekoff; currently recieving massive airplay on 1xtra.  Very big album from one of UK’s finest, support UK and go get it. 

Stevie Wonder - A Time to Love

Icon and legend Stevie Wonder is back with his latest album and it’s a banger.  Stevie returns back on form with a soul and funk masterpiece, hurting the tracks with his undeniable voice.  Of course “A Time to Love” doesn’t top classics such as “Songs in a Key of Life” bit it remains a very good album all the same.  The albums lead single “So What The Fuss” feat. Q-Tip is a soulful reworking of Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones” with a touch of raw funk.  Also check the massively funky “Please Don’t Hurt My Baby” and the albums soulful title track “A Time To Love” feat. India Arie. 

Ras Kass - Institutionalized

US underground MC Ras Kass returns with his first work since his release from prison.  A true underground talent, Ras Kass is witty but raw. With pro lyrical skills and clever metaphors Ras Kass kills it on tracks such as “Slap Season,” “Except Me” and “You ain’t Me” feat. Xzibit and Krondon from UK’s SAS.  Other artists on the album include recent MOBO winner Sway and G-Units Young Buck.  The beats and lyrics on this album are sick, a must for all underground hip hop heads.