With his status as a leading light of independent Hip-Hop already cemented, Boston-bred MC, Mr. Lif returns with a bang, delivering an explosive, but cerebral commentary on the state of US society. It is unfortunate then, that his immense lyrical talent is often drowned-out here by a relentlessly tough, speaker-puncturing production style, courtesy of Def Jux honcho El-P. It’s not all bad news, but the chaos of the Funk and Rock-fuelled soundscape makes it tough to appreciate the presence of a gifted vocalist.

Tom Breslin

Introducing us to a stable of new artists from ‘down under’, the debut compilation from this Sydney-based label guides us seamlessly through Future Jazz and Broken Beat territory, Click-House, twisted Electro, and poppy Nu-Disco, whilst maintaining a techy, synth-driven feeling throughout. Despite a plateau in the middle, the CD starts and finishes strongly and, with nods to labels like Dialect and 20:20 Vision, there is some high-quality electronic music here that will have you dancing round your bedroom in no time.

Tom Breslin

Already legends of the underground, Maspyke deserve to explode into the mainstream with this debut set of Soul-influenced, hardcore Hip-Hop. Roddy Rod’s tough, whip-snapping beats, reminiscent of Jay Dee’s Slum Village work, provide the perfect accompaniment to Hanif and Tableek’s rugged poetry, which is heavy on both intelligence and attitude. Released in the US in September 2005, this album is finally available here in the UK, and fans of Benji B’s Deviation radio show will already be familiar with some of the tracks. Infinitely more sophisticated than the thugged-out chart fodder that we are all bombarded with, and more energetic and dynamic than many of the independent artists out there, this trio strikes a balance that is all too rare in Hip-Hop.

Tom Breslin

Reflecting the Broadcite label’s own worthy output, this collection serves up the full spectrum of modern electronic soul, from the feel-good Hip-Hop of top female lyricist Voice (as heard on the recent Visioneers album), to Broken Beat gems from the likes of Brown (a CDR discovered talent) and Method Unique. A couple of Future Jazz fillers, which don’t quite seem to develop fully, do detract from the CD’s overall quality, but this is bolstered by some monstrous Deep House from Yoruba maestro Osunlade – his awesome Gwotet remix and NYC’s Quentin Harris. With several of the tracks being CD exclusives, and a welcome showing from Ashley Beedle’s much-loved Black Science Orchestra guise, this compilation certainly deserves a listen.

Tom Breslin

Mocky’s third solo recording sees him emerge with a sophisticated brand of Synth-Pop far superior to most. With an ear for a catchy chorus, the former Peaches and Gonzales cohort builds on soulful, melodic foundations with club-friendly beats and slick, electronic touches to (mostly) great effect here. Warp’s Jamie Lidell co-wrote several of the tracks and lends his trademark falsetto to one. However, it is ‘Fightin’ Away The Tears’, a collaboration with former Broken Social Scene vocalist Feist, that really impresses – she is certainly a vocal talent to listen out for. That said, Mocky’s penchant for a one-dimensional, faux-Beck rap does grate on me, but there will be many who find this enjoyable, rather than just irritating.

Tom Breslin

A treat for all music fans, this collection of (mostly) previously unreleased material is an Afro-groove flavoured melting pot of Reggae, Disco, Rock and Jazz. Chisa Records was established by Hugh Masekela and Stewart Levine in 1966, in the hope of providing a home for the unique brand of �African American Music� which they had been pioneering through a number of bands and musical projects at that time. Over the next 10 years, they enjoyed success with some classic Crusaders albums, and recordings from Masekela himself; but the music contained in this collection was largely never released. Featuring the likes of The Zulus and Johannesburg Street Band, it is the product of an amazing array of supremely talented musicians, with vocals coming from the incredible Miatta Fahinbulleh and Letta Mbulu. All 14 tracks are pure Afro-infused delight; but the lyrically superior �Witch Doctor� just about outshines the rest. Not to be consigned to the abyss of �World� music!

Tom Breslin

The wait is over! Marc Mac "better known as one half of 4 Hero" has finally delivered his much-anticipated Visioneers long player. This meeting of Jazz and Hip-Hop cultures sees Mac reclaiming some of the best-loved samples from Hip-Hop’s heyday and recycling them in a fresh and powerful manner (check Benji B favourite Ike’s Mood I and the timely cover of The Pharcyde’s Dilla-produced Runnin’), as well as uncovering some serious gems of his own. And, he manages to create 15 Jazz, Soul and Funk driven grooves without ever even threatening to become tedious. Dinner Jazz this is not!
Every track on Dirty Old Hip Hop has an organic energy about it, with welcome contributions from Twisted Funk’s Brad Somatik and the telented 4 Hero drummer Luke Parkhouse. Picking stand-outs from this album is nigh-on impossible and stellar rap-cameos from the ever-impressive Capitol A and female emcee Voice on Funk Box and Replay, respectively, simply put the icing on the cake. In paying homage to the likes of Jazzy Jeff, Jay Dee and Pete Rock, Mac travels far beyond mere imitation and proves once again that he really ain’t too shabby himself. Essential listening!

Tom Breslin

Joining the likes of Dwele and Van Hunt in the list of genuinely talented Soul artists emerging from the manufactured mush of chart-clogging ‘R&B’ is Baltimore’s Raheem DeVaughn. This debut offering sees DeVaughn’s immense voice and refreshing song-writing ability coupled with some of the most creative, and musically sensitive producers around; including the tragically underrated Pete Kuzma. With 18 tracks, the spine-tingling Soul is bountiful, and if there was any justice, the Kenny Dope produced ‘Guess Who Loves You More’ would be a chart-cleansing hit.

Tom Breslin

Demonstrating that he is not only a superlative spoken-word artist and skilled DJ, but a gifted producer to boot, Philadelphia’s Rich Medina draws from a vast pool of influences here to deliver a work that takes us from Philly to Detroit via Nigeria and West-London. With an impressive array of guest-vocalists and musicians, and stylish, original melodies, we are treated to head-nodding Hip-Hop, mid-tempo soulful House, the finest Soul, and other boundary-defying grooves. 1xtra’s Benji B is a fan, and so should you be!

Tom Breslin