It feels like a long time since Ty was gracing our ears with new material, but even when he’s had records out, the feeling persists that this extremely imaginative and clever artist is often overlooked. ‘Special Kind Of Fool’ is a fine return, sprinkled with the kind of lyrics that he does so well, making observations on life today but often bringing a subtle sense of humour to the front as well. On ‘Little Star’ he raps about “though the climate is very weak, and very bleak, I’m gonna hold on to every week, and never sleep”. ‘Get To The Sky’, featuring Vula Malinga and Terri Walker, is more thoughtful – “all this shit is so draining”, he notes, but on ‘Me’ he’s trying to be just that. Musically the record is superb, bringing in strong elements of smoky soul and occasionally subtle funk, though in ‘I’m Leaving’ the twinkling pianos and big, rounded beats score hands down. Meanwhile with tracks such as ‘Something Big’, it’s clear Ty is trying to put a smile on the face of UK rap. And you know what? He’s succeeded.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Ben Hogwood
