The ‘Drama’ EP bust down the door for Alex Smoke’s new label as the freshest hiphop blast to be felt for years, especially from the UK. This second set proves that it wasn’t just a one-off and builds anticipation for the Mad Man’s Drum album to scrotum-sizzling fever pitch. Once again, the backdrop on the title track is supernaturally different, introducing alien electronics, dark clankings and bleeps, all but replacing beats. Non’s rhyming is urgent and wired, ramming home another message on what could be a political statement up there with the Last Poets when the whole album comes. Remixes dip into the UK underground with Various Production introduction of an odd accordion sound. ‘Seventh’ is spaced and jerky, remixed by Hudson Hawk into a clattering beast topped by stumbling rap, almost avant garde in its execution. The dark funk of ‘Slaves’ actually boasts a beat as 2Tall ropes cavernous tribal drums into his dubbed-out stew. Genuinely new, frighteningly reflective of modern times and a massive step for the guy who started modelling electronic soundtracks in his bedroom, hand in hand with an awesome lyrical talent. Don’t mean to go on but it’s great.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Kris Needs
