The London wordsmith-rapper-producer’s The World I Know was one of the debut albums of 2005. Since then he’s been appearing at spoken word events in an attempt to sharpen his lyrics. It’s obviously paid off because the missives here can rank with anyone. You know that’s the case when tracks like the poignant ‘No Age For A life To End’ would be just as gripping if delivered unadorned. While grieving over a dead friend, Nicky also makes succinct, barbed comments at the world in general. ‘Get Back Home’ manages to sum up the post-club mashed state stagger home while getting into surreal and violent territory. ‘Me And Mary Jane’ compares his attempt to ditch the weed with breaking up with a girl. If it’s all too serious, Nicky’s trademark bizarre humour riddles ‘Concubine Spaceship Part II’. The music is sympathetic and suitably atmospheric. So it doesn’t get overlooked there’s a couple of dubs. The bloke’s a major talent and it’s great seeing him progress in such leaps and bounds while never falling of his original sonic surfboard.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: KRIS NEEDS