New talent from the Boston label that introduced Mr Lif, 7L & Esoteric and Insight to the rap world. Ellis brings his own beats and production to the lead cut, tracing the roots of graffiti and b-boy culture right back to Egyptian times, with a convincing flow, deft wordplay and an infectiously raw vibe about it. For “Shut Shit Down”, Ellis is joined by Esoteric & Edo. G, and is produced by North Carolina’s Clokwork, throwing in ‘bring-the-drama’ string stabs and boompty-boom beats, which actually sit a little at odds with the MC’s verbal styles. Better is 7lp’s remix, which adds a ridiculous bass sound and a much more satisfyingly sleazy grind to the proceedings.
3 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: DARREN WALL