Solocypher - Elephantitus Album

I'm excited to anounce the arrival of my first studio album 'Elephantitus' (available via Bandcamp, click on the album art above, look out for clean and explicit lyric versions) ; it was recorded by Chemo at Kilamanjaro Studios in South London, UK and is the result of the last few years rapping and lving in Elephant & Castle, and contains a variety of tracks documenting London and hiphop life, hopes and fears.   

Kicking off with 'Welcome to Elephant' produced by my flatmate-at-the-time James, the track gives a little tour of the Elephant and Castle area of South London, its sights, smells and feelings of the local people. The album features a guest appearance from my long time collaborator and friend Doctor Chima Anya on the super lively 'Anthem' produced by Fat Gold Chain DJ TacticK; a document as to why we spend so much time and effort on the cruel mistress that is hiphop (see performanc photo below)

Many beats are provided by one of my main dudes from my home town of Ipswich, DJ Nifty aka Sulako....Nifty has sent me piles of excellent beats over the years and there is plenty more to come from this collaboration, but on the album the funky 'Bad 2 tha Bone' is a favourite cheeky banger, and his work on 'Candide' and 'Lord Knows' gave me the inspiration to create a couple ot thematic tracks. 

Fat Gold Chain collaborators TacticK and DJ Dave provide the backdrop to an ode to the importance of love and family on 'Be Kind'. Further contributions come courtesy of DJ Sugai who provides some ace DJ Premier inspired cuts on 'Eco-Tech' and Dooban who gets mega technical on my lyrically dense 'Figureskating Lessons' track.  The album also features Mista P and Mole D as lyrical guests and thier contribution makes double time track 'The Chasm' produced by JG Beats a personal favourite. 

Album Tracks have so far been supported by DJ 279 on Choice FM and on the LC Show on Itch FM so massive shouts to those guys and all support on social media. For now enjoy a few album tracks I've splurged on Sound cloud and if you're feeling em please go get the whole album (Free download or Pay What U Like!) 

For those interested in more Solocypher stuff check right here.

Cyrus Malachi The Isis Papers Mixtape Coming Soon

VS is on some promo business as one of the UKs most intense and hardest spitters Cyrus Malachi has just released his 'Isis Papers' mixtape in the very near future. Having the privilidge of a sneak preview it's always great to hear work from one third of the heavyweight Triple Darkness crew. Those who have heard the trio's work will know that Malachi is going to come hard with it. You will not be dissapointed, First track 'The Hammered Bracelet' featuring Melanin 9 has got me rewinding rapidly already.

Never an easy listen if you are unwilling to sit down and follow the flow of the complex, often highly polemical rhymes, this is some serious hip hop that carries some very important messages.. it would seem at the moment that this type of music is completely absent from the mainstream music industry. Cyrus Malachi and Triple Darkness are in a good position alongside the incredible production from Endemic and others to make some serious moves, it just remains to be seen as to whether their content may be too much for certain interested powerfull parties.

Regardless of the above slight misgivings, this is a great slice of classic hard as shit hip hop. Good to hear a 'Robin Hood' freestyle over one of the sickest beats on Endemic's recent 'Needle Drop' EP and plenty more goodness featuring a wraft of other mic demolishers such as....

Although this mixtape will be a sure fire winner for a lot of heads, the constant barrage of dark metaphores, conspiracy theory and images of brutality may prove a bit too much for some. As a precursor to an album proper this certainly does its job, but it would also be good to hear some slightly more optomistic rhymes at some point. The mastery of lyracism to paint great pictures of anarchy, crime, evil and subjugation is one thing, but for me the masterpiece comes when the light is also demonstrated, if only to more effectively define the dark. Some more personal reflections on various subjects I think would also help Cyrus to gain the larger appeal and audience that he and affiliates undoubtably deserve.

Watch this space for when the Mix Tape drops, in the meantime sit back and enjoy this classic slice...

Delusionists - Digital Connects (prod. Jon Phonics)

Vocalswords got the Props baby!

Mad big ups to the Delusionists who alongside the prolific Jon Phonics have put together a bangin' ode to all their favourite online sources of Hip Hop goodness. There are big number of serious sites mentioned (how many can you spot!?) and it feels pretty good to be amongst some heavyweights...Will put up links to all those mentioned shortly but for now I gotta go write some bars!



Now go and support the crew, check them out on line and get 25% off your dowload with "digifam" as your discount code; http://music.delusionists.co.uk/

PS Just while I'm on an own horn tooting bit thought I'd throw up the Youtube version of the tune 'It's Not Right' myself and Chima did with Scholarman a few months back...so for all you lazy fools who dont like downloading shit, all you gotta do is press the stankin button!! One

Solocypher - Wheres My Cash.mp3

Just a quick self promo; check the topical tune and think about it before casting your votes come election day...screws everyone a little bit really but I wanted to put it out there! Let me know what you reckon...safe!

Solocypher - Wheres My Cash.mp3

http://www.mediafire.com/?junonnwgonw

Just in time for the election, Solo poses a few difficult questions for himself, and more importantly for the men attempting to run our country...produced by T.Twigg

See what you reckon, pass it on to those you think might dig it!! :)

Solocypher featuring Scholarman 'Change Thru the Rhyme'

Get the latest hotness Here, a collaboration spanning the atlantic; Solocypher (myself) has hooked up with dope Maryland emcee Scholarman to produce a raw but smooth track over a superb beat by D'Logic. Titled 'Change Thru the Rhyme' the track demonstrates a hip hop aesthetic embracing creativity and positivity through fierce flows. Props to Scholarman for reaching out on this project, I'm sure you'll agree its a quality pairing.
http://www.mediafire.com/?ggmzmz5hnkn

Solocypher & DJ Nifty Present "Unstabilized" Album

Drum N Bass producer DJ Nifty has focused his talents to concoct a stew of banging hip hop beats for Solocypher to bring his random mix of beer, politics, introspection, philosophy and general stoopidness to the table. Listen with an open mind and open bottle of wine!
INCLUDES THE SMASH HIT DRUNKEN CROONER ANTHEM 'BEER'D UP'!!!
Now for absolutely free, all you lovely people you can download this ill collaboration from...Here
it's in a zip file, any problems let me know!

Scratch Club Residence!

New Freshness every month! Props to Tom the big man for keeping it always superdope!

Vocalswords A Reflective Review

So I don't forget in my old age, I'm using this page to document the origins and history of Vocalswords, and more specifically the role of Solocypher... not the most riviting of stories but someone might be interested!

1998-2001
Started rhyming with ADK (Now DJ Nifty), DJ Flare & Archer, founded the Vocalswords Collective. Made first EP/Demo 'First Daze' over commercial beats with a mixer and MiniDisc player! Took part in first emcee competition @ Ipswich Town Hall...lost to a bunch of Garage heads as it was starting to be the most influential style and would lead into the stomping movement that was to become known as Grime.

2002-2006

Studying in Birmingham joined Dominion Beats (Kid Anime, Chima, Swain, Ade the Mad African and Toshi) recording some crazy underground flavour joints! Featured on a couple of songs from Chima Anya's "Time Destroys All" E.P. Appeared on the Dominion Beats radio show on Burn FM. Helped with setting up the infamous 'Fat Gold Chain' hip hop and battle night as part of the Beatz and Pieces crew alongside Serious, Eliza, DJ Menthol and many hardworking others.


2005

Heard on 1xtra in an accapella competition to meet Common. Got through despite Rodney P not understanding a line about the River Seine! Went to London for an emcee masterclass with Rodney P, Skitz and Common

Released home produced debut album "Citizen Framed" featuring Chima Anya (GTA), Kid Anime (Dominion Beats), Serious, Concept, the vocals of Kaf & Eliza with beats from DJ Nifty, JBC, Nasty and Taharka

Performed at Cotswold Bamboo festival and Drop Beats Not Bombs in the Medicine Bar, Birmingham...can currently be founded ciphering at Fat Gold Chain, Soul Thump and the UK Rising around Birmingham City!

2006
A fairly quiet year in hip hop terms as real life has got in the way more than I would have liked! I am doing a PGCE training to be a primary school teacher which is knackering and has meant a lower rap profile.

I did manage to host the Festivale Fight against Aids Festival in the summer, hosted a couple of fat gold chains, freestyled at Fat Gold Chain and Soulthump, did a show @ Birmingham uni with Chima and appeared on Newstyle FM's DJ Cro Main Ingredient Show freestyling with the likes of Kosyne, Juice Aleem, GTA and I'm Hal....all great fun and an honour!

I havn't had a recording set up at all this year so output has been very low; Santa should be bringing me some gear soon though so watch out for some raw ish in the 07....Ive got bare rhymes backed up, a major collaboration set with DJ Nifty planned and should be also making an appearance on a track with Hedphoniks....Hustlin fo sho!! Laters