Welcome to 2017! William Cooper attacks the Federal Reserve, Bennydiction smashes out brilliant album & Simon Jr hits you with Crazy Beats

An interesting take on the well known Wizard of Oz story in which William Cooper relates it as a parable about exploitation of workers and the manipulation of politic, media and society. The animation is pretty clunky but a thought provoking piece nontheless.


The formidable presence of Benny Diction is making waves in the UK hip hop scene at the moment and I was privileged enough to appear on his excellent new album "Button Up" produced entirely by South African beat smith Blue Buttons. Benny made the album as a bit of a tribute to a milestone 30th birthday and felt he needed to develop and reflect on a level of maturity that the ageing process has had on him. Hence a song about toilet paper! A track to which a recent audience member to quip "I loved that shit song" after a slamming performance.To be fair that track "Whatitdoo" is a great bit of light relief amongst a hard hitting, but reflective, entertaining and mature album.  Jokes aside the album packs a serious punch with stella guest appearances including LeeN, Mnsr Frites, Eliza Shaddad, Legoman, Mr P, Amos, Tang the Pilgrim, Elliot Fresh, Luca Brazi & Ash the Author. All the guests bring distinctive styles to their respective tracks, and the storytelling techniques displayed in "Growing Pains" is particularly poignant. The raw political element diplayed in the excellent "Back to Pangaea" by Benny alongside eMCee Killa, Archetype and Tony Skank a piece delightfully bought together by the vocals of Sister Mary.  Another highlight for me is the super appreciative "Ah Yeah!" which isn't really a rap tune, more of sing song skit but beautifully put together ode to the lovely beautiful simple moments that are to be found in a life of positive hard work and dedication. Massive respect for this album, with extra shouts to Blue Buttons for delightful production throughout and DJ Sugai for his always entertaining on point and precise cuts...if you don't know...Get to know!



Simon Jr returns to the Vocalswords pages with a very nice new beat tape. The first joint knocks heavy and is a great base for any emcee to lay down a few bars....only a few mind as the legend B.I.G. then kicks in to dominate the rest of the track, so if mans/womans have the cahunas to share a track with Big Poppa dig right in. Starfunk 4 again nods delightfully with some super squelchy undertones with a sprinkling of outer space noises, some excellent Meth and Red drop ins; I imagin making for a great track to perform live if your an emcee who wants to rock out with the crowd while saving your voice for the next track! Broken is what is says on the tin, a very offbeat, high pitch concoction, not really my cup of tea but surely one for the more leftfield inclined. Blackwidow 4 is also on some next level futuristic ish with ray guns or phasers blasting through the background, a headnodder for real.  Die like a Rock star is on some hardcore industrial/tech glitch mission which I can imagine someone like El-P going in on hard. Kayhole is weirdly minimalistic and interestingly otherworldly at the same time. One for the metaphysically inclined. Yellowking 2 is pretty much a high pitch remix at the start with some interesting bass patterns. The bonus track of Toni 2 is a slightly more orthodox but highly listenable and banging track which I'm pretty sure would get the club turnt out in a very funky direction. Get involved!

Wordplay Album of the Year Nominees

Yes yes it is that time of the year when the cream of the crop gets formally judged. Having been on another planet for the majority of 2016 it means there is special pleasure for me being able to jump in and out of a hefty batch of dope projects. Going to line them up all here with no bias part from to say a massive big up to my Ipswich homie Booda French and large ups to Truffle Barons for keeping everything lively as part of the extended Granville famalam. Sorry not to see Bennydiction's excellent "Button Up" LP on the list but what can you do!? Check out the official listing, artist info  and get your vote in ASAP at Wordplay.... in the meantime check some of the shortlisted music right here.

Big Cakes "Tracing Paper" & Billy Danze gives a few words for Obama's last few days in Office....

Almost a year since my last post. 2016 has been a shocker for many people, world events seemingly conspiring to make a grim vortex. Personally I have been struggling with the pernicious fog of depression, and in an attempt to reconnect with my once beloved hiphop I remembered this Big Cakes jam. A lot of it resonates positively for me, especially with the hypnotic Micall Parkinson beat. Also wish I knew what thoughts were going through the mind of the bloke behind Cakes on the train! Amazing one take goodness taken using the Brrap App.



Trump and his future role is on everyone's mind but Obama still has a little while left in Office, and this "6'o Clock Briefing" given by the M.O.P soldier's hits home hard; the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement surely needs to remain high on the political agenda as the U.S. moves into an uncertain future.

Feel Cool Forever

What a piece of advice! And what a stormer of an EP...classic raps, introspective soul bearing dopeness and beats that absolutely smash it, this is an evocotive piece of work crafted with a depth of soul, acoustic finesse and lyrical accomplishment that makes it a definite to check and download for repeated listening.....a lot of instrumentals on the end of the jams which is great for you aspiring rappers out there to get up and rhyme to your reflection in the window!

I probably need to write in shorter sentences. So check it...

Scare the Normals, Endemic Emerald & Skanks and Marcus Juvann....Dope Fresh Rap Yo

"I can't take it, I'm loosing my childhood favourites, Bill Cosby a rapist & Hulk Hogan a racist"....too true and a sentiment I increasingly find myself relating too. This beautifully produced banger from Endemic Emerald, the seasoned UK heavyweight producer smashing it in NYC sets the scene perfectly for Skanks to deliver topical insights into the messed up world where the Black Lives Matter is increasingly heard but not necessarily addressed.



Bury St Edmund's is pinned definitively on the map by the Scare the Normals crew who present their second full length release "Creepy Brainfood" a very welcome blast of fresh air from the fens incorporating anti-establishment spit fire rhymes with hyped up instrumentals with the classic festival stomping elements of scratching and mind bending sound effects. Serious messages are nicely laced into the fabric of the hectic, feel good vibe while reminding us of perils of modern life; "Diet coke and fluoride giving me a tumor" Apologies but late Sunday eve and there are too many bangers to go in depth review wise on but if you want to mainline the goodness jump straight to "Brass Leaf" for a super smasher of a track.




Marcellus Juvann presents a nicely laid back projects kicking off with "Make my way" which has some lovely sax work intertwining with everyman struggle bars interspersed with some imaginative vignettes such as winning a stare out competition with Medusa. "Do the Right Thing" gives a good account of the dillemas faced in modern life and the percieved need to get the Fat Gold Chain and other shiney trinkets.

Beautiful Hip Hop from AZ & Masta Ace

Compelling Chester P Interview on the Housing Crisis, plus Cult of the Damned

Scarface Laments Police Killings

You really need to check Scarface's incredible, poignent and disturbing new track. Venting out as only Brad Jordan can he goes in hard as "the evil demons came back" and he reflects with desolation; "Ive been a loyal dude and you can trust that, but loyalty versus greed equals fuck that".

Great new music from Stig of the Dump, Jehst, Ackurate & Divine Suns

What an absolute stormer! I say that even though the track is relatively laid back tempo and beat wise but the precision of wordplay of Stig and infectious hook from Jehst make this a paradoxically hypnotic yet lyrically super satisfying tour de force. I've played this on repeat many times without the video and it's an absolute banger. Watching the video almost makes it too incredible; the attention to detail and incredible homage to Stanley Kubrick deserves serious respect and attention. Stig's interpretations of leading characters whilst still delivering parts of himself through his bars is very impressive; and the surreal glimpses of Jehst depicting iconic scenes from Kubrick's work makes the whole video a proper classic.



This track should be an absolute classic. It suffers slightly from a lack of consistent engineering and though the beat is hella dope it should be slamming in harder. Aside these criticisms this really shows hiphop in it's most incredibly positive social light; some ill spitting helps deliver a profound message of solidarity and hope whilst gently calling out some of the more mainstream artist who are "ignorant to civil rights like it aint they fight". The incorporation of many people and generations in the video help cement this as a great focal point for positive, collaborative and hopeful music.




Ackurate's new joint describes him as a "Soul Misfit" but in reality the precision of beats and points of view he expresses should have him fitting well into the ears of those appreciative of intelligent and progressive hiphop. No surprise his work is tagged with "90's" and "Underground" on his Bandcamp page; it is indeed a strange state affairs that such non-mainstream tags still need to be applied to what is in fact great quality music that, in the humble opinion of Vocalswords, should actually be getting that big ol' mainstream spotlight. Highlights include The Excursion giving a nice intro to the poetically inspired styles of Ackurate and his world view while 'Vibes' produced by Capo is a smoothly rolling track oozing positivity.

Rest in Power Sean Price

A massive loss to Hip Hop comes with the news that underground legend, Sean Price aka Ruck; one half of the incredible Heltah Skeltah outfit has passed away. I played "Monkey Bars" a few weeks ago in full and was thinking how many other rappers have such complex, entertaining and brutal styles and to be honest I'm not sure there is anyone better. A sad day. I've posted a couple of my favourite clips of Sean P and one of my favourite joints from Monkey Barz; the chemistry dude had with Rock and the incredible skill level is in full effect; Thanks for the work big man.

It aint all Greek Tragedy....

As Greece faces an uncertain future in terms of it's solvency and relationship to the European Union after an historic vote which may prove pivitol in the history of both democracy and international economic affairs I thought it fitting to play a slice of hiphop from Greece. Fortunately I stumbled fairly quickly over this hopefull sounding banger from Sins; a prophetic "Live as One" hook haunts the track as headknodding melodic flows referencing Cronus provide the subtance that at the moment is unfortunately elusive. Any translaters, or Sins if you are out there get at me to break the lyrics down!

New Music from Ras Kass, Ron Beatty, V. Nova & D.O.S.

Word up Ron Beatty; I know why they ain't heard about you dog, its cause you sound truthful, humble and honest....give me a lift in your (hopefully electrically powered) Maserati one day and I'll join you leaning out the window yelling! Holler @RonBeattyNC, Video Shot by @Nervreck and @scorpioflo_kob1

"My Instructions came with a typo!....tough life tales from @Mr_VNova but with a poetic flair that keeps it banging along nicely over a Crack Factory beat. 

Rass Kass uniting struggles with characteristic hardcore flair here over Domingo's swinging, gun shot laced production.....a shame that the rich are killing the weak but as long as that is the status quo the elite need to watch out for the wrath of Rassy....Domingo has an impressive stack of joints featuring some dope dope emcees, go check it here. 



The last one is a big shout out to my girl who complains about too much of hip hop being a bit depressing or over intellectualized (ok, mainly just UK Hip Hop coming mainly from white boys like me). This track is pretty much about hard core bars with a video about having fun, so not too much too complain about from me as long as I am of course overlooking the standard misogyny, crass commercialism etc blah blah blah ah stuff it its been a long day and D.O.S got some bars to cheer me up, is having a great time with his crew so why not!!?

Fresh Hip Hop from Napoleon feat Killah Priest, Rapper Big Pooh prod Apollo Brown Sim-E ft Rock, Torae & Quelle Chris

Unbelievably ill, stick this shit on rewind from the former Little Brother heavyweight emcee telling you with force and panache "What you already new" over a banger from Apollo Brown. Also peep the goodness from Napoleon who hold it down getting Biblically inspired with a nice feature from Killah Priest. We finish off with an excellent video for a banging cut where Sim-E smashes the beats up and is ably assisted by the irrepressible Rock of Heltah Skeltah and the ever intriguing Quelle Chris.

Hey!zeus.i 'Holy Cow' ft. Strange U & Jehst plus Ghostface Killah & Elzhi

Check out this slice of Psychadlic Bovine illness from the Young N Restless camp; Hey!zeus.i asking the important question "....if the lands barren where you graze your flock?" and Kashmere of Strange U giving the sage advice ".......get creative" this tripped out marvelously hypnotic track is completed by The High Plains Drifter kicking in a holy cash cow earning verse. Great to be hearing this original business, great music should be appreciated by all.

And if that's not quite enough high powered lyricism for you check out the new Tony Starks LP "Sour Soul", a tour de force of paired back rhymes allowing a soundscape to showcase some of the illest flows in the game.  As Pretty Tony spits....

Stand the fuck up like Flav to fight the power
I'm an activist, socialist, deadly ass poetrist
Supreme Clientele, I'm a goddamn vocalist
My thoughts are so heavy I could change a generation
The x-factor, we puttin' holes through inflation

New Music from Pete Rock, LouieVon & Young Cam plus Herrotics repping for Blah Records

    

Pete Rock releases a free download of "Heaven and Earth" a gorgeous instrumental as you may well come to expect; if you're not familiar get to know the man's back catalogue ASAP, true hiphop legend. Watch out for the full length coming from Mellow Music Group coming 23rd June.  

The Blah Records camp is in full effect at the moment with Herrotics releasing "Fathead" alongside two videos documenting UK city life to the sounds of some immensely hardcore lyrical rap...Get involved with this and pick up some tasty Blah Merch here, Not gonna put my geographical knowledge neck on the line; if you know which city (ies) are being repped by Herrotics get at me solocypher@gmail.com.

New track "Come Up" gets analytical on the trap situation many increasingly are struggling to escape from. "Praying for a come up" appears to depressingly be the only way out for LouiVon & Young Cam as they get serious over a nice beat from Enlighten. Check the Memorial Day Mixtape Out Here. 

Going Hard...Mnsr Frites drops dope album "River Wandle"; Plus Emerge MC smashes it!

Its a pleasure to introduce these next two videos coming from talents representing my current home town of London.  First up the cerebral laid back tones of Granville Session's Big Frits goes nicely over a jazzy soulful beat from Cognitive. Frites has a serious flow but humour is always lurking as he's "Staying current like a synonym for raisens" This is a fresh trippy visual that pairs with the other excellent vid "I Drink Coffee" from the man who has just dropped the ill full length banger "The River Wandle,,,I've been lucky to have a sneak peak and it is ill, (top choice so far is Track 16, Sim City prod. Sam Zircon), so....promoters get booking this dude, just remember to put Dim Sum on the menu yeah!? Word to Mr Chips.

Next up is the irrepressible Emerge who destroys with bar after bar of heated bars drawn from his turbulant, wildstyle lifestyle. His passion for life, his people and desire to be at the top of the game is shines through....back on his boss shit!

Futa - Ferguson "Finally Someone Talkin Real Ish"

I've followed Futa for a lil while now and sensed something powerful would come from this talented artist. This track is the one...incredibly powerful lyracism from a cat who needs to be recognised. The opening "One question, have you ever seen a woman cry from methods of genodcide..." shocks and awes the listener into a record that is raw and incredibly painful but ultimately beautifully uplifting.
"Fuck what they told you every soul has a heaven"

Sonny Jim, Blahz Martell, Copywrite

 Bigging up your home town is one of my favourite parts of hiphop music and Blahz Martell smashes this alongside grammy nominated Camille Carolina.



Brum based emcee legend returns with a very generous serving of Granola with his latest installments, available from Eatgood

Now here's a selection of bar related goodness I've been put onto recently....First Flabbz is going in HARD on Charlie Sloth's 'Fire in the Streets' sessions; followed up by Chester P's contribution....I'm posting it straight up then watching as I already know its gonna be well worth it ha.....then a couple more slabs of heavy weight lyracism firstly with Copywrite putting a great twist on slang with 'Yasin Bey' and then Tre Isaacs vibing out on hyper medula venting operation....









https://soundcloud.com/respect-magazine/premiere-cormega-feat-craig-g

Lil B

New Hiphop Music from Donta Black, Chima Anya and Georgia Anne Muldrow

Chima Anya has jumped into a fantastic project with Clem Beats, and this deeply emotional track is the first single with visuals taken from their EP available here. RIP Ade. A new voice to Vocalswords, Georgia Anne Muldrow is certainly no novice and this powerful track gives a lyrical knockout to the commercial world of pop rap.

https://soundcloud.com/donta-black/round-of-applause