Browsing Tag

Spoken Word Rap

T-Mos the Scribe wrapped his rap bars around indie folk ingenuity in ‘Adored’

Posted on 21 September 2023

In the standout single, Adored, from his debut EP, I Think I Love Myself, the singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, T-Mos the Scribe, wrapped his spoken word rap verses around intricately melodic indie folk instrumentals to deliver a hit of pure poetic innovation.

With a soundscape that hits the cathartic spot with as much precision as Frightened Rabbit and The Twilight Sad, it is all too easy to lock into the up-and-coming independent artist’s quick-witted cadences as they use the power of metaphor to evoke sticky-sweet visceral emotions.

Using the fact that everyone wants to be adored, which was probably how the Stone Roses’ hit I Wanna Be Adored became a timeless indie playlist staple, T-Mos the Scribe conjured something sublime with the seminal track on his debut release, which was written, created, and produced completely independently.

Adored is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Awesome Crew turned back the hip-hop clock with ‘Back in the Days’

Posted on 6 July 2023

With more old-school appeal than DJ Jazzy Jeff, the latest nostalgia hit, Back in the Days, from The Awesome Crew is a trip back in time you will want to take time and time again. The ascending melodic keys against the scratching turntables and slow-tempo rap verses will leave you on the razor-sharp hook of the hit, which takes nothing seriously but the soul.

The modern era of hip-hop left its mark on the tonally scintillating record through the RnB infusions, but in terms of attitude, Back in the Days will safely transplant you on the streets of Brooklyn while the 80s were in full swing.

While many modern hip-hop acts are keen to emanate the 80s, The Awesome Crew are one of the only MC outfits that have seen the 80s and thrived within the hip-hop landscape; founded by Smooth D, Daddy D, and Classy D, the history of The Awesome Crew stems back to 1986. Tragically, Smooth D was shot and killed in 1993, but the remaining members are still working tirelessly to secure his and their legacy. Based on Back in the Days, they’ve profoundly succeeded.

Stream Back in the Days on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Rap artist StevieJayUK delivered a healthy dose of romantic realism with his single, ‘Been There’.

Posted on 8 April 2021

Any fans of George the Poet’s smooth, gritty style will want to jump on the playfully candid latest single, ‘Been There’, by breaking UK Rap artist StevieJayUK.

Been There serves a healthy dose of realism as the lyrics capture the feelings of affection and frustration that manifest in the early days of dating. The rap bars may be delivered in a Blasé style, but the vocal hooks are where you’ll find StevieJayUK’s softer side; the side that humbly underlines the affection in his cat & mouse account of newfound love that leads to stability and growing in unity.

You can check out Been There for yourselves by heading over to YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast