 Hip hop ain’t my falte. I say “ain’t”, as opposed to “isn’t”, because it makes me seem “down with the kids” and makes it look like I have some semblance of knowledge on urban music; which in fairness, I suppose I do… I’m aware that there are hip hop artists who don’t just reel off lyric after lyric on waggling a “loaded piece” in some poor bastard’s face like it’s cool to be Public Enemy No.1; and I know enough to know that I prefer hip hop that falls under this category. Thankfully, producer Jon Phonics is an artist against the insanity of gang-culture; therefore he gets an instant thumbs-up. Even when he talks about the violence on the streets, he raises the all important question: What’s the friggin’ point in it all? Phonics views it with the same puzzled glare as the majority of the nation, and you listen to his lyrics because you get a genuine sense he’s experienced it all; that he MCs from the heart. However, his lyrics aren’t limited to just the one subject; Phonics also draws on the ‘State of Hip Hop’ on aptly named opening track, um, ‘State of Hip Hop’. Every track on ‘Half Past Calm’ is perfect fodder for the warm-up or chill-down period of any club-night, with edgy, often brooding beats, and fuzzy, soulful scores throughout. Alternatively, ‘Half Past Calm’ would be just as suitable for a night in with a Family Bucket; chilling with a big reefer and watching yet another repeat of Sexcetra on your digi-box. Phonics has drafted in the crème de la crème of the MCing circuit, with the likes of Triple Darkness, Verb T, Mr. Drastik, M9INE, and Luc Skyz, offering guest vocals. But its Phonics’ work as a producer that sets this debut apart from anything else; from the openers emotional flutes and harps, through to piano-driven track ‘The Lion’s Den’, each song is a polished and varied journey. Will I give hip hop more of a chance in the future? On the evidence of ‘Half Past Calm’, I don’t see why not… |
