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Well let me start off by noting that this review might be coming from a slightly biased point of view, considering Ty is one of my personal favourite MCs. So in saying that, this release has a lot to live up to..
Ever since Ty’s 2001 debut ‘Awkward’, I’ve had a strong attachment to him as an artist. He was the first UK Hip-Hop act I was ever exposed to and can remember buying his debut after a friend who worked in a local record store recommended it. Long story short, my copy ‘The Tale’ (see below) and many of his other releases have major record burn due to endless play. Why he hasn’t blown up bewilders me, as his whole package is just so easy to digest. The music is always musical, soulful and is free from expectation, but always maintains a nostalgic sensibility. He takes his craft seriously but doesn’t seem to take himself too seriously, and besides all of that, his accent is quite unique to say the least!
Moving forward with four incredible albums under his belt (I’ll leave that research to you), this year saw the British rapper (artist) newly sign to the highly acclaimed and musically eclectic label, Tru Thoughts (Quantic, Zed Bias, The Bamboos, Rodney P, Hot 8 Brass Band). The first release from his new home is a three track EP, entitled ‘Kick, Snare And An Idea Part 1’. The name really says it all, with him returning to a comfortable and familiar place of producing and writing music from the ground up.
The lead single ‘Like You Never’ is a simple, back to basics, straight to the point record, which finds him reflecting on the state of the music scene today. At first listen I thought to myself; oh no, he’s coming out with one of those cliché ‘Hip-Hop savior’ records, which have become a staple amongst many, once great, now jaded rappers. However, instead of being a cynical or overly opinionated record, he manages to reflect his thoughts on the matter with a great sense of hope and personal reflection. As a testament to this he opens with a question rather than an opinion.
“for every 5 steps forward I take 10 steps back / I love the music but can’t see where it’s at? / Strictly fast food running’s / How we supposed to adapt? / And I ain’t blaming no one, it start with me / Before heart failure there’s blocked arteries”.
Here he humbly announces his struggle, concern and disconnection with the current, conveniently accessible ‘fast food’ music industry, acknowledging the difficulty of staying relevant in a world of ‘corporate takeover’, if you will, affirming his commitment to giving you a ‘healthy’ option. Established fans know that Ty’s never been one to jump on industry bandwagons so I’m sure he’s had his fair share of struggles whist trying maintain that most rewarding creative freedom.
The second cut ‘Knock Knock’ is a straight up jazzy bounce filled with egotistical battle lines, nods to the greats, comical innuendo and witty wordplay. He continues the theme of bringing it back to basics, elevating minds and representing the true essence of the music. Maybe I’m being picky, but the only downfall I saw in this record was the hook where he says, ‘not talking ‘bout a drop top’. Maybe it was just a playful way of supporting verse content and airing his discontentment with artists who choose ‘numbing’ subject matters. However, I’d say fans already know he’s not the superficial type and everyone knows that driving any type of car in London is pointless!
The final track of the EP ‘Playing With Fire’ is the most modern sounding cut of the three, which highlights Ty’s versatile flow. A swung beat and a thick ‘saw-tooth’ bass-line provide the backdrop for topics of trust and the dangers you can face by turning a blind eye to people, especially the youth. It also features rapper/poet Akala and MC Durrty Goodz.
With only three tracks for ‘Kick, Snare And An Idea’ released to far (Part 2 to be release in June), it’s quite hard to give my definitive opinion on the release. Needless to say, his passion for music is still prevalent and there was no compromise on the groove, which is all I really need to be satisfied listener. Even though I don’t consider it his best work to date, it still sounds better than most Hip-Hop music out today. I’m definitely excited to hear more!
Purchase “Kick, Snare And An Idea” Part 1 at the following retailers:
Digital:
http://shop.etchshop.co.uk/releases/TRUDD075/a-kick-snare-and-an-idea-part-1/686
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/kick-snare-and-an-idea/id605757307
Limited Edition 10” vinyl:
http://www.recordbreakin.com/rbm043.html