Beatgeeks Present The Art Of Production (Review)

It's been a long time since I've sat down and done a proper full length review, so to get away from all that election BOLLOCKS I had a listen to the new mixtape from Nottingham based outfit Beatgeeks.

An interesting blend of instrumentals and vocalled tracks, the first of which Make It Pay opens up the CD with a hard hitting percussion attack topped with a sample of Desperado's "licking out stars in war" bar. S.R.E's Ill Murk features on the next track Feel Meh where the flow is pretty sharp and intense, unlike the next track World Go Round where things zone out for a little bit with some catchy pulses and mellow tones.

It's not just the Nottingham producing-duo who're showcase the plethora of outer capital talent, Birmingham's Vader tears Nottz 2 Brum to shreds but the so far Grimey glory comes to an abrupt end with Who Said. To be fair to all parties concerned (Beatgeeks, Wariko) it's one of the better efforts as far as Funky goes, not for me nor the hardcore Grime fan however. Lady Hunter continues the Funky vibe with Deejay as does Kim Gardner on After Dark, but the Funkiness is transfused back into a Grimier speed almost amalgamating the two on Wariko & Ventrola's very catchy Ready.

Stop Calling Me offers a modern take on what seems to be borderline Bassline with Jah Digga absolutely going in alongside Chloe's vocals creating what is almost a flashback to some early noughties rave garage. Game is another instrumental which focuses on a slower rhythm with some stinkin' bass on top, think Starkey's 'Capusle' with a heavier percussion. Desperado raps something greeze over a live sounding rap production, but is overshadowed by make favourite track on the CD: Ruff Sqwad & Lauren's 'Wanna Make It Right'. Slix wraps up the opening verse smoothly and Wariko adds a touch of nasty alongside Rapid which combined with Lauren's amazing chorus makes for wonderful listening.

Do you remember Fangol ? He was the Nottingham MC that absolutely raped that huge Logan Sama set late last year; despite his apparent lack of presence since then he goes in on Make That Money alongside Jah Digga who himself rips up Enemy Of Frenemy. 

THE VERDICT: If you're into versatile producers than this CD is definitely one for your collection but those with a clear admiration for one sound will find it difficult to appreciate some of the mixed genre experimentation. Fair play to Beatgeeks though whom made what seems to be a very genuine attempt a good CD with a true recognition of variety and four or five different types of music. In terms of Grimey goodness: 3/5. GRAB it from iTunes right now via this link. Make sure to check out BeatGeeks webiste over here.

Desperado - A.B.M - Review/Download

Unless you're a relatively new listener or someone who just floats within the borders of Grime, you should, by now, be aware of Desperado. Spitting since the early days of 2003, the former South Soldiers front-man has had 3 CD's out to date (Barz 4 Dayz, Gryhme Bangers & The Regiment (w/ South Soldiers), and features heavily with South London's new leading collective - Organised Grime. Respected highly for his features on TV outlets MTV Base and his wide range of features such as Roadside G's, Skepta, Fumin, Wiley and many more, the South Londoner is making impact. We've heard plans for single releases plus rumours of a CD with Skepta and Roachee, but for now we're to enjoy this fresh new free download.

Opening energetically with the ever-welcome Roll Girl Remix, the mood is switched right around on the deep and synth-full Journey featuring the increasingly lovely voice of Cadice. South London Press shows a strong sense of writing skill from Despa, and for those hoping for something quite road and greezy  Times Are Hard & Me On My Own do well. His efforts on Maniac's Ina The Ghetto beat are good and credit is due to Page, who featured on that one.

Overall, Desperado has come a long way since the days of Ska Riddim and Monster Riddim, his recent appearances alongside Jendor and co. on Rinse FM have done a lot to boost his profile, especially with sends for Ghetto.

Download the CD right now, despite being a collection of mainly released tracks, still worth the effort on all accounts.


DOWNLOAD

Tracklisting

1. Roll Girl Remix (Feat. Cadice & Tinie Tempah)

2. Journey (Feat. Cadice & Breakman)

3. Skit

4. Times Are Hard (Feat. Krept and Konan)

5. Crazy Roads (Feat. P Money, Little Dee, Blacks & Kiara)

6. Stop Talking Like You Know Me

7. South London Press

8. Skit 2

9. Ina The Ghetto (Feat. Badness & Page)

10. Me On My Own (Feat. Young Mad B)

11. Skit 3

12. Grime Wave (Feat. Desperado & Messy)

13. Doing My Own Thing (Feat. Fumin)

14. Bussin' Desperado (Feat. Young Mad B)

15. Keep On Parrin' (Feat. Wariko, Fangol, Little Dee & Blacks)

16. Sound The War Drum

17. Outro Skit