As if this year hasn’t already provided us with some of the biggest and most mind blowing releases and updates we could of asked for now we have THIS! Talk about an absolute game changer! These two about to take over 2025 officially! Let’s talk about it!
This is the brand new sequel collaboration between powerhouse MC/Producer Substance810 and ObserveSince98 and together they released the highly anticipated 4th sequel to the legendary ‘Lion Share’ series that has revolutionised the underground to put it lightly!
On this one we have features from
-Josiah The Gift
-Pro Dillinger
-Jamil Honesty
-Napoleon Da Legend
-Asun Eastwood
-Tiona Denice
-DJ Grazzhoppa
Man, a stacked roster for a stacked release! For an even more stacked production because somehow with each new addition to the series (I’ve bough the last 3 on Bandcamp so I listen to them quite regularly) they end up more theatrical then the last and this one has topped the lot!
Compared to other releases, this one definitely feels more grandiose and methodical in its pacing. I’d have to compare it to an orchestra that’s scheduled to a 3-4 hour set. In that setting the band would take their time, milk every string and pattern. Deliberately emphasising the ‘surreal’ energy of the performance with building up the instrumental climaxes instead of just starting 100 miles an hour right off the bat.
This is how this album feels to me, the most atmospherical and methodical of the 4 I feel the beats are more though out, more in depth and grand in execution then we’ve ever seen Observe be in the past!
He’s someone whose naturally known as a beat maker who dabbles in the theatrical style and soundscapes making him one of the most interesting and sought out producers in the game but even so there feels to be an extra layer of ‘aesthetic’ included into this project then others I’ve heard of his recently.
I love, how the Lion skit has remained and how it’s used to end the album! I love the cinematic value of the whole record! From track 1-13 we get a masterclass in how to evolve and elevate the instrumentation from a traditional song to a classic score that will go down in history as a modern day masterpiece!
I can’t stress enough how beautiful the production is. It sounds like there’s a live band in the studio with them performing the music right along the recordings, that’s how organic and natural the music sounds! You can’t buy this level of care, talent and creativity! This comes inbuilt and that’s why Observe is one of the greatest!
Of course, this album wouldn’t be a ‘Lion’s Share’ without Substance810. The man who has already made a critical contribution to this year with his ‘One Inch Punch’ record last month and now he’s back with another critically acclaimed venture with this one!
Just like how Observe has leveled up so has Substance. He’s always been one of the strongest visual story tellers in the game but even he has evolved! With every verse dropped, it felt like I was teleported to his situations described and felt like I was watching it happen first hand! He’s just so fucking detailed and comprehensive with his lyricism that it’s impossible not to get sucked into every bar he spits!
His trademark charismatic pen game comes in spades across this one, his signature flow is as precise and smooth as ever! His rhythm is immaculate and his passion and enthusiasm are greater then they ever were before!
His sharp wordplay is absolutely incredible as it’s always been. He’s always right on time with his intellectual and street wise bars that never miss the beat! He understands the times he needs to be more deliberate and focused and which tracks require a more ‘introspective and analytical’ approach! He’s smart enough to switch his lyrical topics depending on the track theme at hand!
Of course, when it comes to the features he’s going to shine. Considering they are all his brothers and 2 of them are fellow Umbrella the chemistry is perfect and on point! The legends on the roster absolutely obliterate the tracks provided and help match Substance’s incredible energy and dope pen game!
This might very well be my favourite Lion Share album yet. Flawless production and even greater performances! If this ain’t on your listen list then you ain’t a real one and it’s as simple as that!
The Serpent Tongue Reviews 