After the critical success of his most recent album, I had the itch to go through his discography and see what other classics I could find, and that’s where I found this. A collaboration album with one of the most influential producers we have right now, this one is sure to blow away the audience (even if it is two years old now), so let’s talk about it!
This is the 2023 record by Feed the Family soldier Shaykh Hanif, and this time with powerhouse producer Michael Angelo, a man who I haven’t covered since the start of the year but one whose influence is evident this year and many prior!
This record consists of 12 tracks, 34 minutes, and the likes of
-CRIMEAPPLE
-Primo Profit
-Borirock
-FUNERAL Ant Bell
-Keisha Plum
A real who’s who of names, and to hear Shaykh remain in his element regardless of the company he associates with is ridiculous! This man is your favourite MC’s favourite MC. He’s the type of man that can turn gritty street poetry into artistic expressions unlike no other.
He’s an author who was forged in the mud and one who came out the other end to utilise his pen game to create some of the most compelling and beautifully crafted verses the game has heard!
He doesn’t just ‘spit’ verses; he tells a story. He forces the audience to be consumed by his vivid interpretations, his verbal techniques, and his impressive pen game. He sounds like a ghetto preacher with a gift for speaking and enlightening the masses with his performances.
I felt entranced listening to this record, hearing this man showcase the mastery of his rapping. With smooth rhythm, a calm and collected tone, alongside his sharp delivery that decapitates all the haters!
I guarantee you, he can outrep your favourites. To prove his standing in the game, he brings with him only the BEST going right now. These handful of names on their own can make a discography that deserves ‘GOAT’ conversations. Combine them together? And you have an instant classic.
But Shaykh utilises that pressure to sharpen his own talent and come out on top!
With incredible chemistry and skill, he stands toe to toe with these names, and they all come together to prove why they are the untouchable ones and the present/future of hip hop!
As far as Michael Angelo across this record, he brings with him his trademark gritty, boom-bap-inspired cinematic score to the forefront and turns every song into a ‘must-listen’ banger.
What has always impressed me with his work is his level of mastery and technique when beat-making. He doesn’t just make ‘songs’; he crafts experiences that will last a lifetime. He utilises a variety of different influences and genres to maximise the atmosphere of the album.
Some of my favourite tracks are ‘Poor Man’s Bread’. What I love about this track is its heavy jazz influences. There are very few things I love more than jazz, and Michael nails the fusion to a tee!
You have those slow, methodical drums and elegant keys that make up the intro with the small glimpses of horns until we hear the first sign of that 10-15 second loop with that fully formed jazz horn section that gives me goosebumps every time I hear it return!
This track has so much aura and wavy energy that I found myself going back to this record more often than most!
Another track I loved was ‘FREEDUMB’. Firstly, I loved the play on words of the title, but once again, this track has that jazz influence with those horns but also contains those high-pitched strings in the background and those jazz piano keys that are ever so intricate and light drums.
This is such a minimal track that hits every layer that I love most!
Of course, you can’t deny Keisha coming through on this track! Her theatrical spoken word has been some of my favourite parts of the WSG discography, so to hear her here was marvellous, and she brought extra flair to the song!
It came as no surprise to me that Michael brought out his legendary soundtrack-level efforts on this one. When you have an artist like Shaykh on the track, you have to create a larger-than-life experience, and that’s exactly what he did!
A pairing that destroys 99% of the game. A pairing featuring a roster to die for. All around this record is a MUST LISTEN, either for revisit or discovery! Go listen to it now!
https://open.spotify.com/album/7lggioJ5UOxTHzoakQFlwG?si=1zVCokZsQriZ3Ko9sBwl4w
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