We are BACK! To talk about an artist I only recently discovered first as part of a huge collaboration effort, then rocking his own duo effort (alongside a variety of other names), and now to cover him on the production side of things, letting the other MC’s do the talking! Such a diverse individual, and once I can’t seem to take my eyes off him, so let’s go!
This is the late August release by (this time around) Producer Jester Exodus and features the likes of
-Sam R I
-Gamblez Tha Lucky Bastard
-Taiyamo Deku
-Akua The God
-Zodeak
-Mista Doesha
-Pestilence
-XtraComplx
-Saunt Tango
-LOZEE
-Space Kase
-Clif
An even bigger roster than the last project of his I covered, and with these powerhouse names, you know this is bound to be a heavy-handed and extraordinary record with big sounds and even bigger verses!
First of all, I want to give a big shoutout to Jester for that incredible intro! Inspired by Dexter’s Laboratory! That is insane! It developed the perfect sequence into what would end up being a banger instrumental that feels like a thrilling travel into the mastermind that is Jester!
You’ve got elements such as sci-fi, mystery, and cinematic power that have such a profound effect on the atmosphere of the record!
As the album continues, we get into a more colourful and engaging mix of underground boom
bap, street-tier hip-hop, and cinematic/classical sonic structures that make for a powerhouse listen!
Apart from that incredible intro, we have tracks like the second track -So Proper, that consists of those larger-than-life/deep chord progression loops, accompanied by those heavy drums, and what sounds like distorted/manipulated organ notes that have a haunting effect to them!
Not to mention, Sam R I who absolutely nailed his verse!
We can take a look at the track – The Last Straw featuring my main man – Gamblez Tha Lucky Bastard as this song provides one of the grittiest instrumentals across the whole album! You’ve got those Arabic/eastern reminiscent chord progressions that make me think of ‘The Mummy’ on top of that we have those heavy-handed drum patterns and ridiculous bass that is so thick and sharp that it feels like it’s piercing through the headphones!
And do we even need to talk about Gamblez? This man WENT OFF! His aggressive take on the bars was as tough as ever!
The track – Master Addition was also a rather dope track! It’s got a cinematic flavour to it that can’t be denied! Those plucked strings, sharp synth chords, surreal drums and acoustic keys! This has that ‘James Bond’ attachment to it that is equal parts raw and mysterious!
This was the first time I heard of -LOZEE but he absolutely annihilated his verse and kept the energy alive!
What I find impressive is the fact that Jester found the right amount of players who have their own distinctive sounds, characteristics and personalities to stand out on these incredibly instrumentals!
Nothing worse than having a list of names that not only sound exactly like the one before but have no standout features that ruin the experience entirely. But not on this one! Each man carries their own song and makes for a collection of memorable singles that have a faint influence of Dexter’s Laboratory attached to it (which is dope as fuck)
If you’re looking for a fun, creative and aura-filled album then THIS IS FOR YOU! The Jester ain’t playing on this one!
https://open.spotify.com/album/2UEKNVc7njzKxXfZ4c6wnx?si=ffIwgWBqQMm0N2RSu_Yv_Q
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