Gawd & Money

This EP was something I didn’t know what to expect from but once I pressed play it was clear that this was something special! Something that was heavy, raw and rough around the edges (in the best way possible) with that in mind it’s time to talk about this solid duo go to work!

This is the brand new EP by MC’s -GAWDBLESS & -FRANKLIN and alongside producer -JondreTheGiant they help manifest this 6 track experience that I guarantee will keep you on your toes from start to finish and won’t let up till the EP ends!

I say, let’s begin with the production aspect of it. To accompany the slick and sharp lyricism provided by the duo we need to have equally strong and vicious instrumentals and that’s exactly what -Jondre brings in spades!

Whether you want to discuss tracks like -Killer & The Cook where we hear boom Bap influence at it’s hardest! Perfectly described in the first verse as ‘Murder rap’ that’s how it sounds. You’ve got those lively looping piano keys that give this track a haunting vibe to it, alongside those we have those sharp chords that come back every 10 seconds or so!
This song also has some thudding drum patterns and sickening bass notes that help create the songs intensity!

We have songs like -Bloodborne which continues that ‘killer’ vibe of the EP. This one feels a lot more surreal and cerebral then the first track example as we have a range of distorted chords in a few different layers that provide that edgy and uncomfortable/uncompromising sound that makes this one feel dangerous!
There’s also some shrieking keys and hypnotically methodical drums that makes this feel like a song you’d expect WSG to go off on! It’s that sinister!

The final track -Bad Dreams had a vibe I wasn’t expecting! The first part to surprise me was the vocal snippet used at the start of the track and lightly scattered throughout the song. We’ve got some mesmerising drums and Jazz horns that have a more background role but helps add some beautiful texture to the song!
I also love the harmonious chorus effect on this track! It feels like they were going for a 1950’s street Jazz combined with modern day hip hop to create a spin of ‘Old and New’ effect that made the finale track that much more impressive and impactful!

When discussing the lyrical matters we talk about two men who have drastically differently shaped styles with their own individual personalities and cadences who come together with unbound chemistry to create a harmonious atmosphere that makes this one earn its replay value!

One represents the calm before the storm, the one who has a relaxed yet dangerous attitude behind the nonchalant tone. The type of cat that represents ‘The quiet one in the room is the one to look out for’ except in this context quiet is mellow.
Flexing the strong penmanship, exceptional flow and critical thinking to maintain the audiences reaction and attention span!

Then we have the second. Raw, in your face, guttural, relentless and ruthless. It’s like the first is Dr Jekyll and this is Mr Hyde! To be able to hear 5 examples of two different personas come to life was refreshing to me! One moment you’re bumping to a smooth delivery then BAM! Your hit in the face with the evil twin like a vocable switchblade to the side of the face! Truly thrilling!

I also love how there’s 0 features. When you have two artists this compelling who needs them! These two hold down the fort, keep the engagement up and maintain that steady momentum paired with those dominating beats!

So, sit back, relax and enjoy this present of an EP that I guarantee you will keep you on your toes!