Strictly Underground

Heavy Contact Review

     

Describing itself from the absolute beginning, Mumbles Hip Hop’s first release titled “Strictly Underground” is, exactly what it is. Its underground hip hop and the visual representation don’t skip a beat either. From the stereotypical graffiti-style cover art to the beats rhymes and cuts, this hip hop album is underground. Production stands out on this record with the exception of 4-5 “just cool” beats, most tracks were backed up by dope lyrics. Some beats and rhymes that stood out together on the album as songs are “New School Leaders” by Shad produced by Dert. Shad’s smooth conscious lyric’s over a laid back sample and strong drum make for a sweet little ditty about the music grind. “”Fine Line” has a nice melodic hook that Prizm sings over a strong beat. I know Scoop’s wheels were turning when he heard “City of Dreams”. Drumatt!c’s SP1200 did its thing while Muneshine let’s you know you that if you get caught sleeping on the T (dot) O (dot) you’ll get the run around. Kendo takes us for a journey on “Follow Me”, a dope beat that Kendo’s flow rides very nicely. Fair One’s “Mother’s Daughter” produced by Lyve is a fresh track touching on some deeper issues and the duo Phocus does their thing on bouncing beat laced with head splitting cuts on “Ya Gotta” produced by SirOJ. One thing that the listener is assured to hear about on this album is the independent rap game, paying dues, struggles between working and day job and topics related to the grind. There’s a healthy amount of braggadocios “poppin shit” styled rhymes on this twenty-one-song album. Mumbles has provided us with a nice introduction to his record label as well as some hip hop talent coming out of Canada. If this is a representation of what’s to come, keep your ears open to Mumbles Hip Hop.