Costello Gets Irish Rap In Gear

There is nothing ambiguous when it comes to the end product Dublin based rapper Costello hopes to achieve with his magnanimous efforts in both his personal career and his new WorkinClass apprentice project.

Growing up under a youth blighted amongst the harsh urban areas of Dublin, Costello turned his frustration into creation when he began rapping at the age of 15. He first began imitating an American accent in his lyrics (no doubt inspired by influences such as Nas and Tupac) however as the message of originality began to dawn on the WorkinClass label he quickly averted back to fundamentals, spitting in the poetic harmony of his Dublin voice.

Now firmly established on our underwhelming Irish rap scene with his phenomenal album Illosophical, he has begun to focus his attention on the fine tuning of young up and coming rappers.

Speaking with the head of WorkinClassRecords, Dean Scurry, he admitted that most Irish rappers who show a glimmer of talent often head to London to seek the opportunities sadly denied of them here.

It became apparent as to why when Dean told me"it seems you can do there in one year what it could take 10 years here to achieve."

The reality, whilst grim, makes the work of those such as Costello all the more important. Dean did mention one particular advantage unique to Irish rap is that we possess "the privilege to explore new ground and develop our own unique sound and approach."

So far Costello has brought this philosophy to a number of collaborations with younger artist, most notably G.I, whose charismatic album Underworld I mentioned in last weeks post. 

One track anyone sincere in our countries rap prosperity should look out for, is Costello's Young Apprentice ft. G.I.

The track boasts great credentials for both teacher and mentor (if it is appropriate to refer to Costello and G.I as that) and would prick the ear of many a producer interested in what I consider a niche market in music.

There seems to be an element of 'the calm before the storm' when people mention Irish hip hop and if Costello and others like him continue their work in the field, it's only a matter of time before it erupts pleasantly in our nation's face!

Check out the track "Young Apprentice" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=URRx1dfmyz4

GI: UNDERWORLD

An album cover reminiscent of Faust's Walpurgis Night with tracks that reciprocate the knowledge of the German writer.  

In 2004 a small production company named WorkinClassRecords established itself in the heart of Ballymun, Co Dublin becoming the catalyst for a never before whispered idea- Irish rap.
Since then it has raised the soul of a desecrated genre from the abyss and the latest product of that growth comes from one of it's youngest members, GI with his new album Underworld.

One can best describe the album as a portrayal of the futility of life spent sandwiched between drug abuse and social turmoil. There is a level of truth which GI is able to get across when he begins to spit his lyrics and he does not lack any credentials with mic.
The beats, while they lay a good bed for each track, play second fiddle to the lyrics and can often seem drowned out. It may be a blessing in disguise, as with the album you get the sense that it is all about the man behind the voice and the story he has to tell.

The unique sound of gritty Irish rap vocals flourishes throughout the album and may well give our nation the foundations for a reputation on the global scene. Far from bearing any similarity to the U.K grime scene across the sea, it does bring "that something different" which the likes of Mike Skinner provided for British rap in the early 00's

Tracks such as Don, Frozen Ponds and Soul Searchin' (which features WorkinClass member Costello) are laced with articulation and street knowledge that Dre could tip his hat to. The poetic rythmn and creativity GI displays takes the album to soaring heights, and any hope you or me had of becoming successful rappers to an emasculating low!

Underworld is refreshing as well as relieving (for all of us worried we live in a country devoid of a proper rap scene) and GI himself has a voice and the knowledge that should be the envy of many a weightier reputation.

Midweek Bangers

JOEY BADA$$- KILLUMINATI 
A modest three minute track. The somewhat fairy tale melody at the intro will take you back to the safe haven of your mother's womb.
It was the hit track off Joey's 1999 album and anyone with extra time on their hands over the weekend are strongly recommended to give it a listen. It should prove a welcome break from an omnibus of facebook "trolling".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyxztsBuZLA





LORD FINESSE- CHECK THE METHOD
A man renowned for his collaborations but equally as impressive as a stand alone artist.
 Some of the lyrics off this track feature in Big L's Da Graveyard but the beat on the original does more justice for the edification of Lord Finesse as one of the top East Coast MC's.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH8HDOK0DHI


BIG PUN- I AINT A PLAYER

Arguably the best example for any case in favor of Pun's diversity within his own particular utopia of rap. Taken from his meticulous Capital Punishment, the track contains the highly veracious speed of lyrics the Peurto Rican became famous for. Of particular interest within the track is the sub-laying sample extracted from the O'Jay's song Darlin' Darlin' Baby.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHhIlBpKqIQ






THE STREETS- HAS IT COME TO THIS?
Mike Skinner and his menagerie will be back during this year's festival season, with performances already confirmed for Glastonbury and Leeds/Reading. Anyone who is anyone on the U.K grime scene has heard of Skinner's Original Pirate Material, one of the great catalysts in Britain during the early 00's of rap.
This track epitomizes the Two-step genre at it's peak.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2m8qJbEY6lo






DIZZIE RASCAL- STOP DAT

Many are quick to dismiss Dizzy's Boy in Da Corner as his prestige continues to grow with no signs of slowing down.
In 2011 at the Leeds festival he opened with this and it sent the crowd into an riotous state of euphoria. Never forget the Boy behind the man, this song shows Dizzy at his rawest and was what what made many fall in love with his music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsW031v_l4Q