New hip-hop album is a masterclass of rap and music genius
While all eyes are on gimmicky releases, the music industry has been fermenting some of the greats. Verbz & Mr Slipz are a probiotic choice for many in the know. Their fresh album, The Way FWD is an eye closing, sink into the chair with headphones experience.
The label they’re signed to, High Focus Records, are responsible for some classic UK rap albums, making their latest vaunt no surprise.
The Way FWD Is A Five Star Wonder
It’s a cityscape soundtrack with unmistakeable identifiers of the two, pacing through degrees of jazzy motifs. On Seen a Lot Change featuring Cam Thomas, these sentiments become clear, as the two rappers exchange notes on timelines over an engaging production.
These dusty drum loops continue with piano notes and string elements across Mémoires De Perte and What You Reckon? It’s a masterclass in chiselling ambience and quite simply, the best the scene has dropped in a long time.
Switch Lanes was the match that lit the fuse to an explosive excitement for the project. S.O.T.S. switches up with some multisyllabic sensory shifts and slamming snares. Its harmonic rhythm feeds into a place the listener can appreciate its change of pace and still return to a moreish body of work.
India Shan makes two contributions to the long play with fitting measure, on It’s Raining Again and Came Close, with each song having justification for the singer’s inclusion, showcasing another talent of the pair.
As hip-hop evolves into a river of many tributaries, there are some who maintain its identity with valorous proposal. The courage to stick to your guns and drive your strengths is a move few gravitate towards.
The UK duo are a different class — the complete package brooding with stylistic integrity. This album is a gratuity to themselves, and it’s paid with a lesson to chase your musical desires.
The Verdict
Their output is consistently met with acclaim thanks to a frequency they execute in perpetuity. The album’s sound is a sonic wave of art, a cluster of contemporary rap music fit for putting rappers to shame.
The album’s DNA remains in place through a fruitful execution I’ve not heard for a long time. Verbz & Mr Slipz aren’t an anomaly, but a rarity few can replicate. The Way FWD is flawless. We’ve only ever given full marks to a select few, and they’re the high bar to be met that many fail to reach.
Leave a Reply