At the time of writing, the stellar rise of Kabaka Pyramid has yet to include a “proper” album. The yogic roots-rapper began with hip-hop mixtapes (the Transition 1 and 2) before breaking out with a free EP (the seamless reggae-hip-hop balance of Rebel Music). Now, he and his managementBebble Rock Music have collated this compilation of singles and new tracks, voiced with different producers since then – presumably to clear the decks for a full-fledged long-playing project (although you never know…).
A compilation this may be, but it’s been put together with the necessary unity and quality. There is European roots (the track on Irie Vibrations’ propulsive Rub A Dub Market rhythm); Jamaican one drop (DJ Smurf’s previously unheardTeach Di Youths); and auto tuned balladry with powder keg lyrics (Chimney Records’ No Capitalist, where Kabaka knowingly speaks through the device, as if mocking it, upon the outro). There is reggae looped to 4/4 on-beats à la Rebel Music (Equiknoxx nabbing the intro to Queen Majesty on King Kabaka). And there is more classic rhythm bastardry for No Cliche, saluting comrades Chronixx, Protoje and Jesse Royal’s versatility over Flash Hit Records’ melodically tweaked cousin of the Heavenless.
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