Chrome And Illinspired The All C And I Album Review
In these days of disposable heros, there are very few artists that manage to stay the course. Those that do, often compramise their artistic integrity for the sake of a longer career, making wishy washy copies of their previous successes. Maybe a handful during a lifetime manage to stay true to their musical course, but when they do... they appear to levitate to the heady heights of 'legend' status. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that despite being less than a month in, that this is going to be one of my favorite reviews to write of the year. Not least because i've been anticipating some new material from these guys for a while now, but also because all the talk on the grapevine from those involved in this release has been massively complimentary.
I'm a huge fan of intros. Setting the atmosphere for the listener, that you desire to take on a journey of sound and space is something too few hip hop albums address. The orchestral strings and errie sample here give an aura to the room that sets the audience up perfectly for the outburst of audio colour that is about to come. By the time the first chorus kicks in, you start to realise that first track 'No Messin' isn't just a song title, - It's a mission statement. Chrome and Illinspired flow as if hip hop culture and rhythm had been in their blood since the woum. AND like they want you to know - it will be there until they're deep into their graves. The different branches of the beats here are pruned and nurtured to the point of perfection. Look up hip hop in the encyclopedia and C&I won't be too far down the list. The title track kicks off with a familiar sample, setting the scene for something BIG and theatrical for the album ahead. It doesn't dissapoint. Energetic would be an understatement.
Rhymes are fired at the skin of the ear drum like Buddy Rich himself were holding the sticks, and there are endless riffs that out-right demand you nod along until your neck aches with whiplash. There are so many moments of lyrical genius it's hard to keep up. Chrome and Illinspired put a lot of time into their wordsmithery, and the years of experience show with every letter. Their topics are relevant and heart felt, and show a clear desire to stay true to the art, and not the mighty Queen's head. Not only that, but their syllable placement is nothing short of outstanding. I'd argue that there should be nobody that has ever graced a mic, that could fail to be impressed with their skill set. They play back-and-forth and show respect for eachother's form and style, complimenting eachother in ways reminiscent of crews like J5 and Wu. I have been lucky enough to catch these boys live, and they are no less amazing over the PA as they are on wax.
Chrome & iIIinspired | The All C N I
The feature slots they incorporate during this masterpiece are a nod to a scene that has been there since day one, and is now once again growning in strength day upon day. DPF kicks off the duties and compliments the duo well over the fast paced beat presented. Suspekt UK and TS One of The Mantis Chapter, are a very pleasant surprise and slay the beat in the brutally brilliant way only they can. Some of the best MCs on the circuit, doing what they do best. Dookie Squad and Whirlwind D once again show their old school hip hop credentials, massive over the track and displaying just what it takes to be a UK MC. El Tel The Dopeness, Mistah Smith, and Streakz tie up the feature lyrics, and do no less to impress. All the feature artists here bring their A-game and it only goes to show the level of respect they share for C&I.
The music proudly stays true to hip hop culture, yet still manages to vary throughout the journey, creating different back drops for scenes the lyricists produce. Utilising some great feature musicians and producers only helps in proving the love that has gone into this album, and track after track shows just how many hours of crate digging must have been undertaken to produce it. The beats are the type MCs the likes of us jump at. Fresh glad rags, with the tip of a classic hip hop hat. As a whole piece of art, this album is a gem. Like all best LPs it takes the audience on a vacation through musical soundscapes, and on this particular trip - with two of the best tour guides in the country. Rhymes, beats, cuts and a memorable cover by graphic artist Step39. This is a true hip hoppers dream, with some of the most well respected UK heads at the helm. Oh yeah, - and the vinyl are limited edition so I suggest you go grab your copy now.
Invokal - Verbalist Journalist
Click on the cover pic to go to All C&I on discogs.
- NAKED APE RECORDS/B-LINE RECORDINGS/FATHOP
- 'The All C n I' is out now on B Line recordings
- Buy it from - blinerecordings.bigcartel.com
- Cover art by Step39 and Graphic design by Mr Tibbz
The History Bit:
Chrome and Illinspired are an original B-Boy/MC/DJ/Beat digging Hip Hop duo who have been performing and promoting local jams together for the last twelve years. They have performed all over the UK, Germany and Switzerland, ripping up stages with their high energy, raw live show. An intense mix of fast rap, scratching, heavy beats and funk with loads of B-Boy flavour, if you love real Hip Hop, you need look no further.
Chrome is from Long term Norwich Hip Hop group "Def Tex" who have released two albums and numerous singles to critical a claim on Son Records since 1997 and had a few singles on Soundclash records previous to that. Chrome has also released two solo albums on his own label (Homework), the first of which came out in 2005. Chrome has been an inaugural part of the UK scene for over twenty five years, touted as one the UKs finest to ever grace the decks and mic, and continues to make quality music to this day.
Illinspired is front man from the alternative Hip Hop band "Scare the Normals" who hail from the small town of Bury St Edmunds. With one release under their belt and an intense live show, these lads and their wall of sound are destined to wreck venues to come. Illinspired is also the man you will see hosting a lot of hip hop events, 'Rasploitation sessions' in Ipswich with 'Truth'(MC battle champ), 'Sureshot promotions' and 'Roots n Culture' in Norwich to name but a few. An MC and DJ for nearly twenty years he has featured on numerous projects, including a vinyl release from "Mantis Chapter" in 2008, tracks with "ChronicRedeye, Ransom, Mike Stone, The Criminal minds, Killa Instinct as well as verses on Chrome's solo albums.
