The Lab Oritory by The Lab Album Review
Being a reviewer for Underground double H is a massive privilege. Being sent some of the world's best music and getting to write about it is one of the most enjoyable parts of my week and sometimes a project comes up that makes me especially proud to have that opportunity.
This week my inbox pinged with an album with a difference. Hailing from Brighton, Tom 'Hinesy' Hines is an MC and promoter of the area's longest running hip hop night 'Slipjam'. But he also uses his timely skill and knowledge to run the brilliant 'AudioActive' leading him to set up a fantastic youth project in Rye called 'The Lab'. Hines states: "The project, funded by The National Foundation for Youth Music, aims to give young people in east Sussex who live in rural and isolated areas the opportunity to learn rap, production and DJ skills and give them a network to work with." A few years in, the project has formulated, forged and created 'The Lab-Oratory' - a full length album showcasing their experiences and boy have they been busy!
The album kicks off strongly during the first few tracks, easily up to the standard of those getting airplay in 2016. The bars are full of clever lyricism and delivered like true pro's and the beats are interesting and authentic. They professionally lead the listener into the journey and present the wordsmiths with true UK hip hop presence. Their aptitude for the genre is stunning and had I not known these were artists relatively new to the culture, I would never had guessed. There is a huge amount of passion that oozes out of every bar that would rival any in the scene, taking influence from UK hip hop in the two thousand and teens and giving it their own sound.
Hines isn't the only well known name on the roster, he's enlisted the help of some true heavyweights including UK legend Skitz and one of the UK's best freestylers Jon Clark (of The Spoken Herd). As well as including Genesis Elijah and Jam Baxter on the feature slots. But one thing is for sure - these stalwarts of UK hip hop are in no way stealing the show here, they are simply a solid foundation for the artists 'Mo'Joe, Big Rich, Taltrum, Lil' Nath and Skai' to stand tall. Hearing the quality of the finished product it's easy to see why they were so happy to be involved. The album was launched last month with Jam Baxter headlining and from what i've heard they nearly stole the show!
The Lab Oratory continues through tracks with dexterity and proficiency. The project has collected together some superb production and delves into various tempos and vibes to tell its story. There is no point where this release falters and each beginning, ending and change-up displays how savvy the crew are. A true representation of how strong we become as artists when we pool our resources, the album is testament to the years of workshops that led to its production.
Those involved should be very proud of what they have achieved. It's a work that will be slipping quickly into my regular playlists and more than worth the time of any hip hop fan, UK or otherwise. If this is what the next generation are bringing to the game, then we all better up our own. The Lab-Oratory is a great album from start to finish, proudly flaunting to the world where UK hip hop is at and where it is going. Go grab your copy now!
Invokal - Verbalist Journalist
