Whirlwind D Other Side Album Review
One of the names that have become synonymous with quality here at Underground HH HQ is the superb independent label - 'B-Line Records'. We've reviewed some brilliant releases from their camp in the past, including some 7 inchers from possibly the most hard working MC on their roster - 'Whirlwind D'. Out this spring is his brand new long player 'Other Side', which is lined up in the HH hub with my fingers on the needle and the volume up, ready to vibrate the building.
Following last year's critically acclaimed 7 inch 'B-Line Business', the album comes as a collection of the varied mindscapes of WD. The press release boasts;
"From its astral ode to writing rhymes 'When I Write' where D shares the mic with Oxygen of Soundsci fame to '7 Eyed Monster' which sees the MC embroiled in a fight with his own anger and rage, the album seeks to create a variety of textures."
Taking on the opening duties 'When I Write', produced by and with cuts by Sir Beans OBE, takes hold of a redundant stage and fires off all manner of character to fill it. The track is accompanied by a music video produced and directed by Tempo Media Production.
Whirlwind is proud of the years under his belt and so he should be. A UK head to the T, relentless in his expression he puts honesty and his love of the culture into every facet of his music. The album moves on through the dance floor stomper 'Pioneers' and onto the aforementioned label party single 'B-Line Business' with cuts by Jabbathakut.
The production throughout the album is fluid and lively. These are classic party hip hop vibes with a UK twang and swagger. Tuf Kut provides the funky backdrop for the B-Line posse track 'Crew Call' featuring Rola, Heavy Links and two of the UK's finest Chrome & Illinspired. Meanwhile Spatts takes over the steering wheel for 'Hate Makes Hate' where WD continues with a political theme over fast and furious beats.
Title track 'Other Side' is produced by label head honcho Specifik and it pushes to examine the social and political turmoil happening around the world that we see from the relative security and comfort of our UK sofas. No track lets up here, the pace is set to full throttle and WD sticks to it. The tracks compliment each other well while each could stand alone as a strong example of the UK's contribution to hip hop in 2016.
Finally the album is rounded off with the track 'Thank You', to those who have supported the journey Whirlwind D has been on over the last few exciting years. As well as featuring The Dookie Squad and Project Cee, the track has a surprise in store for those who follow B-Line Recordings.
Glad to champion those who stay so loyal to UK hip hop culture, UGHH was happy to see B-Line in the inbox and the ensuing whirlwind was just the refreshing gust we needed to blast out the cobwebs. Go grab your copy while stocks last.
Invokal - Verbalist Journalist
The facts: Whirlwind D - Other Side.
Label: B-Line Records.
Format: 12” vinyl housed in full colour sleeve with insert.
Production skills: Specifik, Sir Beans OBE, Mr Fantastic, Phil Wilks, Spatts, Cel One and Tuf Kut.
Turntable skills: DJ Tones, Jabbathakut and Miracle (Boot Records).
Side Note: Whirlwid D also hosts The Pioneers Hip Hop Show on Kane 103.7 FM. Make sure you tune in for the finest in hip hop sounds.
