Low-Life | UK Hip Hop Story | Blakteria

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Blakteria - All Style, No Substance 12" [Avionic]

Two MCs Versatyle and Manfridea have been doing the live thing for a while, for too long their skills missing from that black wax. Now they have hooked up with DJ Aiden Orange who has put together the music. These guys have energy and flows in abundance and the backing tracks are stronger than many of the independent debuts that have been appearing recently. Avionic is the label that has picked up on these guys and Disorda has already given them a spin. Not surprising consider they name check his mixed tape products on the record.

All Style, No Substance, the opening track starts off with some mellow keys, Rhodes maybe, which are joined by a slow and simple drum track, which should lead to a very relaxed track, but as the beat kicks in the verse also drops, and we hear the energy with which Blackteria let loose. Immediately I'm drawn to what the rappers are saying, namechecking a whole load of things I can connect with, like going to Liberty Grooves in 1992 and when one spliff would get you properly charged. The theme of the track is also telling, and whilst the lyrics don't necessarily ape the title the entire time I can definitely feel the sentiment.

Shottin' From A Hole In The Wall is altogether more funky, the track being based round a groovesome bassline. The track is about how to get money and the consequences of it, getting in relevent topics like the farmer who got sent down for shooting a burglar. Aiden Orange also cuts up a few choice US vocals for the chorus. If I had to choose a tune of this 12" it would be this one simply due to its more funky and upbeat nature.

To round up then, Blakteria return to the slow tempo for the acoustic guitar sampling Mothmen. This is probably the deepest track lyrically, but you don't feel preached to. Versatyle and Manfridea are able to insert intelligence into their verses whilst also keeping it interesting and relevant. All the tracks do have quite simplistic production. This means that whilst the mix is very well done with all the elements coming though loud and clear, and the MCs have a lot of scope to tailor their flows to ride the rhythm and play around with it, the repetitive nature of the beats could do with a bit of variation come the third verses.

Overall then, these guys have produced a strong 12" which hits in all the right places. Not only are the lyrics saying something, but the way they are delivered is most definitely very professional. It is this sort of spitting and use of their own accents that will really distinguish UK product apart from the stuff from the other side of the Atlantic. Once people hear this I feel the innate connection should be made and the public will become aware of how nice rapping in a familiar accent using slang you use everyday can be. Not only that, the way the guys flex over Aiden Orange's beats makes me anticipate more material from the crew. Avionic is taking off…

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