Low-Life | UK Hip Hop Story | Optimas Prime ft. Junior Disprol & Blatrix - Slangshottin / Prince Of Persia 12" [Dial Up]

Intro

Early Doors:
1979-1985

False Dawn:
1985-1990

Underground Years:
1990-1995

The Renaissance:
1995- 2000

The Future:
2000 & Beyond

Artists &
Discographies

Optimas Prime ft. Junior Disprol & Blatrix - Slangshottin / Prince Of Persia 12" [Dial Up]

Tracklisting:
A1. Slangshottin (Vocal)
A2. Slangshottin (Instrumental)
A3. Skipless Scratch Tools
B4. Prince Of Persia (Vocal)
B5. Prince Of Persia (Instrumental)
B6. Skipless Scratch Tools

Following the success of their LP Voidville and recent 12" Pyamoya Anthem b/w Revenge Of The Tramps, the Cardiff turntablist producers Optimas Prime release their second 12inch. This time they have enlisted the intelligent rhymes from guest MC's Blaktrix and get back former collaborator Junior Disprol to return to the fold one more time. The production as well as cuts come from Optimas Prime directly.

The A Side Sangshottin (The Getaway Song) features a repeat appearance from Dead Residents member, ex. Fleapit and a whole host of other crews, Junior Disprol. He is definitely a rapper with history in the UK Hip Hop scene and pretty much everyone seems to like him. I actually feel he is a bit overrated and as a whole unfortunately this track didn't really deliver the goods for me. Lately I been finding it harder to hear lyrics, but on this I could barely make out any of the delivery the first time round. This was disappointing and when this is coupled with the manic beat which is very much on a regular kick and snare pattern like Mike Skinner, I was left wondering what is this? I also thought that if I played this to someone who didn't know what was going on musically that they would probably be totally bemused. Once I had my ear attuned to Disprol's delivery I could see some of the appeal, but never the less his regular on beat delivery when coupled with the backing made it all too oppressive for me. There is an old skool feel in the music due to the beat sample and the very repetitive Precinct 13 evoking bassline as well as other familiar elements including some cutting of Fred Wesley's Blow your head and flute which I have heard before a long time ago. This could have been made more for the dancefloor and in the the right set it could do damage, but all told, not one of the best tracks I have heard from these guys.

The B Side Prince Of Persia is a totally different kettle of fish though. This time the vocals are dropped by another Welsh MC, Blaktrix an MC making his way into the Hip Hop community with this his official debut release although he has been doing good work with his producer Jammin for a few years now. Through his rap he is able to inject much of the intonation into the track. Blaktrix is the Prince Of Persia, but much of the track is about his princess. Blaktrix states that behind each strong man is a strong woman, and at the end he lectures about modern ideals of beauty and how these are really at odds with morals and make it hard to raise children in the right environment. A thoroughly middle eastern horn and double bass create the Persian feel. A minimal beats is augmented with some cut up Ofra Haza type singing.

Both sides include the vocal and instrumental versions as well as some interesting skipless scratch loops. Eash side has two selections which include your usual 'Arghhh' and 'Frreeessshhhh', but also I guess stuff that Optimas Prime wanted to include live such as the phrases 'Bout to break', 'rip 'em', a short siren and gunshot as well as a short loop of the Prince of Persia beat.

This is the second release by Dial Up Records, a label set up to pursue it's own style of Hip Hop and music, and they are obviously indulgent in their treatment of the DJ's turntablist leanings. To get the music out to a wider audience Dial Up has formed a business relationship with Sin Nombre and Disorda's Boombox Distribution which has helped establish nationwide coverage and ensured a promising future for the label.

....Soon available - the DIAL UP SCRATCH TOOL as well as Drum 'n' Bass from up and coming talent - "BASSLINE DELINQUENTS".

Keep your eyes open for live performances from the Optimas crew ranging from DJ sets to live turntablism incorporating Flute, Trumpet, Percussion and Keyboards. These are not to be missed. DJ residencies (Monkey & Stagga) Enthusiasm - Moloko, Mill Lane, Cardiff Soundwave - Journey's, Newport Road, Cardiff.