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Pedigree Chumps - Up Norf Hip Hop Heads EP [Sin Nombre]

Tracklist:
1. Anthem
2. Profilic Thoughts
3. Intoxicated Munkiez
4. Bitch Troubles
5. Crusty Egg
6. Holiday
7. Skule Daze
8. Nasty Hoez

The Pedigree Chumps are two emcees & producers from Manchester who go by the names of Mr CRF and Noz. Both had been plying their trade for years on the circuit but it was an uphill struggle partly due to their location and mostly due to finances. One day, they realised that not only did they like the same kind of Hip Hop, they also only lived a few minutes away from each other. From that point on the only logical thing to do was to join forces as a group. The duo also class long time collaborator DJ Pressure as a core member of the Chumps.

This duo are a right pair of nutters who have been making noise around Manchester for some time right now. The Up Norf Hip Hop Headz EP caught a limited release earlier in the year on CRF's self financed Tone Def records. Now though, Ben P at Sin Nombre has noticed the lads talent and has decided to license the EP for a second push. With better distribution the aim is to sell more than before. And why shouldn't they. This is quality Hip Hop with their own quirky twist. It is all local all the way and where else are you going to get lyrics about bingo halls, copies of Razzle, drinking down the local and, egg and chips? With Noz and CRF it is comedy all they way and you are going to be pissing yourself at some of the pair's antics. These guys tell you about their everyday lives which involves working shitty jobs in a humorous way and there is no false blinging or gangsterism here.

The EP is eight tracks deep and as such is a full package. Each of the tracks tackles its own subject matter and to re-invigorate the release there is also a video for Intoxicated Munkiez. For me this isn't the first choice for the major push, but the video does the job. Over the sloppy trumpet break the video opens with Noz and CRF drunkenly staggering along the street to their pub and puking of course. There are several scenes all with a very home video feel. The lads are featured performing live at a working men's type club and a basement. The video is intercut with depictions of their comedic tales and ends with DJ Pressure cutting up a fart!

Although the duo have all the usual influences they aren't trying to copy anyone and are definitely doing their own thing with a healthy dose of self deprication. The beats are heavy and they lyrics delivered in a very professional manner. Although the content is all jokes, this is a professional package, make no doubt. If you delve behind the laughs they are witty and intelligent and and their flows are on a par with anyone.

Overall this is a solid EP from the appropriately biographical Anthem with its bouncy piano and synth arrangement, relentless flows and armfuls of colloquialisms through the upbeat Prolific Thoughts utilising a severe pitch change on the main sample and enough lyrics to make you feel eughh and the tale of marital problems and a down trodden life on Bitch Troubles. The production is generally heavy, Crusty Egg and Holiday both hook up lovely Spanish guitar samples and Skule Daze creates a retro feel for a reminiscent tale of what the pair can remember from their mashed times in class. The group are currently putting in work on future material and a new set will be out on the Sin Nombre label later in the year.

Original CRF interview.
CRF interview number 2.

C.R.F. Discography :: Sin Nombre Discography
http://www.sin-nombre.co.uk