Low-Life | UK Hip Hop Story | Ty - Groovement / Ha Ha 12

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Ty - Groovement / Ha Ha [Big Dada]

People have been waiting for a long time for the return of Ty. Yeah, of course he has appeared on the Extra Yard LP and has contributed to a couple of the tracks on the Nextmen's new LP, but it has been some time since his debut LP Awkward. This summer sees Ty drop the first 12" from his sophomore LP Upwards and it is what we would expect from him. There is two tracks, each with a different vibe, both set to get people up and dancing.

The A side contains parts 1&2 of Groovement, a track which conveys real fusion funk feeling and summery vibe. Drew of Doze Guys, ex. Psychic Phenomena co-produces the beat which has a real Herbie Hancock feel especially because of the bass and synth. The shuffling, but reasonably up tempo drums give a live feel and the backing does indeed feel like a band jamming away, especially as the track just continues for the instrumental portion, rather than separating the two parts. Back up vocals from Bembe Segue provide a tuneful diversity to the track. Ty's years of experience on the Mic give him the ability to flow effortlessly, and whilst some MCs with a similar sort of delivery could be lost in the music Ty comes through clear adding his own comfortable and hassle-free ambience.

Side B is meant to be the follow up to We Don’t Care. Again co-produced by Drew this track is somewhat different. A much sparser beat and slower tempo make for a more cerebral offering. Ha Ha is described as a 'straight-up attack', but I would not go that far. The chorus is enhanced by Michelle Escoffery and Kwadjo from Beyond The Stars. Also on the 12" is the instrumental and accapella versions of Ha Ha.

I have been told that the album that follows is a revelation and once these tunes hit the dancefloors, word is going to spread that this is set to be the year that a certain South Londoner’s career takes off. To be honest, there are a few people who may feel that Ty can be a little bland, but in general there isn't anyone who dislikes him, just sometimes you need to be in the right mood. This release however is solid and if this is representative of the September released LP it should be well received.

Ty Discography
Visit Ty on the web: www.tymusic.org
Visit Big Dada on the web: www.ninjatune.net/bigdada