After stellar cameos on “Scribbled Thoughts” and Upfront’s “Sound Of Evolution”, Split Prophets and Demorus’ verbal pugilist DatKid steps into the limelight with his new album, “Home By 8”. Produced entirely by Baileys Brown and weighing in at an unfortunately brief 10 tracks, the South West supremo showcases why he, alongside the rest of his Prophets camp, is considered to be riding towards the forefront of the latest wave of home-grown hip hop.
As to be expected, the SP family feature throughout, most notably to great effect on “Think It Froo”, where the host, joined by Upfront, Res, Bil Next, T-Vision and Paro, take turns to desecrate Brown’s infectious head-bopper. Despite the obvious chemistry between the individuals, it’s the solo cuts that stand out.
The simile and metaphor laced, lyrical barrages of “Supreme”; the in your face, ‘no-holds’ production and wordplay of “Bang” and the scene-setting title track are prime examples of the raw attitude and relentless energy that DatKid exudes when he blesses the microphone. The finale, “Family Fortunez” highlights his impressive narrative skills as he carves a tale of a drug dealing upstart that rapidly spirals out of control. It’s a dark and gritty account that adds another string to the already talented bow.
Delve a little deeper beneath the bravado and herbal vapours, it’s clear that a passion for making music is the driving force. Undeniably, DatKid is a gifted wordsmith and with the individuals that surround him, the future’s looking bright (and most definitely tainted with green). For a mere fiver, “Home By 8” is an important addition to any head’s collection as this is bound to be the foundation for something greater. South West stand up…
Review By Mike Pattemore.
