Skitz - Bringing UK hip hop to the masses (Countryman - Skitz)

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Product:	Countryman - Skitz
Date:	24/02/02 (392 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Nice selection of artists, Good number of tracks, Heavy beats

Disadvantages: Too many "depressing" tracks, Doesnt show Task Force at their best

DJ Skitz spent a long time preparing his 'Countryman' album and the outcome was definitely worth waiting for. Not only did I pick up this effort from HMV (an unusual stockist for UK hip hop) but I also found tracks on there I had heard on tapes years ago that had obviously been saved for this.

If you have not yet experienced UK hip hop it isn't what you may think - group of english kids putting on american accents to timbaland style beats. This album feature some fine beats & lyrics all with a definite UK feel to them.

The high points of the album include:

Domestic Science - Track featuring 3 of the UK's finest female emcees - Wildflower, Tempa and Estelle. Each have their own unique delivery and the comination makes for a great track. Skitz's beat does not disappoint.

Where my mind is at - I originally heard this track on a skateboarding video at least 3 years ago and for me it is the best Roots Manuva song that mr.Rodney Smith (aka Roots Manuva) has made. The beat is perfect for the lyrical content and the flow on the track is second to none.

The junkyard - Although I dont 'feel' this song as much as other Task Force songs, it was this song that introduced me to Task Force and therefore it should be heard in order to realize the talent of the Brothers McBain (aka Chester P and Farma G - collectivly Task Force)

Twilight of the Gods - This is another collaberation track that combines the skills of Rodney P, Skinnyman, Wildflower and Riddla. This song is particularly interesting because it encompasses 3 different beats that effortlessly are mixed in during the song. Rodney P and Skinnyman have their own beat for their verses and then Wildflower and Riddla share a much more laid back beat than the two previous emcees. The outcome is an excellent track that undoubtedly has UK and US hip hop fans nodding their heads.


If you are unfamiliar with the UK hip hop scenen I highly
recommend picking this gem of an album up becuase you should not be disappointed. For what it tries to achieve it is very successful, my only fault is that it emphasises too much on "depressing" songs for want of a better word. Definitely check it though...and in the words of Estelle in Domestic Science: "Big batty brehs shake it like Jenny-Lo in this"

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