Daddy has been entertaining people around the UK for a while now with his sick skills on the decks, now he's got his own CD out showcasing some of the best UK hip hop talent around at the moment.
Like I said, Homegrown: Vol. 1 contains tracks from some of the best artists within the British hip hop scene, such as Task Force, Roots Manuva, Essa, Jehst, Skinnyman, Rodney P, Braintax, Terra Firma, and the list goes on. The style of music is basically ragga plus hip-hop and the ambassadors of the UK scene elected to be on this CD don't let us down. Lyrically all the artists you would expect to be spittin' red-hot lava explode like volcanoes, the standard is high and track subject matter ranges from partying to politics to life in general, and of course there's the obligatory chunk of self praise.
The only track I'd say which lets the side down is ‘The Greatest Show', Skibadee's lyrics are good for a jungle / d'n'b MC, but in this company I don't think he can cut it. That and the fact that the mixes aren't what you may expect from ; no scratching or nice beat juggles, just a slightly weak transition from one track into another lets the CD down. The contents aren't purely homegrown, a couple of US artists feature in the track list, not sure why, however Pharoahe Monch and Rascalz fit in fine with the overall vibe of the album. Also artists like Lewis Parker, Mystro, and Doc Brown could of made an appearance, but you can't have it all. Other UK mix tapes outshine it, but Homegrown: Volume 1 has something for everyone, is a well produced album that you get a lot out of each time you listen to it, plus it's got 22 tracks which is good for £12, so bring on volume 2!
Rating: 3/5
Release date: Out now!
Info: [url]www.react-music.co.uk[/url] / [url]www.daddyskitz.co.uk[/url]
Words by: Simon Greenacre
