It's great to see another UK music talent creating such a buzz, and this time it's not from the world of rock or hip-hop but Britain's homegrown reggae scene. Far from what you'd imagine him to be, YT is a white MC from East Anglia, but his beats are phat and with future collaborations lined up with The Prodigy and De La Soul this Ipswich-born MC is onto big things.
If you've always thought of yourself as a bit of a reggae head, but never knew what to buy then Straight Outta Britain is an album for you. Jam packed full of confident and well produced tracks with a mash up of music styles, this CD is the perfect summer vibe.
Straight Outta Britain has variety, ambition and fusion. There is never a dull moment, from Roots ('Real Life') to Jungle ('Surround You'), hip-hop ('Right Time') to Bashment ('Init'), one drop ('Mind') to raga ('England Story') this album never settles!
The most amusing track on the album has to be 'Innit' - if you live in London it will have you in stitches! From the serious topic of terrorism to light hearted banter, YT (aka Mark Hull) uses music to create a reflective picture of the world we live in.
Just as white rappers such as Eminem or even Skinnyman have managed to infiltrate hip-hop and retain respect across racial divides, YT is set to do the same for reggae. The album stands up proud against any recent Greensleeves or VP release by top Jamaican artists.
Straight outta Britain. Straight out of Ipswich. Straight out of reggae. Straight out of YT's mouth and into my CD machine.
Rating: 5/5
Release Date: 24th July 2006
Words By: Sarah Villegas
