Zuby Commercial Underground EP
They say image is everything, and in the topsy-turvy world of selling records they're probably right. And this is exactly the sort of thing that Zuby, and a team of obviously talented designers and technicians, seem to have a nose for.
This is a good looking EP. I've got to admit I'm a sucker for a simple, well presented CD design on a white background. It's basically why I like Ikea. Zuby gets right to the point - it's called Commercial Underground for a reason. Presenting his take on the underground scene and bringing to the fore, with all its onus on quality mastering and what you look like.
Zuby's obviously gunning for a big spotlight, and who can blame him. With Commercial Underground he's put together a very wholesome EP. A whole lot of bass, synthy or otherwise, and a whole lot of club-bouncing beats. 2 of the tracks I recognise from Zuby's demo I reviewed a little while back, which I was a big fan of.
Back then I told you of Zuby's very mixed upbringing, in Saudi Arabia taught at an American school, then moving to Oxford, and hence his rather different accent. A mixture of US and UK that is by no means faked or forced and results in a lovely flow for him.
Indeed, Zuby answers the naysayers in his very first track 'The Movement', a dark bassy number with a dramatic strings section:
"I see haters taking aim but they loaded with blanks / Yes I'm from the UK ya meant I sound like a Yank / You should read up on my history before you start dissing me, my past ain't no mystery"
The Dr Dre sounding 'Steppin' 2 Me' and the soul-inspired track 6 'Before (Tell Me Why)', both from the demo, have both impressed me no end. And the theme continues throughout the album with some heavy club-bangers and skippy snares. His lyrical prowess may not be on a total par with some of the underground wordsmiths we've become accustomed to, but he still has an uncompromised and relatively humble flow that will appeal to many a rapper.
This is an impressive EP that no doubt catches the eye, and grabs the ear while he's at it. Zuby's unique style and clearly pronounced flow, with shades of Slick Rick peeking through, will certainly be the thing for any record executive's palate. It appeals to the club and will turn heads in the underground, in short, Commercial Underground lives up to its name.
With Commercial Underground he's put together a very wholesome EP. A whole lot of bass, synthy or otherwise, and a whole lot of club-bouncing beats.
- err
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