Professor Green The Green EP EP Back from the disappointment of not getting his debut out before Skinners’ ‘The Beats’ label went under, Professor Green drops a new E.P. At 8 tracks and 1 interlude long it’s generously proportioned and displays some quirky artwork containing an ecstasy tablet and a garden pea (E.P….geddit??!). It’s an explosive start as a hungry Green blesses a big beat featuring an En Vogue sample and the sweet vocals of Ny. Referencing everything from The Beats downfall to his Nan, Mr Manderson sets the scene for where he’s at and what’s to come in a suitable fashion. Things move on nicely with an old school, scratch heavy intermission for the purists and the mellow ‘Big Wide World’. The latter outlines Greens visions of life outside his Hackney roots and better days in the sunshine. The pulse rate is soon raised when Pro brings things back to his ends with a fantastic remix of Adele’s recent smash ‘Hometown Glory’. The plonky piano and soulful vocals of his female collaborator compliment Greens sentimental spitting to make for a lush ode to his city. All in all then a positive step that further solidifies Pro’s ability as a recording artist and distances him from the ‘Battle Rapper’ tag for which many know him. With lyrics and flow on point throughout it leaves appetites whet for the overdue album proper. The question is whether Greens LP tracks will be able to reach the heights of ‘Hometown Glory’ and ‘Don’t Let Go’ without the big budget to sample such pop hits? A positive step that further solidifies Pro’s ability as a recording artist - Ben Spurr © ukhh.com 1999 - 2008