Hidden Identity Blunted Bumpkin Buskers EP Yeah, I know this is getting on a bit but considering ukhh.com's position as an extensive resource on UK Hip-Hop, it's deserving of its place in the review section.  This is actually the first release from Evil Ed, coming straight outta the westcountry mid-90s style. This fine EP contains four vocal tracks that really showcase the talent of little known emcee Mystima, showing mad dexterity over a variety of different paced beats.  A raw loop of the 'How Many Emcees' break provides the introduction, breaking into 'Return of Da Red Eye' that comes off sounding like Pete Rock on downers. The sparse but punchy drums get some heavy cross-fade abuse during two massive stream of consciousness verses, woven together with a sneaky 'Pass the Rizla' sampling chorus. Mystima has two things in mind - weed and dissing you. Now that may sound like a million other emcees but this is done so elaborately and with so much humour, that you can't help but feel the vibes. The fact that he gets through more flows in this one track than two or three New york vets combined is a testament to how much this guy really doesn't give a fuck. The onslaught continues with 'Big Head 4 Da Dread', which rolls on at a frantic pace. You get the feeling these two worked real well together, with Evil Ed getting a chance to shine - throwing in samples all over the place, including London Posse, the break from 'Oh My God' and even The Doors. This really adds to the cheeky cod-shit verbals, adding life and a cinematic feel to the good but basic production values. The flip-side bursts into life with some dole-fuelled dialogue taken from 'Made in Britain' that's reminiscent of the seriously under-rated Ruthless Rap Assassins 'Killer' album. An urgent reggae lick combined with a Nice and Smooth sample provide the background to some 'Pure Rudeness' with Evil Ed assisting on the microphone, using the last verse to tear some shreds off the flailing UK scene. 'We're in Trubble' is the last of the quartet and finds Mytima in Uzi-mode, firing the blatant shit into your cerebellum at a scary rate, over a beat that sounds like the bastard child of Gunshot - with the Bomb Squad on the boards.  Sketches from Mark Thomas and Jonathan Ross add a comedic feel to the whole piece and there's side split lyrics throughout; this is almost a predecessor to Cyderdelic who appeared on the 11 o' Clock Show a couple of years back. Don't get it twisted though I think this guy would tear you a new one if you stepped up.  What really makes this Ep stand out though is the complete lack of cynicism throughout the whole set. This is honest, from the heart Hip-Hop. In retrospect it also provides an insight into early to mid 90s westcountry life; a time when you could still find a decent free party and products like this gave us hope for a diverse future. I was lucky and got this off a friend in '95 who had recently sold his soul to the drum and the bass, so I'm not even sure where you'd be able to find it or which outlets stocked it at time of release. Maybe pester Eddie Evil for some re-release action? At least there's hope of a reunion between the two; hopefully it'll be sooner rather than later. If you find it, buy it - you'll love it. - Eddie Venom © ukhh.com 1999 - 2002