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This is a diversion of style from the Big Dada stable - what after Gamma and Mike Ladd you could be forgiven for expecting ballistic verbals and off-kilter pregnant crackhead mum freebasing off a SP1200 type production. But anybody knowing TY knows this aint what your gonna get - its HAPPY hiphop time with a tinge of humour and a bit of melancholy. The man has been around for time and I must admit that I personally have only heard him four times on wax (and three of them were guest appearances) - but it appears that the longtime wait for this LP has allowed the geez to brew mad confidence. He knows himself and tells some tales and any rapper mentioning Space Dust, Raleigh Burners and Wham bars in his debut LP gets a straight 13 out of 10 - NO question. So over the last weeks of listening to Awkward what have I got? I've got thru my ears a warm soulful LP of stories across relaxed organic sounding beats. This is one of the most listenable releases I've heard in a long long time from ANY worldwide hiphop artist. This is just straight super accomplished in maintaining listener attention with something seeming to be simple but what is definitely complex. Most of all though - damn - its a selfish LP cos it just wont budge out of my walkman for nothing. And trust me I've needed it this winter to keep my ears glowing like I've had my Readybrek. Anyhow - the main reason I'm feeling this record to a higher level is plainly obvious from the first listen (although now its on its 394th AND I definitely know its true). Basically for me its Ty's bubblin liquid voice - he comes so correct with his flow n' clear diction delivery but still its accompanied with the little subtle voice change-ups that are just pure natural. There are different subtle changes to rhyme pattern on every track - something which is needed to hold attention for a whole LP without many guests. So really to cut it down - Ty's voice dominates the record as you get to hear everyword said in every multifaceted form being taken. As such there aint really no room for nothing but words n' metaphors and stories this makes a lyrically lean LP in terms of giving a lesson in making words count. Pure relaxed and melodious and not a curse to be heard. Truly - the Big Dada hotline is goin to get kinda heated when Anchor and St Ivel are fightin for Ty's secret ingredient. I hope they dont uncork it and be sure to keep the vocal spice fresh and ready for the Shortee Blitz LP later in 2001. I'm not going break it down in a slightly track to track way... but I will say it is all seemingly so easy.... so smooth, calm and relaxed! Just to mention there are hardly any guest emcees so you get a full plate of Ty. From the beats side of matters production is handled by a number of different producers. Basically - the beats are all made to snugly coat Ty's vocals n' even though no producer takes consequtive tracks it all works and flows as an entire piece of work. The standout cuts for me are the clever "Jealousy", the Africanistical "Zaibo", the ultra smooth "The Tale" and the extra funny "Hercules". All the lyrics seem slightly autobiographical (but its probably just good storytelling) but with an edge of sadness or melancholy n' lots of humour n' charisma. If people dont get into this LP then I'd be proper suprised - not only does it have the cross over market bit tapped down but its all too blinkin'friendly to ignore (check it - I think of the LP and I cant swear - that says it all!!!). But anyways - I aint the bloke to say this to you cos I'm already on it (and Sony are having to send replacement tapeheads because I'm on it). SO now its on you to check it as well. And I know you will - so dont test - cos it aint "Awkward". :-)
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