Blaktrix Strappado Styles EP The first solo release from Cardiff based emcee Blaktrix is sure to make an impact on anyone who hears it. Even learning what the title means is an education to those not familiar with medieval torture techniques, but the real impact comes from track 2! From the moment the intro finishes and the strings of ‘Ronin’ drop in, you’re unlikely to forget this release any time soon. Brilliant from start to finish, ‘Ronin’ is banging from both emceeing and production point of views, which some seriously emotional stirring business going on. The EP suffers from quaking in the shadow cast by dropping the best tune at track 2, but that’s not to say the rest of the release is simply throw away. ‘Indian Rope Trick’ ft. Humurak D Gritty sees two of Cardiff’s finest emcees dropping venom over a finely crafted beat which fits the title superbly and ‘So Long’ shows Blaktrix spitting some really clever lyrics about a break up with a lady where it gets a bit messy. A few too many skits being the only real complaint about this release shows that I’m being petty. If Blaktrik continues along this path and improves on the way, then we’ll be expecting great releases to come for sure! Until then, I’ll be playing ‘Ronin’! - 2Hip | profile © ukhh.com 1999 - 2005