Beefeaterz Badge Of Honour LP
Following on from the success of their 2003 EP "Can of Worms", Beefeaterz make a more than welcome return with one of the most hotly anticipated releases of 2006; their "Badge of Honour" LP. Although the Beefeaterz (Vee-Kay, Lilangryman, Big Mac) have been a household name in UK hip hop for years, this LP is actually their debut full length release.
I'll cut straight to the chase here.......this album oozes class out of every pore musically utilising one of the most talented hip hop producers in the UK in the form of our very own Vee-Kay (who even makes a most welcome return to his roots as an emcee on track seven: Battle!) Aside from a fine selection of guest emcees (S-Type, Freestyle (Arsonists!), Junior Disprol, Defisis, Xeno and Stig of the Dump), lyrics are provided in abundance from Lilangryman. This extremely talented emcee has an instantly recognisable vocal tone and flow and if you think you haven't heard him before you're most probably oh so wrong. As we've come to expect this quality lyricist does not disappoint on this LP with a thoughtfull, yet raw style that carries with an air of dues paid and experience on the microphone device.
Right from the word go, or rather the immense scratch-fest intro from Big Mac, the musical journey is thoroughly enjoyable. Lilangryman bursts onto "Generation Game" with some deeply introspective self-searching only to contrast it with the deep funk of "Dark Waters". Moving onto the braggadocious title track "Badge of Honour" we can hear the diversity of Vee-Kay's production ability and the pure charisma of Aggaman.
A personal favourite of mine is "Road less travelled" featuring Freestyle of (non other than.....) Arsonists! The word calibre springs to mind as Vee-Kay harnesses one of the most beautiful samples I've ever heard into a seductive, pensive and altogether wonderfull way to spend four minutes. The journey continues through a truly eclectic mixture of bangers and trademark Beefeaterz darkness. There is far too much positivity to express about this LP than this space allows me, but what strikes me most of all is the consistency of the sixteen tracks. This is not to say they are similar.....far from it. I'm speaking more of the tradgedy that seeps into many UK hip hop releases where a handfull of tracks aspire to carry the fillers. "Badge of honour" blows this stereotype out of the water without a single weak track, or even average one. Sounds hard to believe? Not after you hear this!
Well, to summerise.........if you're after a phat slab of quality UK hip hop then look no further than "Badge of Honour". I honestly can't speak highly enough of this release, it's absolutely superb. However don't take my word for it, support our scene and show your financial appreciation for one of the tightest crews in our green and pleasant land. This album is the current benchmark to which those that follow will try to match..........go cop it now!!
if you're after a phat slab of quality UK hip hop then look no further
- Woody777
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