V.E.X. Mental Health Problems (mixtape) Luton’s V.E.X returns with a release following on from his hugely impressive debut LP ‘Contact Day’ and subsequent ‘C.A.S.T’ mixtape and ‘Salvador’ EP releases, in the form of a 31 track mixtape ‘Mental Health Problems’ (which he informs us is unmixed and on CD). Just to make things clear, this as the title suggests is a mixtape and the listener is treated both full length tracks over original and jacked beats and single verses which V.E.X uses to display his skills. There are too many dope tracks to comment on individually, I’ll let you know about the stand out ones to me. In the first track ‘Hiya’ V.E.X. introduces himself those who are not familiar to him and states “this is music to bump when you’re driving through in a hearse”. Despite being a mixtape, V.E.X. does not simply toss off battle verses over the latest US bangers, early on the CD displays the love for his daughter in ‘it’s for kenya’ and explaining the reasons for his actions are for his daughter. V.E.X. shows his humour on ‘baby mommas’ “my whole game is about getting baby mommas naked to bounce” is one of the many quotables on this tracks. V.E.X’s trademark unstoppable flow is perfectly displayed alongside the impressive Crucafix on ‘Pro’s’. ‘Boy soldiers’ featuring Bounce comments on the use of guns in society, without being preachy, V.E.X. tells it like it is and speaks of the reality of gun use, alongside Bounce who makes a good account of himself. ‘Lonely’ over the Akon beat of the same name is heartfelt assessment of the relationship with his ex, even if you can’t stand the chipmunk vocals of the original, this is a track you just need to listen to. ‘Teef’ is a funny and insightful track into V.E.X. stealing habits, anyone who feels like nicking something, listen to this track and you may pick up a few tips. ‘Crazy’ featuring Beyonce is one to check, even if it is just to check how Beyonce and V.E.X. work together, apparently it was the original version of ‘crazy in love’ before Jay-Z, so V.E.X. will have you believe… Overall V.E.X. again proves himself to be an MC that the UK should be taking notice of. As V.E.X. would most likely say himself, this mixtape can in no way compare to the excellence of his LP ‘Contact Day’ – which if don’t own, you should do, however it does give people an introduction to people who haven’t come across him before and consolidates his previous work, which is perhaps the intention of this release. V.E.X is giving the CDs away for free, so you’ve got no excuse to check it out, just e-mail vexwillsmackyou@hotmail.com while stocks last. - Rhodesy © ukhh.com 1999 - 2005