Genesis Elijah Industrial Revolution (mixtape)
I've been very fortunate with my reviews, in the fact that i can't remember a time yet when someones chucked my a CD which i thought was utter toss. Theres a lot of talented people out there not gettin half the limelight as some of the bigger heads. Today though it's about the big heads and some serious music.
Genesis Elijah has had some serious praise dubbed with his name over the last couple years. 'Deh Pon Road' was his hard hitting debut - and it seems for this joint right here - 'The Industrial Revolution' - he's still the same old Gen, but with a lot more positive shit mixed in there for good measure.
Kicking off then, we have the almost daydreamy title track - with full on synth and singing vocal background. This track kinda sinks you into the LP nicely, its nothin to brash and nothin to soft. Already an obvious departure from the more gritty stylings of 'Deh Pon Road' - you can smell the star quality on this one.
Next track 'The Interview' is essentially Genesis performing a self-interview where he answers a lot of questions that people may have been concerned in asking him. I recently did an interview with fella and he really is a very genuine, nice guy - this track helps that opinion along somewhat. It's of a man who is clearly very grateful for the position he's in.
Next track is one for those familiar with 'Deh Pon Road' - it's a remix of the very big tune 'So Hip Hop' but with the additional vocal talents of Dubbledge, who is currently one of my absolute favourite MC's on this lil' island - so this ones big for me. Almost beats the original, which is rare for a remix.
A few tracks later and we have a possible new single in the form of 'Hear that sound' - a very lo-fi and traditionally London soundin beat, with an awesome little hook sung by Genesis himself, alongside some frankly ferocious lyrics.
This is followed, almost jokingly, by one of the silliest and most lovable tracks on the LP - 'Revenge of the Sith' - featuring the likes of Joker Starr and Sway. "Can't stand people bein clones with they're lyrical" seems to be the order of the day. All 3 MC's proving that they all have their own original styles and droppin some serious jokes on record. For example, Sway says "People say that maybe i'll never make it - Make what? Are you gay? What is 'it'?", the beat alone provides the kind of jiggy backdrop that can't help but make you sway your head from side to side a little.
This is followed swiftly by Gen's Game dub with such gems as "I don't give a fuck about who's dissin who - if its you dissin me - then your crews missin you" - Gen really is effortless on this one, sick sick lyrics over a beat which people might argue doesn't even suit a British MC. I think Gen proves otherwise on this one.
Speaking of which, 'NY-LON Connection' has Genesis linking with Dipset, sure it's a member you probably never heard of (Tom Gist), but it's impressive none-the-less.
Just incase you thought Gen had a case of Yank fever - he brings it right back home with 'Dedication '05' - a Rodney P and Skitz dub, very British soundin, Gen kills it with his yardie tinged vocals, hooks just a nice little repeated sample - this one will put a smile on every UK fans face.
The glitzy beats come out again with the Semtex dub 'Passin through' - "See me in the hood / Hooded up like the reaper / See i'm Pro Evo / You man's are Fifa" - Gen's right on point for this one too. The whole mixtape's been pretty much fire to this point.
Then he goes and gets even more crazy with the DJ 279 dub - mathmatics on beat - believe it.
After this little algebra lesson comes what some might say is the highlight of the mixtape - 'Days Like These' - this is possibly one of the best songs i've heard come from hip hop on this island full stop. Truely amazing lyrics by both Wordsmith and Genesis, topped with a lovely floaty hook. Do yourself a favour. After a hard day at work. Get home. Bill a zoot, and blaze this track. It will make you feel better, I promise.
Then you can go ahead skip a couple tracks and bang your fuckin head to 'Out on the road' - the Mobb Deep & 50 dub that was first released as promo for this mixtape a long time before release. I loved that track back then, and it sounds completely on point here as well. One of my favourite songs on the mix and a proper good dub....contends with the original easily in my eyes.
Just when you think things can't get much better, 'Sights Set' drops. This is actually my favourite track on the LP, it shows pure maturity, lyrics are heartfelt, beat is....drop dead gorgeous to be honest. Neehi deserves a freakin medal for this one. Anyone who's ever questioned any of Gen's motives or tracks needs to listen to this at least once. This is one of my favourite UKHH songs full stop.
Closed afterwards by the reprise of the title and first track on the LP, same beat, different lyrics.
So all in all then? Pure fire. This isn't just good. This is really fuckin good. This is what the UK needs in order to contend at a world stage. Big beats, but never comprimising, and bigger lyrics. It was a pleasure to interview the man, but that compares nothin to just sat chillin with a joint on a sunny day and playin this mixtape.
All praise where its due. If you like UKHH, buy this, now....
- Madrox
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