Grafh I Ain't Playin' 12" The first single from New York MC Grafh, ‘I ain’t playin’’ is a straight up club banger. Which is a bit like a double edged sword, because it works well but at the same time also just ends up sounding like the majority of hip hop today… which is honestly a bit blend. The production though is the real winner here, with some bugged out synths and driving drums it’s one of those impossible not to get down to beats. Grafh teams up with Stat Quo (another upcoming MC signed to Shady Records) to drop lyrics about the usual subjects which again may well be what you’re into or trying to get away from. Flow wise, it works well, as the rugged flows combine with the driving synths. The flip, ‘Heat Cocked’, features Jae Hood for more club action with a moodier and darker edge this time. Slow driving drums wrap around the bass for a simple yet effective offering. The whole thing is rounded off with a bonus track produced by Alchemist, ‘Get Shot Boy’. A strong debut for Grafh that should see plenty of club and air play and have you grinding to his flow on the dancefloor. - Kper © ukhh.com 1999 - 2005