Blak Twang U Know 12" Black Twang (The homegrown terrier from London area) is back and with two concurrent releases is proving once again that he remains one of the UK's top Hip Hop acts. This release sees two new tracks on the Bad Magic record label of Dan Greenpeace: 'U Know', which has street, radio and instrumental versions and 'Surround Sound' of which sadly there is only the one vocal version because it may be the better track. This 12" is just about up to Mr Rotten's usual standard, which means it is better than most, but these aren't his best tracks. 'U Know' is a relaxed track pointing out all the places U know Black Twang from and all the reasons why you know him. The chorus says "You know the Twang, You know the stand, You know the flex, You know the lifestyle I reflect,... You know the name, You know the brand, You know the plan, You know the lifestyle of a Don, U Know" and nicely samples 'You Know The Twang Right' from Karl Hinds along with some brass accompaniment. This track also sees the tremendously busy Harry Love helping out with production duties with a crisp mix, high snare and synth vibe. The cuts are by Harry and Chubby Kid No. 1 aka Big Ted (Dunno how Shortee feels about that title?). 'Surround Sound' is a more serious affair, orchestral stabs, a whistle/flute and a rimshot snare drive this moody tale of urban runnins. Topics covered include pirate radio tribulations, censorship, lack of housing provision, dodgy landlords, cab drivers that want the money upfront and Taipanic's more urgent descriptions of everyday troublesome situations which we feel all around and surround us. Cuts on this one are by Big Ted. Musically you can't fault this, the lyrics and production are tight but the whole package however is not that impressive. Coming just in a plain black disco bag, the sticker design leaves a lot to be desired. Additionally it would have been nicer to have some more tracks on there too. Definitely a recommended buy, but if you can only get one Black Twang 12" this month the 'Bonafied Flava' 12" has a bit more. Quote: "More alms than the Venus De Milo" - QED | profile  Related Links: www.bad-magic.com voodoo@bad-magic.com © ukhh.com 1999 - 2000