The Four Owls ft. Kool G Rap: Pioneer

The Four Owls unveil the next single from their recently released Nocturnal Instinct LP, with yet another heavyweight US name on the assist. On Pioneer, the High Focus quartet have enlisted the might of Kool G Rap, who delivers a typically blistering verse. The track is produced by Leaf Dog. Nocturnal Instinct is out now.

The Four Owls: Be Free

A burst of hope and positivity here from The Four Owls, as they continue to deliver the gems from their latest album. Soulful boom bap and four accomplished rappers; what more do you want? Be Free is taken from Nocturnal Instinct, which is out now on High Focus. The video was made by This & That Media.

The Four Owls ft. R.A. The Rugged Man: Air Strike

Another big track from The Four Owls and their third album, which saw its release last month. The album is home to a lot of notable features from America’s selection of heavyweight lyricists, as you can see from this latest single which features underground favourite, R.A. The Rugged Man. A slight switch up on the production too, as Leaf Dog knocks up a pacier beat for the proceedings, leading to some incredible flows from the assembled MCs. The retro arcade game style video was created by The Astroknight. Nocturnal Instinct is out now on High Focus.

The Four Owls: Coming Home

To coincide with the release of their latest album, High Focus’s in-house supergroup have dropped another video from the project. Coming Home features some pacey, blues-tinged production from Leaf Dog, along with a nicely animated video from Mengyán Gém Gergő. The Owls’ third album, Nocturnal Instinct, is out now on High Focus.

The Four Owls: Nocturnal Instinct (Stream)

The Four Owls release their long-awaited third album today and it stands as a testament to the success of High Focus, who reach their 10 year anniversary this year. There has never been an independent UK hip hop label that has achieved what HF have achieved since their inception in 2010, whether that’s in terms of impact, influence or breaking through the US barriers, Fliptrix, Molotov and all the artists involved have now built a brand that’s recognised across the globe. With this latest Four Owls venture, we are shown exactly how much clout they wield now, thanks to a string of features from some truly legendary US rappers, including Kool G Rap, R.A. The Rugged Man, Roc Marciano, and a SECOND collaboration with Preemo, something unheard of in itself on these shores. Production wise, Leaf seems as hungry as ever to continue to uphold his position as one of the UK’s best boom bap exporters, and he manages to keep the styles varied enough for it to not result in a head-nodding snooze fest. It’s basically the album that both the Owls and their fans deserve. A definite level up on the last album, but still peddling the same reliable brand of hip hop that has served them so well up to this point. You can hear the full thing for yourself below and there are plenty of other options available over at the High Focus shop.

The Four Owls ft. DJ Premier: 100%

The Four Owls return with the latest single from their heavily anticipated third album, as the release date draws ever closer. Not content with one collaboration with Gang Starr legend, DJ Premier, now the avian quartet have teamed up with him once more for 100%. Classic Preemo production, with four blistering verses from the Owls, what more could you ask for? It’s a trip hearing him scratch up their names in the intro too. Nocturnal Instinct is out on 17 April on High Focus.

The Four Owls ft. Smellington Piff: Sound The Alarm

As you are no doubt aware, we are moving ever closer to the arrival of the new album from The Four Owls and yesterday, High Focus leaked a bit more info about the project. Seemingly raising the bar across every level, the new album will include another heady line-up of features, including a fresh contribution from DJ Premier, as well as vocal support from Kool G Rap, Roc Marciano, Masta Killa, R.A. The Rugged Man and Smellington Piff. And speaking of Mr Piff, today we have been treated to the latest single from the album, Sound The Alarm, which features the man himself. The video was made by This & That Media. Nocturnal Instinct is due for release on 17 April.

The Four Owls: Honour Codes

Unless you’ve been comatose for the last year or so, you will no doubt be aware that The Four Owls are set to release their third album. The High Focus supergroup have gained critical acclaim for their first two albums and this latest offering looks set to garner even more praise. Honour Codes is the lead single from the album, featuring some very clean production from Leaf Dog, as well as a superbly animated video from Gary Motion. The album is due for release in the not too distant future, so stay tuned for more news on that coming soon. Honour Codes is available to stream now.

Brothers of the Stone: Reverse Forecast

More rugged rhymes as Leaf Dog, BVA and Illinformed hit us with another video from their most recent album, Return to Stoney Island. Reverse Forecast features some excellent animation from Chris Younes. The album is out now on RLD Records.

High Focus 9th Birthday: Win Tickets

Next month on 18 April, as is now customary in Bristol, High Focus will roll into town en masse to celebrate their 9th birthday. Following on from last year’s success, once again they will takeover the SWX nightclub which is situated bang in the middle of town and will bring with them a selection of the finest artists that their ever-increasing roster has to offer.
On the bill this year we have performances from The Four Owls, Jam Baxter, Coops, Onoe Caponoe, Ed Scissor, Strange U, Ronnie Bosh and Pitch 92 as well as their latest signing Datkid, plus loads more MCs and DJs to get the place jumping. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of reaching one of these events in the past, then you will know what to expect and that what to expect is something special.
As is also customary, I have the opportunity for one of you lucky so-and-sos to win free entry for you and a faithful companion on the night itself. All you have to do to win is answer the following question:

What is the name of the forthcoming album from Datkid and Leaf Dog?

To enter, stick the answer in an email along with your full name and I will pick a winner at random on 1 April. The email address is allgingereverything@gmail.com. For the full line-up check the poster above and if you’d rather invest in some tickets instead, you can find them here.