Twizzy: Crabs In A Bucket (Stream)

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A very welcome return to the blog from Twizzy, with the release of his latest album. It’s been a few years since we heard a full-length solo project from the Bristol MC; his hiatus fuelled by a mixture of personal struggles and disillusionment with the rap scene, both of which I’m happy to hear have been curtailed, giving him some new creative zeal in the process.
Crabs in a Bucket is testament to that, as we hear Twizzy sounding more enthused and focused than ever. The production on the album is handled in full by fellow Bristol artist, Chillman, and boasts features from Komposa, Genesis Elijah, G00SE, CAM, Jinxsta and Jolene, as well as cuts from DJ Rogue. You can check out the full album below, with downloads and physicals available on Bandcamp. And it’s Bandcamp Friday today, so what better excuse to support some independent artists.

G00SE: Presidential Suite

Fresh sounds from G00SE, as he emerges from his isolation cocoon with a fully formed new video. Presidential Suite was made in its entirety by G00SE, with the In The Balance artist handling every aspect of the process, from writing, producing and recording the music, to shooting and editing the video. Streams of the single are also available.

Billy Whizz: Kobra Kai Style (Stream)

Bristol keeps the rap flag held high with another strong release from the city’s seemingly endless stash of talent, as Billy Whizz returns with his new solo EP. The DJ and producer has amassed a good circle of collaborators over the years and this is demonstrated to superb effect on Kobra Kai Style. Among the instrumental joys we find thought provoking rap joints, like the Wish Master assisted Moves I Make, and soul-drenched, horn-flecked bangers like Fire/Water, which features Bristol OG, Mylo Stone, and vocalist, Melissa Dawn. More weight is added to the EP’s appeal, thanks to two further appearances by Relly and G00SE. You can hear the full thing for yourself below, with downloads and physicals available via Bandcamp.

Billy Whizz ft. G00SE: Forbidden Skill

A new video here from Bristol producer, Billy Whizz, as he starts the ball rolling for the release of his latest EP. On Forbidden Skill, he is joined by fellow Bristol resident and Verbal Highz MC, G00SE, who is put through a particularly rigorous workout by Merv Hembrough aka Mahd Hacka, before G00SE and Bill have a fight that rivals Sugar Ray vs. Thomas Hearns. The Kobra Kai Style EP is out soon on Official Recordings. The video was made by Dhack Media.

Joe Publik: Stubborn Vectis (Stream)

Fresh out today, comes the debut LP from Joe Publik. Following on the back of a couple of strong singles, Stubborn Vectis is a healthy blend of precision lyricism and often jazzy production from an artist who has been feverishly honing his talents over the last few years to great effect. While the main star of the album is Joe on production and mic duties, he is joined by a strong supporting cast, including Scorzayzee, Res One, Chillman, G00SE, Coosie, Awfer, Lazy Habits and Clippa Sound. The LP can be heard in full below, with various physical and digital options available via Played Out Records.

Chillman & G00SE: Booze

Chillman and G00SE return with a new video, for the next single to be taken from their upcoming album. Booze is an ode to the excesses of alcohol and all the pitfalls and positives that come with them. The track is produced by G00SE and features a classic Syl Johnson sample. The video was made by Dfacer. Booze is available to stream at all the usual spots.

Ambush Tactics: Dead End Avenue (Stream)

New music from Ambush Tactics, as he delivers his latest album. The Roughcut Collective affiliate has handled production throughout, with the exception of one Billy Whizz helmed track. While the production is kept relatively solo, there are a wealth of features on the album from the likes of Twizzy, G00SE, Jinxsta JX and Levi Collins. Dead End Avenue can be heard below and downloads are available over on Bandcamp. The album will be available on all streaming platforms as of 28 November.

Verb T x Rye Shabby x G00SE: Lightning Bolt

Three in one on the latest from the In The Balance family, as they bless us with another video from their recent compilation. On Lightning Bolt, Verb T, Rye Shabby and G00SE go back to back over a heavy, drum driven beat from fellow labelmates, Urban Click. In The Balance Vol. 1 is out now.

Joe Publik: Head Nod Hip Hop / Military Minded

Double-header from Joe Publik, as I play catch up with the Isle of Wight MC’s recent releases. First up is Head Nod Hip Hop, which dropped a couple of weeks ago and sees Joe teaming up with two of the Verbal Highz gang, Chillman and G00SE, to great effect. The video comes courtesy of Sektion Red. And yesterday we were treated to Joe’s latest video, which has some more excellent features, in the form of Split Prophets OG, Res One and Out Da Ville legend, Scorzayzee. The video for Military Minded was made by Double or Nothing. Both tracks are self-produced and the cuts were supplied by Willz of Steel. They are taken from Joe’s debut solo LP, Stubborn Vectis.

In the Balance Records: In The Balance Vol. 1

Nice selection of tracks from In The Balance, featuring the wealth of talent that makes up their current roster. Regular visitors to the blog will most likely be familiar with some of the tracks already, but having them all compiled together in one place is a great reminder of just how much quality music the label has been responsible for since its inception back in 2015.