Soundscape Green: Curtains

Another one to savour from Soundscape Green, as they celebrate the release of their new EP. Curtains offers up reflections on life from Rye Shabby and some pleasing production from Forrest Moon. The Year That Never Was is out now on In The Balance Records.

Soundscape Green: Roots R A Flava

Shiny new sounds from Soundscape Green, the recently formed duo comprised of Rye Shabby and Forrest Moon. Jazz drums and horns form the backbone of the track, with Shabby sounding as on point as ever. If you’re after more, stay tuned for their EP which is coming soon on In The Balance Records.

Rye Shabby & Forrest Moon: Golden Nectar + EP Stream

Fresh video from Rye Shabby and Forrest Moon, as they fire off another round from their new EP, which is out in full today. Golden Nectar is a short sharp shot of top notch rap, from two artists whose natural chemistry is evident on every track they touch. Esta is available now via all the usual spots, and you can hear it in full below.

Rye Shabby & Forrest Moon: Hey Presto

Great track from Rye Shabby, as he gets us in the mood for his new EP which is due for imminent release. On Hey Presto, the Ipswich MC has teamed up with friend and collaborator, Forrest Moon, resulting in this laid-back but fully focused number. It’s the first single from the Esta WP, which is set to drop on 14 August. Streams and downloads of Hey Presto are also available.

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.

Muckaniks: Interview

I recently had a chat with Muckaniks, a music producer from Ipswich in England. He has a propensity for dark, bass heavy production which has earned him credits on projects with the likes of Ocean Wisdom, Lunar C and Dizzee Rascal. We spoke about his production methods, his roots and how he came to work with those notable artists.

Verb T & Pitch 92: A Question of Time (Stream)

It’s a great day to be a rap fan as we round the week off with the full release of the latest album from Verb T and Pitch 92. Continuing with the successes of their earlier effort, Good Evening, the High Focus duo have upped the levels once more with an album that finds both Verbs and Pitch on top form.

Rye Shabby: Ripped Stoney

If you copped the In The Balance compilation which saw its release last week, you will have no doubt have heard one of its many gems – Ripped Stoney by Rye Shabby. Now the Ipswich MC returns with a new video for the track, which features production from Taube and visual handiwork from Wavey Times. In The Balance Vol. 1 is available now.

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.

Verb T: Interview

I remember first hearing Verb T rap when his track Showbitchness was included on a Low Life Records compilation, back in 2003. Since then he has been a constant in my relationship with UK hip hop, thanks to his association with High Focus, most notably as part of The Four Owls, as well as a string of projects with the likes of Pitch 92 and Illinformed. I spoke with him recently about a number of things including maintaining his longevity, setting up his own label and his ongoing struggles with Crohn’s Disease.