Out on March 2nd 2018 via the increasingly important Jazz:Refreshed label is the fifth album from UK hip-hop royalty Ty. With his usual subtlety and humour Ty tackles subject matter ranging from Brixton, depression, poverty, racism, family, hip hop and the creative process, to philosophical musings on life and even imagined film soundtracks over the course of the album. Of the record, he says “I wanted to move away from the hip hop album approach where a bunch of disparate beats by different producers and different rappers with stock rhymes are strung together” he explains. With every guest, every sample, lyric and instrument I thought about whether they suit the themes and mood of the song, then decided what to include accordingly. I want to upgrade the view of hip hop; rappers need to view their artform as important, which is why I have lyrics like ‘every rhyme written should be in a museum’. This music should be treated with importance and a lasting high value”, he adds.
The first slice of the record comes in the form of a track, Eyes Open featuring Rootz & Deborah Jordan. It’s this faintly latin beat, piano heavy, but soulful and over the top Ty spits his rhymes with consumate skill in his engaging baritone. Check it out, here
With wit,
