Lex レコード& CD

Review: Pink Siifu and Ahwlee are the rap, neo-soul and r&b duo B. Cool-AID and this is their new album on Lex. Leather Blvd is a woozy and lo-fi late-night trip through a range of narcotic atmospheres. The raps range from slurred and drenched in reverb to more crisp and well-defined as tracks range from short and sweet to epic and sprawling. There is a real intimacy to this record as well as a borrowing from jazz as these tracks unfurl and slowly make their way into your affections. It is another great coming together of this contemporary pair.

Review: A new album that is not a new album. It was written more than 20 years ago but somehow never saw the light of day until now. It is soul and funk-infused hip-hop gem that follows on from Danger Mouse and Jemini's debut LP, Ghetto Pop Life, which itself is 20 years old in 2024. Inspired by the success of that album, Ghetto Pop Life, the duo went out on tour and also wrote Born Again but shelved it until now. The previously unheard record retains the debut's fun-loving, shit-talking innocence while adopting a more introspective tone. Jemini's free-flowing cadence and Danger Mouse's resonant instrumentals create a classic hip-hop record that blends light-hearted topics with personal, poignant lyrics about redemption and relationships.

Review: The reissued Ghetto Pop Life remains a special release to DM + Jemini's fans that showed their ability to bridge the gap between hip-hop's mainstream and underground scenes. The duo's collaboration defies conventional hip-hop politics, focusing instead on delivering a leftfield album that blends playful beats with clever wordplay. Danger Mouse's production acts as a counterweight, crafting soundscapes that draw from hip-hop's history while avoiding regression into old-school tropes. The album's standout tracks, such as 'Born-a-MC' and 'The Only One,' feature infectious hooks and cinematic tones that capture the essence of a guilt-free block party vibe. 20 years later, this album still holds up very well.

Review: Kid Acne's 'Hauntology Codes' has been highly anticipated by fans of hip-hop and experimental sounds. Renowned for his unique sound, Kid Acne weaves intricate lyrical narratives with his superb British twang over inventive beats to create a rich sonic landscape. The title suggests a dive into the mysterious and the unexplored and so it proves as he pushes creative boundaries with some guest spots from the likes of King Kashmere, Sonnyjim and Cappo. This one comes on nice sherbert lemon vinyl and is a superb UK-centric hip-hop workout.

Review: FlySiifu is a new collaborative project by Pink Siifu & Fly Anakin that aims to reflect the musical community around them. This debut long player brings together the fine styles of two top rappers with extra guests including Liv.e, Foushee and $ILKMONEY backed by beats made from talents such as Madlib, Jay Versace, Ohbliv, Awhlee and Budgie. It makes for attention grabbing music that takes in raps which range from soul to punk, and at times will swell your heart with sweetness, at others get you on edge with their confrontational sound.