Coops – Essence
Coops rounding off the summer with some melodic audio sunshine in the form of new one ‘Essence’. Pure conscious vibes. Lifted from the upcoming Lost Soul 2 out on September 23rd.
Coops rounding off the summer with some melodic audio sunshine in the form of new one ‘Essence’. Pure conscious vibes. Lifted from the upcoming Lost Soul 2 out on September 23rd.
High Focus Records proudly presents Verbz & Mr Slipz ‘Decline Of Self’ featuring Confucius MC & Coops, lifted from their new album ‘Radio Waves’: Out now and available to order on limited edition double vinyl, CD, limited edition hand numbered tape & on all digital platforms.
North London based Coops releases his fifth album ‘Crimes Against Creation’ on High Focus Records, an 8 track collaboration piece with long term stablemate Talos, the producer who is responsible for almost all of his beats thus far. This is an interesting offering, as remarkably it was fashioned in only 4 studio sessions, whereby the whole creative process happened much faster, enabling a time capsule of sounds to be created during the lockdown of COVID-19. This is very much an album for the now, addressing the current situation and general feeling of malaise present in society. Clearly the speed in which this album needed to be dispatched aided in the pair capturing some lightning in a bottle, unleashing a fairly powerful payload for the listener, raps and beats alike.
Before signing to High Focus in 2017, Coops had opened up for the likes of Nas during his first ever live performance at London’s O2 arena, an artist he cites as a major influence alongside Jay Z, A Tribe Called Quest and Eminem, among others. At 23 years old he won Choice FM’s Breakthrough Competition, a spingboard that led to a slew of releases, with notable entries such as Lost Soul (2014) and No Brainer (2018), shaping some solid foundations for Coops to build apon. He has previously said that “I’ve always had the mind-set that if I’m true to myself
and where I am, as a social commentator or looking inside myself documenting that stage of my life, then I’ll have endless material”. This could not be more true right now, it certainly does feel like the end times, or at least some bleak dystopian future you might see depicted on a TV series on Netflix. Even though the album highlights the ennui everyone is experiencing present-day, this doesn’t stop Coops from waxing lyrical on every track, he goes in!
The album opens with ‘Boom Biddy Bye’, a deluge of smooth flows pepper the punchy beat patterns and Coops drop lines like, “Who went and gentrified this whole rap ting? I swear I’ma have to boom biddy him if I catch him..”, a great opener with a bunch of catchy wordplay. A lot of the songs on the album seem to have beats, breaks and bass reminiscent of golden era Hip Hop, especially ‘Laws of Nature’ and the titular track ‘Crimes Against Creation’, a new wave of boom bap sound that is timeless.
‘Bring The Fire’ has some nice keys, building percussive sounds and the video sees Coops running through North London bearing a flaming torch, which is a powerful image in contrast to the more sombre tone of this track, some great videography here. ‘Piss Poor’ explodes out of the speakers with heavy b lines and is one of the stand out songs on the album, I can already hear the crowd shouting the hook back at Coops at the next live event (when clubs re-open of course). Solid production and wordplay make this one jump off the page. ‘Profile’ allows the use of double time bars on mellow vibes, a decent chilled out number that sets up the final track. ‘End Times’, a fantastic finale that delivers a cautionary tale, giving cause for reflection during these strange days, Coops also sings the hook which is infectious and rounds off the release nicely, a great combination of words, harmony and beatwork.
“It’s like we living in the end times. That’s why I must defend mines. Don’t act like there aint been signs. I know you seen the headlines. It’s like we’re living in the end times..“
Coops also knows where to leave pauses for emphasis and effect, I think somewhere down the line this has been forgotten by some. Leaving these little moments for people to hang on your words, dropping the beat out completely, then bringing it all back in evokes a certain feeling, this is Hip Hop.
The album definitively captures the zeitgeist of the period but surrounds it in exciting beats and breaks, softening the impact of these difficult times, this is a provoking, swiftly made release that needs to be consumed in the here and now, another fantastic edition for the High Focus fandom.
‘Crimes Against Creation’ is out now, grab a copy on your preferred digital channel, cassette tape or even better get the limited edition vinyl.
Words by Theo Specone
The welcome return of Coops is here! New single ‘Laws of Nature’ produced by frequent collaborator Talos has the MC on fine form, in trademark territory, dropping steady head-nod flows over some 90s-esque Boom Bap. More incoming soon on High Focus.
Life’s what you make of it. Just look at the debut solo LP of Verbz. The Croydon rapper has weathered his fair share of troubles but, with Pathways, those hard-learned lessons are paying off.
The album marks an evolution for Verbz, but his knack for crafting bars of wisdom was apparent as early as 2017’s Lessons of Adolescence. Pathways sees him pontificate on the struggles of overcoming adversity, breaking the poverty cycle and growing into your own image. On ‘Cards Dealt’, he explores the challenges of growing with limited opportunities and the power of turning lessons into opportunities.
It’s not all dark, brooding backpack bars though. ‘Run Run’ proves Verbz can cajole his underground sound in more commercially-oriented tunes. R&B singer BaggE’s soulful vocals offer a sharp contrast to his whipsmart bars, but you get the feeling Verbz could spit over bhangra and make it work. Case in point: ‘Still Here’, in which he flips from Coops-style languid drawl to Lewis Parker-like rapid-fire like switching on a light.
But his soft-spoken delivery masks a man still wrestling with demons. Bars like “I’ve been digging myself a hole / that I ain’t close to climbing out / Anytime soon / So I guess I’m lying” show a man already wearied by his own limitations.
The instrumentals tend to take a backseat to Verbz’ tranquil flow, but that’s not to say they’re disposable. In fact, the beats provide the perfect canvas; adding a warm, sepia-tinged vibe to Pathways. With multiple beatmakers – including Morriarchi, Purple Cloud and 2Late – Pathways swings between genre branches without ever falling flat. Hazy jazz melodies sit by side with wavy ‘80s synth soundscapes and sweet soul samples.
Despite the references to poverty, aimless youth and bleak futures, Pathways isn’t some political screed. It’s the observations of a man who’s been there, done that and grown out of the T-shirt. Even at its darkest, Pathways shows every experience is an opportunity to grow. And that’s a good thing, no matter how you look at it.
Pathways drops November 8th on Group Bracil.
Latest from Coops, ‘Rude Bwoi’, sees the MC doing what he does best and blessing some old school production by repeat collaborator Talos. Video features; Coops on a skateboard, some extreme scootering and reckless driving. Lifted from the Life In The Flesh LP.
Latest visual to drop off most recent Fliptrix album Inexhale. Big flips joined on some instrumental rawness produced by Chemo by label mate Coops here.
Coops drop some trippy visuals for the Eahwee produced; “Mac N Cheese”. The track comes from Coops “No Brainer” project out now on High Focus.
UKHH are mad excited to announce the third of our UKHH Summer Sickness festival recommendations… The mighty Boomtown Fair!
Although it officially sold out in February, Limited resale tickets are now available! To grab the last ones while there’s still time… simply click HERE!
Now in its tenth year and tenth chapter of its evolving story line, Boomtown has a history of putting on an impressive array of hip hop talent since its beginnings. Label takeovers by the likes of High Focus and genre bending spectacles (such as 2014’s ‘Original Fever’ UK Hip Hop Reggae Showcase on the Lion’s Den stage with Daddy Skitz, Rodney P and friends) have become the stuff of legend. Talent to have graced their stages over the years (to name but a few not appearing this time round) include everything from international legends like Cypress Hill, Pharoahe Monch and Jungle Brothers, to a diverse spectrum of UK heroes encompassing everything between Ocean Wisdom and Dizraeli and the Small Gods.
For a pretty good summary of what vibe to expect… The bulk of the footage for the above video for ‘Weed & Ale’ featuring Jman, Dr Syntax, Eva Lazarus and Pete Cannon (all of whom are reappearing this year) was shot way back at Boomtown 2013. Boomtown has continued to grow with expanding crowds, districts, stages and hundreds more acts but the rowdy spirit of hedonism and positive vibes have remained the same.
No surprises then that this year’s line-up has an absolute tonne of talent for the discerning hip hop hunter to uncover!
As festivals can be confusing places to navigate for the soberest of brains and pouring over every act on every stage is a tiring process that most probably can’t be arsed with, UKHH have done all that painstaking leg work for you in order to provide our detailed guide to all the hip hop popping off at this year’s Boomtown…
One of the things that makes Boomtown so sick, beyond the debaucherously immersive city that all the madness takes place in, is the sheer diversity of musical styles peppered across the site at any given time. While each district and stage has its own stylistic focus, so mega-fans of a particular genre could be tempted to get settled, it’s a sure fire bet that doing so would result in missing something dope happening somewhere completely unexpected.
Case in point: Whistlers Green (a district renowned for Jazz, Funk, Soul, World Music fusion, talks and a host of chilled out/holistic activities) boasts a surprising array of sick hip hop influences on it’s Windmill Stage. Out of my personal must-see acts at the whole festival, the multi-influenced Ghanaian/Glaswegian producer and lyricist Kobi Onyame is towards the top of the list. Check out his most recent album Gold for an idea of the kind of triumphant afro-rhythm infused hip hop to expect from him. Seriously ill.
Also on the stage for anyone with instrumental leanings… Bilal; the hip hop influenced soul/jazz artist with notable collaborative efforts on releases from the likes of Common and Talib Kweli who scooped a Grammy for his input on seminal Kendrick Lamar album To Pimp a Butterfly, as well as boom bap jazzers Blue Lab Beats, mixing golden era hip hop influences with jazz instrumentalism and samples.
Keeping the curve balls coming, Rocks Foe, the highly charged and lyrically deep MC known to straddle grime and hip hop and informed by a further range of diverse influences is present as part of a takeover by Bristol label Black Acre. Also, embodying a truly international sound that’s impossible to pin down (I thought she was UK when I first heard her) with Zambian and Botswanan roots but now based in Australia, Sampa the Great is well worth a check. If you haven’t already heard her, think African rhythms, jazz, hip hop and a powerful voice phasing between neo soul melodies and conscious lyricism.
The roots-heavy Lion’s Den stage also sees some hip hop vibes blending their way into the mix with UKHH long time favourites Rodney P and Illaman taking the stage as part of the Spragga Benz and Friends set. Other highlights for heads are likely to include live trip-hop/lounge band Morceeba, and genre defying super-group Gorillaz in a headline slot that’s sure to include more than a few meanders into the territory of hip hop bars and beats. Switch districts and head over to Paradise Heights and you’ll find bass-heavy party starters Too Many T’s rocking the Hotel Paradiso venue.
Even hidden amongst the stellar line-up of broader dubby soundsystem hecticness that populates Boomtown’s woodland parties there are a couple of UK names for rap treasure hunters to track down. Prolific with the festival performances this year, Gardna can be found performing as part of the Wonka-Vision Forest Takeover and Skitz and Joe Burn are set to play the Tangled Roots stage where its safe to expect they’ll be providing a stomping soundtrack to the forest setting, fusing hip hop and Jamaican influenced basslines.
All this said… Unsurprisingly, although there are abundant MCs and DJs worth searching Boomtown’s myriad districts for, the bulk of our UKHH recommended acts can be found dominating the Barrio Loco District!
This year’s line up on the flagship stage Poco Loco is something fierce. For fans with a taste for grimier flavours, bill-toppers Ghetts, Lady please-answer-my-fan-mail-and-marry-me-already Leshurr, Foreign Beggars, Nadia Rose and Big Zuu will be providing unrelenting party vibes. Another artist to go heavy on the festival rounds this year is the ever unpigeon-holeable Kojey Radical. With a hard earned and steadily expanding following now aware of his varied and poetically raw body of work, the crowd are likely to go off for this one.
The suplex that the North has applied to the UK Hip Hop game in the last few years is suitably apparent in the presence of its multiple super-crews/collectives taking the stage at this years Boomtown. LEVELZ, The Mouse Outfit (ft Ellis Meade, Dubbul O and Berry Blac for their Poco Loco performance) and Cult of The Damned have all proved themselves to be serious threats. With fluid rosters and cross over between MCs (e.g. Black Josh is affiliated with all three) each entity reflects a distinctly different facet of a stylistically diverse, collaborative community. C.O.T.D. bring a lazy, fuck-everything rawness comparable to being the UK’s answer to Odd Future. In Contrast The Mouse Outfit bring positive, funk infused smooth grooves, with their recent album Jagged Tooth Crook sounding like distilled summertime. LEVELZ bring the rave.
For fans focused on live instrumentation… Poco Loco also provides. Taking it way back, in a salute to one of the all-time undisputed masters of production, the 18 piece Abstract Orchestra will be performing a musical tribute to the late J Dilla. Scene legends (and one of the original trip hop bands) The Herbaliser will also be taking the stage. Producer and MC duo, Makola, have developed their combination of afrobeat hip hop to include a live band and brass section that should have fans of Fela Kuti and UK rap alike moving in unison. It goes without saying that all of the above might be something special.
For a masterclasses on control of the decks: With a list of influences and collaborations as long as a life-size Stretch Armstrong’s arms, DJ Vadim will be tearing things up and no doubt have some surprises up his sleeves. Mixing global influences including hip hop, trip hop and a heavy pinch of sub-dub L’Entourloop will no doubt be providing a marching soundtrack to skank out to when they take the stage with Troy Berkley and N’Zeng. Kicking the party up a gear, festival and rave scene regulars, The Nextmen, will also be supplying the grooves with an extended family of Gentlemans Dub Club, Garnda, Kiko Bun, Eva Lazarus, and Jman.
Also on a hype tip, the infinitely danceable 808INK will be ensuring a steady stream of cleverly infectious bars and vibes to keep the rave moving and Babylon Dead will be capitalising on energetic support for their dissident ragga-meets-hip hop style and tearing the roof clean off. Another act to balance double time spits, basslines and politics, scene veteran and activist/rapper Lowkey will be in attendance to serve up heavy bars with some food for thought on the side.
For sure fire hits with UK hip hop fans, acts bringing that pure UK underground sound include Children of Zeus, Dr Syntax & Pete Cannon and Coops. C.O.Z. have been on a serious rise lately, with mellow, summery vibes aplenty, an RnB edge to their hooks and raps that sound both very Golden Era and very UK. Long-time collaborators Syntax and Cannon have a catalogue of material built up since the beginning of the century and (as probably the funniest lyricist in the UK scene) crowds can expect Syntax to entertain and hype in equal measure. Finally, High Focus Records’ most recent signing Jordan Cooper AKA Coops, will be showcasing his dope new album, No Brainer, and evidencing why he’s currently one of the UK’s fastest risers.
And that’s just the hip hop… For anyone who fancies diversifying, you’ll be able to catch pretty much everything else under the sun at any moment. With a huge array of districts that each sport their own immersive worlds and more hidden side shows, hi-jinks and mini venues than you could shake a stick at, Boomtown ensures an experience that’s likely to fly by in a messy, technicolor blur. Come join us going tits up to our recommended acts, shooting some exclusive on-site bars, rolling round with a boombox on a music video flex and most probably at points getting completely side-tracked and lost amongst the carnage.
The final surge of resale tickets are very limited and will sell out fast, so to get involved with the 10th anniversary celebrations get yours now!
Outlook Festival announced an impressive fleet of boat parties this week with tickets going on sale today. Here’s our pick of which excursions to sign up to for the best hip hop on the decks on the deck. Get on board!
Boom Bap:
WHAT TO EXPECT: “Expect party vibes start to finish. We have live acts but we’re about DJs laying down the perfect soundtrack for a boat party on the Adriatic Sea under the sunshine. Hip Hop, Trap, Grime, Jungle/DnB & everything in between.” (Ivan – Boom Bap)
LEVELZ:
WHAT TO EXPECT: Mayhem! The motley crew of MCs and DJs manning this ship/collective have been mad prolific straddling genres, crews and labels over the last few years with affiliations including The Mouse Outfit, Ape Cult and Blah Records. Expect the unexpected. LEVELZ releases have defied pigeon holes but often seen lyricists known for hip hop muscling their way into grime and beyond.
High Focus:
WHAT TO EXPECT: “The yearly High Focus Boat party at Outlook Festival has become the stuff of legends, not only is it one of the first to sell out every year, but I’ve been told by the organisers and the various sea captains that have taken us out over the years, that it’s by far the rowdiest one of them all… don’t miss out and hop on board! JEHEEEZZE!” (Molotov – High Focus)
Diplomats of Sound:
WHAT TO EXPECT: Perfect blends of Neo-Soul and Hip Hop with a Mancunian twist, LayFullStop and Children of Zeus bring the perfect summer sound track. Nostalgic soulful sounds with a new school twist and bars for days.