Back in April 2018, Harvs Le Toad and Yogocop dropped the short but dope Garlic Mayo Vol. 1 – a solely Le Toad produced EP showcasing a selection of cunningly crafted beats (featuring vocals from assorted Yogocop mates) that made Harvs stand out amongst the scene as a producer.
Kicking off 2019 correctly with Chicks and Tikka Naans, Yogocop brings the return of Harvs’ signature curious lyricism as he steps away from production on this album and brings us a worthwhile reminder of his effortless flow. The 10 track album is a solid representation of Harvs’ progression as an artist. The album features the likes of Dirty Dike, CW Jones and production from heavyweights Mr Slipz, Dustfingaz and SaulTheSame to name but a few.
Opener, ‘Some days’, features Benaddict (originally meant for the remix) on production. With drifting piano and vocal samples sounding predominant on the beat it’s no surprise that Harvs’ flow is a natural fit on this one, delivering a slick beat reminiscent of early Low Life vibes.
Second track ‘Crabman’ ft Dirty Dike is a stand out on the album. Forming the premise behind the insane artwork by Kellyman (Jack Kellythorn), ‘Crabman’ welcomes production from no other than legendary producer and Yogocop inhabitant, Mr Slipz, who directly demolishes the beat. Sammy B Side comes correct with the cuts and the two bring us a skilfully crafted, sly and haunting beat. Harvs and Dike pretty much destroy this track, both giving us flawless flow and lyricism. Let’s hope this is the start of more collaborations between these four.
Another sick team-up comes in the form of the first single to drop off the project ‘Do All Remain Real’ featuring Yogocop donny Benaddict again, this time on vocal duties. The jazzy diss to snakes and fake friends is produced to perfection. Skip a few tracks forward… I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping for a collaboration between CW Jones and Harvs Le Toad in the near future and ‘Fool in love’ has not disappointed. Blues supplies a beat with the most tranquil of vibes for the pair to grace.
Dustfingaz is enlisted to create the beat for ‘Foggy on her doorstep’. The track features Salmon Hands (otherwise known as KLB), who compliments Harvs’ spitting style with a slightly sleepy tone to his voice which resonates through the track. The two bring a witty vibe and opposing nature to the story they are telling to the dreamy beat, a trademark when it comes to Harvs’ style and delivery.
For another track that seems to have been weaved from moonlight, check Sunken Eyes, complete with driving bars from the Toad providing pace over a horn sample that sounds like it’s been plucked straight from beneath the only street lamp on some midnight ghost-road.
Harvs described Garlic Mayo vol.1 as the condiments on the table before your main course and after repeat plays of Chicks and Tikka Naans, it’s pretty clear to see the development in creativity as an artist that Harvs was saving to dish out as the full meal. The MC’s first full album boasts skilful lyricism and well thought out features and production throughout.
Landing 31st Jan, Chicks and Tikka Naans is a clear indication of talent and yet another reason why you should not be sleeping on Harvs Le Toad! Pre-order here now.