South East London duo 808INK enlist the help of underground royalty Jesse James Solomon on the feisty and suave ‘Riddick Bowe’. The production/rap pairing consisting of 808Charmer & Mumblez Black Ink, who have been pushing the hip hop boundaries for years, use their ample musical foundations and influences to create an envisioning and intoxicating experience.
The track’s instrumental is an attack on the senses, with the royal marching horns, the droning synth and the abundant drum kit creating a full-throttle, acute and urgent timbre. The added sound effects, such as the wailing sirens and machine gun noise, add another level of texture sonically. Ink’s voice is unreal; his powerful, intense tone booms its way through the domineering, captivating hook that sits nicely over the individualistic beat, while his stylistic, staccato flows and perspicacious wordplay in the verse make an impression. Jesse comes in with his classic swag and laidback delivery, weaving his way through puns on the witty and noteworthy feature.
These are artists that do not make music to fit conventional or please the masses, and this new single is raw, organic and relentless. It is no less than I would expect from some of the top echelon alternative rap names in the UK scene right now.
