Review: Mitch, ‘Mitchtape 3’ – First Listen

Mitch’s third instalment in his Mitchtape series marries the best genres UK rap has to offer; an energetic, half-hour burst that’s concise and well-rapped.

On Mitchtape 3, the Birmingham native tackles a new tempo, which takes his performances to a new level. In the past, Mitch has rapped over trap production that slowed down his flows. But on his latest project, Mitch proves he’s a capable rapper. From the jump, Mitch lays lean flows and quotable bars on the “Intro”, equipped with long-term rhyme schemes you wouldn’t find on many drill cuts. It feels like Mitch is bringing a new spirit to drill without the gimmicks and charades.

That spirit remains throughout the rest of Mitchtape 3. “Shadeborough” shows he can rap over a drill beat and supply a memorable hook in the process. “Imagine” is another example of Mitch’s clarity, finding the right pockets while generating chemistry with guest artist Smuggzy Ace.

Though the project is not grime in sonics, the flows Mitch adopts are inherently grime. His rapid energy on “Crossroads” shows the traces of grime in UK drill, working harmoniously with BackRoad Gee’s performance which is always frantic. The grime essence is confirmed with the appearance of D Double E on “It’s Me Again”, a drill cut that rocks the speakers and certainly set to grant several wheel-ups. You’d expect a feature from D Double E to result in a grime track, but Mitch surprises listeners by showing the grime veteran can do justice to a drill beat, and that Mitch can keep up with it in the process.

Mitch ensures he slows down the pace at several moments. Despite the name, “Drill Drill” is a garage-infused track that adds some much-needed variation in the project’s midpoint. Mitch raps like a true rave emcee, adding the cherry on top to his ability to tweak his performances whenever it’s needed. With this track, Mitch ticks off drill, grime, and garage off the tick in a mere twelve-track tape.

Mitch has stepped into the new generation sound with ease. He’s cultivating drill flows rather than adopting, paying attention to sequencing, and knowing the exact amount of variety he needs to keep your attention. Mitchtape 3 shows the Brum rapper can survive through eras and slot into whatever lane he feels.

Best tracks: “It’s Me Again”, “Crossroads”, “Shadeborough”