Artist: evilA
Album: Unreleased 2007
Date: 11/11/07
Overview:
A sublime collection, masterfully produced and beautifully presented, evilA brings original and raw material to the table.
evilA, an up and coming U.K. artist hails from the NW. His no holds barred approach is somewhat similar to established underground artists such as Plan B and his relentless assault on the hip-hop scene shows no sign of letting up. Never afraid to speak his mind, his gritty appeal is only further emphasised by the powerful emotion conveyed through his voice. His lyrics are undeniably as strong as his flow and mic presence, his delivery parallel to that of mainstream artists. evilA is setting precedents, and his path to national recognition awaits- hold tight because the stability of the industry is about to feel his wrath. evilA embodies the U.K. hip-hop scene, and his talent may just propel the simmering underground movement into the media spotlight.
Track Breakdown:
Track 1: Seeing The Lights (2006)
Producer: Annodomini Beats
Length: 3:12
Description: Ambient melodic piano keys & solid drum loops matched with a raw gritty flow.
Rate: 8.5/10
Track 2: In-Secure Environments (The Neighbourhood Love)
Producer: Unspecified
Length: 4:19
Description: Mellow vibe created with shallow drumlines and slow riffs, again a solid delivery of inspirational lyrics.
Rate: 7/10
Track 3: My Gamble (Casino)
Producer: Annodomini Beats
Length: 2:08
Description: Short intro that builds into a heavy dark beak that is further emphasised by angry vocals.
Rate: 7/10
Track 4: Seven Seconds (ft. Nina Cherry)
Producer: evilA
Length: 2:57
Description: Sampling classic Nina Cherry track Seven Seconds, evilA delivers a beautiful depiction of life with his honest heartfelt poetic flow.
Rate: 9/10
Track 5: Teaching You A Lesson (Facts Of Life)
Producer: Annodomini Beats
Length: 4:04
Description: Playful beat with xylophone creating that school nostalgia which is tainted with dark twisted vocals. Very clever.
Rate: 8.5/10
Track 6: Danger (ft. Shirley Bassey)
Producer: evilA
Length: 3:30
Description: Sweeping classic orchestra, chilling Shirley Bassey sample clashes with a hard flow and slick delivery.
Rate: 7/10
Track 7: Do One Doesn't (Slide Diss)
Producer: Memo
Length: 3:19
Description: A diss record with a twist, instead of an angry beat a hard flow is laid over an almost mockingly simplistic piano orienated instrumental.
Rate: 6.5/10
Track 8: Imagine (ft. John Lennon)
Producer: evilA
Length: 2:54
Description: A cleverly timed snare dances over the classic piano sampling of the original Imagine, Lennon's haunting vocals on the hook mould beautifully with evilA's provocative dancing flow.
Rate: 8.5/10
Track 9: Between The Lies (Take em out)
Producer: Azad
Length: 2:24
Description: A truly beautiful track, a very stirring instrumental that only amplifies the deep rooted message that is delivered through clever vocabulary. Ingenius.
Rate: 9.5/10
Track 10: My Pen My Rhymes (ft. Paula)
Producer: Db
Length: 3:44
Description: Very playful instrumental that bounces along with a beautifully sang hook and nicely delivered evilA rhymes.
Rate: 8/10
Track 11: Cops n Bitches (What's The Use)
Producer: Az
Length: 3:02
Description: Optimistic piano combined with steady drum loops allows for a tight flow and equally masterful lyricism.
Rate: 6/10
Track 12: Crippld Armz Mixtape (Preview)
Producer: Unspecified.
Length: 0:38
Description: evilA's rhyme partner in crime, Crippld Armz, spits a narrative flow over a simple drum beat.
Rate: 7/10
Track 13: Save Your Waves
Producer: The Weathermen
Length: 3:52
Description: Another solid delivery with equally powerful lyrics over a nice drum and cymbal focused beat.
Rate: 7.5/10
Track 14: Wonder woman (So In Love)
Producer: Annodomini Beats
Length: 3:13
Description: From the outset the direction of this track is obvious, a sorrowfully melodic beat lays the optimum foundation for evilA to narrate a harrowing reality.
Rate: 9/10
Track 15: Union (Get Closer)
Producer: Hygrade
Length: 2:43
Description: Upbeat instrumental with an addictive riff, harmonic chorus and another example of evilA's lyrical energy.
Rate: 8/10
Track 16: The Mission (ft. Crippld Armz)
Producer: Swollen Drumz
Length: 2:15
Description: Very atmospheric James Bond-esque brass section dances between a subtle bass line whilst the mic pass game is executed with seamless professionalism.
Rate: 8.5/10
Track 17: Outro (Stop The Blame)
Producer: Annodomini Beats
Length: 1:47
Description: Powerful choir echoes chillingly beneath a very well structured delivery of the state of the industry and mainstream dissection.
Rate: 8/10
Conclusion:
evilA is an undeniable and unoppressable force that has the potential to take the nation by storm. His honesty and emotion bring the essential characteristics to his material. Unreleased 2006-07 is classic narrative that documents modern day life through the eyes of a modern day lyricist. Recommended buy for any lover of real hip-hop.
Album Rating: 8.5/10
