Slowthai - TYRON
Method Records
Slowthai returns with his sophomore serving. Nothing Great About Britain showed us there's something great about Slowthai - and TYRON confirms it. Slowthai showcased a healthy balance between style and substance, a meeting of ethics and ethos which is much harder than it seems. Many cant get it right, many don’t even realize that this balance is what makes up the basis of all of entertainment and art.
There isnt a standout track on TYRON in comparison to the first outing in which 'Doorman' pretty much stole the spotlight. It's such a great track that it would outshine the majority of other albums either way. Nonetheless TYRON is a much more smooth experience, this comes with a refined tracklist. Shaving 15 minutes off of the runtime helps with repeated listens and creates a more well-rounded experience. It pulls away from the heavy Mike Skinner/Streets vibes which opens up Slowthai to really come into his own, especially beats wise. A lot of the first album was very Original Pirate Material oriented in my opinion. 'Nothing Great About Britain' overtly used strings in a similar way as Skinner and co. adding an air of satire into the mix.
It's difficult for British rappers to come out and not knowingly or unknowingly pay homage to The Streets in some way. TYRON, however, gears more towards the latest uprising of grime and and even ventures into Memphis Rap territory on 'Vex'. The downpitched, demonic vocal samples harks back to the likes of Three 6 Mafia and Lil Ugly Mane. Sinister feels envelope the track. Eerie inklings of the darker side of life linger in the atmosphere. Slowthai can deliver both sides of the game.
Slowthai and his collaborations work in a similar way to a curator. Each and everyone can join in but you have to understand that you're heading into Tyrone’s world. Skepta, ASAP Rocky, Denzel Curry, James Blake and Kenny Beats all add to the overall project in their respective ways. Superb stuff.
Suicidal tendencies wassup mane x
Favourite Track: Feel Away, Focus