The first EP off the new album for Juice Aleem is vocally delivered like a post-modern Bone Thugs & Harmony. ‘First Lesson’ reinstates faith in the UK hip hop scene with simple production, catchy hooks and great lyricism.
The Evil Nine remix allows ‘First Lesson’ to cross over to the dancefloor, with 808’s and 80’s synths turned up to maximum, leaving only the chorus intact, stripping away the rest of the vocals. The Rude Kid remix takes a more grime approach, letting the vocal ride the growling bass and electronics – the pick of the remixes. The Lo Fu remix doesn’t quite know what genre it should be, which is a refreshing change because theres so much eclecticism here, but with enough reference points in bass music to make it work. The half-step skank is particularly addictive as it breaks down to 8-bit melodies. The Shadowless Domain remix ventures into post-rave territory, but not really building to anything.
Check Juice Aleem – his flow is seriously addictive. I’m sure the new album will be on fire.
Wayne Stronell
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