Cyrus Malachi - Ancient Future - REVIEW

 

Ancient Future is the new debut album by Cyrus Malachi, one arm of the mighty Triple Darkness crew that filled the void left by the now defunct Terra Firma. For those who don't know, Cyrus and his crew are the crowned heirs to Wu-Tang proteges Sunz of Man. In similar deft fashion they take on the subjects of trife life city livin', nefarious street activity, and a society mercilessly under The Man's boot.

Production is kept in the capable hands of Beat Butcha, Jon phonics and Chemo amongst others. Relatively unknown and notable newcomer Anatomy has crafted one of the illest beats on the album; 'Black Maria' which tells the harrowing story of Cyrus' incarceration. M9, Kyza and Iron Braydz are all welcome guests but one can’t help feeling that help from across the pond could've been chosen with more diligence; Cyrus would find natural and more skilled allies in Hell Razah, Roc Marc and Milano than with what’s currently on offer.

Cyrus' words have never been more apt or prophetic than on 'Brave New World', describing a dystopian world at war with itself. Worthy contrast comes on 'Duality', a beam of romantic optimism that cuts through the more hellish depictions on the album. Other highlights include 'Animal Circus' - a detailed and tragic account of the evolution of the hip hop scene as well as 'Kemetic Love' a portrayal of family hardship and struggle.

Ancient Future is a welcome debut from a rapper serious about his lyrics and aware of his audience.
The album is a solid set with moments of excellence that justify anticipation for it's release.
Cyrus Malachi and Triple darkness have reaffirmed themselves as ones to watch carefully in 2011.

Ancient Future is out in April via No Cure records.
For more from Cyrus Malachi check the free downloadable mixtape 'The Isis Papers' here.

Slept on album of 2010

HELL RAZAH - HEAVEN RAZAH

'Word is this album's too deep for 'em.'

This album definitely did not get the recognition it deserved in 2010. The above line from 'Medical Kush' may just be the reason why.

'Heaven Razah' contains tracks touching the usual underground hip hop subjects of socio-political troubles amongst the poorer community alongside other issues however the difference is that on this album it is done with such eloquence and complexity not heard since Non-Phixion or the Jedi Mind Tricks album 'Sevants in Heaven Kings in Hell'.

Hell Razah makes many religious and spiritual references displaying a great understanding of these topics and proving he is obviously a very well read and studied person on the more 'intangible' points of life.

With regards to above, it should be noted that this album is in no way a flaky conscious-only project.

The beats go hard and are excellently crafted and as a member of Sunz of Man there is plenty of street and thug influence to balance the album.  

Check out the below videos and if you have not already, I strongly recommend a purchase or at least a good few listens.