Black Josh, of Manchester’s Ape Cult, put together his sophomore release, in the form of a mixtape/album. This is the follow-up to the Black Josh EP, that was released in 2012. Unfortunately, I was unable to share this goodness with you because I was toiling away with my studies. Luckily for you, I’m back to provide you with all that musical goodness I have been gathering during my time away from The Word Is Bond.
This mixtape from Black Josh is something to which you definitely need to pay attention. The production duties mainly lie with fellow Ape Cult member, Metrodome, who provides those deep, bass-filled hip hop instrumentals, with more than a hint of dubstep, that have become his trademark. Alongside Metrodome, on the production credits, are many of Manchester’s finest, including Kydro, Twisted Roots and The Mouse Outfit. There are also vocal guest appearances from like likes of D’Lyfa Riley, C Aye Monk and Wordz of Wizdom.
Unlike many UK hip hop offerings over the last few years, Black Josh is providing us with a breath or fresh air by offering the original and the fresh, with his choice of beats and rhymes. Not only does Josh have the ability to record dope music, he also has that extra something when it comes to performing live. I have spent many years as a hip hop promoter, and the Ape Cult are up there with the best acts I have ever seen live. Not bad for a crew of kids, mainly in their teens and very early twenties.
The Author
