By Bilal Aziz –

When you take a look at the UK rap scene, it would not be dishonest to say we are in its golden era. The wide variety of styles, concepts and impressive range of lyricism make up the scene that is making waves not only in the country but worldwide. Nobody embodies these traits more than Ocean Wisdom. Fresh off creating his new label “Beyond Measure Records”, many hip-hop enthusiasts were anxious to see the direction that Ocean Wisdom was going to take with his music after leaving the acclaimed label High Focus Records behind him.

It is important to stress that Big Talk Vol.1 is a mixtape and NOT an album. It is a collection of singles that is designed to show off the range and level of artistry that he possesses. Despite the labelling, this could easily pass off as an album, especially with the Eminem style skits being utilised to push a certain narrative and pave the way for the tracks to bounce of each other without it being overwhelming for the listener. Standing at 27 tracks, this mixtape deserves the patience of the listener.

Listening to the project, it is instantly evident that he has come back with a more well-rounded sound that shows off his personality, seemingly more comfortable with the soundscapes that surround his voice. He is able to fill out tracks with new flows and the signature technique we have come to expect from an artist of his calibre. Aided by impeccable features from icons such as Dizzee Rascal, P Money, Akala, Ghetts, Fatboy Slim, Freddie Gibbs and LD, Ocean Wisdom is able to craft a project that is tailored to his well-proven ear.

Big Talk Vol.1 is at its best when Ocean is delving deep into his state of mind. The waves of introspective bars are balanced out with humorous lines that allow the tracks to not become stale. Tracks like 4AM, HOT STEPPA, RISKY (ft Akala), YUNG BOY are massively contrasting in terms of production, flow and lyricism yet achieve the same goal in telling the stories of an artist that does not live in the public life, an artist who is almost anonymous beyond his music.

The standout track VOICES IN MY HEAD is hip-hop storytelling at its finest. The way the track is constructed is impeccable. A barrage of lyrics coupled with intricate flows that does well to evoke emotion among listeners. The opening lines “As I walk through life, comfy, doing my thing/I look to the side, and I see a few man, they wanna ruin my thing.” shows the juxtaposing message Ocean Wisdom wants to send in this track. The struggle and sacrifices needed to evolve as a person and an artist.

Most of the time, Ocean Wisdom holds back from polluting his project with the rapid flows that are associated with his name. He allows the tracks to breathe, dictating the pace of the track with the direction of the production. LOWRIDER (ft Ghetts), HOOTIE HOO, BIG TALK and MUNIDANCE are examples of him knowing when to slow down despite listeners expecting the vibe to be overtaken by flows that do not fit in here.

Fans of his double time are treated to tracks such as BLESSED (ft Dizzee Rascal), BREATHIN’ (ft P Money), INTRICACY, NO RESPECT (ft LD) and FATBOY (ft Fatboy Slim) where he is at his best. These tracks define the lyricism that runs through the project. Multi-syllabic rhyme schemes that have intricacy and simplicity layered within the bars in equal measure.

The project sometimes takes a hit with a couple of hooks that are ultimately forgettable but are saved with clever verses that helps you adjust to the track. This holds true for tracks like MR FIX IT, CHICKEN WING and HEADLOCK where lyrical muscle is flexed to compensate for the hooks. Once you are deep into the verses, you do not care about the quality of the hook but more about the quality of the song overall.

Although the tone of the mixtape is all over the place, it works because the project’s aims are straight forward. It is a showcase of styles that have been mastered over the years. It is a homage to UK rap and the various factions that make up the scene. It caters to a variety of ears whether it is dedicated boom bap fans, grime enthusiasts or casual consumers of British trap and drill. It works as an introductory point for people who have yet to delve into other styles of rap. It is easily accessible and an enjoyable experience.

YOU CAN PURCHASE OCEAN WISDOM – BIG TALK VOL.1 FROM WWW.OCEANWISDOM.CO.UK

Tracks you should look out for – VOICES IN MY HEAD, LOWRIDER (ft Ghetts), HOT STEPPA, YUNG BOY, INTRICACY, BLESSED (ft Dizzee Rascal), STOP IT and HEADLOCK

Rating – 8.5/10