Scroobius Pip - Distraction Pieces
I saw a dead fish on the pavement, and thought “what did you expect? There's no water round here, stupid, should have stayed where it was wet.
With that, Scroobius Pip kicks off what is shaping up to be the best hip-hop album of the year, and will be in many overall Top 10 lists, come the end of 2011.
From his thought-provoking lyrics to unique flows, Distraction Pieces works as a body of work as we're once again reminded of the importance of an album as an art form.
In 'Death of the Journalist' (a highlight of the record), Scroobius Pip attacks the industry, including music journalist.
He raps: "Don't skim intros, listen to each track through," and anyone who doesn't give this album their full attention is genuinely missing out.
Opening track 'Introdiction' is an impactful way to kick of Distraction Pieces
It's a commentary and introduction to Scroobius as an artist, although one verse in particular questions how well we actually know the artists we love.
I've seen the world; I've seen the good and the s***** bits;
And all I've got to say is - god damn, y'all are f****** idiots.
Some people heard my words and thought it meant they knew me
Truth is - I don't exist; I'm just the soundtrack to your movie!
The production is dark and gritty, matched by Scroobius Pip's fantastic way if spitting his lyrics.
He isn't afraid to take risks, lyrically and musically, as evidenced by the topics tackled on the album.
From the likes of 'Domestic Silence' and 'Soldier Boy Kill 'em', it's clear that there's nothing he would leave untouched.
The latter provides a couple of very nice references to Soulja Boi, whilst remaining rooted in the ideals of the track.
Moving away from the lyrics, the production and backing enhances the whole record, managing to be diverse whilst feeling connected as an album.
'The Struggle' has a brilliant guitar line playing underneath more personal lyrics from a true wordsmith.
The raw emotion continues as Distraction Pieces nears its conclusion with the stunningly beautiful and honest rhymes on 'Broken Promise'.
It's a haunting track that would move the coldest of hearts, every line hitting home, a lot feeling totally relatable.
The repeated line (with a couple of variations) of "How can a lie be a lie if you mean it every time" is simple yet deep, and it's almost a shame this song didn't close the album.
Instead, Distraction Ends with an interesting cover of Kate Bush's 'Feel It', featuring Scroobius rapping the male's point of view over Natasha Fox's soaring vocals.
It's by no means a bad ending, and is certainly a fitting conclusion to the record.
With Distraction Pieces, Scroobius Pip may have cemented himself as the most important and relevant man in UK hip-hop since Mike Skinner or Plan B's debut.
With a unique style and hard-hitting lyrics, this is one of the most concise and interesting records to be produced this year.
Female First - Alistair McGeorge