When I began running ideas through my head last night about the best way to start this piece, I completely drew a blank. Fast forward to this morning and within 30 seconds of downloading and playing the opening track of "Soundtrack To The Struggle", Lowkey said everything that's needed; "It's been a long time coming. Too Long. Too Long".
Although not quite as delayed as Dr Dre's fable "Detox" album (which will now allegedly drop on 5/12/11), Lowkey's latest album has elapsed a string of potential release dates stretching back as far as February last year. However "STTS" is now upon us and is everything you would expect from Lowkey; powerful, potent, political, personal and as many other alliteratives you want to throw into the mix.
Despite being a massive fan, my main apprehension pre-release was the fact that there were 8 or 9 videos in online circulation for tracks supposedly part of the album and that due to it's delay, we weren't exactly getting a compilation of 'new' material from Lowkey. However, when the tracklisting came to light a few weeks back, it was refreshing to see that "STTS" would include a massive 26 tracks. You can't knock the hustle!
Die hard fans will always appreciate new material but those new to him may find his latest project take a little hard to warm to. Lowkey has always been an educated and opinionated individual but of late his social commentary has been incredibly politically driven and is always outspoken on the likes of the supposed 'war on terror', Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan etc. Personally music, and Hip Hop especially, has always been about freedom of speech and expression. Far too often, artists neglect the fact that they have the power to educate the listener or at least expand their mental horizons. I'll be the first to admit that half of the names/ places Lowkey mentions throughout the album are unknown to me but have led me to do a little background research to appreciate the music more. Therefore whilst some might struggle with the heavy political undercurrent throughout, I'm all for self-progression and opening my eyes a little bit wider.
Ultimately, this is the much anticipated album from one of the most talented lyricists around right now. Due to the content of his music, Lowkey's never likely to appeal to the mainstream but the fact that (at the time of posting this) "Soundtrack To The Struggle" is sitting at number 8 on the iTunes album chart only goes to show the reputation he's developed. It goes without saying that you should head straight to iTunes right now and get yourself a copy.
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