Album Reviews

Album Review: Cappo – Genghis (Son Records)

By | Published on Tuesday 20 April 2010

Cappo

If you believe the essay, written by Ringo P, which accompanies it, Cappo’s second album has been 4000 years in the making. It’s not quite been that long, but fans of the Nottingham rapper have been waiting for a follow-up to his debut album, ‘Spaz The World’, since 2003.

There have been numerous collaborations since then, including two tracks on The Herbaliser’s ‘Take London’ album, 2008’s brilliant ‘H-Bomb’ EP with Styly Cee and, most recently, the ‘Needle Point’ EP with Endemic.

But while good, these brief appearances always result in a desire for something a bit longer, something for both Cappo and his listeners to really get their teeth into. And ‘Genghis’ does exactly that.

It’s clear that Cappo approaches production and rapping with equal levels of diligence, treating each as a separate task to be perfected. Lyrically he’s as smart as ever, and delivers his words in his distinct voice, drenched in a heavy Midlands accent. And, far from simply creating beats to go behind his voice, each track on the album is expertly crafted and has been designed to work as an instrumental in its own right. It’s also clear that a broad and deep knowledge of music has influenced those instrumentals, both in the samples used to create them and Cappo’s approach to production – noted in ‘Most Wanted’, where he likens himself to both Brian Wilson and a young Rick Rubin.

But, despite this eclectic range of influences and samples, the result is pure, focused hip hop. Heavy beats and an old school vibe run throughout. All sixteen tracks work together as one finished product, and any could be held up as a perfect example of a great album. Though equally, all have their own individuality. ‘Genghis’ is certainly one of the best hip hop albums you will hear this year. AHM

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