When looking for a great hip-hop album there are fractions that need to add up. The record needs to contain the many elements synonymous with the genre. Elements like strokes of nostalgic breaks, scratches and big enough kick-drums to instigate some serious head-nodding. Sample selection is a priority too, while razor-sharp wordplay is always the essential glue. That ability to conjure mixed emotions from deep sentiment to humour is another bonus. With that in mind, Prose have dropped a superb debut ticking all these boxes, and then some.

Formed of lyrical genius Efeks and beatmaster Steady, they are in short straight boombap hip-hop. A statement of intent from ‘For The Love’ says it all.

“Prose be them two dope boys without the Cadillac/Doing this for ally cats/Road dogs and anoraks/B-boys and Beatniks sitting in front of Apple Macs”

A deep, introspective beauty that has taken a lifetime to make, the release is one of the most honest and intelligent hip hop records you will ever see from the UK scene, boasting enough respectability and positivity to reach even the furthest lovers of the culture. Steady has a sensational ear for samples. Building beautiful loops and beating drums, his trickery on the faithful MPC creates the perfect platform for Efeks to preach—and oh how he preaches.

Armed with tight metaphors and simple similes, Efeks paints the most gripping and complex of pictures in a tangible and heartfelt way. Tackling issues like religion, debt, becoming a father, battling depression and an unquenchable love for his art, Efeks assumes many roles—storyteller, abstract poet and battle spitter. His gift for wordplay is clear with ‘Baby’, ‘For The Love’ and ‘Broke’ serving best testomony to this ability.

“My whole life in perspective/ Through no contraceptive/ Through your conception / I’m spiritually connected/ Was a lost Sheppard / By your light I’m directed/ Felt life was over/ Now I feel resurrected/ My baby..”

Released single ‘Life is Timeless’ is another gem while addictive party anthem ‘All Rise’ rounds off a much needed piece of music.

Words Ali Raymond

Prose website
Buy Force of Habit
Prose – Wasted Talent EP is a must. Cheaper to own than a smile and can of coke tracks like ‘Wasted talent’ and ‘Originate’ are off the hook.