‘120 Minutes’ is right up my alley! Courtesy of Massachusetts-based artist blackbyrd (formerly mikeyblackkk), it’s a record you won’t find on Spotify or Apple Music. It’s underground and heavily sampled – and sees the rapper showcasing his unique lyrical chops over four tracks that, truthfully, could have been plucked straight out of my personal jukebox.
First up is blackbyrd effortlessly freestyling over The Smiths classic ‘How Soon Is Now?’. Titled ‘Charmed’, it’s gritty and intense and seriously impressive, setting the scene perfectly for what’s to come.
The Cure then makes an appearance, as blackbyrd does his thing over samples of ‘Pictures of You’. Demonstrating his ability to mix up his flow and style at the drop of a hat, it’s an excellent example of the artist’s range and ability.
Radiohead’s ‘Airbag’ is the next masterly tune to be woven into blackbyrd’s gripping soundscape, as the rapper examines how robotic our world is becoming with a song called ‘Cold World’.
‘Marty’, which samples Cocteau Twins’ ‘Lorelei’, completes the album, and this one is all for you to discover on your own. All I’ll say is that blackbyrd is a highly gifted artist, and I just love what he’s done on this release!
Serious album alert! Enjoy ‘120 Minutes’ on YouTube now:
