Loki

Glasgow born rapper / social activist Loki has been the most consistent and inspirational M.C`s in Scotland for over a decade and this new release `Edging God Out` has been one of the most highly anticipated in the scene. This will go down as his most mature and honest work yet that threads concepts such as his constant love/ hate battles with addiction, relationships and the music industry (or perhaps lack of industry)

The LP comes out swinging with `Lazarus Pit` which features Sun Dogs on production . A rallying call of intricate wordplay and passion over a pounding beat that sounds other worldly and godly.
(`it`s a promise cause sincerely flaws and all , the fact is Glasgow was dead then I get the call` ) the final line punctuates this phenomenal song with the exclamation mark needed to makes way for `Sinister` feat. MOG and Becca Starr . A more accessible sound from ZA with a glorious soul tinged chorus supplied by the soaring vocal prowess of Becca and the legendary MOG does what he does best taking the reins on the 2nd verse.
We`re then taken on a more familiar path from Loki for a few songs as he takes aim at everyone and anyone with the periphery of the Hip Hop scene with songs such as `Alter of Swoosh` , the outstanding `Washed Up` and the bravado laden `Michael Keaton` which has a flow that hits breakneck speed making a statement of intent in case that there was ever any doubt. That Loki is a natural MC. He makes Hip Hop. It`s what he does. Simple. Well at first it seems that way however this album as body of work actually goes on to tell a story with risks and experimentation throughout.


The song `Jump` produced by Konchis is a masterpiece in storytelling. Stylistically, written through a child`s eyes ( `I didn’t mind school, it got me out the house` ) and retaining a simplistic lyrical format which embodies the entire persona , breathing life into the track. The guitar loop and beat play a vital role as a backdrop retaining a cohersive rotation and injecting an undisputed feeling of hope overwriting the often bleak subtext.
There`s plenty more camaraderie, playful and yes sometimes boastful tracks such as the single `Loki`s the Name` and title track `Edging God Out` but all the self-congratulation is weighed against a self- awareness and sometimes even self-loathing that becomes apparent on stand out such as `Arlington Road ` , `Slurs` , `Malady` and `Smile at the Sky ` that steal the show after a few listens. All these tracks boast strong , complex lyricism with a depth of honest self – appraisal and each of the beats used compliment the structure and dexterity of the performer and writer.
Then there`s `Be My Lover` which is a bold and insane attempt at describing the thoughts of a drunken primate trying to snare the love of his life (or `Embdy` for that matter) which is somehow rather charismatically pulled off. Although this may not be the track to introduce someone from across the pond whose never heard a Scottish accent on a Hip Hop record as it would perhaps take 2 bottles of Buckfast and one night in sauchiehall Street with subtitles to explain what`s going on. But as someone who has quaffed tonic wine in Glasgow I am qualified to say that it speaks the truth and will make you laugh then make you feel bad for laughing then make you laugh again. As well as the opening track there is no greater example of Loki`s continuous and unrelenting wordplay than `Omnilash` (Produced by soundthief) . The beat rocks throughout like an intense Bollywood juggernaut as Darren reads the world to rights.


The theme that keeps coming up throughout is a nod to Pink Floyd`s seminal concept album `The Wall` and tracks `The Wall feat. Becci Wallace & Bigg Taj` and `Wall of Silence` (Ronin) are an absolute triumph in threading all concepts together with intergalactic vision. The former has a sinister outro that most major labels would demand to see deleted immiedately and replaced with a chart hit about guns, bitches and bling.
That would be missing the point though. In the grand scheme of an album everything about this clicks together nicely. It seems clear that a lot of thought, time and effort has went into creating this 19 track album that doesn`t need clammed with features or skits to lengthen it out. In fact 12 tracks just dropped last night that never made the final cut (Floyd pun intended) . That album is called `Do Not Feed the Ego` and I`m gonna give it a listen to right now.


All in all this is a 5 star release from an independent artist who is releasing a majestic piece of art on a small DIY label Southside Deluxe. Album launch party is Nice`n` Sleazys on Friday night with a digital release the following day. Double CD hard copies come out in July. Loki is at the peak of his powers and this is his most complete work to date.

available from Saturday 15th June at http://misterlokiscotland.bandcamp.com/