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Kisk
Jazzy Tourism EP
Released by Apparel
As the first release on his own Apparel label, Italian/DJ Producer Kisk wastes no time in making his intentions clear on the Jazzy Tourism EP. It is first and foremost a house album, but to label it as just that would be a mistake, because there is far more taking place. From the outset, there is – no surprise here – a large influence from the Italo house scene. Kisk uses electric pianos to dot the background, complementing the pounding kick drum and adding a fine textural element.
The beats are raw and at times minimalist, but over the course of the seven or eight minute tracks, Kisk gives himself ample time to build deeper sonic layers. Furthermore, Kisk varies his drum loops to avoid monotony, and also to separate his tracks from traditional house. At times, he drops out the snare/clap, or the whole drum loop in its entirety. These sorts of elements allow the tracks to grow and evolve, rather than staying static.
Bisco Smith
The Broadcast
Released by Audible Treats
Some have likened him to Aesop Rock, but really the comparisons are unfair. Bisco Smith is an individual, intent on putting his own spin on traditional rap. Well-versed in the world of hip-hop, Bisco has two full-lengths already under his belt prior to 2010’s The Broadcast. The concept behind his newest release is simple and self-explanatory. Bisco has ideas – big ideas – that he wishes to broadcast to the world.
And so he begins. With the turn of a radio dial, the listener lands on just the right frequency and is launched head first into Bisco’s warped world of electro-rap. The album’s first single, “Morning Breath,” is dedicated to the daily grind. Using the life-is-a-marathon metaphor, Bisco throws down bars declaring his dedication to hip-hop. His perseverance within the music-making world serves as the topical backbone for the album, with numerous tracks touching on his love for hip-hop.
ScholarMan
Free Spirit of a Troubled Soul
Released by Soganic Music
Often when communicating a central message, one must show rather than tell his audience what he wishes to convey. Unfortunately, no one ever passed that memo along to ScholarMan. The Maryland rapper’s name implies a higher level of insight and intellect, and while his ultimate goal is clearly to uplift with his wisdom, the content on Free Spirit of a Troubled Soul falls short.
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