Braintax - Biro Funk (Lowlife Records), reviewed by Ollie Sanders. This, the debut album from Braintax (real name Joe Christie) was a long time coming. Released in 2001, nine years after Joe had set up Lowlife Records, these four sides of hip-hop vinyl were well worth the wait. The experience Braintax has gained from his time in the music industry is evident in the sheer quality of this album; from the lyrics to the beats to the packaging this is everything a proper 'hip-hop' LP should be.
On the opening track Don't Drag Me In!' Join the international • Anti-capitalism Anti-imperialism Women's Liberation Transgender Liberation
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we are introduced to Braintax's original, natural lyrical flow. Having grown up in Leeds, his vocals make a refreshing change from the usual London slang or American wannabe stylings of most UK hip-hop. Braintax's aim to be true to himself is also reflected in the lyrics of this track as he and label-mate Mystro express the need to resist negative peer pressure - "It's peer pressure, you make your own mistakes, don't drag me in, I'm tryin' to elevate!" Conscious, thought-provoking lyrics lace various themes throughout the whole album. Whether it's the relationship issues tackled in 'Last Date' and resistance against capitalism! • Fighting for Lesbian Gay Bisexual and 25th JULY to 3 Ist JULY Close to the Pyrenees mountains and Euskadi-Nafarroa • If you are interested in coming along,
'Godnose' (on which Taskforce load up their usual rounds of rhyme artillery), few words are wasted on the usual rap staple of shout-outs, battle rhymes and punch lines. lyrical imagery I've heard in hip-hop for a long time. A reoccurring theme is the kind of daydreams and future wishes that we all have, and here Braintax unashamedly raps about his. 'Peace' opens with the line "You know I'm moving on a positive course, in the future plan to have a 100 acres of sorts. On my ranch in France, barbecues in the 'Speak Your Mind' or summer, Cash Money's on the decks the lyrical bar- cuttin' up Funky Drummer"
rage of The laid back beat, produced by niment to these dreams of summer lyrical theme and Bengrymms spaInstead the album is packed full of some of the most original wordplay and Braintax himself, is a perfect accompalounging. 'Oceans' follows with a similar cious beat with its haunting piano
hook sample is torn apart in the
closing bars by DJ Harry Love's expert cuts and scratches. In 'Escuchame' we hear Braintax's desire to break free from urban life and 'Straight To Hell'. retreat to a self-sustained life in the woods - "playing snap by the log fire with thoughts of death, got a year's supply of Bics, hiding out in deep sticks, I'll emerge in 20 years when mee she cast left". Like I said, this isn't your typical hiphop album; and it's all the better for it! The track that stood out most to me on first hearing the LP (and even more since) is 'The Grip'. Its deep social commentary on the current mess of the world
is in a similar vein to the continent-crossing lyrics of Joe Strummer's Taking in everything from the British class system to Thatcher's support of Pinochet to the firm hold capitalism has on the West; every single line packs a punch of indictment. Various rapper's have tackled similar issues in the last year or so, but The Grip was written before even 9/11 which makes the almost prophetic lines "I wish I had the will to fight back, be at the World Trade Centre all dressed in black, me and an angry pack, instead I just rap and give back" all the more poignant.
The beat produced by Jehst, with its haunting sitar and horn samples emphasizes the hurt and despair expressed in the rhymes.
On a lighter note 'Riviera Hustle' this time featuring Jehst's rhyme skills, shows Braintax's sense of humour. In his own words from the liner notes it is "a film trailer for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, James Bond and Pink Panther rolled into one." We follow the pair as they blag their way round the south of France's casino's living their own version of the high life!
Biro Funk is a much-needed breath of fresh air into the often-monotonous themes of today's hip-hop. In the couple of years since its release it has had a prominent presence on my turntables and continuously reveals new depths to the lyrics.
It's an album that will appeal to both seasoned hip-hop fans and also anyone who's into original, thought provoking music. Is it time you got dragged in? • Interview with Braintax to follow next issue. For info check out: www.lowliferecords.co.uk
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Liam MacUaid
leaders, is still a symbol of rebellion Che was murdered by agents of US revolutionary organisation based on the working class in order to overthrow capitalism.
He was convinced that the Cuban revolution could only survive if there