What is with mixtapes? They’ve come, or perhaps gone, so far from the original concept of a bunch of carefully selected tracks on a cassette tape that they’re all but unrecognisable. Do rappers think we want to hear them talk endless shit between and sometimes during tracks? We want to hear you rap. Not talk. This isn’t difficult.
To be fair to London rappers Nemesis and Arrogance, while they commit all the sins of being irritating on a mixtape, there are some serious gems buried here. Da Real Show, from the radio show of the same name is certainly atmospheric Opener ‘5 R Live’ and ‘Live From the Capital’ contribute to the gritty, DIY aesthetic.
It’s actually quite annoying: there’s potential here in bucketloads, but it’s drowned in guests and silly radio skits. Guys, if we wanted to listen to a hip-hop show, we’d tune in.
Da Real Show is fun to listen to, but we wish Nemesis and Arrogance would shut up and rap.
Rob Boffard
