M9 - High Fidelity

Melanin 9's debut is an odyssey of conspiracy theories, fringe spirituality and utterly dark urban trauma. M9 refers to himself as Elohim, angelic messenger, sent to tell the story of his harsh life, and the struggles of his people. Holy Water holds up mainstream religion to intense scrutiny in breathless, run-on verses, a cranky funk loop starting and stopping in the background, allowing his hypnotic voice to ride a lonely beat, hammering home his words. His crew Triple Darkness contribute verses that sound like science fiction, but actually disseminate hidden knowledge of possible apocalypses to come, ancient wrongs perpetrated, dark events experienced. Through it all there is Melanin 9's flow – perceptive, eloquent and filled with righteous fire. He'll never be the most famous MC in the UK – hedoesn't talk enough about cars, women or money – but on the strength of his debut, he is without a doubt among the best. Production by Chemo and the mighty Beat Butcha is fantastic throughout, recalling the warped, dystopian vision of the RZA. [Bram Gieben]