Nasty P – Choosers Can't Be Beggars

If Scotland had a hip-hop Hall of Fame, then Edinburgh's Nasty P would surely merit a mention – if not for his long-standing club night Soul Biscuits, then certainly in recognition of his 2005 instrumental LP When The Smoke Clears, as a minor national classic. This follow-up to that album has been a while coming but proves worthy of the wait; our maestro reaffirms his beat-making prowess clear from the outset on the menacing Gotta Get That, featuring a star turn from Maryland rapper Oddisee.

Records Cassettes follows – a neck-snapping ode to beat junkie culture – while Intense Impressions finds ex-Jurassic 5 emcee Akil joining local lad Profisee to deliver slick hip-hop truisms over an inspired orchestral beat. Elsewhere, Leeds legend Skinnyman lends his irreverent, street smarts to album stand-out Soul Biscuits, while instrumental cuts Signs and Zombie Disco round off a timely and effective album from the producer. [Martin Skivington]