Comparisons with the Hilltop Hoods must be made, after all it’ll probably be a while before any Australian hip-hop outfit escapes that particular shadow.
Unsurprisingly for an independent and self-professed mixtape, the production value and general star power isn’t quite there on Prohibited Materials, the Cornerstone Section team that is Sketti Tangles (Matthew Kimberley), Domes (Rhys Watters), and various contributors do manage to set themselves above other homegrown rhymesters.
With a sweetly lullaby-like opening is “I Am”. Don’t be fooled by the dulcet backing tones however, this track features the self-referentialism and thug-inspired lyrics (“I’m the biggest pimp on the block / 24/7 I’ve got a bitch on my cock”), that are a seeming requisite for all aspiring hip-hop artists.
Come “Summer Sun” though, you’ll find something softer and less egotistical. If by the point you reach the fourth track, “Off Then On”, with its infectious sampling of Eve’s “Let Me Blow Ya Mind”, you’re not feeling it, then this album probably isn’t for you.
The creative choices in sampling do not end there; you’ll find the Gracie Films jingle on “The Information”, “Nightcall” by Kavinsky & Lovefoxxx on “Murder”, and Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep” on “Rolling In The Dream”.
With nineteen tracks, it’d be a feat indeed to keep the interest up the whole way through. Yes, there are lulls here and there, and the lyrics often fall far short of being inspired, but there are enough little gems to keep this album on, at least in the background.
Don’t take this review on blind faith though – Prohibited Materials is music by the people for the people, being available, gratuit, via the band’s Facebook page. Get downloading.
