Ben Verse – Crashing Cars EP [Rebel Music]

The often debated status of MCs within the D&B scene is certainly a hot-topic on certain D&B-focused Facebook groups and message boards, where detractors are prone to question the artistry of the scene’s lyricists. We’re sure said-lyricists have better things to do than concern themselves with online bad-mouthing, but nonetheless the emergence of more MC-led releases seems to provide a suitable riposte to the naysayers.

Ben Verse joins that burgeoning tradition with four great new cuts for Rebel Music. Production comes courtesy of a selection of up and coming talents with Wingz, Inner Terrain, Creatures and Screamarts providing a beat each. All four producers provide weighty but retrained sonics, allowing the lyrical content space to breath and Ben ample opportunity to flex his vocal chords.

That vocal style is nothing short of compelling too; smooth and controlled, varying from melancholy and introspective to pressing and insistent. If Verse hasn’t already caught your attention via his previous appearances with the likes of Maztek, Icicle, Calyx & Teebee and of course Pendulum then this EP surely should; hit up Beatport to grab it right now.

Classic Track: Stevie Hyper D – Junglist Soldier

While legendary MC Stevie Hyper D left us way too soon in 1998, his legacy thankfully lives on in both the memories of those who witnessed him live and through recordings of his lyrics adeptly MC’d over multiple Drum & Bass tracks and mixes. One of the most revered MCs to have graced sound waves with his words, you can read more about the man in this great retrospective article.

The anthemic Junglist Soldier, which happens to be De-Stress Records’ only release, is a quintessential jungle track that offers a sense of the dynamism dispensed by MCs, especially one so talented as Stevie Hyper D himself. Powerfully performed verses are delivered over a clean break accentuated by fitting Jungle fare. The bass consists of a thick reese that’s easily one of the best basslines in Drum & Bass history.

Junglist Soldier exudes a spirit that can bring together all junglists while serving as a reminder of how lucky we were to have Stevie Hyper D in the scene. A documentary that will reflect on Stevie Hyper D’s life and influence on music culture is slated for release this year; head over here to for more information on that.

Written by Luke Kessler