Fliptrix - Polyhymnia LP OneLion Review

If you're reading this article then you will know about the hero's of the recent UK Hip Hop revival, High Focus Records. Over the past few years these guys have helped breathe new life into the scene and are now celebrating their success as the number one independent UK Hip Hop label. As many of you will also know, the man behind the label is himself one of the most talented emcee’s in the country and has managed to put out progressive solo projects as well as running the label and fluttering around with his other owls.

The man in question, of course, is Fliptrix

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Fliptrix first came to our attention with the release of the legendary ‘Force Fed Imagery’ album in 2007 and has been gathering pace rapidly ever since. His last couple of solo offerings have gone on a more conceptual route and have attracted listeners to a scene that they wouldn't have usually been interested in.

This time, coming with album number 5, there's no holding back. The project’s title, ‘Polyhymnia’, is a reference to Greek mythology and is the name of the Muse of sacred poetry. Muses were ancient greek goddesses of inspiration with each Muse representing a specific source of inspiration as illustrated perfectly on the cover artwork by Jaypee. The title fits the content well as the work Flips has put in to this has a distinct ‘back to it’s roots’ feel and is bursting at the seems with that style we first knew him for.

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Entirely produced by long term affiliate and MPC don Molotov, there are a contrasting variation of instrumental styles that keep it an interesting and engaging listen and with features from the cream of the crop in the UK Hip Hop scene, this shit BANGS!

In terms of the feature verses, quality over quantity has clearly been adopted with a short list of extra contributors but that list consists of legendary blues hound Rag ‘N’ Bone Man as well as certified legend in the business and godfather of this scene, Chester P. On top of these two there is a cheeky track in there featuring the other 3 Owls, Verb T, BVA and Leaf Dog. I don't really think I need to say any more about that do I….

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A real standout, aside the obviously impeccable feature tracks, is the title track of the album, ‘Polyhymnia’. This is Fliptrix at his best and most technical as he hops, skips and jumps over all encompassing and somewhat shrewd subject matter in double time. For us, this is a perfect snapshot of how far the UK Hip Hop revivalist has come since his early releases and gives another insight into how thankful the man himself is for the scene we all love.

Overall this is certainly a solid listen that will be appreciated by listeners old and new and serves as an epic throwback to Fliptrix’s lyrical style at the conception of what is now the unstoppable force of High Focus Records.

The album drops  8th October 2014 but is available for pre order now from the high-focus website.