Tomas Olesen chats to two of UK hip hop's finest, Verb T and Kashmere, and gives his thoughts on Verb T's new album Serious Games.
We were lucky enough to catch up with Verb T and his perennial sparring partner Kashmere in Jazz Café's hallowed green room just before the joint launch party for their new albums: Verb's Serious Games, and Kashmere's Galaktus: Cosmic Power.
Video: Theo Martindale
Editing: Joel Craigs
VerbT - Serious Games
Verb T is the author of one of my favourite ever lyrics in UK hip hop, the parting shot on 'Ravenous': "I used to be a dreamer, now I'm having trouble sleeping." It reoccurs here on 'Serious Games', but on 'Backhand Slap' it's a final thought, a full stop. Here it's the first line and as such it's a more positive statement, something that can be solved, not something to be depressed by.
Overall that's the vibe of the album; it's still full of Verb's dry observations and cynicism, but there's definitely a more upbeat feel to the whole project. On the subject of beats, there's a whole bunch of production from one of the UK's best hip hop producers – Chemo aka Telemachus Malone. Verb himself has contributed production to the album too and clearly has an ear for it.
Haters often dismiss Verb T's style as overly slow and monotone, but then if you don't need to shout, don't. Verb is definitely the personification of wise words spoken softly and his subtle flow is curiously addictive. The album comes highly recommended, but then the fact that it's out on YNR and that Jehst is an executive producer should be all the recommendation you need.
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