Review: Cult Of The Damned - Part Deux: Brick Pelican Posse Crew Gang Syndicate
Cult Of The Damned are set to reignite the UK’s passion for homegrown hip-hop by delivering unto us their debut album, Part Deux: Brick Pelican Posse Crew Gang Syndicate. Years have passed building up to this release, yet the global anticipation has only intensified. The history behind this project is extensive, although much can be deciphered from the title. A collective of rising rappers, unified under the Blah Records label, called themselves Children ‘Of The Damned’ before releasing their debut album Tourettes Camp, 2007. This project was a nationwide sensation and became a ‘Cult’ classic, which is where Cult Of The Damned’s identity stems from.
‘Brick Pelican’ was their follow-up 2009 album, where many members adopted new aliases. It solidified their lasting legacy, before C.O.T.D. took a long hiatus. Then appeared ‘Cult’ Mountain, another hip-hop collective featuring two original C.O.T.D. members. They released their self-titled EP in 2014 and multiple projects since, receiving universal acclaim which enhanced the Cult’s worldwide prestige. ‘Posse / Crew / Gang / Syndicate’ all mean this is a family affair.
‘Cult Of The Damned’ was the long-awaited comeback from Children Of The Damned, featuring all the original members alongside fresh recruits. Their self-titled single was the first track dropped before the release of their also self-titled 2015 EP, and the most viewed single on the Blah Records channel to date. This album is the follow up, the reason it's 'Part Deux.' The C.O.T.D. EP confirmed the Cult remained active and another project was on its way. In the build-up to this album, Blah teased audiences with visuals for singles such as Part Deux, Salt Water and Civilised, which has clocked almost 200’000 views within two months. Today C.O.T.D. have unleashed their 11 track masterpiece.
From the jump-off there’s a constant air of unpredictability over an immersive 50 minute showdown featuring over 10 emcees, showcasing the tremendous strength of the Cult’s lyrical abilities. Veteran C.O.T.D. rappers shine with matured rhyme styles, Lee Scott and Milkavelli used to hit C.O.T.D. tracks aggressively however their tones and flows have become more composed, hitting hard with dumbfounding punchlines instead. Salar is to C.O.T.D. what GZA was for Wu Tang in terms of ingenuity and Barebase is the ODB with mesmerising originality. Tony Broke still cracks skulls with multi-syllabic slaughters and King Grubb remains revelling in hedonism, whereas Sly Moon and Bill Shakes still entertain with their authentically illicit selves. Newer members bring enticing energies to the tracks. The menacing wordplay from Mancunian rappers Black Josh and Sleazy F causes captivating shock and awe, whilst Londoners Stinkin Slumrok and Bisk spit stories like libertines with unique flows.
Despite being renowned for bringing the rawness, the instrumentals are polished and provide a refined sound. Producer Reklews oversees half of the album, upkeeping to the old-school, cold-saggin’ vibe that long-term fans are comfortably accustomed to. However Sam Zircon & Dr.Zygote contribute experimental productions which add fresh flavours to the mixture. Sniff’s guest feature is welcomed, however it's a shame Trellion doesn’t feature as well. Same to be said for Danny Lover, a Blah signee based in Canada. Nevertheless this album only adds belief that C.O.T.D. are the G.O.A.T.
Don't sleep.
Get Cult Of The Damned - Part Deux: Brick Pelican Posse Crew Gang Syndicate here
Get CIVILISED TOUR 2018 tickets here
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