Fliptrix - Mantra No. 9 (Album)
UK hip hop pioneer Fliptrix has released his momentous ninth album Mantra No. 9, out 21st February on High Focus Records. Mantra No. 9 sees the underground legend reconnect with the classic sonics that defined his earlier output.
On the same day of release comes a thank you, by way of the classy single and striking music video ‘Gratitude’, a track (produced by Mr Slipz) which celebrates the scene and the many people who have helped Fliptrix on his journey.
Other highlights from the LP include ‘Eden’ which explores the London-born lyricist’s quest for paradise, with blissed-out production from infamous producer Illinformed. Previous single ‘So Clear’ sees Fliptrix in an empowering moment of clarity, while ‘Primordial Soup’ recruits long-time collaborator King Kashmere for a smooth, soulful celebration of his signature boom bap sound. Elsewhere on the album, title track ‘Mantra No. 9’ pairs a jazzy beat with a killer vocal hook, before ‘Veil Of Reality’ ends on an uplifting note with Fliptrix’s defiant promise to “open up and grow, let go”.
Fliptrix earmarked a nine album run when he released his first solo offering back in 2007 - the ‘final numeral’ having always played a significant part in Fliptrix’s appreciation of the universe. Fast forward sixteen years and Fliptrix finds himself where he always hoped to be; revealing his ninth album to the world. “Every album is a reflection of where I am currently; reflecting on the past, projecting to the future”, says Fliptrix about the album’s mix of evolution and nostalgia.
After a year-long break from music, Fliptrix wrote and recorded the album in his new off-grid studio, deep in the Portuguese mountains he now calls home. Contemplating the profound impact his new surroundings have had on him as both a person and musician, Mantra No. 9 is Fliptrix’s escape to solitude and nature.
As well as a solo artist with eight critically acclaimed previous albums under his belt, Fliptrix is one piece of the renowned four piece The Four Owls, and a regular on hip hop podcasts such as Romesh Ranganathan's Hip Hop Saved My Life. He's also CEO of the hugely influential High Focus Records, which he founded in 2010 and now has nearly 200 releases to its name.
Calling upon an all-star list of production and feature talent from the High Focus roster, Mantra No. 9’s 18 tracks reaffirm why Fliptrix is regarded as one of the most valuable and forward-thinking voices in the hip hop movement today.