CONGLOMERATE

Recently, the overwhelming discourse of the concept of a “Black British identity” has been popularised within certain niches of internet-culture that attracts different sub-genres of the Black diaspora within the UK. Relating back to the inescapable spotlight that’s been beamed over the anticipated talent that awaits within the underground UK scene, CONGLOMERATE comes at the perfect time, a sweet spot of entering into the untapped market of the mainstream whilst simultaneously embodying the fundamental importance of being underground: unfamiliarity. 

Underground rap in the UK isn’t easily digestible, it opposes the categorically uniform mask thats worn by their popularised peers, statistically the mainstream consistently succeed (charts, radios etc), but this years current climate of music within the UK highlights the longitudinal emergence of the underground, especially emphasising its foundation within culture. This amalgamation of character is a compact genius of songs that epitomise “Black British culture” or what exactly it means to be Black. British.

Lancey Foux is the first contender of the three, a hierarchical introduction in verses from ‘Blackbirds’, Lancey sets the tone, gracing us with unwavering confidence; formulating the energetic ambience that shapes the introduction to this tape. Following the pace that’s been set, Fimiguerrero is runner up, coming in with an undoubtable angst, his lyricism never fails to add a touch of mischief. An untouched addition of aggressive sentiment is what’s missing from the sound, luckily Len brings this in with eagerness, creating an invisible string that ties them all together; ‘Blackbirds’ is an exceptional demonstration of what a collaboration can achieve, inviting us into a realm of underground amusement. Infamous producer StayFlee GetLizzy preparing listeners for a serious depiction of UK talent cultivated into a project. 

The project is sprinkled with a random mixture of collabs throughout the album, allowing each artist to fully explore their sonic potential with each track. A definite highlight of the album is the exotically dense ‘Spanish Guitar’ , a fascinating beat mixture of latin features that also bears an interwoven sound of UK trap. Lancey flows effortlessly through this album but this song is definitely his strongest competitor, bringing us back to the animated depths of his artistry and reigniting the spark of whimsy with his repeated “tiki, taka”. Although paired with one of the most acclaimed “underground” rappers of the UK scene, Fimi does not falter at all, actually rather embodies the character of a groundbreaking international star, constantly raising the bar for himself. Fimi chooses to assert himself fully with this project, running off the high of his latest album (New World Order) ; his passion for this screams energetically in every line he spits. 

CONGLOMERATE executes the talents of Len and Fimi outrageously, dominating most of the tracks; Len and Fimi are a duo that cannot be stopped. Len captures an essence of sensuality that he sedates into the songs with his voice, ranging from eerie whispers in ‘Wet Mouth’ to an explicit belligerence in ‘EXCUSE MY FRENCH’. Fimi never forgets to mention the pleasures of his status, constantly boasting about the women that he parades whilst also letting us know he’s still just a boy in a toy store “I remember back then I couldn’t have sweets,,, I was not allowed,,, Now I get sweet p*ssy every hour”.

Although CONGLOMERATE lacks a self titled song, it puts its faith into the whole album as a definitive for its name; trusting in the amalgamation of the diaspora for this one. These two artists may lack the exposure but they definitely make up for it in their quality of work, running laps on the field of the underground rap scene and even laying down new fundamentals for what UK rap is about to sound like. This combination of the outspoken drive of the underdogs as well as Lancey’s renowned title as a UK legend within the current scene brings so much attention to the possibilities of this albums fruition.

The trio timed the release of this album in a highly profitable manner, rolling out with the first single “Osbatt”. Co-signed by cult leader himself, Sliksyd. It’s a well thought out cultivation of the ever present relevance of fashion within the music industry; creating a sense of community as now we have a more relatable and accessible British prototype. Even your favourite rappers wearing Osbatt. The production of the song itself is essentially grounded in the authenticity of UK drill but aligns with the new aspects of the UK rap sound.

Laced with an imperative confidence and grounded in suggestive storytelling, CONGLOMERATE is the epitome of Black British heritage. Lancey, Len and Fimi join forces to create a project that will most definitely become an integral part of rap history within the culture. Time is of the essence and this project capitalises on the recent spotlight that’s been shone on the uk rap scene, this project represents a clear pivotal change in the way that the UK chooses to express itself. CONGLOMERATE is a clear commercial success. 

Fatima Mohammed