Tag: Sparkz

Sparkz – “Full Circle” review

Highly anticipated debut album from Manchester, England, United Kingdom emcee/producer Sparkz. A member of the LEVELZ collective & co-fronting The Mouse Outfit, he would later make appearances on projects like Verb T’s 8th album Good Evening & Pitch 92’s debut EP Lost in Space until Fliptrix signed Sparkz to his historic Hove, East Sussex underground imprint High Focus Records dropping the self-produced Overload following the Angle trilogy of EPs in preparation of Full Circle.

After the intro, the heavenly boom bap flavored title track talks about what goes around coming around in this world whereas the 2nd single “Start & Show” combines these luxurious piano chords with kicks & snares calling for the attention of all advising those offended to cry him a river. “Never” goes for a funkier vibe talking about not having to step back just before the smooth “Overnight” featuring Coops marks my favorite guest appearance of the 3 discussing their souls staying aligned.

“Got This” works in some more piano-driven boom bap instrumentation for a lead single talking about staying in the game now that he’s no longer sitting on the bench leading into the dustily summery “Supposed to Be” speaks of this breather he’s been looking for making time move slowly for him. The 3rd & final single “Genius” blends jazz rap & boom bap together for an aggressive look at his witty penmanship while “Can’t Limit” featuring oskarcw0 talks about the blessin’ of big steppin’ over keys, kicks & snares.

Starting the LP’s final leg, “Glass House” opens up regarding him losing money & eventually getting it bag while “Team Set” featuring Voodoo Black comes together to fire 3 hardcore verses over a fusion between boom bap & lo-fi hip hop. “Say” instrumentally honors the late J Dilla’s legacy telling people to spew whatever they want about him & after “Where We At” talks about cherishing memories with every act, “Got Me Here” soulfully ends with Sparkz looking to leave the whole scene shook.

Introducing himself as a solo artist by putting his dexterity in the limelight with the Overloadextended play, I can’t complain that Pitch 92 fully produced Full Circle because it was really a matter of time given his & Sparkz’ history apart of The Mouse Outfit for over a decade already. A few guests join the latter during a few instances contrasting Overload having no features at all, made up for by Pitch 92’s buttery production & Sparkz’ confidence balancing elements of the timeless & new.

Score: 4/5

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Sparkz – “Overload” review

Manchester, England, United Kingdom emcee/producer Sparkz dropping his 4th extended play under High Focus Records. A member of the LEVELZ collective & co-fronting The Mouse Outfit, he would later make appearances on projects like Verb T’s 8th album Good Evening & Pitch 92’s debut EP Lost in Space until Fliptrix signed Sparkz to his historic Hove, East Sussex underground imprint dropping Overload following the Angle trilogy of EPs in preparation of his own debut album.

“Buzzin’” kicks it all off with self-produced boom bap intro reminiscent of Yasiin Bey or A Tribe Called Quest talking about doing his thing whereas the 2nd & final single “Mean It” doesn’t shy away of keeping it sincere with his words. The title track & lead single blends boom bap with grime putting his lyrical proficiency in the limelight & after “Kidda” goes a little hardcore pulling shit out the basement to show audiences what the deal is, “Quit” blends wonky & boom bap to end the EP suggesting people to give up whatever they’re trying for.

Testifying to the years Sparkz has spent honing his wide range of talents from the mic to behind the boards, his inaugural solo release brings the heat with this 5-pack of unforgettable bangers that’re guaranteed to brighten up even the dreariest of places. High Focus brings him on board the label’s roster giving him a new sense of creative freedom, exemplified by his production sounding a bit wonkier unlike everything he’s done previously matched with the buoyant flows & sharp penmanship.

Score: 4/5

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