#FINDOUTFRIDAY with...Rebecca Amissah!

Have you missed us?!

Back for the next cycle after a brief hiatus, #FindOutFriday and Yours Truly return with a feature that's been a long time in the planning...

In this week's hotseat is a multi-talented young female on a dedicated path that differs from the typical. I first met her wearing her 'Singing Hat'; but was pleasantly surprised to learn about her day job. Entirely by chance, I discovered that she was a key team member of the Art Department staff from some of my (and your) favourite sets in Music, Film and Television history - who knew?!

So that's the singing thing, the prop-making...OH and she just so happens to have come up with the brainchild for a course or few, designed to bolster the self confidence of those too shy to step out into the spotlight - you might even be familiar with a few of her trainees...

Meet Miss Rebecca Amissah...

Hi Rebecca, welcome to #FindOutFriday! Pleasure to get a long overdue chat under my belt, so I’ll get straight down to it!

1. The reason I wanted to get you into the hotseat when we first spoke early in the year, is because you represent an area that we've yet to delve into on the blog; can you explain exactly what 'Technical Art' is, in layman’s terms and how you got into it?

Rebecca Amissah

Hello, thanks for asking me! My degree was in Technical Arts and Special Effects. But the types of jobs I got after I graduated are better defined as Technical Arts. I went on to make props and dress the sets for music videos, documentaries, short films, TV programmes, theatre and feature films. I also worked in prop houses including Madame Tussauds.

I loved to make things as a child and have always had a very strong artistic streak in me, but it did not occur to me that I could turn this into a career until I was studying for my A-levels. I went to an art fair in Brighton and it showed all the different types of jobs you could do in the realms of art and I fell in love with Special Effects. I applied and got into the London College of Fashion; did an Art Foundation course and then went onto study for my degree at Wimbledon School of Art.

2. Now I obviously first met you in connection with your singing, but it was that portfolio you showed me that blew me away. Can you talk me through the film and TV projects you've been involved in, what you actually produced for them and how you went about it?

This Madame Tussauds replica is web famous
in more ways than one...

Thank you! Anyone in any creative industry will tell you, that apart from talent you need to be in the right place at the right time; well I am no exception. My first job, through a friend from University; was for Andy Kelly (who has gone on to become a fantastic Art Director). He needed an extra pair of hands and I was available...I was the Art Department Assistant on a Roni Size music video. I made a good impression on the team and went on to work with Ollie Williams (now a top Production Designer) over my summer holidays, working on videos such as Louise Redknapp’s 'Pandora’s Kiss', Sophie Ellis Bextor’ 'I Won’t Change You' and Liberty X’s 'Jumping'. I then worked with the BBC on a TV series called Rome and made an impression on the then Art Director (now a leading Production Designer), Richard Bullock, who continued to ask me to work with him on feature films where he was the Production Designer; such as both Streetdance 3D and Horrid Henry. 

3. You had a job with a very reputable company last time we spoke; how easy a sector of the Industry was it to break and what was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome?

It’s a very hard industry to crack and a lot of people that I know, have gone on to pursue slightly different avenues. You need to live the job, the hours take over your life and they can infringe on your personal life massively - but it’s a lifestyle choice. I guess the biggest obstacle to overcome is looking for the next job. You need to stay positive and focused, in my opinion, the current economic conditions have made it more important to have transferable skills so you can apply for a wider spectrum of creative jobs.

4. Which is harder to create for, Screen or Theatre and in what way?

I don’t think one is ,harder than the other really. It all depends on the budget and what either the audience or the camera will see. With a big budget you can labour over the finish of the product and use the top materials, which can be quite satisfying. With a small budget, you have to get creative and think on your feet, which is just as enjoyable because it pushes you.

5. I know that you take inspiration from all forms of Art; can you give me some influences for the props and sets that you build?

Whether you are on set or in the studio, you are following a brief from the Director or the Designer, to help a vision come alive. I have been extremely lucky that the Designers and Art Directors I have worked for, have given me artistic licence. My skills and input have been trusted. A way to gain a continual source of inspiration is by creating mood boards and style bibles that are constantly referred to. It’s a good way to fully immerse ourselves in the world we are trying to create.

In my own work I am very interested in drawing from my Ghanaian heritage. One of my sculptures was a fusion of Greek classical sculpture and Black Urban culture, so I took inspiration from the 'classic' pose and gave the sculpture African features and ‘low riders’ i.e. baggy jeans.

'Size Hero' by Rebecca Amissah

Another piece I did was whilst on holiday there, I called ‘Size Hero’ I was struck by the contrasting cultural ideals of beauty of women and their bodies. Whilst in Ghana, it felt so liberating not to be surrounded and bombarded by androgynous images of hipbones and vertebrae. The promotion of natural curves of the African women inspired this piece.

6. What’s the hardest lesson you've learned so far and how do you apply it to the next project build?

I guess for me the hardest lesson to learn has been that however closely you work with people, not everyone is your friend. For whatever reason, some people make life difficult. Maybe the competitive nature of the job is a factor. For this reason you have to believe in what you do and keep learning to stay ahead so you don't second guess yourself and fall into a trap of self doubt and inferiority, which I have seen happen. That’s the nasty side of the business. I once worked with someone who made life so difficult;  after a few weeks they said: "Have I put you off the industry yet?" In their own way, they thought they were trying to help me! At the end of the job they congratulated me on being so strong. That kind of pressure could have ended my career, had I not been so determined and focused on my own bigger picture.

7. What’s the most fun you’ve had on a set? What happened?

This is a difficult one as each job has its own special tales. I have been lucky enough to work with some great teams. But I guess you never forget your first. I had a great amount of fun on the music videos I worked on I still love being on set when everything is going on...

On the Streetdance sets it was incredible to watch the professional dancers do their thing. On Horrid Henry it was great to be on set with Anjelica Houston; as Addams Family was a childhood favourite, but my funniest memory was on the Liberty X shoot when I was painting the glass-panelled box that Michelle Heaton gyrates in. As the music was playing back for another scene I was dancing in the box and lip-syncing away with a colleague...so hadn't noticed that one of the directors had clocked me! It was SO embarrassing, but all good fun. I guess that was the performer in me dying to come out!

8. 'Technical Art' seems to have taken a bit of a backseat now, due to all of your other projects. Let’s talk briefly about your singing career; you describe it as your 'First Love' and I happen to know through our shared history, that you've sung with a lot of big names! Who was a standout for you and why?

You say "back seat", but in fact I am fusing the two! The technical art will be very present in my stage shows, which I am very excited about unveiling next year, so watch this theatrical space!

Rebecca rockin a Mic...

I have been lucky enough to sing backing vocals for Omar and had studio singing sessions with Basement Jaxx. I have toured with Sona Jobarteh and I would say she has been a standout for me, as she is a female virtuoso Kora player - which is traditionally taught and played by the males in the family. She sings in many West African languages and the music is so rich and inspiring. During the last gig we did, she was 8 months pregnant and put on a fantastic show, during which her son came onstage and performed with us too. It was great to see her combine motherhood with her music career.

9. 'My Time to Shine' was an inspired idea of yours. Please explain its history, purpose and where you're hoping to go with it, for the readers...

My 'Time to Shine' was born out of the need for ordinary people who have a passion for singing but have let lifestyle or lack of confidence get in the way of their dream. I was meeting a lot of people who felt they had missed the boat, because they weren't 'signed' at 16 and I felt it was the wrong message.

If you have a passion, age has nothing to do with when you should do something about it. 

So I set up a series of workshops, guiding people through performance and vocal techniques and giving them the opportunity to be 'seen' by their friends and family, performing with a live band in a classy London venue. It’s in its second year and I am very proud of the difference it has made to people’s lives. A few of the graduates found the courage to audition for 'The Voice' which is a massive step, considering how shy they were before coming to me. The next programme will be taking place in 2013.

10. Lastly, even though Summer is technically over...let’s relive it for a moment - you have a family of Olympic and Paralympic performers in your household; how did that come about?

I was lucky enough to be involved and selected for the NHS section of the Opening Ceremony of the London Olympic Games and my youngest sister was selected for the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games. It was easily one on the highlights of this year and will take a while to beat!  It was such a buzz to perform in front of the 80,000 people in the stadium, as well as the world at large...The atmosphere was incredible and I am very proud to have been a part of it; I even got a letter from the PM - I made London 2012, lol! :)

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I want to take this opportunity to say a massive Thank You to Rebecca for taking part. It's always an honour to feature underground talent; but it's especially inspiring to talk to a young female who is so dedicated to giving back. 'My Time to Shine' is a hugely important scheme that you should absolutely look out for more on, as soon as the information is released in 2013.

In the meantime, let Rebecca know your thoughts and comments directly via her Social Media Catalogue...

Twitter / imdb / Soundcloud / YouTube

Learn more about the next 'My Time to Shine' workshop by connecting via the Passion Arts Website...

And in case you've forgotten because of our little hiatus, Sharing is welcomed around these parts - it's how we know you care!

Thanks for reading and see you soon...

ES ;o)

#FindOutFriday with Amina Martucci!

Another Friday, another amazing talent for you to Find Out about! It's been a few weeks since our last fashion foray, but since the fashion glitterati descended on our stunning Capital this week, I thought why not talk to a fresh, up and coming talent, that you should ALL get to know about!

In this week's #ESPspotlight is young Miss Amina Martucci...(I dare you not to love her name alone, makes me think of ice cream...don't ask). Read what happened when we spoke about her controversial new collection that's caused quite the rumbling here or there...

Welcome lovely Amina, to my #FindOutFriday hotseat! I’m raring to get down to the good stuff, because I want everyone to know about your amazing talents so let’s crack on, shall we?!

1. I've known you for a good few years now and knew you did Graphic Design; then all of a sudden out of nowhere, I see these gorgeous fashion designs popping up, what on Earth is going on, Woman? Where did they come from and when did they all start?!

Amina Martucci

I've always been into a bit of graphics but the majority of it was self-taught, I guess I’m a bit of a Wiz when it comes to computers I can pick things up quite quickly! But the graphic designs were only on the side for a little extra pocket money. Fashion design is where my heart is at and now I have finished University I can take it more seriously with no interruptions!

Both of my parents are from creative backgrounds, so I guess the creativity is in my blood. When I was younger I used to play around searching for clothes and fabric in my Mum's wardrobe playing dress-up. Even when I was in secondary school I used to make my own accessories and customised tops, I always wanted to be different I guess I just loved to be creative in any way possible...

2. I can’t say that it shocked me that you were into fashion at all, though; I've seen you at enough events to know that you’re ‘Cut from a Different Cloth’ (sorry, it couldn't be helped)...Let’s talk inspirations. Which designers do you favour and why?

East London Girl, Louise Gray showed off this little
number at LFW earlier this week
Photo courtesy of londonfashionweek.co.uk

Haha very punny Erica (Thanking you - ES)! That’s a very hard one…to be honest, I'm more inspired by everyday people than designers. I love 'people-watching', using the moments to try and guess at another person's story just from mere observation, it's almost compelling. But if I had to choose a designer one of my favourites have to be Louise Gray. Her latest Spring 2013 collection shown at London Fashion Week was awesome! The layers, the mismatch of geometric prints, colours. Her work is fun, I don’t like fashion that is too conceptual to the point that it’s un-wearable. For me, I like fashion that I could see myself wearing. Anything too GaGa is a no for me!

3. And what about your personal style; who inspires you there?

A style maven in the making...

All sorts inspire my personal style; the majority of my clothing is brought from charity shops. I love hunting through the miles of jumbled rails looking for that one unique piece. It's so rewarding when you do find it and it's the price of nuts! I'm mostly inspired by small detail I would buy an item just because of the way its cut or the way the fabric hangs or even the fastening, It could be really ugly but I would take it apart and slightly amend it until I’m happy.

4. I love that in typical ‘You’ fashion (no pun intended that time, but oh so fitting), you went with a material that is far from typical. What made you choose wool and knitwear?

From Amina's AW12 'Strange Fruit' Collection...

I love the whole process of knitting, I think its really cool that you can make a complete garment from just a ball of yarn. As well as all the different textures of yarns and the different techniques. I feel you can be more experimental with knitting, there isn't really any boundaries, that's why I love it!

It’s quite funny how I got into knitting...I actually got enrolled on the wrong course at University, I wanted to originally do womenswear but ended up on the knitwear course. I couldn't even knit at the time, but thought 'why the heck not'? It turned out for the best! Now I cant get enough of it! I feel that there aren't enough knitwear designers out there, its almost still an underrated skill.

5. Being the close of London Fashion Week, I can’t not ask a Designer what type of effect events like these have on you? What, if anything do you get from them?

Photo courtesy of londonfashionweek.co.uk

What I love about London Fashion Week is seeing all these diverse mixes of people display of innovative style blended with culture, it’s really something unique. The street style during London Fashion Week is definitely my favourite, I love observing the different looks and individuality. My favourite shows so far have to be Louise Gray, Craig Lawrence and Mark Fast.

6. You have a pretty innovative and in my humble opinion, inspired collection that I do believe you had a showing for recently. Would you be so kind as to introduce my readers to 'Strange Fruit'?

A lot of people gasp when I tell them what my collection is called, causing slight controversy. Unquestionably it was very horrific, I'm aware of the meaning and of course a powerful song by Billie Holiday...

I wanted to create a collection that meant something to me. Her song is terrifyingly eerie, yet powerful and sobering. My collection was inspired by this, but mostly it celebrates the abolition of slavery. However, it is still a major effect on us today and racism still being an issue, I wanted to show this through my work, by reaching out to people through fashion.

7. As I’ve told you previously, I was really taken with your look book. How did you arrive at the combination of themes?

Before I start any collection I always like to create a sketchbook, jotting down ideas, designs, basically creating a mood. I take it everywhere with me, using everyday life and scenes as inspiration. I find it easier to work from a concept and gradually build up ideas for a collection. My look book will always be a reflection of my sketchbook.

8. And what type of reaction have you had to ‘Strange Fruit’ overall?

Kanye West
Photo courtesy of AOL

I've had some really cool feedback from people about the collection. I've had emails from magazines and online blogs, asking if they could feature my work. I even got a call from a Stylist that wanted a few pieces for Kanye West, saying they  were "right up his street!". It's pretty cool and its nice to see people appreciating it, a lot of hard work and money has gone into the making of the collection and it's nice to get something out of it.

9. So what’s next, are you working on your next collection and if so, what can you tell me about it?

British Japanese-Pop star, Beckii Cruel

It's quite funny as I was talking about this with one of my friends a few days back and she said that I should do a zombie-themed collection, haha! Because I’m obsessed with zombie horrors, I don’t know if that would work but would definitely be a challenge. Might do it for a bit of fun who knows.

I have a few ideas of what I want for my next collection but I'm still slightly indecisive, I like the idea of looking into Japanese pop culture...

10. I know what I think and see when I look at what you've created, but in your own eyes and words, why are your designs different? What will make the Martucci-Style Iconic one day?

Being Vegan I like to use Vegan-friendly fibres, my latest collection was purely made from cotton yarns. When the majority of people think of Vegan clothing instantly think bland and boring. It’s the total opposite and I wanted to show through my work that it can still be colourful, fun and fashionable. As well as different knitting techniques, I like to work into the fabric as well. I usually find myself doodling patterns onto my garments, distressing the fabric and using a variety of dying methods on the knits. Its cool that you can completely recreate a fabric by manipulating it...

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I told you she was impressive, didn't I?! If you fancy nabbing yourself a Martucci-original, get in touch with her for bespoke orders via her Social Media Catalogue below:

Twitter / Facebook / Tumblr

That's all for this week folks, be sure to share your comments in the usual way...

See you next time!

ES ;o)

#A&E EXCLUSIVE! Anna & Emma Interview Nina Smith...

They're baaaaack! Anna and Emma aka 'A&E' return, this time bringing you the scoop on Notts musician, Nina Smith...

Read the latest from A&E by clicking the tab above...

Enjoy - I know I did!

ES ;o)

#ESPspotlight Review - 'ViRGO'

Times like these are a bit rough for poor Lekhem. There's the sense of accomplishment in completing a new project and experiencing how it goes down with the core audience he has worked so hard to build, but there's a tougher still river to cross. This moment right here - the very real and unbiased analysis of one of his biggest, yet most critical supporters.

'ViRGO' is a much-anticipated project that Yours Truly was honoured to be a part of, almost from the outset. But as I am constantly telling the (almost) Birthday Boy; the packaging is only the shiny bauble to catch passing eyes. Once unwrapped, the content is what has to stand the test of time, so every release needs to show a tangible progression.

When I learned of the partnership with 'cocky Korshun', I knew it   would give each an added incentive to shine, as they would be mirroring traits and talents that both know they have in abundance. The only question would be how well. Lekhem has wordplay and imagery down to a fine art, but an odd degree of hesitance at times prevents his confidence from coming through at the level it should. 'Konversely', with Korshun, the confidence is unmistakable, but has overshadowed his huge writing talents in the past. Where I am already (well) familiar with most aspects of Lekhem's character and personality, 'ViRGO' afforded me an opportunity to better familiarise myself with (UK Rapper) Darkman's son. Not only did the time spent teach me what a hugely talented, entertaining and hysterically funny young man Korshun is; but I also developed a new level of respect for the strong character who still showed up to every planning meeting and gave 1000% amidst two tragic deaths in the family, without one utterance of complaint.

'Character' is actually an apt description of both when it came to this mixtape; because not only did they show their true, dedicated nature in preparing for it, but the traits that took centre stage throughout this 12-track episode are funny, charming and braggadocious caricatures of their real-life counterparts. Don't believe me? Let's examine the evidence track-by-track...

'September'

I'm not going to deny that the first time I heard this, I wondered where exactly Lekhem was going with it. I loved the piano strains and the jazzy throwback to the 'Days of Doris' (though not her on the vocal, it is reminiscent of), but  whatever I was expecting as the opener based on the project meetings beforehand, this wasn't it! I thought the use of several 'expert' vocal clips giving an insight into the traits, beliefs and misconceptions was a clever approach - and not just because it was quirky to have someone other than themselves, offer up definitions in the typical fashion. Being someone who does not follow horoscopes, I had no idea what the origins or traits that defined the Zodiac sign were, prior to researching the concept a few months back. As a standalone listen first heard about a week before the release, it was enough to get me hyped for the rest. Quite possibly one of my favourite intro's on any release to date, purely for that 'In September' loop.

'The Sixth Sense'

Originally entitled 'The Sixth Sign' in keeping with the tape's concept, the track is such a sensory overload that it was renamed in keeping with it's effect. The visual imagery Lekhem opens with is vivid and I will continue to claim an influence for one lyric in particular! Even though the tempo is not the fastest, there's a driving force behind the pace and lyrics of both that signify a journey is beginning. Very hard opening from Lekhem that displays his all-round growth well.

'Cool Down ViRGO'

First heard in August as part of a special preview for Lekhem's website members, I must admit that the full force of this didn't really hit me until I listened to it in context with the rest of the mixtape; despite it being over one of my favourite beats in history (90s babies, if you know your RnB and your Old Skool Hip Hop, you'll be able to name both tracks this pre-dating this one)!

Although something about Korshun is magnetic on this, from the alphabet intro through to the first of many hooks that stay in your head for HOURS afterwards; up until that point, this one slipped through the nets for me. At first I put that down to his cockier side coming through, which was a bit of a turn-off for me but, what you don't necessarily have time to get to in this track is the comical side which, once you become aware of, actually makes the bravado more appealing. It's a very odd combination that he handles far differently to most, in that Korshun finds a slick way to turn what should be a minus into a big positive for the entire release. Clearly forced to come out of his usually more humble and calm demeanour; Lekhem definitely brought the 'Alien Resident' out to play in the antagonistic bars and wordplay on this one!

'Prometheus'

This one blew me out of the water. When I first discussed the origins of the star sign with both a few months ago, I heard the wheels turning in the minds of both, but could never have imagined this would be the result. There's a lot to love about this and you literally do get the feel of that fire that their 'Virgo brother' stole and gifted to Man (see that pretty little booklet that accompanies the mixtape for the full back story, I've heard tell it's quite a good read...). There's something sinister about the intro that really sums up the full force of what the combination of these two is really about. Korshun's hook on this stopped me in my tracks on first listen, then laughing at every one since! Make sure you pay attention to the lyrics; he literally had me envisioning a black Chucky doll dropping the bars...

Although Lekhem plays hard on this, both lyrically and through skilful delivery, the style of the track, combined with those lyrics and the shock factor make 'Prometheus' all Korshun's, overall.

Play 'Prometheus' on TwitMusic

'Serving That'

I've already told both Lekhem and Korshun that his track has 'Stadium performance' Dr-Marten stomped all over it, it's that epic. Warn your neighbours first - you'll do the song a disservice if it's not blaring at speaker level: 'Windblown'.

Far more than an arrogant tale of the groupie riches that coming with being talented artists, 'Serving That' paints the ugly picture of the evils that the music industry can bring you. Another infectious hook from Korshun (I told you there were many and we're not even halfway yet) where the cockiness is at 100 - but in the right way. His use of autotune is a nice touch that doesn't inspire that 'tear out your own eardrums' reflex that comes when you think of T-Pain. Imagery is everything in the lyrics of both and Lekhem on his "Lenny Kravitz" is something you want to hear more of. Definitely the storytelling track of the mixtape, the boys done good!

'Look Easy'

Trying to find fault with this one is near impossible. If you follow me on Social Media, then you will already know that 'Look Easy' is one of the standout tracks of the entire mixtape, in my humble opinion. And since learning who of the mastermind behind 80% of it was in this week's interview, I have to say a massive 'Well Done' to Korshun! This one grabbed me from the very first listen, when it forever sealed Korshun as 'Kormari' in my book. His comical, egotistical, confidence paired with the autotune vocals make it clear what you get if you dared put Kanye Omari West and Omarion in a test tube, Nutty Professor style. Whereas you need time to acclimatise to the arrogance in 'Cool Down', with 'Look Easy', Korshun finds the perfect balance. Humility really has no business in this scenario and by Lekhem's arrival, the swagger goes International. If I really have to find fault to maintain neutrality here, it would only be that Lekhem probably could have added a little more, maybe taken a chorus, to balance out Korshun's overall dominance, but that's really all I have! One of the best songs of I've heard from the UK, US or beyond all year. OFFICIAL CLUB / CAR / LIFE BANGER.

'Dance With Me'

One of the few older tracks on the mixtape, 'Dance With Me' was probably the first collaboration I heard from just the two, back in February for Korshun's 'Valenrhymes' mixtape. This one does a lot for both, because where Korshun calms the ego down to 'endearing'  on the scale and demonstrates a level of vulnerability that you find surprising based on other works; Lekhem goes full on into what I consider his strongest, but most under-used area - the 'Lexington' persona. A real 'Ladykiller' at his finest, it's the US-native's equivalent of shaking his money-maker (yes I said 'money-maker') and it never fails! Ladies - this one is ALL yours; make sure your collar is well-ventilated prior to playing, though...

'Romantic Illusions'

Something about the beat on this one has you thinking about 70s love songs - even if you weren't born then. The two give a level of appreciation to their female counterparts, showing that despite the bravado, when all is said and done, these Virgoan men love hard and fierce. It's the closest either come to the everyday personalities I know and I think that's what makes the song's chemistry work. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a straight, 'lovey-dovey' moment where they get lost in sop. Far from it! Both still keep their hard edge by admitting they can be difficult, but the degree of recognition and appreciation takes the 'illusion' out of the equation. It took me a few listens to understand what is so different about Lekhem in this one. Aside from finally getting a dedicated 'Girl Track' out of him (I salute my own long-running harassment for that one, I've been pushing for it since 'Know You' on his 'Str8 Out Da Oven' début); it dawned on me that he finally ventured into the emotive side of romantic relationships. As a very private person, he has always shunned that area, but it is something he has been more than capable of, for a very long time. It's all very well and good talking about confidence in approaching women and the skill with which he claims to handle them; but someone with his writing abilities has the potential to go so much farther and has been doing himself an injustice by not exploring that aspect before now. VERY pleased at the foray and the result. KEEP IT UP!

'Music'

The 'Music' interlude is obviously not meant to be taken seriously (right?!) But, does fully depict the comical side of Korshun that I've come to know to it's fullest - hysterically funny, a bit mad and borderline intoxicated at all times! It actually serves as the perfect opener for my (close) second favourite track. Absolutely love Lekhem's hook on this, great lyrics that cover every scenario and reason to love the artform. Korshun has you picturing embarrassing childhood dance moves with his sister, captured on an old camcorder in sepia...More than anything though, 'Music' makes you realise where Summer went. All three minutes of British mid-year joy it is captured right here. You can't decide whether you want to get to your place in the queue by the grill, or go for a ride with the top down, in a car that you don't own - legally, of course. For the record: I'm in no way advocating car theft. Purely that you cruise to this track in a car with the legal vehicle owner, because it makes you feel sunny inside, that's all.

Play 'Music' on TwitMusic

'Smoking Weed'

Plane take-off for an intro, In. Deed. There's no real confusion over the concept for this one. It's about exactly what it says on the tin. Taking Kendrick Lamar's backing track in a different direction from his original, you can't not be taken with Lekhem's versatility on this one. Running the gamut of all his accents, playing with speed (tempo, not substance abuse) and lacing it with his knack for visual wordplay, you can't deny the boy's nice on this. Again, love that Korshun tones down the ego and goes inward, to that edge of darkness again. He shows that diversity in  his bars that takes me back to 'Had To Leave', one of the best tracks from R2S's 'The Rebelution: Part 1'. His lyricism is top-notch at the best of times, but especially when he strips right back, as he does here.

'Sticky Dancefloor'

This fan favourite - if feedback is anything to go by, is actually my least favourite on the entire mixtape - but then I do like to be different! I like the fanfare intro that signals you should be paying attention to what's coming, the 'club night' picture that Lekhem paints very well; the way that Korshun messes around with the speed of his delivery and the way that both bring that cockiness back to finish out the entire project. Unfortunately, it's the only one that doesn't hold my attention hostage, despite being the strong 'party' finish that a mixtape like 'ViRGO' absolutely needed to have.

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In the words of ESP's resident Jamerican - "and there you have it!" 'ViRGO', in it's entirety, iced with the thoughts of an insider. All in all, even if this were an external project unrelated to me, I would still endorse it as a solid body of work that not only demonstrates progressive talent in both artists, but a level of delivery and passion for what they do, far exceeding their contemporaries.

But don't just take my word for it - download a copy for yourselves from 'The Food' at LekLane. You're doing yourselves an injustice if you don't!

Download the 'ViRGO' mixtape:

'ViRGO'

Read and Download the 8-page, media storybook accompanying the mixtape:

 'ViRGO - The Story of Korshun, Lekhem and Prometheus'

Let them know your take on their works - CONNECT with Lekhem and Korshun via their Social Media Catalogue:

Korshun:

Twitter / Facebook / ReverbNation

Lekhem:

Twitter (personal) / Twitter (news and updates) / Facebook

LekLane (website)

Enjoy your week!

ES ;o)