After teasing us with a handful of singles, Melbourne, Australia producer and turntablist Kut One follows up last year’s acclaimed Live Wires compilation with a sequel brimming with incredible guest emcees and raw hip-hop production to match. His aptly titled Live Wires 2 is a 13 track body of work that sees the producer pushing his sounds beyond his scope while keeping the original integrity of his hard-hitting signature style. He adds via email that he made use of only the MPC hardware and very few samples and more of his own instrumentation. As for the guests, he brings in well-respected names from O.C., Sadat X, Rome Streetz, Agallah, Ruste Juxx, Recognize Ali, and many more.
The project opens up with the ear-grabbing “Guerilla Season,” a smoky and head-nodding burner featuring a standout performance from Ghanian/American spitter Recognize Ali. This is followed by the somber "Get Mine Regardless" which boasts edgy street raps from Jamal Gasol, Rome Streetz, and Saipher Soze. The momentum keeps going on tracks like the Supreme Cerebral assisted hustler anthem "It's a Lifestyle." On "Best Served Cold," Kut One makes use of an ominous synth and dark sounds to create the perfect backdrop for Thamson P's graphic revenge-themed raps. Other standouts include “Make a Dolla,” a straight-up banger with Sadat X; and the more melodic “Take a Picture,” a lyrically sharp collaboration with KXNG Crooked, who brings his signature crazy wordplay and lyrical creativity to the track.
As far as compilations go, Kut One delivers the goods as each track is distinct and offers different elements from the experimental sounds and gripping raps from the guests that rap lovers can appreciate.
Live Wires 2 is available now through all major DSPs and CD via Bandcamp through Chopping Block Records.
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