Style 43

Aww maaaane, thank fuck for the Foreign Beggars. That needs to be said before we go any further. Over the years they’ve continued to bridge gaps and smash barriers, keeping me entertained every step of the way. After their last single - the critically misunderstood, “Hit That Gash” - they are back with their third album, “The United Colours of Beggattron“.

As standard with the Beggars (about the only thing that is ’standard’ with the crazy cats) the album is a smorgasbord of musical sounds and the lyrics are as tight and funny as ever. Featuring more guests than a Holiday Inn, both on the mic and the boards, this is easily a contender for album of the year in my humble opinion. They’ve even got me feeling a bit of dubstep… madness.

The album features the all usual suspects - Vulgatron, Metropolis, DJ NoNames, Shlomo and Dag Nabbit - as well as the multitude of guests I touched on earlier. Guest spots have always been well filled on the Beggars‘ albums and this time round is no exception. The UK gets repped by longtime FB collaborators, Dr Syntax and Graziella, as well the likes of Jehst, Kyza and Dubbledge. There are some transatlantic surprises from the always dope Guilty Simpson and 1st Down’s, Phat Kat, plus a tight verse from South Africa’s finest, Ben Sharpa. There is also some ultra-grimey production from those Dutch, drum & bass nutcases, Noisia (check out the video for the insane banger, “Contact“, right here).

The whole album is on an electronic tip, with dubstep, drum & bass and electro all getting a nod. Maybe that is not everyone’s idea of hip hop, but don’t think every track on here is a rowdy, grimey assault on the eardrums. There are some lovely little beats, like the posse cut, “Keep It Comin‘” - featuring Jehst, Kyza and Syntax - and the opening track, “Move Higher“, featuring the dulcet tones of Audra Nishita. I think even the most stubborn purists out there would be hard pressed to not find anything they weren’t feeling and after a few more listens, I reckon most tracks will be getting reloads galore.

“United Colours of Beggattron” is out on 19 October and you can pre-order it at suspectpackages.com. You know it makes sense. Also, keep a look out for an interview with the Foreign Beggars, coming soon.

Tags: Dented Records, Foreign Beggars, hip hop, Noisia, Suspect Packages