Sy ShacklefordHip-hop from the United Kingdom has gradually received more play in the United States over the years. Apart from Harlem’s Dipset having UK artists S.A.S. as part of their roster, exposure to UK rappers for American audiences shot up via televised urban crime dramas such as “Power” and Britain’s own “Top Boy” (aka “Top Boy: Summerhouse”). However, much UK hip-hop (centered in England) has elements of that electronic grime sub-genre. Dr Lekta’s music does not, and his latest LP, “The Manuscript” is more akin to New York boom bap with an English twist. Lyrically, his lyrics range from confessional to battle to dedications.
The title-track starts off the album and is produced by H1pper, who makes use of a piano sample which drives the boom-bap beat. “Stay Sharp” features Jadakiss and DJ Radosny with production from Osker Mike. The production sounds clean, polished even. ‘Kiss easily has the upper hand and raps “For the record, I don’t give a fuck who ya team is / And you don’t want it with me ‘cause I’m an extremist.” He outshines Lekta who, on his first verse, sounds like he’s just trying to stay on beat. However, by his second verse, he catches up. DJ Radsony takes his cue from DJ Premier, scratching in vocal samples from rappers to comprise the hook. “Off My Chest”, produced by Forgotten), has a decidedly head-nodding beat with heavy atmospheric synth sounds. Introspection, family problems, stress, and struggle comprise the lyrics.
“Deranged”, produced by K Fresh, has bouncy snares with playful samples in the background. Lekta raps, “I wanna hear music, I wanna hear progression / There needs to be some kind of artistic direction / Now I’m hittin’ you with the 1-2 in the mid-section / This is lyricism, bitch, that I’m resurrectin’.” The Lxngshot-produced “Dedication” employs a sped-up and looped sample for the beat. Lyrically, Lekta pays tribute in the hook to hip-hop and the people, and later to himself to have control in his situations. “Punchline Mafia”, produced by Forrest Moon, drops several bars with pop culture references while “First Born Remaster” (produced by The Soundfella) has upbeat production with verses dedicated to his first-born child. It’s also complete with the typical dads-against-daughters dating attitude, but it’s played here for laughs.
“Darkside”, featuring Big Twins of Infamous Mobb, is produced by Temper Beats. This sounds like a New York track, largely because Gambino starts off with the raps over the gritty production. Nonetheless, Dr Lekta holds his own against one of QB’s Finest. The Session 600-produced “Manifesting” speaks on mental paranoia with Lekta laying out his emotional angst and issues. The production has a catchy and airy organ and vocal samples. The soulful “All In Life” featuring Awon and Elements closes out the album. Overall, “The Manuscript” has a certain luster to it. Though Dr Lekta goes against London’s hip-hop grain, he manages to make his mark in a niche outside of that.