Reviewed by Mark Sherwood

This new hip-hop artist hailing from Coventry has been nominated for a Mercury award and is very busy causing a bit of a stir with his new album gaining high praise from reviews on the BBC, the Guardian and others. Ghospoet aka Obaro Ejimiwe has a languid, laid back style reminiscent of Roots Minuva and musically takes in hip-hop, dub step and trip hop and mixes them together to make something unique. Ghostpoet's rap delivery is almost a slurred drawl which is different but over a whole album can be annoying. Thematically his lyrics are littered with references to British culture and says he does not want to talk about crime like so many other rappers, which makes a refreshing change. He just wants to be himself and say what he feels is important. Apparently Ghostpoet is a Christian, however I found nothing to suggest this in the lyrics I could make out. One of the most prominent songs is "Cash And Carry Me Home", I cannot make up my mind whether it is a veiled warning against the emptiness of too much drink the night before or the rapper relating his experience. Other reviewers have said the song is a highlight and about the lyrics they simply accept that this is life and this is the morning after. To me the end line about being all alone says everything about alcohol abuse and the complete emptiness it brings. Also be warned, there are one or two swear words. To be honest I won't be coming back to this album despite its many supporters.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.