Usually when approaching these mixtapes, I try to be as open minded as possible. This mixtape was no exception. When I first heard the name DJ Ames &DJ Drama Presents “Grind Time UK Edition 4,” I knew that I would be dealing with a form of music that is not particularly mainstream over here in the United States. I also felt as though I would hear a sound and style that I was not used to, but I’d still be able to give an objective review because I’m a music lover.

 Like always, I’ll start with the positive aspects of this mixtape. The production on “Grind Time UK Edition 4” was very well put together. It was very familiar and had some classic Hip-Hop style tracks that had me bopping the entire way through the songs. One of the best produced tracks was “Cold World” by Grit Grammer, which is a sampled track of an Aretha Franklin song by the name of “Young Gifted & Black.” Very nice vibing track, I loved it!

Also, let me just state that these two DJs did their thing on this mixtape. DJ Drama is one of the most infamous DJs around and DJ Ames is one of the best in the UK, even receiving a Southern Entertainment Award for Best Host on a Mixtape. There was no doubt in my mind that the mixes would be anything less than excellent. I just wish they had a better selection of artists to compliment the talent that they truly posess.

 The biggest problem I had with this mixtape, had to be the fact that the jargon used was very different from what I am used to as an American. Being a lyricist and a writer myself, I tend to pay close attention to words and description. Some of the slang was not easily interpreted and certain word usage sounded too forced or as if it didn’t make sense. Perhaps the problem was the fact that I was listening from an Etic perspective, or in Laymen’s Terms, on the outside looking in on a culture that is not of my own.

 A lot of the artists from the UK, while not exactly my style, had a very nice flow. “Urghh” by G Frsh was the perfect example of what I’m talking about. This song was very well put together. With nice production and a catchy hook, I can definitely see it being a hit over in the UK and even possibly crossing over to the United States. His voice, while the accent is very evident, it works.

 “Growing Pains” by Flex The Truth was also a nice track to vibe too. This track was a reflection of life type of song. With his melancholy type flow, Flex speaks briefly of everything he has gone through in life or is currently going through. To me, this sort of had a Nas vibe to it. As I listened, I pictured Nas putting his own little spin on it. The beat was very solemn and smooth, but still had that nice Hip-Hop edge to it.

 While there weren’t many females on this mixtape, the two who were held it down, and one in particular, in my opinion was one of the best emcees on the entire mixtape. The females were included on “Chevy Riding” by Poni featuring Mr Yayo and “Oh My Gawwwddd” by Striver featuring Shimmer, Sas Killa & Blemish. Shimmer, which I’m guessing is the female, killed her verse! She kind of reminds me of a UK version of Foxy Brown but so much better, especially if she actually wrote her verse herself.  “Oh My Gawwwddd” was one of the best tracks on the album. It was definitely a hot club track with a raunchy edge to it. The auto-tune used on it was a great touch to the song. This was one of the tracks that I could actually see myself listening too.

 As far as quality tracks, that’s pretty much as far as it goes. There are a few others, but to be honest there was not much I was interested in playing all the way through to the end. I listened to D Dot E Dot featuring SnakesStyles & SliderSkillz Freestyle, and was appalled.  I was disappointed by lackluster swag and one liners that were anything but hot. I simply can’t find anything other word to explain this freestyle, except “WACK.”  The hook is some repetitive nonsense that says:

 “My D*cks Black Like King Kong.”  

Are you kidding me??? I have to deal with enough b*llshit rappers in the US, please don’t allow it to leak into other countries!

 Another joint that attempted to impress but instead was utterly disappointing, was a club banger called “Go Girl” by Shizzio Featuring Firecamp & Realife. To me, it had the potential to be a really good song, yet came off as a generic half-assed attempt to be hot. Of course the production was hot, but the rappers didn’t do the track any justice. The hook was annoying and I think they could’ve come a bit harder lyrically. Realife, who I assume was the last person on the track, was the best one. To be honest, he pretty much saved the entire song from complete destruction.

 Honestly, I know this is a mixed review. I had mixed feelings about it and would probably bump a few songs on the Ipod. For the most part however, I was disappointed and wanted to hear something that would easily make any US rapper want to step up his/her game. Unfortunately, I didn’t hear that. Perhaps I have to go listen to more rappers from the UK to get a better understanding , or maybe they just need to come harder next time.

Check out our News Archives for a Video Interview with DJ Trama at his Meet and Greet & Stay tuned to 24Hourhiphop.com for an upcoming interview with DJ Ames