London-based hip-hop/UK rap artist Isaiah Shoticaury released their latest mixtape ‘If Your Bumping This.. Thank You, Vol.1’ in summer earlier this year. Displaying versatile talents and multi-dimensional atmospheres, ‘If Your Bumping This.. Thank You, Vol.1’ is a staple record in the up-and-coming UK rap scene.

The twelve-track record weaves impressive influences of hip-hop, grime and pop into its musical layers as well as incorporating recorded conversations and background chatter. The addition of non-compositional techniques make the music feel as if we’re delving into Isaiah Shoticaury’s daydreams, still grounded yet disconnected from the busyness and crowds that surround him.

Finding a grip on strong grooves, hard beats and smooth synthesisers, the textural aspects of the music satisfy a range of senses and emotions. Opening up with an adrenaline fuelled first half and displaying a fiercely infectious energy, Isaiah Shoticaury’s passion is displayed high on a pedestal for all to gaze upon. Once the foundation of Isaiah Shoticaury has been laid, the album sees an honest, vulnerable side to the UK rapper emerge. Swapping hard beats and synths for softer rhythms and pianos, we’re exposed to a raw, emotional side of Isaiah Shoticaury. Opening up about mortality, losing loved ones, anxieties and life struggles, the lyrics don’t shy away from brutal honesty.

Displaying an infectious sound and a sensory range of musical texture, ‘CURRENT MOOD’ offers impressively paced rapping and spoken narratives, over cool synth riffs and notorious trap beats. Conjuring a fearless attitude, the track shows off Isaiah Shoticaury’s talents flawlessly.

‘Black Is Forever’ is a topical freestyle track of humbling proportions. Addressing the UK’s political system which turns a blind eye to racism, Isaiah Shoticaury celebrates black culture, repeating ‘Black is beautiful, black is gold’ throughout the track. Over a smoother, stripped back soundscape, the music gives the freestyled lyrics room to take centre stage to address cultural issues and breathe reassurance into people’s lives.

‘These Dayz (Survive)’ delves into the topic of mental health and trying to ‘survive’ in the current climate. Displaying a rawer narrative, condensed synth pads and stripped choruses, the honesty performed within the vocals shine through effortlessly.

Again, sticking with honest and brutal topics, the freestyled ‘November 2017 (Miss U Dad)’ recalls the heart-breaking death of Isaiah Shoticaury’s father, which shares the emotional turmoil he experienced throughout his passing. With conflicting backing vocals, the music mimics the mind’s reaction to panic and trauma well by embodying the feeling of emotional distress. Ending the track with the spoken words, ‘I love you Dad, and love yours before they’re gone’ pays homage to his father an incredibly touching way.

‘If Your Bumping This.. Thank You, Vol.1’ defies the pseudo-glamour of hip-hop and rap, instead providing us with a raw and honest accounts of reality and hardship. all while Isaiah Shoticaury shows his versatility. Adapting to different moods and atmospheres, Isaiah Shoticaury shows versatility and is set to make a huge impact on the UK rap scene.