Stealing [Audio CD] Funky Fresh Few

It's common knowledge that hip-hop culture has sneaked its way into every nook and cranny in the universe--but Blackpool? Funky Fresh Few's Stealing is proof that no place is safe from the genre's ever-expanding tentacles. In fact the trio of Damon Savage, graf artist Timeone (who provided the cover art) and Glenn Reynolds (a recent replacement for departed member James Folks) have been living and breathing the music for around a decade, which explains why their debut long-player sounds so accomplished. There's an undeniable confidence to the beats and rhymes that is enhanced by solid guest spots from a plethora of US and UK rhymers such as Sage, Dimes, Craig G, Wildflower, Stradegy and Mr Dick. While it's a pretty tight document all round though, it couldn't be described as a cheerful LP--nor a very hard-hitting one. Instead, it kind of floats around the middle ground, creating an often murky flow of beats and tracks that aren't overly sloppy but that don't quite make it to the heavyweight arena either. Deft scratches, dope rhymes and lo end aplenty--but nothing all that Fresh unfortunately. --Paul Sullivan