Skitz - Countryman

It may be only three years old, but I think this has to be considered a classic of uk hiphop.

Skitz' production isn't flashy, but it's good where it matters. The subs are so fat and deep the dub influence is unmistakable, the beats are crisp and heavy, and the minimal loops give plenty of room for the large cast of guest vocalists to shine.

Standout track for me are undoubtedly "Cordless Mics at 20 Paces", where Phi-Life Cypher demonstrate their breathtakingly intricate lyricism and hi-speed delivery, and "Fingerprints of the Gods", where four rappers each deliver fantastic chats in brilliantly contrasting styles, interlinked by tony vegas with some astonishing turntablism. indeed, the scratching is another thing that shines on this LP throughout - it seems sadly rare these days to hear albums showcase this pillar of hiphop to this extent.

An essential.