Album Review – Wordsmith

Wordsmith

“In Pursuit Of Harmony”

(Def Ethics)

As one of the most engaging voices to have emerged from the UK rap scene in recent years, London-based lyricist Wordsmith has built a strong reputation for himself thanks to numerous ear-grabbing performances on mix-CDs, other artist’s material and, of course, his own handful of releases.

It’s always been apparent that Words is an individual with a lot on his mind, and on this follow-up to 2005’s “The Roadman Showcase” he leaves no stone unturned, presenting himself as a truly well-rounded artist with more to offer than the average homegrown rap fare.

The opening “They Don’t Seem To Care” is an effective example of Wordsmith’s lyrical approach – gruffly-delivered street knowledge that’s rough-around-the edges but ultimately grounded in a desire to live in a better world (hence the album’s title). Accompanied by Beat Butcha’s wailing soul samples and rolling drums, the big-voiced emcee laments lost youth, pondering the future of those “young minds saddled with adult responsibilities” in today’s society. The breezy “Beautiful Life” finds Words assuring listeners there’s always hope amidst the darkness, encouraging everyone caught up in the day-to-day rat race to pause every once in awhile and appreciate their blessings, however small they might seem.

“Common Cause” features Wordsmith trading high-voltage barbs with the talented Genesis Elijah over typically dramatic Show-N-Prove production, while Foreign Beggars appear on the ominous “Sticks & Stones”, helping to paint a shadowy picture of an inner-city London populated by shady individuals with shattered tower-block dreams.

Yet for all of the sincere words of wisdom and skilful boasts of microphone superiority scattered throughout “In Pursuit Of Harmony”, the real sonic body-blow comes towards the end of the album in the form of the autobiographical “Son”. With producer Chemo supplying a gripping, emotionally-charged backdrop, Wordsmith delivers a gritty, heart-wrenching performance detailing his efforts to find his young child lost in the British social care system (“If you and me is tainted, I‘ll make it perfectly clear, I’ve been searching since your birth and throughout your nursery years”). Tragic but brilliantly executed, this track will haunt you long after it’s faded out on your iPod headphones.

Unapologetically raw and honest, Wordsmith’s bold brand of street-hop might not be for everyone, but those who choose to listen will definitely be rewarded.