Independent UK rapper Ultra_eko, has been drawing the attention of fans worldwide recently, not least for the unparalleled storytelling demonstrated in his music. His work is both musically inventive and lyrically accomplished, and he is an original in the truest sense. His latest release, ‘Into the Mutiverse – The Subsequel Mixes,’ follows hot on the heels of the November release, ‘Alternate Realities’. The latest offering comprises of twelve tracks, ten of which are from the aforementioned album, remixed and reimagined by enigmatic producer, Subsequel.
Hip-hop is the main attraction, but Ultra_eko’s usage of downtempo, jazz, trap, tech house, and more offers a rather creative take on the originals. His vocals rest prominently at the center of each track, and his voice is distinctive and full of clever lines and wordplay. These tracks offer a hip-hop experience quite unique, and the way that the pieces unfurl has a lot of unexpected elements about it. The fantastic twists and turns add to the emotional resonance of the collection.
There is a multi-hybrid quality to the pieces, and Ultra_eko is not afraid to lean into some rather unusual takes with hip-hop’s roots, resulting in moments that are true bliss to observe. Beyond this, Ultra_eko also fits in with a wide array of his contemporaries who refuse to make something simple, as they fuse up elements of jazz, funk, and rap.
Clever glitch aesthetics rest at the very heart of the track, “The Second Chapter” where Subsequel has fun messing with the groove in elastic, ecstatic ways. Tempos are stretched into a low-slung roll with “Keep Busy”. Pieces of dance rock filter into the fray on the swagger of “Cash Money Moolah”. Elements of synth pop comes to the forefront on the lush chords of “Pingu”. Giddy energy bursts forth on the sly funk of “Girl From Round The Way”, as the song gets sped up in a joyful way. Pure togetherness races forward on the celebratory “Where You At?”. Ending things on a classy, classic hit is the drum n’bass hyperactivity of “Ashes To Ashes”.
This is an album for those who appreciate the finer things in music, and it is easy to see why the London based rapper is drawing attention. It is an album which delightfully mixes a multitude of sounds, with the type of genre hopping for which Ultra_eko is being noted for.
There’s a certain softness to this project that makes it the ideal go-to for escaping the mundane, and for soothing an over-active mind. Let Ultra_eko guide you as these musically pristine experiences wash over in a hypnotic manner. It is an album to lighten and to light up your day, and Ultra_eko a hip-hop artist quite unlike any you have come across before.
Find and stream Ultra_eko on the following platforms
Spotify
Apple
https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/ultra-eko/1479140980
YouTube
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCiUPc7rMXduGKPhNNgpZjJw?sub_confirmation=1
https://Instagram.com/ultra_eko
© 2021, Jake Strain. All rights reserved.