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Emma Lee MC & Roccwell – Chocolate Bars (LP) [Ill Adrenaline IAR062]

***PRE-ORDER – Est. 27/9/24 25/10/24 22/11/24 13/12/24 20/12/24***

From its concept, choice of instruments, variation, undeniable lyricism, sounds and messaging, the album creates both curiosity and satisfaction, and leaves hip-hop lovers surely wanting more. The debut collaboration by Harlem, New York City-raised, Ugandan-born, award-winning hip-hop creative Emma Lee M.C. and decorated German producer Roccwell is a potent offering of globally creative proportions. Merging her bold, flowful vocals and piercingly imaginary lyricism with his smooth, classic, world-renowned “boom bap” production over seven tracks, the two who met during a pandemic aimed to stifle their artistry have used the “new normals” as opportunity to create new energy, tell new stories and re-balance tastes in the culture.

On the lead single “Like It’s 93” featuring hip-hop legend Masta Ace, listeners are treated to a unique twist on nostalgia. Emma Lee personifies hip-hop by lyrically describing a dysfunctional but loving relationship using over 40 classic rap album titles all released in the year 1993, with Masta Ace responding metaphorically in a classic rebuttal. The track rolls in with a dreamy soundscape over Roccwell’s signature snare drum spine, lifts and waves with Emma Lee’s softly layered vocals in the hooks and ends with a sonic collage of reflective cuts by DJ LP2 reminding us why we fell in love with Hip-Hop.

As mentioned from “Digable Planets to Doggystyle,” this track is a witness and poetic questioning of a pivotal time in music. The follow-up single “Cravings & Withdrawals” with hip-hop legend Bahamadia holds its own as one of the smoothest rap duets put to wax in a long time. As Roccwell riffs the beat like a spacey and jazzy interlude, an elite skill level of emceeing is on display by two generational talents unapologetically pouring onto the track.

The dream duo gives us an unbeatable breather during the hooks which are elevated by an adaptation of classic neo-soul R&B, asking whether listeners are “craving something real?” “Chocolate Bars” by Emma Lee M.C. & Roccwell stays true to its rooted theme and includes a few musical twists, start to finish. From its concept, choice of instruments, variation, lyricism, sounds and messaging, it creates both curiosity and satisfaction, and leaves hip-hop lovers wanting more.