Yahoo! Music Album Review

Released on 15/09/2003
Label: Big Dada

MC Ty has been part of the hip hop firmament for many years, but only in the recent past - thanks to the support of Ninja subsidiary imprint Big Dada - has his artistic vision been fully realised.

And what a distinctive vision it is. His last LP, 'Awkward', was praised from all sides, prompting critics to use adjectives like 'humorous', 'soulful', 'sensitive' and 'conscious' - words not normally associated with homegrown rap at all.


'Upward', as the name implies, sees TY reach even higher ground. In the last year or so he has immersed himself in the studio a bit more. Instead of commissioning beats from his peers, this time around he has chosen to work solely with friend (and author of his 'Break The Lock' anthem) Drew.

Between them, they cook up a stronger, bolder and more adventurous brew of sounds, raising the stakes as well as the tempo.

The album bounces nattily and smoothly from the cheeky ''Wait A Minute' to the melodic 'Do You Want More?' the curiously poignant 'Rain' and the party tune 'Groovement'.

Through it all, Ty draws us into his narrative world, where humour, wisdom and tales of love and life weave around a backdrop of soul, funk, hip hop, dancehall, reggae and afrobeat (this last aided by regular collaborator Tony Allen).

Collectively the cuts form a coherent whole that equates to the sound of a slowly expanding vision and a growing confidence. Ty has taken hip hop for a joyride and presents us with his own self-assured and stylish take on the genre.

    by Paul Sullivan