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Ok, so first off I must iterate the fact that this particular run down is in no particular order, nor is it a definitive list of the best British record labels of all time (as if such a breakdown could ever be truly quantified). It is simply a list of some personal favourites within the British...MORE>>

As a person who doesn’t like rap music, I initially found Homecut to be boring, repetitive, and slow. The song “I Don’t Even Know” is the first on their MySpace playlist, and I found the music acting as a cushion for the rap to be minimal and a bit lazy. Utilising the female singer (Corinne Bailey Ray!) as the vehicle for the actual ‘singing’ chorus parts does bring a breath of fresh air to the track.

Despite my reservations, I thought I’d give them a shot anyway, and gave “I Don’t Even Know” a few listens with an open mind. The song is quite slow in music and vocal speed, with the backing piano riff on constant repeat. Maybe it’s a fusion of jazz and rap that’s contained within this song? A saxophone joins in towards the end which makes for a refreshing change of tune. After a couple of listens I realised I hadn’t managed to pick out any of the lyrics, so tried again with a focus on what the rapper was actually telling us. ‘I Don’t Even Know’ sums up exactly what these vocals are about, and I think that’s the case for the rapper too. There’s mention of writing glow in the dark songs, wishing he was superman so he could send the world backwards, insufficient funds in bank accounts, and other readily available topics.

The video for the song runs at a similar pace as the music with heavy use of slow-motion. It also emphasises the more depressing aspect of the tune with visuals of Homecut being evicted and begging for food and shelter. It didn’t make me like the song anymore than I do already. He’s on the bill for Glastonbury and the Greenbelt festival however, and would fit in very well there with the sullen and relaxing vibe that’s given through his music.

He’s on First Word record label and has much more planned for release in the near future. I have to say I’m not convinced by the artist, but I wouldn’t shun any future releases as the potential for greatness is definitely there. With keeping an open mind and a point-of-view of rap music lovers, then Homecut is a good example of the thought that goes into this type of music. I can’t use the word ‘like’ in describing my feelings for the artist, but I can use ‘admire’.