Joel Rafidi – “Phases”

Phases is the debut album from Shire via Liverpool rapper Joel Rafidi.

Over twelve tracks he has showcased his penchant for rapid fire rhymes over traditional hip hop beats, R n B and occasional acoustica.

Opening tracks ‘Where Were You?‘ and ‘Fuck That‘ are frenetic bursts of verbose raps over piano and mimimal beats.

Particularly in the opening number Rafridi is an irrepressible torrent of enthusiasm hurling his words like projectiles.

Single ‘Do It Again‘ and the Tim Bowen assisted ‘I’ll Be Good‘ reveal an appreciation and solid grasp of R n B, providing a more soulful touch and some contrast to the perpetual rhyming flurries.

There is a notable degree of angst in some of Rafidi’s vocal rampages, this is at it’s most confronting in ‘Very Best Friend‘ where we are told in no uncertain terms “I fucking hate you” over a seemingly innocuous tinkling piano.

Acoustic guitars also make an appearance with the nonchalant strum of ‘Cleopatra‘ and album closing breakthrough single ‘Beautiful Life‘

Phases sees Joel Rafidi get a a considerable amount of his chest. With an undeniable flow and a delivery full of attitude he certainly has a solid grip on the genre. Whilst the album probably won’t do much to win over non hip hop fans, there is enough flavours in his style to satisfy enthusiasts of the genre.

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Gavin Stocker

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Outside of Across The Ocean Gavin Stocker writes, records and performs music under the moniker of P Truck.

He can also be found clinging to his youth on a skateboard or wandering aimlessly through the bush.