30 Mar 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Scalper - EP Review: Want More

16 Dec 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu
Mr. Nadeem Shafi, commonly known as the hyper-mysterious hip-hop artist Scalper, of Pakistani descent. I first caught on to this unusual hip-hop artist through Up FM, playing one of his first big releases Carrion on the Top 20 radio show I used to host. Upon hearing the name again after so long, I knew I had to find out if his new releases are as dark as I remembered from nearly a decade ago.

Scalper’s newest release is a revision of his Want EP from 2017, packed with instrumental versions of his original tunes, plus remixes of the titular song by producers based in Thailand and the UK.

Released exactly two years ago, the Want EP became arguably Scalper’s most succinct and career-defining output. Armed with his signature blend of hyper-dark atmosphere, brooding beats, and reflective poetic rhymes, reminiscent of Maxi Jazz from the UK group Faithless, Scalper seemed comfortable in making listeners feel uncomfortable.

This is best exemplified with Strange People, featuring paranoia-inducing lyrics, slow, plodding drum beats, and Black Sabbath-esque chord progressions. Fans of Faith No More’s Mike Patton may also dig the combo of creepily-uttered vocals and mildly offbeat rhythms. This same style is employed throughout the EP, particularly on the titular track Want, which boasts heavy industrial drumming, sounding somewhat like Nine Inch Nails in a bad mood on a rainy day. 

The remixed version of Want by producer 2nd Gen from the UK sees the vocal refrains stripped out and heavy layers of distortion applied, with almost no percussion in the mix save for on-the-beat metallic clanks in the background. This one is dirty, and big on the disturbingly eerie vibes.

The Ramintra Remix of Want is an immediate head-turner, taking reverberating glockenspiel notes and grand piano riffs to amplify a heavy hip-hop groove, while Scalper’s original refrains punctuated the start and end of almost every bar. There is a slight Eastern sound, especially in the sounds of bells, and for extra creepiness, Scalper’s vocals are altered at times to sound demonic and possessed. Arguably, this is underground Aotearoa hip-hop at its most grime-laden and rain-drenched, and it’s thrilling.

It’s wildly interesting how well all the instrumental renditions stand on their own, sans lyrics. Blackbirds, (the Rooks, Ravens, Magpies & Crows instrumental), emanates a thick brooding aura. The urban hopping rhythms of Blackbirds as well as the Cold Castles instrumental of Within These Walls both feel perfect as soundtrack for a modern crime-noir movie. And All I Am, the instrumental of Want, could make for a great addition in a dark, electronic DJ set, for any musicians who are that way inclined.

If Scalper’s Want EP was a success, this new re-release takes a step up over it. The instrumental renditions on Want More are well worth the listen, as they let the sonic aspects do the talking, evoking an even more menacing tone than they do with vocals. These are ideal if one is after something downbeat and atmospheric to focus on work with. Whilst not all the remixes add value, the re-work by Ramintra is definitely one to add to playlists to re-listen and groove to.

Hip-hop has generally been just outside of my musical scope, but knowing how dark Scalper’s music can get, it appealed to me completely, and I was not disappointed at all this time around. Seriously looking forward to hearing/seeing what Scalper brings to the musical table next. One could say I’m “Wanting More”.

Rating: ( 4 / 5 )
 

About Scalper

Scalper is Nadeem Shafi, born and raised in East London of Pakistani descent. First seen in Aotearoa New Zealand at WOMAD 1997 as the vocalist for the British band Fun-da-mental. Now based on the wild West Coast of Auckland, having moved here in 2007. Scalper is Hip-Hop like you’ve never heard it before. Moody, gritty beats with introspective lyrics that conjure visions of epic proportions, and an electrifying live performance that demands attention.




Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Scalper

Releases

The Shine
Year: 2023
Type: Album
The Beast and The Beauty
Year: 2020
Type: Album
Want More
Year: 2019
Type: EP
Want
Year: 2017
Type: EP
The Emperor's Clothes
Year: 2015
Type: Album
Butchers Bakers
Year: 2012
Type: Album
Flesh & Bones
Year: 2010
Type: Album

Other Reviews By Steve Shyu

Gig Review: Homegrown 2024 @ Wellington Waterfront - 16/03/2024 Part 2
18 Mar 2024 // by Steve Shyu
With nothing of last night's rainstorm in sight except puddles in the asphalt, the sun warmed the air to counter the day's cold breeze. There was plenty of talk of a cold snap on the way, but I was confident my tee and hoodie combo would suffice.
Read More...
EP Review: PHNX
11 Mar 2024 // by Steve Shyu
Aotearoa, look out for a rising star on the horizon.Under his stage name PHNX, 18-year-old singer-songwriter and producer Phoenix Simpson has released his self-titled debut EP and it’s a gem.
Read More...
EP Review: Ben Ruegg
29 Feb 2024 // by Steve Shyu
Ben Ruegg is one of the most hard-working people I personally know. He's a Muzic.
Read More...
Bevan Mical - Album Review: Division & Difference
12 Dec 2023 // by Steve Shyu
Since 2017 Bevan Mical has been busy. Hailing from the small Waikato town of Turua, he’s now onto his fourth full-length album, this one entitled Division & Difference.
Read More...
Bulletbelt - Album Review: Burn It Up
28 Sep 2023 // by Steve Shyu
Though nobody can claim they know every Kiwi metal band to have ever existed, to know anything about heavy music in Aotearoa, the name Bulletbelt should at least ring a bell. To say their career thus far has been impressive is an understatement.
Read More...
Will McClean - Album Review: Don't Forget to Breathe
28 Jul 2023 // by Steve Shyu
Out of the underground hip-hop scene of Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington comes Will McClean, who over the past handful of years has garnered accolades on his recorded music and performances. Having shared stages with Kiwi icons Troy Kingi, Che Fu and Diggy Dupé, Will seems determined to keep the momentum and create new releases.
Read More...
Album Review: The Heroic Adventures of And$um & Lui Mill
21 Jul 2023 // by Steve Shyu
Following a string of acclaimed singles, Otautahi Christchurch Hip-Hop artists And$um and Lui Mills have released a brand new collaborative album of seven tracks named The Heroic Adventures of And$um & Lui Mill. The two rap artists have been kicking around the Christchurch Hip-Hop scenes for years, and have put together this LP as a result of their longtime friendship.
Read More...
GZ - EP Review: The Story Behind the Realness
16 Jul 2023 // by Steve Shyu
Purportedly an artist with many pseudonyms, GZ is a rap artist active as a part of the Auckland hip-hop diaspora. Though safe to assume he’s had a considerable presence over the years under multiple stage names, I wasn’t able to unearth much in the way of artist info relating to GZ, except images of the man himself looking like a force to be reckoned with.
Read More...
View All Articles By Steve Shyu

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
    Ariana Grande
  • BEAUTIFUL THINGS
    Benson Boone
  • END OF BEGINNING
    Djo
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • TEXAS HOLD 'EM
    Beyonce
  • STICK SEASON
    Noah Kahan
  • PRAISE JAH IN THE MOONLIGHT
    YG Marley
  • CARNIVAL
    Kanye West And Ty Dolla $ign
  • SATURN
    SZA
  • LOVIN ON ME
    Jack Harlow
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem