Yo Majesty - Futuristically Speaking... Never Be Afraid (Domino)
3/5
By: Alex Hibbert
BUY DOWNLOADAdopting what could be seen as an ethos based in the punk years of rebellion, Yo Majesty arrive in one of those 'sisters doing it for themselves' styles, building up a solid underground substratum before tours with the likes of doyenne's CSS and Ms. Ditto propelled them very much aground in, dare we say it, mainstream territory.
You wouldn't think it upon first listening to 'F**ked Ups' irascible love letter, it's Eminem's 'Stan' but this time Dido's ditched the mundane housewife role and decided to get even. Its an introduction to Majesty's more melodious moments before 'Night Riders' showcases Shunda K and Jwl B's lyrical splendour, quintessential hip hop; rap, sample, municipal through and through but done with enough individuality to keep the interest sated.
'Blame It On The Change' sounds like Alice Glass's urban nightmare, 8 bit mid menopause and taking no prisoners, but its not Majesty's best electronic moment. That comes courtesy of 'Don't Let Go,' transforming Booka Shade's 'Body Language' into an girl power anthem for the Skins generation, an orgasmic lyric propelled forwards by one of the smartest samples this year. Keeping to electronic comes 'Club Action,' a minimal trio of bass ruined by the unsightly lyric on top. Yo Majesty do better when they don't force the expletives out in a stereotypical diatribe that goes nowhere and offers nothing.
Having worked with a number of producers on Futuristically... means that the album is, in essence, splintered. Considering we're treated to the delights of deck masters Radioclit, Basement Jaxx and Majesty cohorts Hard Feelings, we're not complaining too much though. Also Majesty's more variant moments show they've got more to offer than just attitude and rhymes, 'Buy Love' slows things down to TLC level love balladry and still sounds vibrant enough to keep repeat at your fingertips.
What to call Yo Majesty? Crunk-electro-sub-bass-booty-hop? Maybe not, thing is, after listening to this a number of times, we're not entirely sure what to call them, and don't think its that important. Much will be made of Majesty's sexuality, gender, lyrics and everything else possibly controversial about a lesbian hip hop group unafraid to say it not only how it is, but how they want. It's a shame though, because Yo Majesty shouldn't be about challenging preconceptions or stereotype, it should be about the music only, which stands up on its own two feet, pogos around and then dives right into your living room, enjoying itself just as much as you are.
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