‘Where The Art Is (Volume 1)’ is the 14 track compilation of demo’s and collaborations from 22 year old, Macclesfield rapper, Beit Nun. Released on Innit Records, a label run by himself, the release follows the 2005 limited 8 track EP ‘Cheap As Chips’.

‘Where The Art Is (Volume 1)’ consists of tracks recorded over the last 2 years in preparation for his forthcoming EP which is scheduled for a Summer 2008 release. Weighing in at just over 41minutes, the release see’s Beit Nun bare his soul and deliver a sharp snapshot of contemporary urban life, with all of its trials and tribulations. Never conceited or arrogant, Beit Nun’s bars are spit with a gritty confidence that allows listeners to connect with the message being conveyed. This is especially true on tracks like ‘Something’s Got To Give’ which endorse the importance of being your own person, being true to your dreams and not falling into the 9-to-5 bowls of Babylon. Refreshingly, the difficulty of achieving this dream is pivotal to the storyline and the conviction with which the lyrics are delivered really speaks volumes to the listener.

Where Beit Nun really excels is with the shadowy, Jehst-like melancholic beatscapes of tracks like ‘Learn’ and ‘Take Me Away’. The former is the jewel in this releases crown with its murky and sinister beat that storms forward with a glistening slow-motion energy. Proving to be a perfect accompaniment to an image of driving through the cold, unforgiving neon-glow of any UK city at night, Beit Nun spits with high-octane vigor which, along with the beat, grips the listener and takes them into the deep, dark underbelly of ‘from-the-source’ UK underground hip-hop. The latter center’s on a gloom-laden, Clint Mansell-esque cinematic melody which meanders behind a wonderfully contrasting barrage of muffled industrial beats. The immaculate placing of words (especially in the second verse) brings images of Nottinghams finest, ‘Cappo’, and showcases Beit Nun’s talent as a street-poet.

A UK hip-hop release is not a place where one expects to find a Madonna sample but on ‘My Playground’, Beit Nun and producer Figaro, fully extract the reminiscent quality of her ‘This Used To Be My Playground’ hit. Consisting of a brisk and highly personal narrative of his ascent into ‘music-for-life’, Beit Nun cements his reputation as a honest, hard-working and ambitious UK rapper and repeated listens establish that the use of the Madonna sample was a fine choice indeed. A beefed-up remix of the ‘My Playground’ track is also included with a sub-bursting bassline and fine vocal contributions from Jeady and Jabba Tha Kut. Aesthetically echoing the pomp and ceremony of Nas and Jay Z‘s ‘Black Republican’, the title track proves to be a storming end to the release with its epic, orchestral soundscape. Fusing the urban griminess of the scorching bars with the ‘call-to-arms’ grandeur of the beat creates an up-roaring piece that will have you clambering for the repeat button.

‘Where The Art Is (Volume 1)’ succeeds in being a heartfelt, energetic and intelligent release and a great advert for the underground UK hip-hop scene. The use of various producers and mixers breaks up the stagnant sound that sometimes plagues underground releases and furthermore, the accentuating of the Britishness of his accent is an approach that really connects with the target audience. Fans of true, insightful hip-hop from the likes of Jehst, Cappo, Braintax, Skinnyman, Lewis Parker and Rodney P will no doubt be drawn to the quality of this release and one suspects that ‘Where The Art Is (Volume 1)’ will act as a stepping stone to the next level of UK hip-hop stardom for Beit Nun and his crew. (RM)

For fans of: Jehst, Cappo, Braintax, Skinnyman, Lewis Parker, Rodney P