The Tongue - Bad Education EP (AUS)
Despite ‘Bad Education’ being his debut release, The Tongue is already a well respected in Aussie hip hop circles as a great battle rapper and charismatic freestyler. Does this transplant into future success off the live circuit? We’ll soon see.
Starting off the EP is the title track backed by in short…an insane beat from The Bagraiders (which somewhat reminds me of the Sexyback beat, however wack JT’s track was) which had me wylin out as soon as I heard it. It serves as a fitting introduction to those not familiar with what The Tongue offers, as his trademark razor sharp lyrics and easy going flow are on full display.
“Politicians don’t want this conscious emcee
Who stays higher and flier then Qantas
To deliver on the words that he promised”
‘The Punch’ comes up next, and the listener has to whack themselves over the head to get themselves out of the mirage that their lying in the sun on a Caribbean beach, the production is again faultless. The Tongue sure knows how to rock all styles as well, for he doesn’t stumble on ‘The Punch’ and compliments the Jamaican influenced beat with some easygoing rhymes.
‘The Punch’ will stay on repeat long into the Summer and would be a perfect single if The Tongue chooses to explore those options.
The Tongue shows the serious side of his character on ‘Don’t You Ever’ backed by the smooth vocals of Bertie Blackman and is backed again by wonderful production totally opposite to what was shown on the first two tracks. The Tongue’s rapping abruptly changes as well, gone is the witty & up tempo flow of the first two tracks replaced with a much more somber approach that works remarkably well.
Two versions of ‘Counterfeit Cheques’ round off the EP, the first being a remix which features The Herd member (as well as being the Elefant Traks label manager) Urthboy as well as Fame. The result is another up tempo performance, where The Tongue mixes his sharp battle verses with these two emcees.
On the original version of ‘Counterfeit Cheques’ The Tongue gets political on the second verse.
“The real criminals are never gonna lose in court
They talk sense and pay their dues in court”
‘Counterfeit Cheques’ is a great conclusion to the album as it further solidifies The Tongue’s ability to tackle different issues and proves that on a full length LP he sure as hell won’t get played out.
‘Bad Education’ is a perfect indication that listeners will be hearing a lot more from The Tongue in the future, clearly showing the skill and prowess to rock any kind of track. A full length album from this Sydneysider will definitely be an album to look out for. But until then, go and pick up ‘Bad Education’ get a taste of what this young and talented rapper has to offer.
Contributed by Jon Emmenidis from Certified Hiphop
