It’s been said of Plan B that he, “Makes the case that music should force you to think,” and with his third studio album UK born Ben Drew does just that. Ill Manors will be released stateside on Tuesday, August 21 after making its debut earlier in 2012 at number one on European charts. Forcing his colleagues and fans alike to confront the jaded political landscape, he does so with an intelligent, sharp and bass heavy soundtrack.
Stand out songs include title track and album opener, “Ill Manors” in which Drew’s sharp lyrics playing off a simple loop create a contrast as rough as the streets suggesting, “Be the joker, play the fool, what's politics, ain't it all smoke and mirrors, April fools all year round,” and “Truth is here, we're all disturbed, we cheat and lie it's so absurd, feed the fear that's what we've learned fuel the fire, let it burn”.
Shortly after that “Drug Dealer” featuring Takura and “Playing With Fire” featuring Labrinth, take the straight hip hop album and smooth it out under a Soul/Pop edge. The songs showcase Plan B’s richly textured artistry and diversity under the same straight edge message. And midway through he allows the sound to dive fully into Soul on “Deepest Shame” an emotionally poignant track driven by melodic guitar riffs and chords. After that “Pity the Plight” takes a dramatically theatrical turn on a track that has a golden age radio theater feel set under his lyrics and loops.
Overall Ill Manors is an album that finds Plan B and Ben Drew being as truthful as he is true to himself and the artistry he has established. With politically and intellectually stimulating lyrics balanced between the layers of Hip Hop, Soul and some drama it’s comparable to a well balanced meal. It gives you the sweet with the sour and a healthy dose of seasoning from the artist himself.
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