The Misadventures Of A Middle Man

by Essa

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Scissorino Not decided on a favourite track but the album as a whole is positive, reflective and mature - aside from the lyricism and the recognisable voice, things have changed since 'The Essance' (still a great album though!) Great LP.

Lo Tide So many high points on this album. Flows are incredible throughout. Lyrics that mean something and draw on different areas of life. Superb set of music! Favorite track: The Middle Man.

Dr Fish Awesome talent and fantastic voice. Loving the album! Favorite track: Easy.

leejames man big up's to the uk scene...luv this album...... Favorite track: Man Enough ft. Doc Brown & D.Ablo.

Bbear Brown First rap album I've been excited about in a while, with some awesome beat makers so far, the world belongs to you has been stuck in my head for ages, can't wait to hear the rest of the album Favorite track: The World Belongs To You.

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1.	A View From The Middle 01:08	info	buy track
2.	The Middle Man 03:34	info	buy track
3.	Easy 03:50	info	buy track
4.	The World Belongs To You 04:08 video	info	buy track
5.	Man Enough ft. Doc Brown & D.Ablo 03:31	info	buy track
6.	Harder 04:22	info	buy track
7.	Prayers Of A Non-Believer ft. D.Ablo 04:16	info	buy track
8.	Evade & Seek ft. Brotherman 03:46	info	buy track
9.	Well Spoken 02:35	info	buy track
10.	Nothing To Say 01:56	info	buy track
11.	The Invisible Man 04:36	info	buy track
12.	Sorry 05:26	info	buy track

about

First Word Records proudly presents 'The Misadventures Of A Middle Man', the new album from Essa. Despite being a firm fixture in UK rap for over a decade, this will be Essa's first full-length since 2006's 'Grown Man Business' with DJ Mr Thing. Early releases 'Liquid Love', 'City Breaks' and 'Dancing Shoes' (under former name Yungun) established him as one of the UK's most insightful MCs. Collabs with Guru (Gang Starr/Jazzmatazz) and praise from Nas and Mark Ronson followed.

All of this whilst pursuing a parallel career as an entertainment lawyer.

The collision of these two worlds, plus his mixed race heritage, are the inspiration for the new album, as Essa explains:

"I've always been a middle man - walking within widely different circles (racial, social, cultural, musical) but never quite feeling like I belong in any one of them. That's a gift and a curse - I've written about both".

Few MCs can convincingly tackle such weighty topics - 'The Middle Man' is a strikingly honest examination of mixed-race identity; 'Prayers of a Non-Believer asks what belief means to those without religion; 'Well Spoken' is a witty take on the class system - but Essa's laid-back charm and effortlessly smooth flow keep the tone light and entertaining. Not political, but personal. Not preachy, but perceptive.

With an enviable roster of producers including Waajeed, Eric Lau, Tall Black Guy, Ta-Ku, Budgie and Flako, the musical backdrop reflects Essa's broad outlook, with elements of neo-soul, latin, afro-beat, electronica, spoken word and of course hip-hop. Essa sums it up neatly on key track 'The Middle Man':

"When you stand in the middle there's a hell of a view, and all I want to do is share it with you"

OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR 'THE WORLD BELONGS TO YOU':

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqizEeJl_t4&feature=youtu.be

credits

released May 5, 2014

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about

Essa London, UK

A lyricist, lawyer and a Londoner, Essa initially released music under the name Yungun in the early noughties, in the midst of UK hip hop's own "golden era". He earned praise from artists such as Nas and Mark Ronson, and performed and recorded with such luminaries as De La Soul, Wu-Tang Clan, Guru, Slum Village and Pharoahe Monch. ... more

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