Here's a release that all my Aussie hip-hop training suggests I should hate. I can't hear Scribe's accent; if anything, he sounds American, but there's one thing getting in the way of my cynicism: The Crusader is so damned catchy. In truth, the Kiwis have been pushing gangsta-styled, old-school styles for years. P-Money knows all about that and he's responsible for production on this LP. I always thought the New Zealanders would have commercial success on the international scene before the Aussies and I reckon this is the disc to do it. Not Many flicks the switch to 'on' and its timing is impeccable, the ego is US-sized and Busta-styled syllables spit out the speakers with the frequency of a machine gun; it's instantly impressive. This opening track proves that Scribe is ready to step to his heroes and even if some of the attitude is a little cheesy, it's entertaining; there's no doubt about that. You even get the obligatory R&B; ballad in the form of My Lady and before you shake your head, remember that the Kiwis have always been unashamed of their love of soul. Big-band samples loop to give an epic feel to songs like Theme From Crusader, but lovers of instrumental tracks be warned: this is all about Scribe; all about the lyrics and timing. In other words, if you believe in the term 'instrumental hip-hop' (which I do not!) go grab a Shadow album. Early Kog Transmissions compilations warned me of the rise of NZ hip-hop but potential has transformed into delivery with The Crusader. Very commercial but very impressive.

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Tracklisting
1 Not Many
2 Been this Way
3 Dreaming
4 My Lady
5 Theme from the Crusader
6 Scribe Unltd
7 Too Late
8 Stronger
9 Stand Up
10 Not Many - Remix
11 So nice
12 My Lady

Full listing of SCRIBE releases