The UK hip/hop scene has never been more illuminated by mainstream lights than it is today. Whether its the steady-paced poetry of hip-hop or the accelerated energy of grime, the UK charts will host singles from it's own artists every week; some of which have began to spread over the pond to the US. 
Utilising both genres, is West-London rapper WKB. Listening to 'Paradox', which appears on Noel Clarke's feature film “4:3:2:1”, its clear that he can spit at a grime tempo and his voice matches the style. The same applies to Daily Medicine, although I think this track does more to emphasise WKB's voice with a darker beat behind it.  Perhaps more beguiling to a wider audience are tracks such as Trust Is A Gamble and Fallen Soldiers. These exhibit more hip-hop elements, although there is still a discernible grime tone. Trust Is A Gamble allows WKB to offer listeners some urban poetry: “F**k love, I put the cuffs on Cupid, 'cos out in these streets, man, trust is useless. I see a dark face, I'm in a dark place, I make dark movements so I leave a dark trace.” 

Lyrics are a strong part of WKB's material; I detect aspects of Taskforce and Orifice Vulgatron (Foreign Beggars) on this.  Moving even closer to the mainstream are Your World and Touch Me, which are both complete with a sung chorus from a female artist with interjections from our MC. In both tracks the theme seems to be love and heartache: “If a shank don't tear your heart then love will, so then I guess that means I'm in trouble. I been through it all, from street fights to bar brawls but I'm facing the toughest fight above all.” (Touch Me). These verses, again of a more hip-hop nature, work very well in setting a poignant, street-life scene which is ever relevant in WKB's music. 
For new listeners I would recommend Trust Is A Gamble and Touch Me as I feel these are where WKB is at his best. Although the grime works well (and its important to vary from one style) a slower tempo gives him time to express his thoughts and us a chance to listen.

Review by Davey Woods. 

[Twitter - @DaveyWoods89]

Biography

My music career started way back in my middle school days. Collecting and spinning

tunes in parties. From there I knew music was my passion.

In my teens I was a regular selector for various sound systems. Loverboy

International, Starlight Express, Loveline to name a few. We were in popular demand

and played regular at many parties and dances etc in and around the London area.

My radio dj days started by accident. In the early 90's a friend brought me into Skyline

radio to cover a show, not thinking anything would become of it and I was offered a

regular slot right there. It was where I met my good friend the late DJ Village. We both

continued working together and in 1999 we both moved onto to present on Cruise FM

managed by DJ Village.

My selector/sound system career continued and went from strength to strength.

Myself, Migus and D Science were all members of GI Roadshow. This was the start of

my international/european career and was privileged to be able to play in the UK,

Austria and Germany.

I had the opportunity to travel to The Gambia in 2000 to join Starkey Banton. From

my successful first trip I was fortunate to travel to The Gambia three times that year

playing and performing at several venues.

Due to the tragic passing of my lifelong friend DJ Village I continued to run Cruise fm

with his brother Sean, General Lee and QP. Throughout time my career went from

strength to strength and I played at several venues in Spain, Sweden and America.

Throughout my career as a radio dj I have been blessed to work with several talented

dj's on different stations. Not only the ones I have mentioned but stations such as

Juice UK, Genesis Radio, Hot 96, and Unique Radio.

In 2003 the collaboration of myself, Chris Peckings and Milton Campbell known as the

Peckings Syndicate regularly playing at numerous events. Together we have become a

well known force to be reckoned with.

To date I have regular shows on numerous radio stations in and around London and

the surrounding counties. Playing all aspects of reggae with a touch of other genres.

My weekly reggae shows are known as Reggae Inna Yuh Jeggae.

Now anyone who knows Likkle Minty knows that I am a jack of all trades and a master

of many. In 2011 - 2013 I was the co host of the music corner for the lifestyle show on

Ben TV for SKY.

As well as my music I also have a passion for videography. I have been instrumental in

producing, filming and editing various projects, and music videos for several artists

such as Macka B, Nereus Joseph, Chyna Whyne,  Bongo Kanny, Sparkie Melody, Akabu,  just to name a few.

2016 Moved into Music Production,Producing  the Phobic Riddim feat Macka B, Starkey Banton, Sun I Tafari, in 2020 the Icy Mint Riddim feat Macka B, Starkey Banton, Kirk Diamond and more.

In 2021 Neither One of us Riddim feat Keri Ann with a Cover of Gladys Knight & the pips Classic hit song, and a Saxaphone version feat the late Ray Carless - Neither Sax of us.

In 2023 a rendition of an Esther Phillips Classic - I Hope you'll be Very Unhappy Without Me ,with a Reggae Version of this Party Anthem sung by A Starr. 

​

I have had many important and influential people in my corner over the years, so

many and to many to mention. I wish to thank them, my supporters, my listeners and

my family for their continued support and guidance throughout the years.

Jah Guide and Protect

Stay Blessed

One Love

Likkle Minty

Followers of Iype B