Experiencing B-Joux, The 'Foundation' EP [Review]

B-Joux is an artist who represents a new wave of music for the UK and is fully capitalising on the ever-growing movement of genre-blending. Describing himself as an 'experimental artist', he hails from East London and has just released his most recent EP: 'Foundation'. Over eight tracks B-Joux showcases a growth and dexterity comparable to Loski's 'Music, Trial & Trauma: A Drill Story' masterpiece or the beautiful contrast between Abra Cadabra's 'Product Of My Environment' and his latest EP 'Mixed Emotions' as well delivering the best of afro-swing, Drill and UK 'real rap' elements.

As B-Joux says in this short documentary, he's here to 'make music'.

True to his message and approach to music, 'Foundation' showcases B-Joux's raw talent and dynamic approach to making music. Even though his sound incorporates mainstream elements of Black British culture and sound it retains a passion and reflective ability that is a far cry from the charts. Focused at all times with painting a picture with his words, B-Joux's mastery of sound surpasses simple Rap and R&B and offers his listeners something they would never expect.

Placing eight individual tracks into an EP is no mean feat, and to make them each stand out and have their own identities whilst simultaneously allowing them to weave between each other is... well, we'll let you decide for yourself.

The production on 'Foundation' is something certainly to write home about. Eshenkiru, AB96ix, Tolushorts and Essbjorn Svensson utilise a unique beat selection, samples, synths and keys to give this project a wholeness that you'd be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Coupled with B-Joux's unique voices, rapping and singing, 'Foundation' is an extremely strong launching pad for the artist's future prospects, it also shows B's understanding and hard work of years in the industry.

The second we heard 'Island', the introductory track for 'Foundation' we knew this was going to be something completely different to what we've heard before. When the drum beat comes in it triggers associations with the booming Drill scene running like wildfire through the UK right now. Then you get a switch in the synths and flow, auto-tuned vocals from B-Joux (something uncommon in standard Drill tracks) which shows a dynamic approach to a first track and certainly sets the tone for the whole project.

The second track, 'Games', is a dark moody, piano-led track swerving into a much harder Drill instrumental. One listen and you can tell it's a certified hit, but if you pay close attention to the lyrics it's a deep reflection of B-Joux's life journey. 'This life ain't fun and games'. The track punctuated by B-Joux's faded vocals, adding a different layer of melodic raw emotion that Drill hasn't seen before.

'Easy', eases into an even smoother piano line that could be found in any jazz cafe, coupled with a smooth trappy beat and echoey almost whispered vocals, 'bare man burning the bridge, hoping this music will take me legit''. This track is a fan favourite and it traces B-Joux's path through darkness into a new chapter with music.

The fourth track titled 'Hussle', a West Coast tinged production coupled with East London's swagger and Fxze on the feature. It's impossible to not nod your head to this, it is a 'shoutout' to the people coming up around B-Joux and fighting the same struggles.

'Pedigree' comes in at just over halfway through the EP, back on a signature glitchy hi-hat beat B-Joux's raps with confidence and floats easily on this track. The song showcases the artist's need to prove that he is amongst greatness and that you better remember him. 'Pedigree' also gives fans the catchiest of choruses, fit for a summer banger.

Easing us into tracks 6 and 7, we get our first taste of B-Joux's approach to afro-swing. In 'Queen' we hear a very different vocal approach that's slotted into B-Joux's singing. With 'Celebrate', he once again celebrates his success as well as that of others around him. B-Joux makes these two tracks sound like they have features on them but it's really him giving us the essence of his music, a secondary voice soundtracking the thoughts in his head.

'Flame' closes the EP with a track that sounds like the rolling credits at the end of a movie. The guitars and bass, as well as the snare-led drum pattern complimenting B-Joux's words, where he sums up his conclusions of the life he's lived so far, changing his flow, elevating his friends and family.

'Give me the crown': it sounds like B-Joux is ready.

Stream 'Foundation' by B-Joux here.