Ty

It's seems that the UK has completely nailed-down the art of instrumental hip-hop (the Herbaliser, Nightmares on Wax), but they have yet to produce an original, ground-breaking MC. And it looks like we'll have to wait for that ray of light at the end of the tunnel, for Ty is not bringing anything new to the hip-hop table. Awkward is Ty's debut album, even though he's been on the scene for a few years now. You would think after years of building up material and living amongst an overflowing DJ culture in London that he would be dropping some fantastic flows and beats, but his debut comes across as weak. The talent is definitely there and allows him to shine on some of the finer beat-heavy tracks, such as "Walk With Your Ego" and "Jealousy," but the majority of the record is more on the R&B tip, something for Ty to get his groove on with the ladies. Even decent tracks like "Move" are hindered by the fact that the chorus is identical to "Bounce," by De La Soul, but with the word "move" rather than "bounce." Even though Awkward isn't a strong debut for Ty, he has definitely set the foundation for, hopefully, superior efforts in the future. But until that happens, he's become another wack British MC to add to the pile.