Reviewed by Steve Hayes

Picasso is a 21 year-old rapper/producer from London aiming to make great sounding positive music. 'The Magnificent Journey' is an enjoyable set of an inspired little robot on a journey to search for the reason he was created. Picasso's listenable flow brings the London 'ting but is smooth and free. Picasso brings some rolling bars and rhymes to his concept album of a robot wondering what he's there for, to it going on a journey in search of its maker, no matter what ("The Inspired Lil' Robot"). "A.D.Venture" follows this pattern as the robot decides to set out into the spacey universe (reflected by the instrumental track). "Voyage To The Edge" sees the robot's journey begin. The creeping "Storm" sees the pacing and flow of the rapper match the tension of the storm. Moving into the spoken thoughts of the robot is "Washed Up" before "Survival" (and then the slightly off-centre "Hide'N'Seek Electric Sheep") kicks in, both over industrial synthy musical soundscapes. Life and hope returns to the robot to find the creator in "Island Caves" in which Picasso brings us all to the place of decision of faith over fear. This ambitious concept set closes with the robot stating, "The creator is the target/To find out why we were crafted/And I ain't turning back/My magnificent journey is just only started." Seldom has a British hip-hop set demonstrated such lyrical imagination and with all proceeds going to charity this can be recommended to all hip-hop enthusiasts.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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