Lifelong artist, rapper and producer B-Cide has honed his distinct, impassioned and powerful sound over multiple decades – a commitment and cause that’s celebrated with confidence and emotion, throughout the compelling new album MonSter.
Promising fifteen original hip hop tracks, MonSter is melodic and intense, spacious and creative, focused and purposeful. All of this is clear from the opening depth and stylistic appeal of The Call – an hypnotic synth riff and creative bass-and-beat combo supporting a gritty, captivating story, from the raspy vocal integrity of B-Cide our leading artist.
A concept album in full, MonSter takes inspiration from thoughts and experiences relating to identity, resilience, and the invisible battles of living with multiple sclerosis. To my knowledge, there isn’t another full length album that explores this perspective – a known condition but one rarely captured in art and music. The songs reflect B-Cide’s own journey through life with MS, and yet on the surface, these are simply artistic and gripping original rap tracks; the depth and sense of story woven in building beautifully on an existing talent and reason for making music.
MonSter the title track is revealing and nostalgic, a haunting old-school beat led by diverse vocals that shine light on the various nuances of disability and debilitating health conditions. Then there’s the single release Still Me, featuring Grace R and Chris Cox – a heartfelt and near-euphoric song, with a hugely anthemic RnB chorus, which doubles down on the topic of perseverance and self-identity, creating change and possibility in moving forwards despite the struggles of multiple sclerosis.
Other highlights from this album include the playfully produced and unignorable song Claustrophonic, a piercing lyrical realness levelled by a catchy, anthemic old-school rap hook. Then in stark contrast, Gravity Suit drops things down a peg or two, with melancholic piano and a quiet, contemplative vocal performance from B-Cide. The vulnerability here is an essential part of the process, and helps the weight and wonder of MonSter connect all the more authentically. A personal highlight for sure, poetic and powerful, something like Souleye in topic and design.
Versatility continues to let these stories and tracks hold attention, with the likes of Demon Within adding pain and personal turmoil, darkness and desperation to an overall empowering set of moments. Walk follows on chronologically almost, a rightful next page in the story – a revealing look at the true pain and struggle of multiple sclerosis. Then there’s Borrowed Legs, euphoric and synth-soaked, but also furthering the realism and helping shine light on what life is truly like for those who wake up every day with multiple sclerosis.
From a single-ready perspective, Invisible Fight is its own beast in both sentiment and style, and then Mirror Talk adds something soulful, unrelenting and evocative, before Decades In lightens the load musically, for a funky keys vibe and smooth, catchy flow from B-Cide. Always the lyrics keep you gripped, revelations and statements that provoke further consideration – an album offering some new trait or fact or experience each and every time you revisit.
Finally, the album comes to a close with acoustic guitar and quiet contemplation, as Porch Light – another personal favourite – sets a sublime mood, and presents a story and scenes that hold your attention tightly throughout. B-Cide’s willingness to let all of these emotions and experiences out in an unfiltered and fearless way is incredibly endearing, worthy of respect, and is even fascinating on occasion.
Something real and riveting to sink your teeth into, loaded with character and talent – original through and through. MonSter is a must-hear for the hip hop community, and also for those living with disabilities and health issues that are often overlooked or unseen.
Find B-Cide on his Website or visit his Shop .
