I made a thread on Hollowman in 07-08 but I can't find it so I'll start here.
From about 06-07 I was introduced to Giggs, although at the time he was just Hollowman - Giggs was a nickname given for him because he used to giggle a lot, which later became more marketable then Hollowman. Back then he wasn't doing tapes, but features of Mykall Million and others, eventually leading to a series of under-promoted mixtapes that showed promise, but were far from the quality he gave later. I remember when I heard him on Hollowman meets Blade and being very impressed at the leaps and bounds he had come on. His monotone voice and flow was the same, but with better lyrics then anyone was bringing at the time.
He's different now, and increased exposure has made him bring his content down a little to cater for a bigger audience, but he's still good. Production wise, off the new tape 'Take Your Hats Off' it's virtually the same. I can't help but feel he's perfected his craft, and given his latest release is a Whoo Kid product, he might be able to breakthrough to America.
I used to prefer the rawer Hollowman, very cold, dark lyrics that had a bit more focus and a better range of production, even if it was gutter music. But if you know the rapper, you know he's not one to make up his past, and glamourize a lifestyle he never lived. Still, he's here, half a decade later and hasn't changed too much. Albeit a few more chick songs, but it's to be expected after the success of Talking the Hardest, and tracks like Monster are more listenable for me.
I thought years ago that by this time, he would have been far bigger then he is now, I wonder if it will be the same situation in 5 years, although I suppose the progress he has made is quite remarkable given his content? He would have hit America by then, his sound will be taken up over there, I'm sure of it. One thing I can say without doubt is that in 5 years Joe Grind will still be shit, and living off of him.
From about 06-07 I was introduced to Giggs, although at the time he was just Hollowman - Giggs was a nickname given for him because he used to giggle a lot, which later became more marketable then Hollowman. Back then he wasn't doing tapes, but features of Mykall Million and others, eventually leading to a series of under-promoted mixtapes that showed promise, but were far from the quality he gave later. I remember when I heard him on Hollowman meets Blade and being very impressed at the leaps and bounds he had come on. His monotone voice and flow was the same, but with better lyrics then anyone was bringing at the time.
He's different now, and increased exposure has made him bring his content down a little to cater for a bigger audience, but he's still good. Production wise, off the new tape 'Take Your Hats Off' it's virtually the same. I can't help but feel he's perfected his craft, and given his latest release is a Whoo Kid product, he might be able to breakthrough to America.
I used to prefer the rawer Hollowman, very cold, dark lyrics that had a bit more focus and a better range of production, even if it was gutter music. But if you know the rapper, you know he's not one to make up his past, and glamourize a lifestyle he never lived. Still, he's here, half a decade later and hasn't changed too much. Albeit a few more chick songs, but it's to be expected after the success of Talking the Hardest, and tracks like Monster are more listenable for me.
I thought years ago that by this time, he would have been far bigger then he is now, I wonder if it will be the same situation in 5 years, although I suppose the progress he has made is quite remarkable given his content? He would have hit America by then, his sound will be taken up over there, I'm sure of it. One thing I can say without doubt is that in 5 years Joe Grind will still be shit, and living off of him.