Album Review

Phreeda Sharp – 7 Days In The Life Of A Sharp Shooter

• 22nd Nov 2012

From Azealia Banks, to Angel Haze and Iggy Azalea there’s been a steady rise in female rappers taking centre stage. Hackney based Phreeda Sharp, has confidently staked her claim in becoming the next rising female rap artist, with the release of her free debut mixtape ‘7 Days In The Life Of A Sharp Shooter’. Born and raised in Ghana, 24 year old Sharp has been heavily influenced by the likes of Jay Z, The Roots and Missy Elliot. Sharp has been gaining momentum with her 7 track mixtape, which sees production styling’s from the likes of Diablo, Bass Drum Snare Drum, Time is Whatever, Myles Sanko & Sugaroc. Sharps character throughout is edgy and raw. You can’t help but feel excited and empowered after listening to Phreeda Sharp and eagerly anticipate what else she has to offer.

The title track ‘Sharp Shooter’ samples Meek Mill ‘Young & Gettin’ It’ and opens with the feint echoes of sirens and punctuated synth stabs. Sharp goes hell for leather in the opening track and literally goes in with a ‘Bang Bang’. Her feisty lyrics effortlessly flow over the looped synths, as Sharp delivers with such vigour and conviction. ‘Bouji Gully Chic’, produced by This Is Whatever, creates a sense of chaos with its use of ‘Chiptune’ style production (music made from game console sound-chips). It’s loud, in your face and snappy, but never taking away from Sharps skills.

‘Can You Bang’, produced by Base Drum Snare Drum, oozes confidence, as Sharpe packs a punch with her strong lyrics and catchy hook, while T.I.T.T emphasises her confident outspoken attitude, similar to the abrasive quality of Angel Haze. With the latter being produced by Myles Sanko & Sugaroc, the duo have also produced ‘Take You Out’, which immediately launches into yet another catchy hook and a further round of lyrical feistiness and synth driven accompaniment.

In ‘Gutter Brain’, Sharp samples Chris Browns ‘Don’t judge me’, where she highlights her vulnerability and honesty. The down beat track is stripped back with minimal accompaniment, and gives us a sense of her raw talents. ‘Spilla’ closes the mixtape in true style, with production coming from Dutch DJ & Producer Diablo. ‘Spilla’ is a powerful track and includes siren style synths to drive the energy to the anthemic style chorus, until we’re all chanting ‘Go Hard’ and ‘Spilla’ with great energy and ferocity.

‘7 Days In The Life Of A Sharp Shooter’ has clearly set the benchmark for UK rappers. It’s strong, confident and passionate – everything a debut release should be. Be sure to check out Phreeda’s debut headline show at Hoxton Bar and Kitchen on Monday 26th November.

Free Download: [link]

Venue: 7 Days In The Life Of A Sharp Shooter
Support Band: Unsigned