[REVIEW] Young Fire Old Flame [@Wretch32 x @officialAvelino][@explicitldn]

[button color=”orange” link=”http://mixtapemadness.co.uk/Wretch32/YoungFireOldFlame/2835″ target=”http://mixtapemadness.co.uk/Wretch32/YoungFireOldFlame/2835″]Wretch 32 & Avelino – Young Fire Old Flame[/button]

The year of the lyricist is upon us! It has been an interesting year for the culture of UK Rap and it only seems to be bringing out the very best in home-grown UK talent. After a ferocious Fire In The Booth, Wretch 32 and Avelino confirmed a surprise joint project that will be released before the end of 2015. The news of a joint project made the UK stand still, as the thought of a project from two of the most lyrical wordsmiths in the UK was a mind-blowing concept to comprehend.

Wretch 32 is undisputed as the most lyrical artist in the country and it makes perfect sense that he is collaborating with his impressive protégé Avelino, who has proved this year that his music will break boundaries in 2016. Wretch 32 and Avelino is looking to make history before the end of the year and as a result we have ‘Young Fire Old Flame’, a project where Avelino (Young Flame) is looking make a statement to the world as Wretch 32 (Old Flame) brings back the rawness and lyrical prowess we all knew him for.

The epic 12 track mixtape includes some diverse guest appearances from the likes of: Moelogo, Yungen, Youngs Teflon, FUSE ODG and many more.

The journey begins with the self titled track “Young Fire Old Flame” featuring J Warner, as both Wretch 32 and Avelino go back to back with explosive content reflecting the state of our current society. Notable lines include: “Stop letting snakes rattle in your streets/I remember feds put me in a grapple in my teens/I was choking, screaming that I couldn’t breathe/Imagine I was Eric Garner”. Young Fire Old Flame introduces us to a refined project that will provide unlimited content that will last a lifetime.

Wretch 32 and Avelino prove that they are definitely a WWE tag team when it comes to lyrical content with the heroic “Hulk Hogan”. This track is one of the more light hearted tracks on the mixtape with the main aim of having fun with the music.

Wretch 32 and Avelino recruit Sneakbo and Moelogo for the smooth, organic “The 15th”. The diverse collaboration brings out the very best from these artists as they speak on their roots and how life has changed for them over the years. The afro influenced production makes this an authentic track which radiates good vibes.

Youngs Teflon joins Wretch 32 and Aveino for the timeless “GMO”, which is one of the more subtle, reflective tracks on the mixtape. Each rapper has a moment to complement the track with heartfelt lyrics, covering a range of topics and emotions throughout their careers.

The mixtape concludes with “Dry Cry” featuring Stacey Barthe as Wretch 32 and Avelino produce thought provoking music over an honest acoustic production. The production allows the lyrics to shine through as we focus on the content at it rawest form. Avelino is a highlight as he shows versatility as his range of flows complement the direction of the track.

‘Young Fire Old Flame’ only gets better after every listen as you begin to unravel the level of lyricism from both Wretch 32 and Avelino. The mixtape was definitely the best surprise of 2015 as we get everything we expect and more. The collaboration has allowed us to see what Avelino has to offer and we can only expect more amazing music from the Young Flame. Wretch 32 has reminded the scene that he nobody can touch him when it comes to lyrics and the passing of the torch only proves that Avelino is next up!

‘Young Fire Old Flame’ may have been a late entry. However, it will definitely go down as one of the five best mixtapes in 2015 easy.

Favourite Track: GMO featuring Youngs Teflon

Tariq Peters (@Explicit LDN)

[button color=”orange” link=”http://mixtapemadness.co.uk/Wretch32/YoungFireOldFlame/2835″ target=”http://mixtapemadness.co.uk/Wretch32/YoungFireOldFlame/2835″]Wretch 32 & Avelino – Young Fire Old Flame[/button]