Urban review: Blak Twang, Speaking from Xperience

Blak Twang's career could almost be a history of British hip-hop in microcosm. The London-based rapper's early albums fell foul of industry politicking and poor distribution, and as he reached the threshold of mainstream success, his label went out of business. This LP is independently released; on one track, '96, he compares his present status to his early years, and it certainly rings true. Speaking from Xperience marries the hunger of a newcomer to the lessons Twang has learned, over tracks that blend reggae with new-school hip-hop. Estelle, Sway and Rhymefest guest, but it is Blak Twang and his intricate, clever, lyrics - rhyming "pastrami" with "Ras Kwame" one minute, flitting from the arms trade to the sale of Live 8 tickets on eBay the next - who rightly remains in the spotlight.