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> Artist: Construction
> Title: 'Transmission/Revenge of the Dragon'
> Label: Sure Delight (white label)
> Year: 1991
Over the last few years, old school hip hop from these shores has undergone a renaissance. Magazines like 'Undercover' and more recently 'Record Collector' and 'HHC', the stellar 'Crown Jewels' series and websites such as 'Heroes of UK Hip Hop' and 'UK Rap Classics' have sought to reassemble UK heads as well as stimulate discussion. I am no exception, and I make no apology for once again dipping DWG's collective toes into the murky waters of British hip hop gone by, however, I do promise to head across the Atlantic sometime soon!
With this in mind, I present you with a fine British dish, one that is coveted by many but also one that relatively little is known about. Let's begin with what is generally acknowledged. It is fair to say that this, the group's second course, is their most delicious moment. Two tracks with fine ingredients and subtle flavours - more about that later! But also, a dish that appears to be a hard find, and as is often the case with main courses, expect to pay a little more than their entree 'Sudden Impact' and their dessert 'Time To Get Raw' - both good dishes themselves.
So, who the heck were Construction? Formed in the late '80s, and part of the Power Pack collective, alongside The Power Lords and MCD's first legendary crew 2 X Def, the band comprised of three members: DJ 'Doctor' Bunny Bread and emcees Rage and J1 Ace. Previously, as is often the case, the members were affiliated with graffiti outfits, in this case, West London's 'Non-Stop Artists' and 'No Limits'. Having formed as a group and chosen the microphone and turntables as tools for their art, they quickly cemented their reputation and earned supporting slots with US acts such as Boogie Down Productions. Having opted for a 'conscious' stance, the crew were clearly influenced by groups like Public Enemy and the Jungle Brothers, and this is evident throughout their music. That said, they chose to use this particular release as a platform upon which to show off their battle prowess with only hints of their political views peppered amongst the bars.
On 'Revenge Of The Dragon', Rage and J1 trade verses at break-neck speed. While J1 raps:
'Explosion as I erupt and destruct, when emcees step on stage they just fuck up...'
Rage later responds:
'Raging, 'cause the rhymes are preparing and tearing, you're fearing in severe domineering.
What's coming close is a dose of a no joke cyclone, with a raging microphone....'
This theme permeates both tracks on the twelve and their content is differentiated via context. Whereas 'Revenge' makes use of a Kung Fu metaphor and even describes a chase reminiscent of The Karate Kid but thankfully given some credibility through the appearance of Bruce Lee, 'Transmission' is immersed in radio waves and static.
All three of their singles were technically released by Sure Delight but none of them were ever graced with a printed label, cover or artwork. This may have been due to the fact that Sure Delight were saving their resources to promote Apache Indian and their US artist roster, effectively rendering Construction product to the fringes. I bought two of their singles at the time and they were not easy finds even then!
Interestingly, this apparent neglect by the label has in recent years, through the mystery it has created, brought Construction into the limelight. It is a shame of course that, as is likely, the artists probably didn't receive the attention and reward that they deserved.
Familiar story...
> Reviewed by: Dudley J
> Title: 'Transmission/Revenge of the Dragon'
> Label: Sure Delight (white label)
> Year: 1991
Over the last few years, old school hip hop from these shores has undergone a renaissance. Magazines like 'Undercover' and more recently 'Record Collector' and 'HHC', the stellar 'Crown Jewels' series and websites such as 'Heroes of UK Hip Hop' and 'UK Rap Classics' have sought to reassemble UK heads as well as stimulate discussion. I am no exception, and I make no apology for once again dipping DWG's collective toes into the murky waters of British hip hop gone by, however, I do promise to head across the Atlantic sometime soon!
With this in mind, I present you with a fine British dish, one that is coveted by many but also one that relatively little is known about. Let's begin with what is generally acknowledged. It is fair to say that this, the group's second course, is their most delicious moment. Two tracks with fine ingredients and subtle flavours - more about that later! But also, a dish that appears to be a hard find, and as is often the case with main courses, expect to pay a little more than their entree 'Sudden Impact' and their dessert 'Time To Get Raw' - both good dishes themselves.
So, who the heck were Construction? Formed in the late '80s, and part of the Power Pack collective, alongside The Power Lords and MCD's first legendary crew 2 X Def, the band comprised of three members: DJ 'Doctor' Bunny Bread and emcees Rage and J1 Ace. Previously, as is often the case, the members were affiliated with graffiti outfits, in this case, West London's 'Non-Stop Artists' and 'No Limits'. Having formed as a group and chosen the microphone and turntables as tools for their art, they quickly cemented their reputation and earned supporting slots with US acts such as Boogie Down Productions. Having opted for a 'conscious' stance, the crew were clearly influenced by groups like Public Enemy and the Jungle Brothers, and this is evident throughout their music. That said, they chose to use this particular release as a platform upon which to show off their battle prowess with only hints of their political views peppered amongst the bars.
On 'Revenge Of The Dragon', Rage and J1 trade verses at break-neck speed. While J1 raps:
'Explosion as I erupt and destruct, when emcees step on stage they just fuck up...'
Rage later responds:
'Raging, 'cause the rhymes are preparing and tearing, you're fearing in severe domineering.
What's coming close is a dose of a no joke cyclone, with a raging microphone....'
This theme permeates both tracks on the twelve and their content is differentiated via context. Whereas 'Revenge' makes use of a Kung Fu metaphor and even describes a chase reminiscent of The Karate Kid but thankfully given some credibility through the appearance of Bruce Lee, 'Transmission' is immersed in radio waves and static.
All three of their singles were technically released by Sure Delight but none of them were ever graced with a printed label, cover or artwork. This may have been due to the fact that Sure Delight were saving their resources to promote Apache Indian and their US artist roster, effectively rendering Construction product to the fringes. I bought two of their singles at the time and they were not easy finds even then!
Interestingly, this apparent neglect by the label has in recent years, through the mystery it has created, brought Construction into the limelight. It is a shame of course that, as is likely, the artists probably didn't receive the attention and reward that they deserved.
Familiar story...
> Reviewed by: Dudley J
