As someone who likes his hip-hop to be served with a smile and a groove so sharp that it cuts strips out of the flooring, I was more than pleased to find out that the debut album from Brighton based DJ Format is an easy collection of free-flowing rhymes and funky instrumentals. With influences from acts such as A Tribe Called Quest and Main Source, this record has lyrics that are keen and quick witted, and breaks so smooth that they almost moonwalk out of your stereo.

After the obligatory but pointless intro, track one - ‘Ill Culinary Behaviour’ - is a good opener thanks to a super-funk Hammond organ sample and a delivery by Canadian rapper Abdominal, who appears regularly throughout the CD. The tune also conveys a sense of humour and intelligence that is carried throughout the album.

Following immediately on is the moody, upcoming single, ‘We Know Something You Don’t Know’ featuring Chali 2NA and Akil from Jurassic 5. Format’s Englishness comes to the fore with ‘Last Bongo In Brighton’ and pops up sporadically in references and samples as well as on ‘Charity Shop Sound Clash’ with vocals from fellow Brighton talent, Aspects. Abdominal, who appears again to good effect on the aptly titled ‘The Hit Song’ and ‘Vicious Battle Raps’, often steals the show but Format’s position as a turntable impresario is cemented by the choice instrumental tracks ‘Here Comes The Fuzz’ and ‘Little Bit Of Soul’.

DJ Format’s ear for a good tune coupled with an ability to choose talented people to work with makes this album notable not only as a debut record but also as a worthwhile contribution to British hip-hop. Overall this is a fine record to see in the spring.

Words: Robin Harris