3Face - One To Watch

Check this very snazzy lil' player that Goldseal Recordings has put together for the release of 3Face's just-released single, Different World, which is more of an ep considering it features five or so tracks: Different World single; grime remix featuring Wretch 32 and Nolay (it's on the player), a bleepy gutter 'lectro remix and a couple of other extra tracks, I Remember's set to an acoustic guitar and Draw Dat's a cheeky, goodtime party banger.

What does this tell us? That 3Face's a versatile, broadminded cat who can bend his flow, lyrics and content depending on time, place and audience.

Adaptability and accessibility are very important attributes especially when allied to an ability to draw listeners into an alien world, and show them its sights and sounds too.

Personally, I'm feeling the original of Different World: it combines scorched/soaring soul (courtesy of the Four Tops) with 3Face's hopes for a world without jacking, shanking, grinding for money, where it's sunny 24/7, jobs are plentiful and life on road isn't so harsh. 3Face's flow switches from nice and easy to edgy and dark, depending on whether he's regaling us with reality or escapism. It might not be a life that all of us know or relate to but it's an aspirational message that's universal.

Whereas the Different World remix is pure dancefloor: The Four Tops become chipmunks the flows are doubletime and Wretch 32, Nasty Jack, Nolay and Tinchy Stryder bring the grimey fire and ire.

I Remember's a collaboration with Alisha Bennett (X Factor finalist no less), and is acoustic/soulful/nostalgic gold. 3Face breezily evokes those heady days of innocent youth - jokes on the back of the bus, playing kiss chase, MaccyDs' banana milkshakes, dates at the cinema, first holidays abroad... 3Face sucks you into a sepia-tinged world (think the rap equivalent of the Wonder Years), and puts an inane sentimental grin on your face.

3Face is that rarity in homegrown urban music, a three dimensional rapper who can switch from Klashnekoff style hard hitting consciousness to Sway style cheeky storytelling or do the sensitive thang. And the icing on the cake's his music is positive, progressive and meaningful. His buzz is building, The Fader (who infamously put MIA on her route to superstardom by putting her on the front cover), Touch, Knowledge are all supporting, already. Different World's out now, he's got an EP due in March and LP later this year.

Find out more about 3Face here: www.myspace.com/3face and