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SWAY This Is My Demo All City ***

As most of its practitioners know only too well, UK hip-hop has had its share of false starts. Despite reaping heavyweight plaudits from hometown pundits, the US and world at large are unlikely to substitute a Dizzee Rascal or Roots Manuva for a Kanye West or even a Fat Joe. Derek Safo may already have gathered many accolades (including a Mobo award last year), but he should prepare for more to come. What stands tall on This Is My Demo are Sway's sharp, witty rhymes and a musical nous that avoids bandwagonism. Unlike so many UK rappers currently doing the rounds, the beats take their place in the background throughout. It's a good tactic, because Sway has plenty to say and most times, as he spits observations on everything from domestic violence and street situations to one-night stands and skits about immigration, he hits the target.

[ www.myspace.com/downloadswayOpens in new window ]

Jim Carroll