Serocee was born in Small Heath, Birmingham but was sent ‘home’ to Kingston, Jamaica to get an education. This obviously saw him get a proper appreciation of reggae culture but by the time he was 14, he was a member of a rap group called Crossfire which was popular locally and worked with a keen promoter of talented local Brummie youth, Pato Banton. Serocee now lives in London and has linked up with Karl Hinds (one of the Blacknificent Seven) at Ill Flava Records.

Respect to all the DJs playing the ‘Life’ where he raps to a bouncing dancehall beat. Life affirming and positive and much to admire with the current UK bashment of the likes of YT Straight Outta Britain; big up your Nan and make sure you live your life.

The b-side ‘WAR’ is a big string-laden hip hop anti-Bush/Blair rant, “We know Birmingham is ready for….WAR”. Back in the day, I got my first experience of working on the shop floor of industry in Small Heath so I’m feelin’ an empathy with Serocee from the start. Even if it’s depressing that he reminds us “we’ve been through it before”; his voice reminds me of a mix of that other London-based brummie exile Benjamin Zephaniah and Roots Manuva.

Both tracks come with instrumental versions. Whilst the scratched vinyl efx is a well worn tool, the ‘Life’ instrumental sounds a little weak compared to the string-surround-sound ‘WAR’ half-instrumental. Having said that, I like the bounce and the chimes of ‘Life’ and both tracks show off what a good producer Hinds is.

What with the current political situations worldwide blowing up, ‘WAR’ is a tune to get behind. Big sound and both tracks must be stand-outs on the forthcoming Sorocee debut album, Second Generation Windrush Pickney. For now, (sing it) “… make sure you make sure you make the most of your, LIFE!”

Hectic Mix nomination - ‘Life’ and ‘WAR’

Reviewed: Serocee - ‘Life / WAR’ (Ill Flava Records) Release Date: 21 August 2006
A1. Life (4:26)
A2. Life (Instrumental) (4:26)
B1. WAR (2:55)
B2. WAR (Instrumental) (2:53)

Links:
www.illflavarecords.com
Pato Banton’s Reggae Revolution