Firmamentum (GOLD VINYL) [Vinyl]

‘Firmamentum’ (out 30th August) is the debut album from Gawd Status aka King Kashmere and Joker Starr. Fronted by lead singles “Heavy Metal” – which was premiered on Tom Ravenscroft (BBC 6Music) show – and “The Alchemist ft. Fae Simon”, the LP showcases Gawd Status’ versatility and eclecticism as an unconventional prodder/MC duo, delivering a killer and off-kilter record that lies in between the worlds of hip-hop, psychedelia and soul.

Confounding categories, Gawd Status originated from the UK hip-hop scene, with the duo initially meeting at a King Kashmere’s Raiders Of The Lost Archives launch party back in 2008, joining forces a couple of years after. Slough resident Kebbie Conteh aka Joker Starr solo career ranges from the AA single “Raw Spittage / The Anthem” (2001) to his most recent LP ‘G.A.W.D’ (2019) which demonstrates Joker’s flair for originality as an MC. While King Kashmere, as well as being a talented producer, is known for being a legendary UK MC in his own right, most notably for lending his vocal talents to producer Dr Zygote (aka The Maghreban). Together they form Strange U, releasing on the prolific Eglo Records and esteemed UK label High Focus (who have released music from Ocean Wisdom and Rag’n’Bone Man), plus picking up praise in The Ransom Note, The Quietus, The Wire and on NTS. Individually the duo have supported the likes of AZ, M.O.P, Kool Keith, Necro and Phife Dawg.

“Heavy Metal” is an experimental hip-hop meets psychedelic trip-hop listen that is boisterous, chaotic and marked by a profound sense of urgency. Exploring disparate but interwoven themes of Roman Catholic priests, Afrika Bambaataa, Braintax, the origins of humanity, Babylon and devilish behaviour – Joker Starr’s intention is to uplift and discomfit the listener; “heavy metal for the devil” he ominousness preaches in sinister and satanic voice. King Kashmere perfectly matrimonies the seriousness of Joker Starr’s flows with the textual palette of his production: “As the