Various Artists - Closer (CD)

After being nominated for UK music's top honour, the Mercury Prize for his last album 'Upwards', TY returns with the cross Atlantic hip hop - soul album of 2006! TY is an artist who likes to take giant steps with every record he makes. With 'Closer' he has reached a career pinnacle, a record packed with sharp hooks, clever wordplay, a humorous, funky and thoughtful stroll through the mind of the man himself and the life he leads. Straight up Hip Hop this ain't: along with his canny knack for a chorus, TY throws in P-FUNK basslines, Afro-beat drums & vocals, Two-Step shuffles and EARTH WIND & FIRE horn stabs. TY has spent the time since the release of 'Upwards' building a formidable live rep and has toured all over the world. In particular, his time in the USA has allowed him to build such a reputation that he could call in guest slots from DE LA SOUL, SPEECH of ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, BAHAMADIA, RICH MEDINA and ZION I. Throw in vocal contributions from UK singers ESKA and VULA (best known for her work with BASEMENT JAXX) and you have a recipe for one of the best, most soulful, funkiest, thoughtful albums you'll hear this year.