The Kinesis Thesis- a review

With a lot of British rap acts having to go the Dubstep, Grime or Drum 'N' Bass route to survive, it comes as a breath of fresh air to discover K.I.N.E.T.I.K, a truly talented rapper, out of the hectic streets of Kensal Rise, North London, at the 'notorious' end of the Bakerloo Line.
Citing influences such as Wu-Tang-Clan and the Lost Boys, this 27-year-old has been on a mission to return hip-hop back to its purposeful roots and essence - namely, a great lyrical flow, a variety of meaningful subjects and some wicked production, featuring scratching to add flavour to two tracks.
Taking film director Alfred Hitchcock's adage about grabbing the audience's attention in the first few minutes, Kinetik jumps out of the box with 'Let's Go', a blistering, amped track where he just rhymes for his life, announcing his purpose and telling all competitors to 'fall back.' The production hits you rougher than an animal, with a cinematic punch to the face, complete with a apt scratched-in Big L sample: "You think you're nice as me? Ha ha!'
Things slow down a bit on the title track, 'The Kinesis Thesis', to take things a little more reflectively. Over a nice funky two-step drum-riff and a female vocal, Kinetik raps about his reasons for being a rapper and the struggle to achieve his goals.
Other tracks speak upon living in London - 'In the City' paints a vivid picture of the daily grind of avoiding drugs, guns and having to survive - the hip-hop business, ('Keep it Goin') and domestic violence ('Love Has Never Lived Here'.) The 1980s break of choice, Melvin Bliss' 'Synthetic Substitution', provides the foundation for 'An Intense Rush', a track that speaks of the thoughts and feelings of rhyming as an outlet for frustration and positivity. 'Don't Be Silly' has a lovely trumpet sample and some Roy Ayers- inspired xylophones lacing the subject of Kinetik's lack of commitment with the ladies.
Inspired possibly by Nas, we also have 'Memory Lane', which is no less vivid and heartfelt than Nas' version. Kinetik raps about his hip-hop influences ('B.I.G') and quotes some cartoons of old such as Ninja Turtles and Transformers.
Kinetik reminded me a lot of underrated rapper O.C, another rhymer with skill, high-quality production and a gift for painting gritty stories with his rhymes. Thankfully, whilst Kinetik talks about British lives and issues, it doesn't detract from how well-produced the album is, or how much care and thought has gone into his rhymes.
If you're bemoaning all the Yin of hip-hop being about partying, blunts and materialism, then balance your Yang and support this artist. No more moaning; it's time to put your money where your mouth is and enjoy the essence of rap once again.