Various Artists: Lord of the Mics IV

Independent release Lord of the Mics IV marks the fourth volume of the British grime series. Grime, stylistically, mixes hardcore rap and electronic music. Featured are various anticipated MCs, including P Money, who sets the tone impressively on “Shutting It Down” and Jammer, who rides a hard beat and malicious production work capably on “Bang & Blast”. K Dot stands out, rhyming agilely on “Nail in the Coffin”. “Straight Up Remix” is valedictory, given superb production, sound rhymes from numerous rappers, and its infectious hook. The compilation still falls victim to the pitfalls of the ‘mixtape’; some tracks fall short. The most pronounced fall-off is a stretch of cuts from “200 Retweets” and “Pride”, which fail shine.

Lord of the Mics IV immerses listeners into the grime scene. The DVD supplements, given the audience the visual rap battling experience. Perhaps not exceptional, …Mics IV has its moments.