Mark B and BladeThe UnknownReview

Fuelled by a lack of enthusiasm from the mainstream media, Blade has made it his mission to raise the profile of UK hip-hop. Stigmatised for being Londoners and largely ignored by the majors it is clear from many of the rhymes on this album that their journey so far has been a struggle with Blade nearly retiring from the stage and narrowly avoiding hip hops' wannabe scrap heap.

Had it not been for Mark B's efforts to crank up his often downbeat productions into something much more 'in yer face' The Unknown would never had been made. After the success of the single "The Unknown", a finely honed acoustic jam, Wordplay Records have added some new material including a guitar riff slamming remix of "Ya Don't See The Signs" courtesy of Feeder's Grant Nicholas and re-released the album on to a newly primed audience. In conjunction with the likes of Roots Manuva and Skitz, Mark B and Blade appear to be succeeding in their mission; all of a sudden the smell of the homegrown seems that little bit sweeter.