Brighton based imprint High Focus is the subject of The Wire's Unlimited Editions column in issue 438. The label recently celebrated their ten year anniversary, marking a decade of continuous activity, during which they have also become well known for their live shows and parties. This playlist serves as an introduction to both their expansive back catalogue, and as a way of shining a light on the diversity within their roster. Head-nod connoisseurs like Leaf Dog mingle with intergalactic rap lords like Onoe Caponoe, in one big hiphop family.

Fliptrix
“My Soul”
From Theory Of Rhyme

I thought I should start at the beginning, with what I’m fairly confident was High Focus’s first ever single; it was definitely the first time I ever wrote about their music (for a now defunct site). In 2010 the label’s founder Fliptrix released the lead single from what was actually his second studio album, but it marked the debut release for High Focus. Accomplished boom bap with some memorable production from 184, and an introduction for many to an MC who went on to dominate the UK scene.

The Four Owls
“Not Like Before”
From Nature’s Greatest Mystery

It would have been easy to pick one of The Four Owls big name collaborations – including two tracks with legendary producer DJ Premier – but instead I went with a cut from their debut album. The Four Owls are High Focus’s supergroup, featuring a quartet of established MCs – Fliptrix, Verb T, BVA and Leaf Dog – and they have been the label’s biggest export. “Not Like Before” is an introduction of sorts, as each member breaks down their respective careers to date, while Tammi Terrell's distinct vocal loops in the background.

Dead Players
“Drenching”
From Freshly Skeletal

At the other end of the scale, far removed from the boom bap strains of Fliptrix and The Four Owls, are Dead Players. The much loved crew, comprised of Dabbla, Jam Baxter and producer GhostTown, create a particular brand of hybrid rap which regularly draws on inspiration from neighbouring genres like grime and some of the more bass-heavy styles. Bangers yes, but with a bit more substance, thanks to the respective talents of Dabbla and Baxter. Dabbla’s brutal honesty and perfected double-time flows, gel well with Baxter’s often darkly evocative imagery. “Drenching”, the final track from their second album, is a prime example of this chemistry.

Dirty Dike
“Permanent Midnight”
From Acrylic Snail

Dirty Dike has been with High Focus since the start and is definitely up there with their most popular artists. A purveyor of brilliantly obnoxious rap, he is also the brains behind some of the label’s most incendiary live shows. He has amassed legions of diehard fans thanks to his blisteringly frank insights and commentary on life and all its beautiful ugliness. On Acrylic Snail's “Permanent Midnight”, he recounts some grimier childhood tales involving train yards and drugs, over some typically atmospheric production from Chemo.

Onoe Caponoe
“Red Planet”
From Surf Or Die

Onoe Caponoe is impossible to pigeonhole. He is a rapper first and foremost, but his production choices allow him to stray into areas that other hiphop MCs might struggle with. He’s arguably the most intriguing artist on HF’s roster, thanks to his penchant for blending sci-fi and space fantasy with gothic imagery and a vague air of horror. On “Red Planet”, taken from 2019’s Surf Or Die, Onoe hits out with some rapid-fire delivery and frenzied bass-driven production, taking the listener on a celestial trip in the process (emphasis on the word trip).

Mr Key & Greenwood Sharps
“Luv Is All U Need M8”
From Green & Gold

Yet more variation here, thanks to Mr Key and Greenwood Sharps, who have so far released two projects with High Focus. Mr Key’s approach to rapping strays more into spoken word territory than some of his label mates, which often leads to a more introspective feel to his lyricism. Their most recent EP Green & Gold was full of hope and often professed the notion that love will conquer all, as demonstrated on standout single, “Luv Is All U Need M8”. Key’s powerful delivery is perfectly complemented by Sharps’ sparsely populated soundscape, resulting in one of my favourite songs in the label’s history.

Pitch 92
“Drama”
From 3rd Culture

Pitch 92’s producer album was his first for High Focus and it stood as one of their high points in 2019. The Manchester based producer was already well known before he joined HF’s ranks, but 3rd Culture marks some of his best work to date. “Drama” is a lively number to finish on as it features one of my favourite verses from Metropolis of Foreign Beggars, who sadly passed away in April. It also reunited the Beggars with their old sparring partner Dr Syntax, and one of Manchester’s finest, Sparkz.

Read more about High Focus in The Wire 438. Wire subscribers can also read the piece online via the digital archive.