Extra Ordinary

Some collaborations make perfect sense on paper. Others prove their worth the moment the needle drops. The partnership between hip-hop veteran Andy Cooper and world champion turntablist DJ Robert Smith comfortably falls into the latter category, delivering a record that feels like a celebration of the genre’s foundational elements while sounding anything but nostalgic.

Built around a simple but effective concept, the album divides its focus between two pillars of classic hip-hop craftsmanship. Side one showcases Cooper’s formidable lyrical ability, while side two places Smith’s turntable skills front and centre. The result is a record that honours the culture’s roots without reducing itself to an exercise in retro revivalism.

Cooper, known for his work with Ugly Duckling and The Allergies, remains a charismatic and engaging presence throughout. His verses are delivered with the confidence and precision of an artist who has spent decades refining his craft, balancing technical skill with an obvious love for the music. There is an infectious enthusiasm running through every performance that makes the album feel celebratory rather than self-congratulatory.

Meanwhile, Smith’s contributions provide a masterclass in turntablism. The second half of the record is a reminder that the decks can be as expressive as any instrument, with routines that showcase both technical excellence and musicality. Rather than feeling like a detached demonstration of skill, the performances serve the album’s wider purpose, highlighting the artistry behind the wheels of steel.

The success of lead single “All That Mess”, which topped Juno’s Breakbeat chart and received international radio support, offered an early indication of the chemistry between the pair. Across the full-length release, that chemistry never wavers. Every track feels driven by a shared appreciation for the culture, history and possibilities of hip-hop.

What makes the album particularly rewarding is its authenticity. In an era where trends often move at breakneck speed, Andy Cooper and DJ Robert Smith focus on fundamentals: great rhymes, great beats and exceptional DJing. It is a combination that remains timeless when executed this well.

For longtime heads, the album is a welcome reminder of hip-hop’s enduring appeal. For newer listeners, it serves as an accessible introduction to the art forms that helped build the genre in the first place. Above all, it is a showcase of craftsmanship, delivered by two artists who clearly still love every second of what they do.