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Review: Abra Cadabra Claims His Throne With ‘Product Of My Environment’

Elle Evans

By Elle Evans

Elle Evans

10 Dec 2020

Over the years, Abra Cadabra has become a staple name within the skittering sounds of London’s Drill scene. Bursting onto scene in 2016, the rising emcee has been slowly making his way up the ladder, and this year came back with an almighty bang! Taking matters into in his own hands, and following a short hiatus away from music, Abra Cadabra this year alone, has not only shaken up British Rap but also bagged a MOBO nomination for ‘Song of the Year’ with his hit “On Deck”. Rounding off what’s been a very impressive roll out, he recently unveiled his highly anticipated mixtape titled, ‘Product of My Environment’.

Consisting of 14 solid tracks, with guest appearances from Kush, Krept & Konan, Dappy, Young Adz and Dirtbike LB, ‘Product of My Environment’ see’s the Tottenham native not only boasting his indisputable versatility, but his all-round quality artistry. Exploring various sonic paths, Abra has refined the concept of making songs for any given mood. Putting his signature vigorous energy on a glimmering pedestal, his unapologetic, raw, and hard-hitting approach takes centre stage throughout the project.

Introducing the mixtape with “Trenches”, he takes the time to reflect on both his journey and life, and what has come with them. Layered over an emotionally baring production courtesy of Gotcha, Abra spits nothing but straight-talking bars from start to finish; “I see a n***a doing drill, he never wanted to / Yeah, he was in these streets but wasn’t comfortable / He wasn’t built for this but forced himself, what a fool / He defo told the truth to the constable / I can’t have them type of n***a’s ‘round me / I ain’t fuckin’ with no snitches, keep your distance”. Setting the tone for what’s yet to come, we swiftly transition into one of the stand-out tracks alongside Kush titled, “How We Living”. Housing a sparse yet up-beat production from Wild-Boy, Abra takes on a more melodic approach in this infectious joint. Paired with a cold verse from Kush, both rappers compliment each other’s styles seamlessly and in turn, have created a banger!

Captivating you from the offset, we quickly find ourselves manoeuvring through a run of his pre-released hits including, “On Deck, “Show Me” and “Spin This Coupe” – all of which accommodate greaze-enriched instrumentals and rapid fire-flows that are ready for the return of the clubs! Following the release of the huge street heater “Robbery (Remix)” 4 years ago, Abra has reunited with both Krept & Konan for the eerie and menacing joint “Seen It All”, before linking up with Dappy on yet another stand-out track “Selective Bad Boys”. Staying consistent with the gritty and raw sound that fans have been craving, the emcee’s determination and hunger speaks for itself, and has only proven evident this year.

From the explosive energy in “Keep Going”, to the laid-back and melodic vibrations of “My People”, Abra closes out the mixtape with “Everywhere I Go”; touching on the trials and tribulations he has faced, he gives an honest and heart-felt account of his personal experiences, only leaving the listener wanting more. Flying to the forefront of the scene in a matter of months, Abra has only certified his position and potential with this flawless project.

It looks like it’s going to be an even bigger 2021 for Abra! Listen to ‘Product Of My Environment’ below.


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