Another good-looking fridge magnet from Paper House Productions. This flat, die-cut magnet features a glossy photographic image and a full magnetic back. Measures approximately 1.25" x 4". Ships in an attractive gift sleeve.

Available through Low Life Records

It is on the exceedingly soulful Goldfish Bowl where Braintax's UK-birthed brogue really finds it home and makes the biggest impact. This is by far the dopest track on My Last And Best Album. Almost as impactful is the effortlessly breezy Real People, which not only benefits from incorporating live instruments and a harmonized chorus, but also manages to sound like a Native Tongues-styled production.

While much of the album has a laidback feel, Braintax gets truly motivated and passionate on The Beast Is Us. Surveying the state of the Western world, 'Tax looks at the impact of the war in the middle east and other atrocities, holding the perpetrators accountable, including his home country (along with the U.S.).

Except instead of sub par ice-cream cake and a gathering of (secretly vindictive) workmates, the veteran MC and Low Life Records CEO goes out with some style for his last hurrah with the presumptuously-titled My Last And Best Album. For his final release, Braintax teams up with talented beatmaker Colin Emmanuel, as they capitalize on the chemistry first heard between the duo on Emmanuel's D'illusions of Grandeur album.

Braintax - My Last and Best Album

Life on the independent Hip Hop scene appears to be much like working a 9-to-5 office job, except presumably more stimulating. It lacks the glory and recognition of a more glamorous trade, while promotions/raises are fleeting. A man that can identify with that description would be Braintax, the "hardest working" man in British Hip Hop, who is hanging his mic up here on album number three, as he relocates from his native land to Australia.

Fortunately, the album comes to a fitting close on Last One Out Turn Off The Lights, a decidedly straight-ahead Hip Hop number driven by powerful background vocals. With that, the recording career of Braintax comes to a close. Maintaining his core style while venturing into some new territory, My Last And Best Album is possibly one of his strongest projects sonically, but at the same time falters due to recycled subject matter.

While he may not have scaled the heights of the mainstream music world with club bangers, he has certainly gained himself respect and credibility over the years, both in his home of the U.K. and abroad, leaving listeners with a mostly solid body of work. My Last And Best Album may not be the perfect sendoff but it still packs a punch. Being that rappers can never stay retired this may not be the last time we hear from him. Farewell, for now.

There are moments when the partnership between Braintax and Colin Emmanuel does hit the skids though, particularly on the slow-burning and messy Fix Up Come Up, the misguided rehash Riveria Hustle 3 and the hollow stoner anthem Munchies.