Long-time collaborators and creative powerhouses DJ Format and Abdominal have played at some of the UK’s best venues, including slots at Glastonbury and supporting rap group Jurassic 5 at London’s Brixton Academy. Now they’re back with new music on Still Hungry, their first full length album together as a duo.

By Katie Manning

Still Hungry boasts everything a good collaboration should: Format’s up-tempo 90’s funk beats are matched perfectly with Canadian rapper Abdominal’s furiously spat bars, which has produced a slick album worthy of their respective fourteen years in the industry.

Abdominal has undoubtedly cemented his reputation as a quality MC, with savvy, honest lyrics present that make the album feel much more personal. Yet, with the backing of Format’s classic mix of ska-like melodies and hip-hop beats, it still sounds fun.

The pair speak out on issues more reflective of their maturity, such as the graft they have put into their separate careers on the mellower tune Behind The Scenes. Lyrically, the duo also tell of how this struggle has not affected their obvious passion to make great music, with this theme more apparent on current single and title track Still Hungry.

This album is a solid partnership that has brought together the respective skill sets of both artists. The diversity of sounds and frankness of the record makes for a refreshing listen and provides depth, whilst managing to maintain a sound that you can also just nod along to, if you so wish.

Still Hungry by DJ Format and Abdominal will be released on 28 April 2017.