London-based producer Decksterror has officially returned with his second extended play, marking another significant milestone in his evolving discography. Originally known under the moniker G-Man, the producer co-founded Hollow Sun Records alongside Cosm in the spring of 2020, shortly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following his full-length solo debut, Black/Gold Stash, he solidified his position within the underground scene by signing with the Croydon-based imprint Hidden Hobby Records as an in-house producer. His debut for the label, Love & Honour, established a strong foundation, and this latest follow-up serves as a testament to his continued growth.
A Deep Dive into the Production
The EP opens with “Democracy Manifest,” featuring Ill Sykes, Kakarot, and Lomax. The track sets a gritty tone, with the trio delivering sharp, hardcore bars over a classic boom-bap instrumental. This is followed by “The Source Code,” where Lomax takes the lead to define the project’s core ethos. Ill Sykes returns on “Terminal Horizon,” utilizing brass-heavy production to emphasize the weight of his lyricism, while “Tony Stark / Speed of a Train” by Murkerz provides a dusty, two-part transition that anchors the second half of the project.
Collaborative Excellence
The collaborative spirit of Love & Honour 2 is perhaps best exemplified by the track “P.A.K. (What Does It Mean?),” which features Body Bag Ben and DreMilla. The two artists trade verses with surgical precision, focusing on the power of the pen in a competitive rap landscape. The project concludes with “The Golden Eye,” a standout track featuring Juga-Naut, Micall Parknsun, Montener the Menace, and Teach ‘Em. The track offers a raw, luxurious finish, reflecting on the artists’ commitment to the craft and the frustration of dealing with those who lack a genuine understanding of the culture.
Final Verdict
Coming just over a month after DJ Sam Seed’s The Unaligned, this sequel to Love & Honour successfully meets the high bar set by its predecessor. While the guest features show notable improvements—particularly in the latter half of the EP—it is ultimately Decksterror’s production that remains the project’s shining achievement. As Hidden Hobby Records continues to dominate the underground circuit, this release stands as a highlight of their biggest year to date.
Score: 7/10