Behind The Boards – Episode November 29, 2024

Showcase of a new Local Release "Black Ship Enterprise" Project Description: If you want to know the secret of this life, be surrounded by your friends on a dark and starry night,” raps Iron Lion on Days Like This, one of eight timeless tracks on his new album "Blackship Enterprise". The YYC hip-hop veteran takes his own advice, enlisting fellow Audible Intelligence crew member EquAzn to handle production duties—his first full project behind the boards. The result is 28 minutes of soulful, heartfelt hip-hop music. The comical style that is the trademark of some of Iron Lion’s previous hits (as well as his personal life) is not missing from this, his fifth album, but it does take a backseat to personal reflection and profound, honest lyricism. Standout track Living My Life finds the MC reflecting on a recent medical episode that nearly cost him his life. Thoughtful, raw lyrics are featured throughout, adding gravitas and purpose to the project. Better recognized for his standout MC skills, EquAzn has low-key developed into an impressive beatmaker. The tracks are smooth and polished, providing the perfect bed for the Lion’s emotionally resonant lyricism. EQ, who is one half of the college radio chart-topping Ghost Cartridge production team, has spent decades studying the genre’s finest artists, and it’s evident on these tasty tracks. Guest spots are few, but well-chosen. Audible Intelligence OGs King Lou and Ricca Razor Sharp add verses to the album. DJ 2rettes delivers choice cuts, while Alexi Davis of TCOSS lends guitar work and backing vocals. The album’s first single, Lay It Down, features a cinematic video. On the track Iron Lion raps that he’s been “kicking it 20 years and it’s all pleasure,” yet the album’s penultimate tune Pull the Pin finds him contemplating retirement. Let’s hope that the flatline that closes Blackship Enterprise is merely a cinematic effect, not the end of the local legend’s career. If it’s the latter, at least he and The EquAzn have created a fine piece of work to serve as his swan song. -Jonathan Stoddart After this showcase, we bounced into the archives and played a plethora of old tracks from this duo over the years, including some unreleased/never heard before tracks! Enjoy!

Tracklist

  • Blackship Enterprise Intro
    Iron Lion • Blackship Enterprise
  • Lay It Down
    Iron Lion • Blackship Enterprise
  • Days Like This
    Iron Lion • Blackship Enterprise
  • Divide And Conquer
    Iron Lion • Blackship Enterprise
  • Suns Out Guns Out
    Iron Lion • Blackship Enterprise
  • Living My Life
    Iron Lion • Blackship Enterprise
  • Pull The Pin
    Iron Lion • Blackship Enterprise
  • Broken Pieces Outro
    Iron Lion • Blackship Enterprise
  • The Monster
    Ghost Cartridge, featuring Iron Lion, Wyzaker • Ghost Cartridge
  • That's What's Up
    Iron Lion, featuring Audible Intelligence • Underground Uprising
  • Whatever
    Iron Lion, featuring ing Dylan, Ricca Razor Sharp, King Lou & The EquAzn • The Eye of Ra
  • Bring it Back
    Cypher77, featuring Iron Lion, Ricca Razor Sharp & yntelligent • Bring it Back - Single
  • Graffiti Rap
    Iron Lion, featuring Stilz on the Beat • The 5th Tablet
  • From Darkness
    Iron Lion • From Darkness
  • City of Fire 2
    King Lou & Iron Lion, featuring The EquAzn • City of Fire 2 - Single
  • Gundam in the Sky
    Ghost Cartridge • Ghost Cartridge
  • Idolize
    Ghost Cartridge • Ghost Cartridge
  • Saturday Morning Cartoons
    Ghost Cartridge • Ghost Cartridge
  • Mommy Please (Circa 2005)
    The Equazn, featuring SoLeo, Fan • Unreleased
  • Thought Process
    Audible Intelligence, featuring Iron Lion, SoLeo • unreleased
  • Oxygen Pt. 1
    M-Pyre, featuring Tarren • 3.3.3
  • ODB Tribute
    Impirical • unreleased
  • Wu-Tribute
    Audible Intelligence • unreleased
  • Cream
    The EquAzn , featuring Tarren, Prod Tech Twelve • unreleased