Veteran mic-controller Richard Twaites, better known as his force-wielding alter ego Visionobi, has been hard at work in the studio for the last 21 months crafting his sought-after debut album. After a bustling 2022 for the British MC, we’re incredibly proud to present the forthcoming fruits of his linguistic labour in the form of the 12-track aural experience that is the ‘Weather The Storm’ LP. The album, the culmination of 25 years of work, boasts a whopping 14 collaborators, featuring some of the game’s most valued and esteemed vocalists and producers. Visionobi’s first foray into the long-player format showcases his talent for both writing and delivery across a whole range of styles and sub-genres from our diverse scene.

Produced by one-half of the well-respected Goldfat Records, ‘Treeline (feat. Mitekiss)’ is the opening track, which provides an introspective and reflective instrumental for Rich to display his outlook. The South London liquid architect provides a fittingly calm, cascading canvas for Rich’s soliloquies and social commentary to take root. On ‘Bleeding Out’ our protagonist teams up with North Quarter affiliate producer Zero T and soulful-siren Aaliyah Esprit for a notably playful, bouncy cut from the LP. Linking up with one of Manchester’s finest wordsmiths DRS and Spearhead bright-spark Emba, ‘Antidote’ is a rolling ruckus that exhibits the lyrical harmony of these inimitable frontmen. Verbally verifying their commitment to the craft, the track provides the perfect platform for their undeniable synchronicity to sway in the mind’s eye of the listener.

On ‘Shadows (feat. pyxis)’, the calming piano keys and a down-pitched vocal sample from rising star Pyxis gives Rich the foundation for some seriously languid bars to wash over you. With a hook born out of arguably the most trademark of his quips, ‘Weather The Storm’ sees him link up with Hospital songstress Solah and Dispatch crew member Philth. The track’s call-and-response hook creates a wonderful unity amidst the delightful instrumental, and will no doubt create a sing-along moment for any keen Visionobi fan. ‘Following Signs’ explores the often monotonous and indecisive nature of our existence whilst navigating the labyrinth that is life.

‘The Truth (feat. Philth)’ provides another opportunity for Philth to remind you of his production prowess on this LP. ‘Another Day (Move Like A Lion) (feat. Mitekiss)’ similarly welcomes another helping of Mitekiss, the track serving up a welcome change, displaying Rich’s versatility at riding a beat whilst crowdsourcing the delivery of the hook. Joining forces with the Finnish family and Soulvent labelmates on ‘The Escape-ologist (feat. Askel & Elere)’ the trademark Sci-Fi liquid sounds of Askel & Elere enable the delivery of relentless bars, focusing on the meaning of life and how we interact with our environment. Finally, Rich teams up with the original Med School graduate on ‘More To Life (feat. Etherwood)’ which rounds off the album in a wholesome, contemplative manner.

Batten down the hatches and prepare to weather the storm when this absolute typhoon of a debut album drops on 28th April.

Released 28th April 2023 on Soulvent Records.

H/T Soulvent Records.