For a hip hop artist, a Gunners fan hailing from East London, this debut is a bit too American. Until recently I believed Slimm was an American artist, I even doubted his credibility when he featured on Raghavs �Can�t get enough�. I saw Iceberg Slimm as a fallen U.S star getting whatever exposure he could, rather than the rising Uk talent he is.

There are definite traces of U.S influence streaking through Da World On Ice, from the Jay-z-esque flow Slimm gives to the harder-than-Neptune but softer-than-Busta�s Genesis beats. It�s a shame that this album doesn�t have a rougher sound to it, like the urban beats we hear on the grime/eski scene. Instead the potential for that true Uk sound is replaced with the hi grade production that will certainly see this album amongst commercial rap fans collections. Somewhere between Fat Joes J.O.S.E and Jay-Z�s Black Album I reckon.

On the other side of the coin though is the argument of why should everything Uk sound dirty and come from Casio in a delinquent�s bedroom? With this in mind Slimm should prove to the big boys that Uk talent has a place above ground and in the charts (on both sides of the sea) with longevity.

Without knowing what is due to be released from this debut id hope Wa Gwan and Bad Boy Bad Girl get a look in. I can see the room getting rowdy to Wa Gwan and everyone replacing the areas in the lyrics with their own ends and shouting wa gwan in the faces of their mates. Bad Boy� starts out with that type of melody that sends shivers down your spine when it�s hitting you in the V.I.P. I thought this was the track produced by Agent X but was surprised that Falling in love was the handy work of the Agent� as it is a big leap on from what we�re used to. Another Uk producer�s work on this debut is the X men�s Icebergs Hot, and hot this definitely it is. It�s catchy and glides through you cold, like the slimmest iceberg piercing through the Titanic. This is the tune to listen out for. It also carries you nicely into the dre-esque Starship which features Coree from Damage. As far as collaborations go, any member of Damage isn�t really an incentive to pay attention. Even the teeny boppers yawn when they see the not-yet-throwbacks on the bill for the next under 18 club night. However, after a few listens Corees voice does make an impression, its soulful and unintimidating Especially in contrast to the rest of the album. I would have been more excited to see Shaun Escoffrey or J�Nay on there instead. Ok Mammi I can definitely see amongst the tracks on a compilation this summer, its another catchy tune that you cant fault.

Despite my pessimism I am quite enjoying this album, it�s a hard sell but it�d be worth getting your mates to appreciate it too. Iceberg Slimm has always been one to look out for, since the catchy Nursery Rhymes was released a while back, and my thoughts are that he still is, though I doubt this albums the one to take the world by storm. I reckon there�s better to come yet. It�ll probably take a major success over the ocean for us to truly welcome Slimm with open arms, and that is a shame. There aren�t too many major Uk hip hop artists to take influence from so its no surprise the U.S have major run of the style, and its no wonder the likes of Adam F and Next Men are mostly associated with the U.S scene. Maybe Iceberg Slimm will begin a Uk hip hop base? we�ll see. Until then take heed of Da World On Ice!

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