Album Review: Pounds by Lessondary – A UK Hip-Hop Gem That Stays With You
Lessondary’s Pounds is the kind of album that sneaks up on you. Released in 2020 under their own label, this UK-based instrumental hip-hop project doesn’t try too hard to impress—it just does. The beats are smooth, the collaborations hit the mark, and the vibe? Purely authentic. It’s not flashy or overproduced; it’s a record made for those who appreciate subtlety in hip-hop.
The album spans multiple tracks, some featuring artists like Donwill, Jermiside, and Elucid, while others stand alone as instrumentals. What makes Pounds special is how it balances raw energy with laid-back grooves. Tracks like “Jump Off A Cliff” and “Beef Wellington (feat. æon.)” stick out—not because they’re flashy but because they feel alive.
“Jump Off A Cliff” grabs your attention right away. Its beat has this gritty bounce to it, almost daring you to nod along. When Von Pea jumps in on the remix version, his flow adds an extra layer of personality. There’s something about the track’s simplicity that makes it replay-worthy—it’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but man, does it roll smoothly.
Then there’s “Beef Wellington (feat. æon.),” which feels like a late-night drive through London streets. The production here is lush yet understated, letting æon.’s verses breathe without overpowering the beat. It’s one of those songs where you find yourself zoning out, lost in its rhythm, only to snap back when æon. drops another clever line. These two tracks alone showcase Lessondary’s knack for crafting soundscapes that feel both personal and universal.
What’s cool about Pounds is how it embraces collaboration without losing its identity. Each featured artist brings their own flavor, but the core DNA of the album—those crisp drums, moody synths, and head-nodding loops—remains intact. Even the interplay between vocal and instrumental versions of certain tracks keeps things fresh. For instance, hearing “Ol’ Saying” first as an instrumental and then later with Che Grand’s bars adds depth, like revisiting a familiar place and noticing new details.
One thing worth mentioning is the DIY spirit behind this release. Self-releasing an album ain’t easy, especially in today’s oversaturated music scene. But Lessondary pulls it off with confidence, proving you don’t need a big-name label to create something meaningful. Sure, the mix could be tighter in spots, and a few transitions feel abrupt—but honestly? Those minor flaws give the album character. It feels human.
Reflecting on Pounds, I can’t help but think about how much music we miss because it doesn’t come wrapped in hype or marketing budgets. This album reminds me why digging deeper into underground projects pays off. And hey, if nothing else, it’s proof that sometimes the best beats come from places you least expect. Like maybe…a pound shop? Who knows. Either way, Lessondary nailed it.
