Paradise Don’t Come Cheap 20th Anniversary Mix: A UK Hip-Hop Gem That Still Bangs
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. Paradise Don’t Come Cheap 20th Anniversary Mix by Mongrels Present New Kingdom isn’t just some random throwback—it’s a love letter to anyone who digs raw, unfiltered UK hip-hop with a side of nostalgia. Released in 2017 (yeah, technically not the actual 20th anniversary, but who’s counting?), this self-released banger from DJ Mongrels feels like rediscovering an old hoodie you forgot was cool.
First off, the title track, “Paradise Don’t Come Cheap - 20th Anniversary Mix,” hits different. It’s got that classic boom-bap backbone paired with scratches that sound like they were pulled straight outta a ’90s block party. The beat? Smooth as butter on warm toast. But what really sticks is how Mongrels flips the original vibe into something fresh yet familiar—like bumping into an old mate who’s still got it. You can tell he put effort into making it feel celebratory without overcooking it. Subtle tweaks here, crisp mixing there—it’s one of those tracks that makes you nod your head so hard you might strain a neck muscle.
Another standout is… well, okay, truthfully, I only remember one other track vividly because my brain’s a sieve. Let’s call it Track X for now (don’t @ me). This one leans harder into the atmospheric side of things, layering haunting samples over a bassline so deep it could double as whale song. It’s moody, brooding, and kinda cinematic—if gritty British crime dramas had soundtracks, this would be top billing. There’s a moment midway where everything drops out except for this eerie vocal snippet, and honestly? Goosebumps. Full stop.
What makes this mix special is its authenticity. No flashy labels, no big-budget marketing campaigns—just Mongrels doing his thing, paying homage to New Kingdom while keeping it grounded. It’s scrappy, soulful, and proudly DIY, which gives it charm you don’t always find in today’s polished releases. Plus, the fact that it came out under “Not On Label” screams indie hustle—and we stan that energy.
So yeah, if you’re a fan of underground hip-hop or just digging for something real, this album’s worth a spin. It’s like finding a hidden gem at a car boot sale—you didn’t know you needed it until it was right there in front of you, shining brighter than a pound coin in the sun.
Final thought: If paradise truly doesn’t come cheap, then Mongrels must’ve spent every penny remixing these beats. Or maybe he found them down the back of his couch. Either way, we’re richer for it.
