If you know anything about Fr3e’s previous work you’ll know these guys don’t mess about when it comes to making good music. With ‘Hooks & Verses’ it isn’t surprising then that Shaun, one half of the duo, has created a solo mixtape he should be proud of. Big Ven, one of the many musical compadres enlisted to work on his mixtape, collaborates with the singer, songwriter and rapper to create a well-rounded and enjoyable project certainly worthy of a listen.

From the start it is clear Shaun can turn his hand to anything. The hooks are catchy and sung well, his lyrics truthful, and at times emotive. Not only can the man hold a tune, but he is able to rhyme amongst the best of ‘em. All his effort hasn’t gone unnoticed. It is absolutely blatant that this guy has done his proverbial time in the studio perfecting when you listen to the final product.

Of course I have my stand out tracks such as the Young Money ‘Bedrock’ sounding ‘Pleasurable Pain’ which boasts humorous verses from Big Ven and M Dot E. ‘Like You’ is one of the more personal moments on the mixtape, serving as bio of Shaun’s life, where as other tracks, such as ‘Tag’ see the lyrically entertaining to and throw between himself and Big Ven.

Another personal favourite is the ‘Round Here Remix’. As if Fr3e and Young Spray hadn’t done enough to it already, he brought in a whole big bag of mc’s to jump all over it too, the likes of Little Dee, Messy, Jaja Soze and Blade Brown. To put it simply, the track sounds sick.

I would say that if ‘Hooks & Verses’ is anything to go by, you’ve got no choice but to remember Shaun. I reckon we’ve got to watch out for what he might have coming soon.