An artist who made pioneering waves alongside rapper Messiah J, The Expert has just released a new solo record.

Before the current hip hop renaissance in Ireland that was ignited around five years ago, and several years after Irish rap’s big bang in the late 80’s/early 90’s with Scary Éire, there was a group called Creative Controle. It featured, Messiah J, DJ Mayhem and The Expert and they released two records called ‘Bloodrush’ and ‘Check The Vision’ in 2000 and 2002. They eventually became known as Messiah J & The Expert and would go on to be nominated for awards, support a whole crop of touring hip hop artists when they landed in Dublin and created music that subverted the usual tropes the genre was rife with at the time on this island.

While they said farewell to the MJEX project, still remaining friends, The Expert has continued to make music as a solo artist and for MCs. The production arm of the pair, the Dublin beatmaker cites The Rza, Pete Rock, Large Professor, Oddisee, Exile and Eric Lau as some of his inspirations.

He’s just shared a new record, linking up with imprint Cold Busted for a 20-track “exploration of smooth instrumental hip-hop for the mind and soul”.

“All in all, Excursions is a melodic trip from beginning to end, suitable for unexpected destinations and extended travels.”

Check it out below and click here to grab a physical copy.