Atlanta-and Los Angeles-based Shaman Work Recordings compiled this official mix tape in support of upcoming hip-hop releases by MF Doom, Emanon, Wale Oyejide, and Stacy Epps, among others. The compilation is a mixed bag of b-sides, rough and unfinished tracks, freestyles, remixes, and unreleased goodies. MF Doom makes a brief appearance, and so does Stacy Epps, but mostly this should just be called the Emanon show, because they are all over this album-almost to an excessive degree. If you are an Emanon fan, this is the mix for you.
J-Live The Hear After
Although this ex-English teacher and recent Philly transplant may live in a different state, his aesthetics still come from the same New York mind state that produced classic lessons like “Braggin‘ Writes.” Updating old school values for a new school of listeners, the Big Apple native hits heads up on “The Sidewalks” with a clever G-Funk-era synth riff. And anyone who has taught school in the inner city will appreciate “Brooklyn Public Pt 1,” when J raps: “One class. 31 students. 32 chairs. 25 desks. I guess they gotta share.” A solid effort, J-Live stays atop the indie honor roll.
Morgan Heritage Full Circle
In 1994, the Morgan family threatened to become the reggae Brady Bunch with their wack MCA debut. Fast-forward to 2005, and Morgan Heritage has become a leader in the roots-reggae revival. Featuring some of Jamaica‘s top producers (Bobby “Digital” Dixon, Donovan “Vendetta” Bennett) as well as self-produced titles, Full Circle offers a healthy diet of spiritual nourishment (“Jah Comes First”), optimistic messages (“One Day”), and political talking points (“Propaganda”). With each successive release, Morgan Heritage has elevated their inspirational sounds to the point where they‘ve now earned the title “The Royal Family of Reggae.”
Martin Solveig Jealousy
Again, my good friend Martin did a really massive job. Every time I play this track in the clubs it‘s a huge success. A mix of pure house with a heavy bassline and a touch of pop and rock. I‘ll definitely be spinning this all summer.
Jamie Lewis Not Too Shabby (Jamie Lewis Goes Disco Mix)
Jamie astonishes us this time with his cover of this Cerrone classic. A swinging track that makes my dancefloor smile with a funky baseline and catchy disco vocals. Love it!
Aston “Family Man” Barrett Soul Constitution
This is a series of deep reggae instrumentals put out by London‘s PK label and Tokyo‘s Dubstore record shop. Aston “Family Man” Barrett‘s “Soul Constitution” is a Meters/JBs tribute, while Ansell Collins‘ moody “Portobello” sets Augustus Pablo‘s melodica against ‘70s blaxploitation guitar. Finally, Lynn Taitt‘s previously unreleased “Williamsburg” is a tightly wound track full of flute and fatback guitars.
Lekan Babalola Oba Awon Oba (King Of Kings)
After the IG Culture remix of “Asokere” blew up big time across the broken beat scene, Lekan Babalola returns to the Lex 51 label with Afronaut and Misa Negra on the beats. A killer broken groove, this 12″ comes complete with vocal and dub mixes plus acapella and beats edits. An outstanding release!
Nirobi and Barakas Bungee Jump Against Racism
Tru Thoughts label co-owner Robert Luis (Nirobi) hooks up with Ninja Tune artist Bonobo (Barakas) to supply a great Eastern-style broken beat number complete with Bollywood vocals and Indian percussion. “Partridge” is 100-ish bpm breakbeats that drop into a Danny Breaks-style warped d&b bassline and a dubbed out take on the A-side‘s vocal sample.
Deep Blue California
The first single in support of Deep Blue‘s new Metropolitan Chic LP features two gems. “California” boasts diva vocal snippets, warm, bubbling synths, and a diving bassline. Seba‘s rework of “Destroyer” keeps the original congo line, yet darkens up the track.
Mason & D-Star Zerosum Breakout (Klute Rmx)
The Philly boys get UK rebel Klute to remix the flip to their classic “Freak” 12″. He completely destroys it, adding his signature growling bassline and twisting up the drums and vocal samples perfectly. “Roots” is a drum workout that keeps in line with recent output.
