Ziggy Kinder is back with an EP that translates to “lots of bass and little dog.” Coincidentally, that‘s also the name of the A-side, which is as airy and funky as his previous releases. Ziggy has a great ear for getting his drum fills, edits, and overall syncopation just right.
Various Artists Bill Laswell Presents: Trojan Dub Massive Vol. 1 And Vol.2
Bill Laswell’s shapeshifting career-as a label chief, performer, and legendary producer-has never been anything less than broad ranging and masterful. With a discography that begins in the ’70s, and shows no signs of slowing, Laswell’s latest endeavor is a reinterpretation of choice selections from Trojan Records’ legendary archives. Laswell reconstructs the treasured recordings of King Tubby, The Upsetters, Prince Jammy, Augustus Pablo, Gregory Isaacs’ All Stars, and a slew of other dub reggae icons. With consistency as his forte, Bill Laswell’s latest offering reflects his status as a fearless musician who prolifically tackles projects that most producers wouldn’t dare touch-and probably couldn’t even if they wanted to.
Mathematics John 3:16
A teaser track from producer Math‘s new album The Problem, Wu-Tang‘s Method Man blesses the bouncy “John 3:16” with verses like “We turn nightclubs into fight clubs/that‘s what happens when you invite thugs” and “Is it the fortune or fame that make y‘all change?/Got Milton Bradley hatin‘ the game.” “Spotlight” features a host of the Clan (Inspecta Deck, Masta Killa, etc.) over a dusty soul beat that sounds like a drunken bar band covering Al Green. Re-enter the 36 Chambers!
2dB Phat Beat
Game recognize game, right? Thusly d&b heads know a pure roller when they hear it-and that‘s just what 2dB gives the heads, proper raving music. Exploding like a mortar round only to lock, load, and repeat, the rattling drums and percussion of jump-up cut “Phat Beat” scatter about your ear drums, flipping through odd time signatures and surging rolls that accentuate the track‘s hyper motion. A great jungle single with a soundbwoy/b-boy attitude.
Mr. Complex Calm Down
With guests like Dave One of De La Soul, Vast Aire, and production from DJ Spinna, this single has heat even before the record spins. Complex doesn’t front on his name either, with dramatic vocal inflections, lyrics delivered in choppy half-stanzas, back-forth exchanges with Dave One on “Emotional”-you‘ll be shouting “illlllll!” Fans of Da Beatminerz and Pete Rock will rock to instrumental tracks-as clean, heavy, and stomping as a new pair of Tims. “Calm Down” is the highlight; lyrically its moody, guard-your-grill NYC realness. Bravo Complex.
Vicious Circle vs Universal Project Hellrazor
Universal Project does it again, this time with newcomers Vicious Circle in tow. Universal Project comes with their trademark militant, rolling sound that seems to constantly build, while Vicious Circle brings a more teched-out neuro funk sound. A great example of new school versus old school.
Tech Itch Hex
This is a nasty tune, but not in the usual Tech Itch way. A very simple tune consisting of a snappy break, a funky acid riff, and a block sub that smashes any club because the bass is simply huge, a lot like my mum. However, this tune is very naughty…unlike my mum.
Procket & Art Pathos El Niìo
This has been my favorite tune for months now. Procket and Art Pathos are the next generation of Russian producers making waves in the scene and “El Niìo” is one of their best tunes. Four bars into the drop, this tune goes insane with an almost buzz-saw techno riff that seems to swing from side to side. It‘s totally unpredictable, yet still seems to roll.
Cool Calm Pete Lost
Pete lives up to his name with this cool, calm track laced with classic hip-hop flavor. I like the tone-it’s reminiscent of Urban Thermo Dynamics-but this track still falls terribly short of anything that substantial. What‘s really sad is-like most hip-hop singles-the remix is the only thing that is worth a listen.
All-Star Feat. Young Jeezy and Yo Gotti Grey Goose
It would seem crunk music has taken over the rap scene, and this crunk song is no different, which is exactly the problem. Even with the help of Young Jeezy and Yo Gotti, All-Star’s four-minute vodka jingle is barely worth the money.
