This track is a throwback to the early ’90s and sounds like the heyday of East New York rappers like Gangstarr, Group Home, and Blahzay Blahzay. The beat is definitely a head-nodder; unfortunately it’s easy to ignore because the message is dated-the same thing listeners have heard from rappers for the last 10 years.
Will Phillips Shaggy
At 17 years young, Phillips produced two tracks deemed worthy of signing by Prolific‘s label head MJ Cole. Obviously influenced by Cole, Phillips brings the vocal stabs and rolling basslines in a style very reminiscent of the man himself. Both “Shaggy” and B-side “Scooby” contain lethal melodic hooks. And when Phillips finally gets a hold of some quality vocals to work with, look out MJ!
Roll Deep Crew In At The Deep End (Album Sampler)
Do grime icons Roll Deep have enough street credibility to get away with anything? As this sampler shows, either they do…or they think they do. While “When I‘m ‘Ere” and even “Heat Up” (with its nursery rhyme lyrics) keep it respectably gully, other songs may have fans up in arms. The hook from The Maisonettes‘ 1982 throwback hit “Heartache Avenue” forms the basis for “The Avenue”-a Roll Deep stab at Jay-Z‘s “Hard Knock Life”? Only time will tell if the crew has the staying power and commercial viability of Mr. Carter.
C-Rayz Walz The Year of the Beast
Def Jux‘s most underrated lyricist contests the idea that freestyle champs can‘t make quality records. In the past, sub-par production has marred the Bronx native‘s efforts. This time, he chooses beats that better complement his gritty delivery. Longtime affiliate Belief delivers a pulsating dub sound on “Pink,” which features Jean Grae. The Welfare Poets craft a grimy vibe for C-Rayz and M-1 of Dead Prez to pontificate on the pros and cons of dealing “Black Soap.” And tracks like “Blackout,” which cleverly examine racial identity issues, prove that there is more to C-Rayz‘s raps than knockout punchlines.
Zion I True & Livin‘
MC Zion and Amp Live emerge from the Bay Area with their most politicized and fully realized record. On this third full-length, the Oakland-based duo honors their city‘s activist legacy by pushing to the forefront topics that would make Huey Newton proud. Mixing live instrumentation with samples, Amp Live‘s soulful touches enliven a jazz-inflected framework atop which Zion spits lyrical darts at urban ills. Whether speaking on the genocidal nature of gang culture (“Luv”) or the conspicuous consumption of everyday people (“Poems 4 Post Modern Decay” featuring Aesop Rock), Zion‘s vitriol resonates. This is especially so on “Stranger in My Home,” which critiques what Zion I see as the gentrification of hip-hop-a situation where white consumers have encroached upon a historically black and Latino art form. Zion I‘s determination to hold down the block should put to rest any notion of a cultural eviction.
Stromba The Sitting Room
Followers of producer Tom Tyler‘s musical career will find The Sitting Room a rare treat. Teaming up with DC Recordings‘ James Dyer, the album revolves around a core of samples built upon by organic layers of drums, tablas, double bass, trumpet, saxophone, trombone, organ, and guitar. The result is a peerless synergy between live musicianship and studio (in fact, “sitting room”) production that is contemporary while at times echoing the beauty of the past: Miles Davis‘ horn, the rhythms of Fela Kuti, the arrangements of Bernard Hermann‘s later soundtracks. From the bubbling “Camel Spit” to the immense Afro-disco wig out of “Giddy Up,” this is a captivating and satisfying album…and a hell of a journey.
Various Artists Erol Alkan: A Bugged Out Mix/A Bugged In Mix
Bugged In is an early hours trip through the diverse tastes of Erol Alkan, a resident of London‘s super fashion-conscious indie-meets-dance night Trash. On the first disc, Scandinavians The Concretes provide an indie-folk take on The Stones‘ “Miss You,” whilst Campag Velocet‘s wonderful “Obsessed By The Gloom” warms up for a sweet cover of Ride‘s “Vapour Trail” by Trespassers William. The mood switches on the Bugged Out mix, demonstrating that Alkan‘s more than au fait with cutting-edge electro-house. Roman Flügel‘s spanking “Geht‘s Noch?,” DJ T.‘s essential “Time Out,” and Alkan‘s own edit of Alter Ego‘s loud masterpiece “Rocker” are amongst many fine and warped moments. Sensational.
Various Artists Idjut Boys: Press Play
The Idjut Boys are often seen as the DJ’s DJs in much the same way as Harvey is-and Harvey’s a DJ whose musical footsteps they clearly follow in. Compiled exclusively from their own re-edits, this collection shines with inspiring choices from dance music’s past and present. The modern electronic boogie of Lindstrom & Prins Thomas sits next to Kitty Grant’s well-pitched cover of Chas Kankel’s “Glad To Know You.” Etta James’ fantastic “All The Way Down” synchs into Plantlife’s cosmic Prince-isms on “Love Me Till It Hurts.” A truly glorious selection.
Laid Punch Up
“Punch Up” is the first release from Ben Johnson’s [Club Shelter, New York] new US imprint and it’s true to its title. This one’s pure protein and destined to do hard time in any DJ’s flight case.
Dennis Ferrer Church Lady
The sun seems to be shining on DJ/producer Dennis Ferrer. His next release on Sfere Records, “Church Lady,” is a gospel vocal track with such unique vocal arrangements and style that it’s going to cause nothing less than pandemonium on the dancefloor. Vocal fans, this one is not to be missed!
