Benjamin “A&R” Deffe has left us with a sultry soul vocal treat-yum! The percussion canters away with profound consistency and this fierce song leaves us more than satisfied. Go for the CV vocal mix and you‘ll get my drift. (Non-soul lovers need not apply.)
The Herbalizer Generals
Herbalizer is a dope Brit production duo, but man, this song is a mess. Six MCs (with dubious names like Trap Clappa and Cheech Marina) are crammed on a four-minute track fluttering with ’60s big band jazz samples. One MC, Daddy Mills, talks some generic gangsta prose irrespective of the song’s theme, while 12-year-old rapette MacGuyver basically explains that she’s 12, and raps. Not even Jean Grae’s wordplay can save these generals from losing the battle.
Greenskeepers Man In The House
“Man In The House” might confuse some with its New Wave/rock (think The Cars or The Vapors) arrangement, but Greenskeepers and DJ Fluid mixes ensure the deep house contingent won’t riot. Lance DeSardi explores a moody synth version while Pepe Braddock’s take is disquietingly odd. Unusual, but worthy.
Luciano Jah Words
Jah Words is Jamaican singer Luciano‘s 31st album since his 1995 debut. Luciano lyrically crucifies the shitstem over one-drop beats, maintains vocal superiority over his peers, and tells us he‘s here to save us all: “Don‘t you know I‘m here to uplift the human race/Come along and take your place.” (“Are You With Me”). When not proclaiming himself music‘s messiah he‘s covering Bob Dylan (“Knockin‘ On Heaven‘s Door”), and singing R&B-influenced love songs (“Angel Heart”). Still, Jah Words is mostly rasta-inspired evangelism-it‘s not for nothing that Luciano‘s fans call him The Messenger. At least it‘s sermonizing you can blaze up to.
Kid Sublime Feat. Nick Guilard Something About Your Love
Dutch fellow Kid Sublime hooks up with different vocalists such as Lil’ Melody and Lady Alma for his new album, which is soon to be released through Kindred Spirits. On offer here is a taster-a cool song featuring Heavy’s Nick Guilard. Check this out; it is indeed sublime!
Kahil El Zabar In Life (IG Culture Remix)
Wicked spoken words over a rough and tough broken Afro track. The remix on this slab of vinyl comes from IG Culture, and what a brilliant job he’s done. It‘s monotone, but dangerously infectious with its haunting bassline, cool church organ, and explosive percussion. You need this!
Moody Allen Feat. Vince Franklin Six Feet
The MFP Collective has been releasing some of Holland’s finest broken beat and house tunes over the last two years or so. This time they hook up with MC Vince Franklin who delivers the goods with some deep lyrics and a great rhythmical flow. Check the DJ Honesty (from Slope/Sonar Kollektiv fame) remixes and the original is wicked too!
Wiley Colder
I like listening to the beat on the flip, the Hydrant vocal mix of “Fire.” Wiley comes back with some strong, slewing lyrics. I‘m not really feeling the A-side though-I‘ve heard better stuff from Wiley, like that “What” remix.
Ruff Squad UR Love Feels
Ruff Squad have got some good beats, and I like the sample they use on “UR Love Feels.” This is a different kind of tune for the scene, and I’d like to hear someone rap or MC over this beat. I think most people prefer the flip side, “Pied Piper,” which is one of the best tunes I’ve heard using the square [bass] sound.
Mobb Deep Do You Really
“Do You Really?” is a fat tune produced by Clinton Sparks; you can catch it on the Kill Yourself Pt. 1 mixtape from Sparks and Kay Slay. I’m really feeling the lyrics on this track, plus it’s got a nice beat and good sample.
