The man behind classics like “Renee” and “Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimas and Benz” teams up with the man behind “T.R.O.Y.” and “Tru Master” for an unbeatable piece of wax. You can‘t go wrong with the DJs when both sides of your 12″ are produced by Pete Rock.
One Be Lo Decepticons (Pete Rock Rmx)
This is a dope 12″. Pete Rock is someone I aspire to be like and he comes through here. A classic beat with the horns and everything gives One Be Lo‘s lyrics a real strong feel. If you haven‘t heard of this former Binary Star frontman, don‘t sleep-this kid is a real amazing emcee.
Virtuoso Fahrenheit 9/11
As a proud Massachusetts liberal, it‘s great to hear local talent tear into Bush and his war with such well-placed anger. The instrumentals can stand on their own too, which is a must for me. “Fahrenheit 9/11,” featuring Slain, is melancholy and haunting; “Military Intelligence” with Akrobatic is dark and menacing-a perfect fit for this post-election mood.
Josh One Narrow Path
I admit I picked this up for the novelty. It‘s one of those dual-disc releases that have a surround sound DVD on one side and a stereo CD on the other. I don‘t know why there isn‘t more of this stuff. You‘d think artists would be racing to create the first surround sound masterpiece. On the upside, we are getting a good amount of smoke room delights like Josh One‘s Narrow Path. Josh One practically puts the bong in your hand while his chilled-out hip-hop production fills all your speakers and puts you in a mellow, contemplative headspace.
Rubber Traits
Gotan Project La Cruz Del Sur
The Gotan trio‘s elegantly delightful tune from its Inspiracion-Esperacion comp gets the re-rub treatment, and we‘re rewarded with some fine remixes. London-based Interfearance livens the tune with sampled guitar riffs and electro vibes. First Man and David Walters also put in their two cents, respecting the spirit and essence of the original.
Ch3vy Fur Coat, No Knickers
Husky Rescue‘s label gifts us this slice of sleazy yet classy Blaxploitation funk whose title captures the vibe perfectly. “Rock Me Mumma” sounds spacious despite densely packed samples while “After Party” is the fer real “back to mine” soundtrack to gettin‘ lit and laid. But it‘s “83 Functions”‘ chugging bassline and over-the-top horns that make the EP worthwhile.
Platinum Pied Pipers Vs. Sa-Ra Deep Inside
Some things just seem to make sense, like this collaboration between Wajeed‘s PPP and nascent superstars Sa-Ra. Made for inclusion on the ultra-exclusive Puma 5×12 series, “Deep Inside” is a rough and ready slice of future funk, one to bump on the dancefloor as well as in the trunk. Touching down somewhere between Detroit and Hollywood, this one will drop hard at your next yacht party.
Silhouette Brown Spread That
When Dego and Kaidi match forces, it’s dangerous every time. Add the supreme vocal arrangements of Bembe Segue, along with the singular vocal talents of Deborah Jordan, and you’ve got something special. This record is as raw and emotive as your favorite Mizell Brothers classic, but with a firm foot in the future. For those left cold by too many tricks and not enough licks, this is the way forward.
