hip hop etc.
More tasters from the forthcoming A. Billi Free and The Lasso album, as they treat us to another single. They Wonder is more of that genre-blending soulful nourishment that we’ve been introduced to in their previous collaborations, and once again it should make you even more intrigued and excited for the full length. Speaking of which, Holy Body Roll is out on 11 March via Mello Music Group.
Fresh sounds from The Lasso, as he introduces the world to his latest project. Continuing to broaden his musical horizons, the Mello Music Group producer has teamed up with regular collaborators, Jordan Hamilton and The Saxsquatch, who play cello and saxophone respectively. If you caught The Lasso’s earlier release, 2121, then you will have heard the three of them at work together on a number of tracks and now they are continuing that inventive magic on Tri Magi. They and I is the lead single from the album and what a welcome it is. Check out the video above and then secure your pre-order in time for the 16 July release.
The Lasso is gearing up to release a new solo album, following on from a very successful 2020, which saw the release of three superb collaborative projects. 2121 is the name of the album and it features a cavalcade of features from the likes of Hemlock Ernst, Ill Camille, Fat Tony and previous collaborators, Psypiritual and Lando Chill. A video for the title track saw its release this week, featuring the awesome vocal work of Rachele Eve and A. Billi Free. You can watch it above, and pre-orders for the album are available via Mello Music. The album is due for release on 19 February. Stay tuned for my review coming in next month’s edition of The Wire.
The funk flows free in the latest release from Pan Amsterdam, as he teams up with producer, GUTS, for Carrot Cake. For those unfamiliar, Pan Amsterdam is the alias of Leron Thomas, who blends his acclaimed horn playing with often left-field lyrics, to form songs which I always find strangely alluring; Carrot Cake being no exception. The track is also available to stream now and stay tuned for a new Pan Am album landing in October.
Just Remember is the latest track to be lifted from the recent Group BraCil compilation, and it shines a light on a new addition to their roster. Don Leisure is no stranger to the scene, thanks to plenty of past successes with Darkhouse Family, as well as with his solo ventures. He has a new album coming soon on GB, but for now enjoy the sounds of this blissed out, funk-soul driven single. The video was made by Bee Graphics. The compilation, happiness, we’re all in this together, is out now.
NxWorries unite once again for this mellow cut from Knxwledge’s recent 1988 album. Continuing to build on the buzz built by their acclaimed Yes Lawd album back in 2016, the duo return with more of that same smooth, funk-soul magic. 1988 is out now on Stones Throw.
More luxurious funk explorations from Thundercat, as he keeps the momentum going for his imminent new album. Fair Chance is our latest peek at what the new project has in store, with Thundercat finding support on the track from Ty Dolla $ign and Lil B. It Is What It Is is due for release on 3 April via Brainfeeder.
I can’t get enough of this latest single from Oscar Jerome. Sun For Someone is exactly the sort of joyful distraction we need right now, driven by the funkiest of basslines and its hopeful hook, the track provided me with exactly 4 minutes and 13 seconds of escape from the current climate of fear and confusion. Co-produced by Oscar and Beni Giles, the track is strengthened further thanks to the innovative dance related video from Sonder. Sun For Someone is out now.
Another solid funk-fuelled loosie from J-Zone and Pablo Martin, as they continue their exploration of funk’s many avenues under the banner of The Du-Rites. Pigeon Spikes is an amuse bouche to tide us over until the duo’s next physical release in May. You can listen to the track below and there are downloads available via Bandcamp. Continue reading “The Du-Rites: Pigeon Spikes”
Thundercat has a new album en route and to kick off the proceedings, yesterday he blessed us with a thoroughly silly new video for the lead single, Dragonball Durag. The track is an alternative take on the sexually charged funk songs of yesteryear, complete with brazen hygiene claims – “I may be covered in cat hair, but I still smell good” – and a video which sees Thundercat trying to woo a selection of ladies in a not at all creepy fashion. It was made by his good friend, Zack Fox, which explains a lot. Fun all round. The new album, It Is What It Is, is due for release on 3 April on Brainfeeder.
gingerslim 