“For fans old and new, they can expect to be reintroduced to some raw, authentic, classic Detroit Hip-Hop from beginning to end.”-Phat Kat on the Deluxe Edition re-release of “Carte Blanche”.
Phat Kat’s phenomenal sophomore solo LP, “Carte Blanche”, first released in ’07 via Look Records, is the sound of Detroit. It’s gritty, soulful, and raw, three key ingredients in bringing the blue-collar city’s vibe to life in music form. It’s also a modern classic that is getting the deluxe edition re-release it deserves, Below System Records is adding two rare bonus tracks produced by late Detroit legend, J Dilla.
Anyone familiar with Kat or Dilla’s work knows the two shared a special bond. In fact, Dilla would often go to the gruff-voiced emcee whenever he was looking to create a particularly tough track. This friendship led to them forming the group 1st Down, and this re-release’s two bonus cuts, “World Premiere” and “It Don’t Get No Liver Than This (feat. La Peace),” which were recording in 1996 and ’97, respectively. Despite 1st Down never taking off due to label issues, Kat and Dilla remained close and recorded a number of underground classics. Those include several joints off “Carte Blanche”, such as the stirring “Don’t Nobody Care About Us”, “Game Time”, and the Elzhi-featured “Cold Steel”. It’s actually that last track that Kat picks as his favorite cut off the record.
“If I gotta choose one, it would have to be ‘Cold Steel’ because it makes you wanna wild out as soon as the beat drops”, he says, adding that this was the first time he got to choose a Dilla beat to rap over. “He would never let me rock over beat tape beats-he use to say ‘Nah Kat, just write to them cause I’m gonna make all ya shit from scratch.’ ”
The album also boasts collaborations with other Detroit rap heavy-hitters, such as Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, Nick Speed, and T3 & Young RJ (of Slum Village). With Kat as their host, they were able to not only capture the sound of the Motor city in 2007 (when the album was originally released), but also cement its place in the greater canon of hip-hop as we know it today.
Listen: https://open.spotify.com/album/02Z1j5amKUKolUtSCxYR03?si=7ho2csNSTNeR8sU0jfnTsg
Tracklisting
A1. Nasty Ain’t It
A2. Get It Started
A3. My Old Label
A4. Cold Steel (feat. Elzhi)
A5. Danger (feat. T3 & Black Milk)
B1. Vessels (feat. Truth Hurts)
B2. Lovely (feat. Melanie Rutherford)
B3. Cash Em Out (feat. Loe Louis)
B4. Game Time
C1. Survival Kit
C2. Nightmare (feat. Guilty Simpson)
C3. Hard Enuff (feat. Fat Ray)
C4. True Story Pt. 2
D1. Don’t Nobody Care About Us
D2. World Premiere *
D3. It Don’t Get No Liver Than This (feat. La Peace) *
* Bonus tracks More
Phat Kat’s phenomenal sophomore solo LP, “Carte Blanche”, first released in ’07 via Look Records, is the sound of Detroit. It’s gritty, soulful, and raw, three key ingredients in bringing the blue-collar city’s vibe to life in music form. It’s also a modern classic that is getting the deluxe edition re-release it deserves, Below System Records is adding two rare bonus tracks produced by late Detroit legend, J Dilla.
Anyone familiar with Kat or Dilla’s work knows the two shared a special bond. In fact, Dilla would often go to the gruff-voiced emcee whenever he was looking to create a particularly tough track. This friendship led to them forming the group 1st Down, and this re-release’s two bonus cuts, “World Premiere” and “It Don’t Get No Liver Than This (feat. La Peace),” which were recording in 1996 and ’97, respectively. Despite 1st Down never taking off due to label issues, Kat and Dilla remained close and recorded a number of underground classics. Those include several joints off “Carte Blanche”, such as the stirring “Don’t Nobody Care About Us”, “Game Time”, and the Elzhi-featured “Cold Steel”. It’s actually that last track that Kat picks as his favorite cut off the record.
“If I gotta choose one, it would have to be ‘Cold Steel’ because it makes you wanna wild out as soon as the beat drops”, he says, adding that this was the first time he got to choose a Dilla beat to rap over. “He would never let me rock over beat tape beats-he use to say ‘Nah Kat, just write to them cause I’m gonna make all ya shit from scratch.’ ”
The album also boasts collaborations with other Detroit rap heavy-hitters, such as Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, Nick Speed, and T3 & Young RJ (of Slum Village). With Kat as their host, they were able to not only capture the sound of the Motor city in 2007 (when the album was originally released), but also cement its place in the greater canon of hip-hop as we know it today.
Listen: https://open.spotify.com/album/02Z1j5amKUKolUtSCxYR03?si=7ho2csNSTNeR8sU0jfnTsg
Tracklisting
A1. Nasty Ain’t It
A2. Get It Started
A3. My Old Label
A4. Cold Steel (feat. Elzhi)
A5. Danger (feat. T3 & Black Milk)
B1. Vessels (feat. Truth Hurts)
B2. Lovely (feat. Melanie Rutherford)
B3. Cash Em Out (feat. Loe Louis)
B4. Game Time
C1. Survival Kit
C2. Nightmare (feat. Guilty Simpson)
C3. Hard Enuff (feat. Fat Ray)
C4. True Story Pt. 2
D1. Don’t Nobody Care About Us
D2. World Premiere *
D3. It Don’t Get No Liver Than This (feat. La Peace) *
* Bonus tracks More
More records from Phat Kat
1
Phat Kat - Dedication To The Suckers
2
Phat Kat - Don't Nobody Care About Us
3
Phat Kat - Microphone Master
4
Phat Kat - Big Booties
5
Phat Kat - Rip Off The Roof
6
Phat Kat - Front Street (Remix)
7
Phat Kat - Magnetik (U.S. Version)
8
Phat Kat - Revolver (U.S. Version)
9
Phat Kat - Rededication (U.S. Version)
10
Phat Kat - All Madden (U.S. Version) [feat. Guilty Simpson & Elzhi]
11
Phat Kat - Still Bubblin' (U.S. Version)
12
Phat Kat - What A Nigga To Do (U.S. Version)
13
Phat Kat - True Story Pt. 3 (U.S. Version)
More records from RRC Music Co
Label:RRC Music Co
Cat-No:RRC-066-LP
Release-Date:20.12.2024
Genre:HipHop/Rap/Urban
Configuration:LP Excl
Label:RRC Music Co
Cat-No:RRC-066-LP
Release-Date:20.12.2024
Genre:HipHop/Rap/Urban
Configuration:LP Excl
Listen: https://open.spotify.com/album/277iuIKEMqmfe2iXMUui9d?si=KxdtaNSISRGFbs-XrOcUcQ
Hip-hop legend Rakim is breaking new ground with his upcoming studio album, G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH), by flexing his skills both on the mic and behind the boards. Widely lauded as the best lyricist of all time, The God MC himself is blessing the culture with the next step in his historic career.
"I feel like the battery in my back has been reenergized," Rakim said about his new album, which arrives nearly four decades after the release of his classic debut with Eric B., Paid In Full. Since then, he's continued to shape the land-scape and culture of hip-hop as we know it, inspiring rising artists with his hype live shows and incredible studio al-bums. And while he's produced some of his previous work-notably "Don't Sweat the Technique," "Juice (Know The Ledge)," and "Paid In Full"-this feels like new territory for the 18th Letter, whose production and scratching talents are nothing short of remarkable.
G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH) is proof that Rakim is truly one of the most special artists we've known not just in hip-hop, but all of music. You can tell he feels that level of praise when speaking about the genesis of the album. "Having the ability to showcase my talents behind the boards coupled with the elite lyricism the world already knows and gives me infinite praise for alongside some of the best talents to ever do it is truly a blessing and for that I am humbled," he said.
Rakim is more than an official triple-threat as an artist, because he's also showing off skills as a curator. On this al-bum's seven tracks, he enlists a who's-who of top hip-hop talent, including the dearly departed Nipsey Hussle, Fred the Godson, DMX, and Prodigy (of Mobb Deep). Rakim also linked with many of his contemporaries, such as Snoop Dogg, Method Man, KXNG Crooked, B.G., and Kool G. Rap, among others.
The album's first single, "Be Ill," is the perfect introduction, as it pairs Rakim's raw rhymes and head-nodding produc-tion with slick guest features from Kurupt and Masta Killa. Elsewhere, Rakim slows it down for the soulful "Love Is The Message," which features Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King, Snoop Dogg, Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt, and the LA Grand Choir. And then there's the chest-thumping "International," a straight-up slapper with hard-hitting rhymes from Kool G. Rap, Tristate, and Joell Ortiz.
For fans of hip-hop, and especially of Rakim's storied discography, there is so much to love on this record. You can hear his hunger as an emcee and producer on every track, as well as his desire to collaborate with so many respected artists. Despite having decades in the game and many classics to his name, it feels like Rakim is just getting started.
While the world awaits the July 26th release date, fans can catch Rakim performing live throughout the US from now until the end of year in support of G.O.D.S Network (REB7RTH). In addition to debuting new material, he'll be perform-ing all the classics from his beloved catalog.
Tracklisting (LP/CD/MC)
A1/1/A1 - Be Ill Feat. Kurupt & Masta Killa
(Prod + Cuts By Rakim Allah)
A2/2/A2 - Now Is The Time Feat. B.g, Hus Kingpin & Compton Menace
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
A3/3/A3 - Love Is The Message Feat. Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King & Snoop Dogg
Additional Vocals By: Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt & The La Grand Choir
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
(Violin Quartet Courtesy Of Nino Chikviladze)
A4/4/A4 - God's Playground Feat. .38 Spesh, Fred The Godson & Skyzoo
Additional Vocals: Dmx
(Prod + Cuts By Rakim Allah)
B1/5/B1 - Pendulum Swing Feat. Kxng Crooked, La The Darkman, Canibus & Chino Xl
(Prod. & Cuts By: Rakim Allah)
B2/6/B2 - International Feat. Kool G Rap, Tristate & Joell Ortiz
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
B3/7/B3 - Sign Of Se7en Feat. Prodigy (Of Mobb Deep), Method Man, X-raided & Big Twins
More
Hip-hop legend Rakim is breaking new ground with his upcoming studio album, G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH), by flexing his skills both on the mic and behind the boards. Widely lauded as the best lyricist of all time, The God MC himself is blessing the culture with the next step in his historic career.
"I feel like the battery in my back has been reenergized," Rakim said about his new album, which arrives nearly four decades after the release of his classic debut with Eric B., Paid In Full. Since then, he's continued to shape the land-scape and culture of hip-hop as we know it, inspiring rising artists with his hype live shows and incredible studio al-bums. And while he's produced some of his previous work-notably "Don't Sweat the Technique," "Juice (Know The Ledge)," and "Paid In Full"-this feels like new territory for the 18th Letter, whose production and scratching talents are nothing short of remarkable.
G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH) is proof that Rakim is truly one of the most special artists we've known not just in hip-hop, but all of music. You can tell he feels that level of praise when speaking about the genesis of the album. "Having the ability to showcase my talents behind the boards coupled with the elite lyricism the world already knows and gives me infinite praise for alongside some of the best talents to ever do it is truly a blessing and for that I am humbled," he said.
Rakim is more than an official triple-threat as an artist, because he's also showing off skills as a curator. On this al-bum's seven tracks, he enlists a who's-who of top hip-hop talent, including the dearly departed Nipsey Hussle, Fred the Godson, DMX, and Prodigy (of Mobb Deep). Rakim also linked with many of his contemporaries, such as Snoop Dogg, Method Man, KXNG Crooked, B.G., and Kool G. Rap, among others.
The album's first single, "Be Ill," is the perfect introduction, as it pairs Rakim's raw rhymes and head-nodding produc-tion with slick guest features from Kurupt and Masta Killa. Elsewhere, Rakim slows it down for the soulful "Love Is The Message," which features Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King, Snoop Dogg, Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt, and the LA Grand Choir. And then there's the chest-thumping "International," a straight-up slapper with hard-hitting rhymes from Kool G. Rap, Tristate, and Joell Ortiz.
For fans of hip-hop, and especially of Rakim's storied discography, there is so much to love on this record. You can hear his hunger as an emcee and producer on every track, as well as his desire to collaborate with so many respected artists. Despite having decades in the game and many classics to his name, it feels like Rakim is just getting started.
While the world awaits the July 26th release date, fans can catch Rakim performing live throughout the US from now until the end of year in support of G.O.D.S Network (REB7RTH). In addition to debuting new material, he'll be perform-ing all the classics from his beloved catalog.
Tracklisting (LP/CD/MC)
A1/1/A1 - Be Ill Feat. Kurupt & Masta Killa
(Prod + Cuts By Rakim Allah)
A2/2/A2 - Now Is The Time Feat. B.g, Hus Kingpin & Compton Menace
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
A3/3/A3 - Love Is The Message Feat. Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King & Snoop Dogg
Additional Vocals By: Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt & The La Grand Choir
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
(Violin Quartet Courtesy Of Nino Chikviladze)
A4/4/A4 - God's Playground Feat. .38 Spesh, Fred The Godson & Skyzoo
Additional Vocals: Dmx
(Prod + Cuts By Rakim Allah)
B1/5/B1 - Pendulum Swing Feat. Kxng Crooked, La The Darkman, Canibus & Chino Xl
(Prod. & Cuts By: Rakim Allah)
B2/6/B2 - International Feat. Kool G Rap, Tristate & Joell Ortiz
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
B3/7/B3 - Sign Of Se7en Feat. Prodigy (Of Mobb Deep), Method Man, X-raided & Big Twins
More
Label:RRC Music Co
Cat-No:RRC-066-CD
Release-Date:20.12.2024
Genre:HipHop/Rap/Urban
Configuration:CD Excl
Label:RRC Music Co
Cat-No:RRC-066-CD
Release-Date:20.12.2024
Genre:HipHop/Rap/Urban
Configuration:CD Excl
Listen: https://open.spotify.com/album/277iuIKEMqmfe2iXMUui9d?si=KxdtaNSISRGFbs-XrOcUcQ
Hip-hop legend Rakim is breaking new ground with his upcoming studio album, G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH), by flexing his skills both on the mic and behind the boards. Widely lauded as the best lyricist of all time, The God MC himself is blessing the culture with the next step in his historic career.
"I feel like the battery in my back has been reenergized," Rakim said about his new album, which arrives nearly four decades after the release of his classic debut with Eric B., Paid In Full. Since then, he's continued to shape the land-scape and culture of hip-hop as we know it, inspiring rising artists with his hype live shows and incredible studio al-bums. And while he's produced some of his previous work-notably "Don't Sweat the Technique," "Juice (Know The Ledge)," and "Paid In Full"-this feels like new territory for the 18th Letter, whose production and scratching talents are nothing short of remarkable.
G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH) is proof that Rakim is truly one of the most special artists we've known not just in hip-hop, but all of music. You can tell he feels that level of praise when speaking about the genesis of the album. "Having the ability to showcase my talents behind the boards coupled with the elite lyricism the world already knows and gives me infinite praise for alongside some of the best talents to ever do it is truly a blessing and for that I am humbled," he said.
Rakim is more than an official triple-threat as an artist, because he's also showing off skills as a curator. On this al-bum's seven tracks, he enlists a who's-who of top hip-hop talent, including the dearly departed Nipsey Hussle, Fred the Godson, DMX, and Prodigy (of Mobb Deep). Rakim also linked with many of his contemporaries, such as Snoop Dogg, Method Man, KXNG Crooked, B.G., and Kool G. Rap, among others.
The album's first single, "Be Ill," is the perfect introduction, as it pairs Rakim's raw rhymes and head-nodding produc-tion with slick guest features from Kurupt and Masta Killa. Elsewhere, Rakim slows it down for the soulful "Love Is The Message," which features Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King, Snoop Dogg, Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt, and the LA Grand Choir. And then there's the chest-thumping "International," a straight-up slapper with hard-hitting rhymes from Kool G. Rap, Tristate, and Joell Ortiz.
For fans of hip-hop, and especially of Rakim's storied discography, there is so much to love on this record. You can hear his hunger as an emcee and producer on every track, as well as his desire to collaborate with so many respected artists. Despite having decades in the game and many classics to his name, it feels like Rakim is just getting started.
While the world awaits the July 26th release date, fans can catch Rakim performing live throughout the US from now until the end of year in support of G.O.D.S Network (REB7RTH). In addition to debuting new material, he'll be perform-ing all the classics from his beloved catalog.
Tracklisting (LP/CD/MC)
A1/1/A1 - Be Ill Feat. Kurupt & Masta Killa
(Prod + Cuts By Rakim Allah)
A2/2/A2 - Now Is The Time Feat. B.g, Hus Kingpin & Compton Menace
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
A3/3/A3 - Love Is The Message Feat. Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King & Snoop Dogg
Additional Vocals By: Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt & The La Grand Choir
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
(Violin Quartet Courtesy Of Nino Chikviladze)
A4/4/A4 - God's Playground Feat. .38 Spesh, Fred The Godson & Skyzoo
Additional Vocals: Dmx
(Prod + Cuts By Rakim Allah)
B1/5/B1 - Pendulum Swing Feat. Kxng Crooked, La The Darkman, Canibus & Chino Xl
(Prod. & Cuts By: Rakim Allah)
B2/6/B2 - International Feat. Kool G Rap, Tristate & Joell Ortiz
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
B3/7/B3 - Sign Of Se7en Feat. Prodigy (Of Mobb Deep), Method Man, X-raided & Big Twins
More
Hip-hop legend Rakim is breaking new ground with his upcoming studio album, G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH), by flexing his skills both on the mic and behind the boards. Widely lauded as the best lyricist of all time, The God MC himself is blessing the culture with the next step in his historic career.
"I feel like the battery in my back has been reenergized," Rakim said about his new album, which arrives nearly four decades after the release of his classic debut with Eric B., Paid In Full. Since then, he's continued to shape the land-scape and culture of hip-hop as we know it, inspiring rising artists with his hype live shows and incredible studio al-bums. And while he's produced some of his previous work-notably "Don't Sweat the Technique," "Juice (Know The Ledge)," and "Paid In Full"-this feels like new territory for the 18th Letter, whose production and scratching talents are nothing short of remarkable.
G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH) is proof that Rakim is truly one of the most special artists we've known not just in hip-hop, but all of music. You can tell he feels that level of praise when speaking about the genesis of the album. "Having the ability to showcase my talents behind the boards coupled with the elite lyricism the world already knows and gives me infinite praise for alongside some of the best talents to ever do it is truly a blessing and for that I am humbled," he said.
Rakim is more than an official triple-threat as an artist, because he's also showing off skills as a curator. On this al-bum's seven tracks, he enlists a who's-who of top hip-hop talent, including the dearly departed Nipsey Hussle, Fred the Godson, DMX, and Prodigy (of Mobb Deep). Rakim also linked with many of his contemporaries, such as Snoop Dogg, Method Man, KXNG Crooked, B.G., and Kool G. Rap, among others.
The album's first single, "Be Ill," is the perfect introduction, as it pairs Rakim's raw rhymes and head-nodding produc-tion with slick guest features from Kurupt and Masta Killa. Elsewhere, Rakim slows it down for the soulful "Love Is The Message," which features Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King, Snoop Dogg, Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt, and the LA Grand Choir. And then there's the chest-thumping "International," a straight-up slapper with hard-hitting rhymes from Kool G. Rap, Tristate, and Joell Ortiz.
For fans of hip-hop, and especially of Rakim's storied discography, there is so much to love on this record. You can hear his hunger as an emcee and producer on every track, as well as his desire to collaborate with so many respected artists. Despite having decades in the game and many classics to his name, it feels like Rakim is just getting started.
While the world awaits the July 26th release date, fans can catch Rakim performing live throughout the US from now until the end of year in support of G.O.D.S Network (REB7RTH). In addition to debuting new material, he'll be perform-ing all the classics from his beloved catalog.
Tracklisting (LP/CD/MC)
A1/1/A1 - Be Ill Feat. Kurupt & Masta Killa
(Prod + Cuts By Rakim Allah)
A2/2/A2 - Now Is The Time Feat. B.g, Hus Kingpin & Compton Menace
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
A3/3/A3 - Love Is The Message Feat. Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King & Snoop Dogg
Additional Vocals By: Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt & The La Grand Choir
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
(Violin Quartet Courtesy Of Nino Chikviladze)
A4/4/A4 - God's Playground Feat. .38 Spesh, Fred The Godson & Skyzoo
Additional Vocals: Dmx
(Prod + Cuts By Rakim Allah)
B1/5/B1 - Pendulum Swing Feat. Kxng Crooked, La The Darkman, Canibus & Chino Xl
(Prod. & Cuts By: Rakim Allah)
B2/6/B2 - International Feat. Kool G Rap, Tristate & Joell Ortiz
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
B3/7/B3 - Sign Of Se7en Feat. Prodigy (Of Mobb Deep), Method Man, X-raided & Big Twins
More
Label:RRC Music Co
Cat-No:RRC-066-MC
Release-Date:20.12.2024
Genre:HipHop/Rap/Urban
Configuration:TAPE Excl
Label:RRC Music Co
Cat-No:RRC-066-MC
Release-Date:20.12.2024
Genre:HipHop/Rap/Urban
Configuration:TAPE Excl
Listen: https://open.spotify.com/album/277iuIKEMqmfe2iXMUui9d?si=KxdtaNSISRGFbs-XrOcUcQ
Hip-hop legend Rakim is breaking new ground with his upcoming studio album, G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH), by flexing his skills both on the mic and behind the boards. Widely lauded as the best lyricist of all time, The God MC himself is blessing the culture with the next step in his historic career.
"I feel like the battery in my back has been reenergized," Rakim said about his new album, which arrives nearly four decades after the release of his classic debut with Eric B., Paid In Full. Since then, he's continued to shape the land-scape and culture of hip-hop as we know it, inspiring rising artists with his hype live shows and incredible studio al-bums. And while he's produced some of his previous work-notably "Don't Sweat the Technique," "Juice (Know The Ledge)," and "Paid In Full"-this feels like new territory for the 18th Letter, whose production and scratching talents are nothing short of remarkable.
G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH) is proof that Rakim is truly one of the most special artists we've known not just in hip-hop, but all of music. You can tell he feels that level of praise when speaking about the genesis of the album. "Having the ability to showcase my talents behind the boards coupled with the elite lyricism the world already knows and gives me infinite praise for alongside some of the best talents to ever do it is truly a blessing and for that I am humbled," he said.
Rakim is more than an official triple-threat as an artist, because he's also showing off skills as a curator. On this al-bum's seven tracks, he enlists a who's-who of top hip-hop talent, including the dearly departed Nipsey Hussle, Fred the Godson, DMX, and Prodigy (of Mobb Deep). Rakim also linked with many of his contemporaries, such as Snoop Dogg, Method Man, KXNG Crooked, B.G., and Kool G. Rap, among others.
The album's first single, "Be Ill," is the perfect introduction, as it pairs Rakim's raw rhymes and head-nodding produc-tion with slick guest features from Kurupt and Masta Killa. Elsewhere, Rakim slows it down for the soulful "Love Is The Message," which features Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King, Snoop Dogg, Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt, and the LA Grand Choir. And then there's the chest-thumping "International," a straight-up slapper with hard-hitting rhymes from Kool G. Rap, Tristate, and Joell Ortiz.
For fans of hip-hop, and especially of Rakim's storied discography, there is so much to love on this record. You can hear his hunger as an emcee and producer on every track, as well as his desire to collaborate with so many respected artists. Despite having decades in the game and many classics to his name, it feels like Rakim is just getting started.
While the world awaits the July 26th release date, fans can catch Rakim performing live throughout the US from now until the end of year in support of G.O.D.S Network (REB7RTH). In addition to debuting new material, he'll be perform-ing all the classics from his beloved catalog.
Tracklisting (LP/CD/MC)
A1/1/A1 - Be Ill Feat. Kurupt & Masta Killa
(Prod + Cuts By Rakim Allah)
A2/2/A2 - Now Is The Time Feat. B.g, Hus Kingpin & Compton Menace
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
A3/3/A3 - Love Is The Message Feat. Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King & Snoop Dogg
Additional Vocals By: Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt & The La Grand Choir
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
(Violin Quartet Courtesy Of Nino Chikviladze)
A4/4/A4 - God's Playground Feat. .38 Spesh, Fred The Godson & Skyzoo
Additional Vocals: Dmx
(Prod + Cuts By Rakim Allah)
B1/5/B1 - Pendulum Swing Feat. Kxng Crooked, La The Darkman, Canibus & Chino Xl
(Prod. & Cuts By: Rakim Allah)
B2/6/B2 - International Feat. Kool G Rap, Tristate & Joell Ortiz
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
B3/7/B3 - Sign Of Se7en Feat. Prodigy (Of Mobb Deep), Method Man, X-raided & Big Twins
More
Hip-hop legend Rakim is breaking new ground with his upcoming studio album, G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH), by flexing his skills both on the mic and behind the boards. Widely lauded as the best lyricist of all time, The God MC himself is blessing the culture with the next step in his historic career.
"I feel like the battery in my back has been reenergized," Rakim said about his new album, which arrives nearly four decades after the release of his classic debut with Eric B., Paid In Full. Since then, he's continued to shape the land-scape and culture of hip-hop as we know it, inspiring rising artists with his hype live shows and incredible studio al-bums. And while he's produced some of his previous work-notably "Don't Sweat the Technique," "Juice (Know The Ledge)," and "Paid In Full"-this feels like new territory for the 18th Letter, whose production and scratching talents are nothing short of remarkable.
G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH) is proof that Rakim is truly one of the most special artists we've known not just in hip-hop, but all of music. You can tell he feels that level of praise when speaking about the genesis of the album. "Having the ability to showcase my talents behind the boards coupled with the elite lyricism the world already knows and gives me infinite praise for alongside some of the best talents to ever do it is truly a blessing and for that I am humbled," he said.
Rakim is more than an official triple-threat as an artist, because he's also showing off skills as a curator. On this al-bum's seven tracks, he enlists a who's-who of top hip-hop talent, including the dearly departed Nipsey Hussle, Fred the Godson, DMX, and Prodigy (of Mobb Deep). Rakim also linked with many of his contemporaries, such as Snoop Dogg, Method Man, KXNG Crooked, B.G., and Kool G. Rap, among others.
The album's first single, "Be Ill," is the perfect introduction, as it pairs Rakim's raw rhymes and head-nodding produc-tion with slick guest features from Kurupt and Masta Killa. Elsewhere, Rakim slows it down for the soulful "Love Is The Message," which features Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King, Snoop Dogg, Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt, and the LA Grand Choir. And then there's the chest-thumping "International," a straight-up slapper with hard-hitting rhymes from Kool G. Rap, Tristate, and Joell Ortiz.
For fans of hip-hop, and especially of Rakim's storied discography, there is so much to love on this record. You can hear his hunger as an emcee and producer on every track, as well as his desire to collaborate with so many respected artists. Despite having decades in the game and many classics to his name, it feels like Rakim is just getting started.
While the world awaits the July 26th release date, fans can catch Rakim performing live throughout the US from now until the end of year in support of G.O.D.S Network (REB7RTH). In addition to debuting new material, he'll be perform-ing all the classics from his beloved catalog.
Tracklisting (LP/CD/MC)
A1/1/A1 - Be Ill Feat. Kurupt & Masta Killa
(Prod + Cuts By Rakim Allah)
A2/2/A2 - Now Is The Time Feat. B.g, Hus Kingpin & Compton Menace
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
A3/3/A3 - Love Is The Message Feat. Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King & Snoop Dogg
Additional Vocals By: Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt & The La Grand Choir
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
(Violin Quartet Courtesy Of Nino Chikviladze)
A4/4/A4 - God's Playground Feat. .38 Spesh, Fred The Godson & Skyzoo
Additional Vocals: Dmx
(Prod + Cuts By Rakim Allah)
B1/5/B1 - Pendulum Swing Feat. Kxng Crooked, La The Darkman, Canibus & Chino Xl
(Prod. & Cuts By: Rakim Allah)
B2/6/B2 - International Feat. Kool G Rap, Tristate & Joell Ortiz
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
B3/7/B3 - Sign Of Se7en Feat. Prodigy (Of Mobb Deep), Method Man, X-raided & Big Twins
More
Listen: https://open.spotify.com/album/3GZYDIQKkBPbWHhl7t3fcf?si=3Y5O-OnISs-VzysFui_2Yw
Real Bad Man keeps expanding his circle of collaborators by teaming up with fellow LA native Blu on their brand new collaboration effort "Bad News". Blu's introspective, intricate and mind bending rhymes perfectly blend with Real Bad Man's fresh and sample-heavy productions, creating a unique piece of works, boasting guest appearances by NY legend CL Smooth as well as Planet Asia, Cashus King, Donel Smoke and Definite. Limited vinyl hot off the press and available to order right now!
Tracklisting
A1. Bad News
A2. All Praise Due
A3. The Golden Rule (feat. CL Smooth)
A4. Aladdin
B1. Fall of Rome (feat. Cashus King, Donel Smokes, Definite)
B2. The Hurt
B3. Hebrews (feat. Planet Asia)
B4. More Bad News More
Label:RRC Music Co
Cat-No:RRC-021LP
Release-Date:01.11.2024
Genre:HipHop/Rap/Urban
Configuration:LP Excl
Label:RRC Music Co
Cat-No:RRC-021LP
Release-Date:01.11.2024
Genre:HipHop/Rap/Urban
Configuration:LP Excl
Listen: https://open.spotify.com/album/3mF8FYtJllcp2beMaK1YDn?si=kDU5e8jMR_awvJifHQxldA
Span over the course of 2 years with the first chapter released in March 2021, CRIMEAPPLE is back to end the YDFWC? trilogy with a masterpiece. With production duties handled by Loman, Chairman Chow, Buck Dudley as well as Oh No, and a sole guest appearance by Canadian emcee Daniel Son, the NJ native of Colombian descent goes out with a bang on this 3rd instalment to ask for the last time… YOU DON’T FUCK WITH CRIME?!
Tracklisting
A1. Whitney
A2. 25 Hrs
A3. Sabertooth
A4. Gasoline Jumpshots (feat. Daniel Son)
A5. Driving Miss Daisy
B1. Pennys
B2. NKW2CDG
B3. DJ Camilo At Barcode
B4. Get It Baby
B5. Kintsugi More
Span over the course of 2 years with the first chapter released in March 2021, CRIMEAPPLE is back to end the YDFWC? trilogy with a masterpiece. With production duties handled by Loman, Chairman Chow, Buck Dudley as well as Oh No, and a sole guest appearance by Canadian emcee Daniel Son, the NJ native of Colombian descent goes out with a bang on this 3rd instalment to ask for the last time… YOU DON’T FUCK WITH CRIME?!
Tracklisting
A1. Whitney
A2. 25 Hrs
A3. Sabertooth
A4. Gasoline Jumpshots (feat. Daniel Son)
A5. Driving Miss Daisy
B1. Pennys
B2. NKW2CDG
B3. DJ Camilo At Barcode
B4. Get It Baby
B5. Kintsugi More
Label:RRC Music Co
Cat-No:RRC-021CD
Release-Date:01.11.2024
Genre:HipHop/Rap/Urban
Configuration:CD Excl
Label:RRC Music Co
Cat-No:RRC-021CD
Release-Date:01.11.2024
Genre:HipHop/Rap/Urban
Configuration:CD Excl
Listen: https://open.spotify.com/album/3mF8FYtJllcp2beMaK1YDn?si=kDU5e8jMR_awvJifHQxldA
Span over the course of 2 years with the first chapter released in March 2021, CRIMEAPPLE is back to end the YDFWC? trilogy with a masterpiece. With production duties handled by Loman, Chairman Chow, Buck Dudley as well as Oh No, and a sole guest appearance by Canadian emcee Daniel Son, the NJ native of Colombian descent goes out with a bang on this 3rd instalment to ask for the last time… YOU DON’T FUCK WITH CRIME?!
Tracklisting
A1. Whitney
A2. 25 Hrs
A3. Sabertooth
A4. Gasoline Jumpshots (feat. Daniel Son)
A5. Driving Miss Daisy
B1. Pennys
B2. NKW2CDG
B3. DJ Camilo At Barcode
B4. Get It Baby
B5. Kintsugi More
Span over the course of 2 years with the first chapter released in March 2021, CRIMEAPPLE is back to end the YDFWC? trilogy with a masterpiece. With production duties handled by Loman, Chairman Chow, Buck Dudley as well as Oh No, and a sole guest appearance by Canadian emcee Daniel Son, the NJ native of Colombian descent goes out with a bang on this 3rd instalment to ask for the last time… YOU DON’T FUCK WITH CRIME?!
Tracklisting
A1. Whitney
A2. 25 Hrs
A3. Sabertooth
A4. Gasoline Jumpshots (feat. Daniel Son)
A5. Driving Miss Daisy
B1. Pennys
B2. NKW2CDG
B3. DJ Camilo At Barcode
B4. Get It Baby
B5. Kintsugi More
Listen: https://open.spotify.com/album/5ieqE2SXNToT1o95A2cyjf?si=5rIhdh8URjaGzq0nZL8nTA
TCF Music Group founder and Rochester's own 38 Spesh is back with his brand new offering, 'Gunsmoke', featuring 9 bangers with guest appearances by the late great Fred The Godson (RIP), Ransom, Flee Lord, Che Noir and Klass Murda, as well as productions by Harry Fraud, Rain 910, Tricky Trippz and 38 Spesh himself, all topped up with outstanding artwork by Laz.
Tracklisting
A1. Gunsmoke Intro
A2. Dark & Grim
A3. Randolph & Mortimer (feat. Ransom)
A4. Chris & Snoop (feat. Che Noir)
A5. Snow Tires (feat. Klass Murda)
B1. 1996
B2. Saint Bruno (feat. Fred The Godson)
B3. Outside (feat. Flee Lord)
B4. Crowned King More
TCF Music Group founder and Rochester's own 38 Spesh is back with his brand new offering, 'Gunsmoke', featuring 9 bangers with guest appearances by the late great Fred The Godson (RIP), Ransom, Flee Lord, Che Noir and Klass Murda, as well as productions by Harry Fraud, Rain 910, Tricky Trippz and 38 Spesh himself, all topped up with outstanding artwork by Laz.
Tracklisting
A1. Gunsmoke Intro
A2. Dark & Grim
A3. Randolph & Mortimer (feat. Ransom)
A4. Chris & Snoop (feat. Che Noir)
A5. Snow Tires (feat. Klass Murda)
B1. 1996
B2. Saint Bruno (feat. Fred The Godson)
B3. Outside (feat. Flee Lord)
B4. Crowned King More
Listen: https://open.spotify.com/album/5pkKFWqL6M7fGUJOPkhIFK?si=DAuDVC8QQrK2usVZhUtk5Q
Over the last few years Theravada has been making a very strong name for himself, with a unique human touch and deep lyricism, the rapper-producer proved to be a man of many hats and is standing tall as a one of a kind artist in today's musical landscape, having collaborated with artists such as Evidence, Earl Sweatshirt, Yungmorpheus, Your Old Droog and Navy Blue just so name a few, as well as his 2000 Entertainment home team alongside Rob Chambers, TOP$ and Kluse. On his brand new full-length "Waste Management", he has teamed up with RRR Music Group representative Zoomo to produce the entire project. The two have crafted 10 killer joints, with Theravada handling all mic duties on his own and Zoomo's soulful productions providing the perfect soundscape for his transcendent bars to resonate and bring you on an epic journey.
Tracklisting
A1. Household
A2. Sus Tain
A3. Resource Recovery
A4. Environmental Impact
A5. Human Health
B1. Industrial
B2. Carbon Copy
B3. Municipal
B4. The Night
B5. Research Funding More
Over the last few years Theravada has been making a very strong name for himself, with a unique human touch and deep lyricism, the rapper-producer proved to be a man of many hats and is standing tall as a one of a kind artist in today's musical landscape, having collaborated with artists such as Evidence, Earl Sweatshirt, Yungmorpheus, Your Old Droog and Navy Blue just so name a few, as well as his 2000 Entertainment home team alongside Rob Chambers, TOP$ and Kluse. On his brand new full-length "Waste Management", he has teamed up with RRR Music Group representative Zoomo to produce the entire project. The two have crafted 10 killer joints, with Theravada handling all mic duties on his own and Zoomo's soulful productions providing the perfect soundscape for his transcendent bars to resonate and bring you on an epic journey.
Tracklisting
A1. Household
A2. Sus Tain
A3. Resource Recovery
A4. Environmental Impact
A5. Human Health
B1. Industrial
B2. Carbon Copy
B3. Municipal
B4. The Night
B5. Research Funding More
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Greg Wilson returns to Running Back with another special project.
Forty years on from the release of the groundbreaking ‘Street Sounds UK Electro’ LP, ‘Real Time’ (two versions of which opened the separate sides of the album), finally gets a 12” release. Despite its prominence on ‘UK Electro’, it was the only inclusion not to be issued on 12” back in 1984.
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series, launched in October ’83, documenting these developments and unlocking a significant youth market who’d religiously collect these compilations.
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Format: 2LP, Marbled (white & black) vinyls + 7"
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1. Seize the Day 2.41
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20 years after its release, Wax Tailor's cult album, which made him a household name the world over, is back in a marbled 2LP collector's edition with the bonus single ‘Seize the Day’ (previously unreleased on vinyl). Long unavailable due to its success, this eagerly-awaited repress offers the chance to discover once again this essential work of the trip-hop scene.
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Comic relief serves as a refreshing element that lightens up a tense or tragic situation. It creates a moment of contrast and distraction from the seriousness of the scene. This pattern can also be found in literature and film, in humorous characters like Chandler from the sitcom Friends. Especially in difficult times like these, we all occasionally long for comic relief. With his new EP, David Bay tries to create exactly such a moment of escape.
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Release Notes:
Steve Leach's Balearic beach-funk beast Ocean Potion, recorded with the Crystal Grass Orchestra is an absolutely ace, Ned Doheny-adjacent funky AOR / blue-eyed soul BBQ classic from 1976.
Who is Steve Leach, you ask? None other than Seasick Steve in a previous life! A French-only release on Philips, it's a hugely immediate, pop-funk firecracker. It features a wonderfully lush, full orchestral sound throughout, underpinning Steve's gorgeous voice and an army of brilliant backing vocalists.
The supporting cast is phenomenal and is arguably the salient reason this is such a fantastic record. We're talking legendary players from the French scene (think Arpadys, Voyage, Kongas, CCPP, Giant, Swing Family) such as Don Ray with his arranger-conductor hat on as well as synths, Marc Chantereau on percussion, Slim Pezin on guitar, André Ceccarelli on drums, Christian Padovan on bass and Pierre Halation on flute.
With these snakes behind the scenes, it remains a mystery how Ocean Potion is so relatively unknown. Hopefully, this long overdue reissue rectifies this and puts a stop to people dropping $200 on it.
Triumphant, horn-forward opener "The Light Of The Mind" has that uniquely Ned Doheny fidgety funk feel with a fantastically irresistible chorus and great harmonies. Just magic. The insouciant, swaggering "Hey! Hey! What You Doin To Me" is straight up white-hot feel-good funk with by turns sweeping and stabbing strings and a neck-snapping break. Crucial. Coming off like something off The Beach Boy's Surf's Up or Holland (including a sneaky "reason to live" reference that surely nods to "The Trader") is the brilliantly ominous, driving wall of sound of "Take Strength". Cavernous drums, urgent strings and a staggeringly good vocal performance make this a real highlight amongst an album of highlights. The blissful folk-funk of "The Lady Of The Sea" is a real naked heartbreaker, melancholic vibes and a beautiful flute line complementing each other perfectly. Side A closes out with "All My Life", a groovy island-funk white-reggae-tinged lilter which just about lands the right side of acceptable.
Side B opens with the gorgeous "You're The Only One Girl" before the propulsive Philly soul of "At Least We Got Love" elegantly glides into focus. Pulsing beats and piano working with that irresistible orchestra of grass. Glacial ballad "All Love's Children" has a deep New Orleans soul feel that truly soars whilst the breezy "Get Out In The Sun" owes a debt to "Crocodile Rock". It's pure pop for now people and wouldn't have been out of place on a late 70s Nick Lowe effort. Deep late-period Beach Boys gem "Golden Hues" is another heavy melancholic down lifter that really beguiles before the real reason you're all here. Pastoral closer "I Meditate Each Day" is just beautiful, and likely the reason this reissue is giving you that special feeling. Another gorgeous flute-led, folk-funk groover, it featured in a memorable mix from the Creme2laCreme crew (Raphael Top-Secret, Jerome Qpchan and Antoine Kogut) live on Red Light Radio over a decade ago and has been top of many heads' wants list never since. Just mellow out.
As ever, the audio for Ocean Potion has been carefully remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, ensuring it sounds better than ever. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at Record Industry in Holland. The original, iconic sleeve featuring a topless Steve reclining next to his piano on a flatbed truck on the beach (of course?!) has been restored here at Be With HQ as the finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue.
More
2024 first time vinyl reissue, Seasick Steve in a previous "funky AOR" life(!), 140g vinyl
Track List:
A1 The Light Of The Mind
A2 Hey! Hey! What You Doin To Me
A3 Take Strength
A4 The Lady Of The Sea
A5 All My Life
B1 You're The Only One Girl
B2 At Least We Got Love
B3 All Love's Children
B4 Get Out In The Sun
B5 Golden Hues
B6 I Meditate Each Day
Release Notes:
Steve Leach's Balearic beach-funk beast Ocean Potion, recorded with the Crystal Grass Orchestra is an absolutely ace, Ned Doheny-adjacent funky AOR / blue-eyed soul BBQ classic from 1976.
Who is Steve Leach, you ask? None other than Seasick Steve in a previous life! A French-only release on Philips, it's a hugely immediate, pop-funk firecracker. It features a wonderfully lush, full orchestral sound throughout, underpinning Steve's gorgeous voice and an army of brilliant backing vocalists.
The supporting cast is phenomenal and is arguably the salient reason this is such a fantastic record. We're talking legendary players from the French scene (think Arpadys, Voyage, Kongas, CCPP, Giant, Swing Family) such as Don Ray with his arranger-conductor hat on as well as synths, Marc Chantereau on percussion, Slim Pezin on guitar, André Ceccarelli on drums, Christian Padovan on bass and Pierre Halation on flute.
With these snakes behind the scenes, it remains a mystery how Ocean Potion is so relatively unknown. Hopefully, this long overdue reissue rectifies this and puts a stop to people dropping $200 on it.
Triumphant, horn-forward opener "The Light Of The Mind" has that uniquely Ned Doheny fidgety funk feel with a fantastically irresistible chorus and great harmonies. Just magic. The insouciant, swaggering "Hey! Hey! What You Doin To Me" is straight up white-hot feel-good funk with by turns sweeping and stabbing strings and a neck-snapping break. Crucial. Coming off like something off The Beach Boy's Surf's Up or Holland (including a sneaky "reason to live" reference that surely nods to "The Trader") is the brilliantly ominous, driving wall of sound of "Take Strength". Cavernous drums, urgent strings and a staggeringly good vocal performance make this a real highlight amongst an album of highlights. The blissful folk-funk of "The Lady Of The Sea" is a real naked heartbreaker, melancholic vibes and a beautiful flute line complementing each other perfectly. Side A closes out with "All My Life", a groovy island-funk white-reggae-tinged lilter which just about lands the right side of acceptable.
Side B opens with the gorgeous "You're The Only One Girl" before the propulsive Philly soul of "At Least We Got Love" elegantly glides into focus. Pulsing beats and piano working with that irresistible orchestra of grass. Glacial ballad "All Love's Children" has a deep New Orleans soul feel that truly soars whilst the breezy "Get Out In The Sun" owes a debt to "Crocodile Rock". It's pure pop for now people and wouldn't have been out of place on a late 70s Nick Lowe effort. Deep late-period Beach Boys gem "Golden Hues" is another heavy melancholic down lifter that really beguiles before the real reason you're all here. Pastoral closer "I Meditate Each Day" is just beautiful, and likely the reason this reissue is giving you that special feeling. Another gorgeous flute-led, folk-funk groover, it featured in a memorable mix from the Creme2laCreme crew (Raphael Top-Secret, Jerome Qpchan and Antoine Kogut) live on Red Light Radio over a decade ago and has been top of many heads' wants list never since. Just mellow out.
As ever, the audio for Ocean Potion has been carefully remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, ensuring it sounds better than ever. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at Record Industry in Holland. The original, iconic sleeve featuring a topless Steve reclining next to his piano on a flatbed truck on the beach (of course?!) has been restored here at Be With HQ as the finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue.
More
1
BEÃTFÓØT - TOO CUTE
2
BEÃTFÓØT - HEART OF LEAD (TAKE IT OFF!!!)
3
BEÃTFÓØT - MANIAC [ft. Princess Rani]
4
BEÃTFÓØT - LEO’S SONG (THE SOCIAL MEDIA GUY)
5
BEÃTFÓØT - WHERE HAVE I BEEN ALL MY LIFE [ft. Bugle Boy]
6
BEÃTFÓØT - STAY WID DE MONEY (GO HOME!!!)
7
BEÃTFÓØT - FOOTYLICIOU$
8
BEÃTFÓØT - THE BOMB (IS IT THE TEAR GAS OR BABE ARE YOU)
9
BEÃTFÓØT - SUKC MY DIKC
10
BEÃTFÓØT - VIP PARTIES
11
BEÃTFÓØT - AN OLD COUNTRY BALLAD
12
BEÃTFÓØT - BEST DJ EVER (I’M THE!!!)
Format: LP (Pink Coloured Vinyl)
Tracklist:
TOO CUTE
HEART OF LEAD (TAKE IT OFF!!!)
MANIAC [ft. Princess Rani]
LEO’S SONG (THE SOCIAL MEDIA GUY)
WHERE HAVE I BEEN ALL MY LIFE [ft. Bugle Boy]
STAY WID DE MONEY (GO HOME!!!)
FOOTYLICIOU$
THE BOMB (IS IT THE TEAR GAS OR BABE ARE YOU)
SUKC MY DIKC
VIP PARTIES
AN OLD COUNTRY BALLAD
BEST DJ EVER (I’M THE!!!)
In a world of division, BEÃTFÓØT’s delayed second album is as an invitation to unite at a utopian celebration of life. Originally scheduled for release in October 2023 but postponed due to the ongoing Israel/Palestine war, the intrinsically-political ‘TOO CUTE’ has taken on more prominence than the Tel Aviv duo of Udi Naor and Adi Bronicki could have imagined.
“It's more urgent than ever for us to share this now, even though the album has been ready for a while,” says producer Naor. “BEÃTFÓØT are against any war, and believe that people should talk and not use violence - never,” he adds vehemently. “We feel the pain of Palestinians and Israeli loss of life, and are devastated by it. We hope the war will be finished soon and that peace and prosperity will come soon for both sides.”
While both Naor and vocalist Bronicki have been active in protests, charity work and community efforts over the past year - explicitly against the current government in Israel - such values of peace, acceptance, coexistence, inclusiveness and anti-hate from all sides are further instilled in the songs that form ‘TOO CUTE’.
“We're really trying to highlight that there are people here working tirelessly for a brighter future for our ill kids and our neighbour’s kids,” adds Naor, who is also co-founder of techno duo Red Axes. Having had to flee the country with his family, it’s through music that Naor and Bronicki have found hope.
In light of such conflict, the multi-layered yet sonically-bonkers record also enables escapism, which is needed more now than ever. Following their self-titled 2021 debut (released on DJ Tennis’ label Life and Death), ‘TOO CUTE’ is a refreshingly-ridiculous dark-rave rollercoaster which careers between hard-dance, big-beat, post-punk, techno, hyperpop, country and everything in between.
Things blast off at breakneck speed with the chaotic title track’s hyperpop snares, instantly-catchy lyrics (which feel ominously striking considering the war) and a stadium-ready chorus that erupts into rolling breakbeats, punishing EDM and even a nod to The Bloodhound Gang’s ‘The Magic Touch’. Somehow, we’re just three minutes into the record.
The tongue-in-cheek ‘HEART OF LEAD (TAKE IT OFF)’ still bangs despite its silliness, like if Kero Kero Bonito got in the studio with will.i.am. Later, ‘LEO’S SONG (THE SOCIAL MEDIA GUY)’s wittily satirical one-liners - “I just wanna get high with AI” - come thick and fast amid a barrage of glitches and guitars. ‘SUKC MY DIKC !!!’, meanwhile, pairs flute with pulsing hardstyle beats.
While their first record’s experimental explosion captured the pure carnage and energy of the BEÃTFÓØT universe in a conceptual fashion (though remaining polished in its own way), album two is primed to connect with a bigger audience thanks to its pop melodies, structures and songwriting.
Much of ‘TOO CUTE’ was written while the duo toured Europe for the first time, with rough sketches of tracks created in the moment during their incendiary live shows, and then recorded in planes and cars.
If their first record was a case of testing the vibes, album two is more assured and confident within their sonic world. “In the first album, we stepped into the club, metaphorically, and started making eye contact with everyone to figure out the energy,” Bronicki says. “But, this time round, I already had an idea of the story that I wanted to tell to these random people.”
And what is that story? “Radical silliness, or radical fun – that’s the essence of BEÃTFÓØT,” Naor confirms. “What we really want to do is goof around and have fun, and that brings out something very profound and honest,” he explains. A sense of nostalgic freedom is also at the album’s core, thanks to the removal of adult predetermined social constructs that decide how people should behave or look. “There’s a very honest and positive energy in holding onto your childlike wonder and trying to explore that with others,” Bronicki suggests, adding that “the adult world can be so wrong and angering”.
She feels this relates to both the album’s lyrics and the artistic state of mind that the duo always work to: “the goal is to feed a really thought-out and profound idea, but through a playful spoon,” she says. With this in mind, the recurring theme of ‘TOO CUTE’ stems from the duo’s “radical and lived experience of existing in a place that holds a lot of guilt and fear – because death is so imminent and prevalent in a very confronting way”. This is clearly represented on ‘FOOTYLICIOU$’, on which Bronicki screams “someone’s gonna die tonight!” before emphatically shouting “NOT ME!”
The album title is BEÃTFÓØT’s response to that: “We want to be a celebration of life, and that applies to all lives, of all backgrounds, including animals… that’s our guiding light,” Bronicki says.
“We create in the context of living in a country where the current government’s anti-democratic measures are limiting who is included in the celebration of life. Because different people are always being pushed out and excluded: whether it’s queers, Palestinians or people from different religions.”
BEÃTFÓØT - who have found a home among the LGBTQIA+ community - are fighting back against oppression. “We want everybody to come to the party and celebrate life together,” says Naor, setting out his and Bronicki’s mission… “and our goal is to widen that party as wide as it can go.”
More
Tracklist:
TOO CUTE
HEART OF LEAD (TAKE IT OFF!!!)
MANIAC [ft. Princess Rani]
LEO’S SONG (THE SOCIAL MEDIA GUY)
WHERE HAVE I BEEN ALL MY LIFE [ft. Bugle Boy]
STAY WID DE MONEY (GO HOME!!!)
FOOTYLICIOU$
THE BOMB (IS IT THE TEAR GAS OR BABE ARE YOU)
SUKC MY DIKC
VIP PARTIES
AN OLD COUNTRY BALLAD
BEST DJ EVER (I’M THE!!!)
In a world of division, BEÃTFÓØT’s delayed second album is as an invitation to unite at a utopian celebration of life. Originally scheduled for release in October 2023 but postponed due to the ongoing Israel/Palestine war, the intrinsically-political ‘TOO CUTE’ has taken on more prominence than the Tel Aviv duo of Udi Naor and Adi Bronicki could have imagined.
“It's more urgent than ever for us to share this now, even though the album has been ready for a while,” says producer Naor. “BEÃTFÓØT are against any war, and believe that people should talk and not use violence - never,” he adds vehemently. “We feel the pain of Palestinians and Israeli loss of life, and are devastated by it. We hope the war will be finished soon and that peace and prosperity will come soon for both sides.”
While both Naor and vocalist Bronicki have been active in protests, charity work and community efforts over the past year - explicitly against the current government in Israel - such values of peace, acceptance, coexistence, inclusiveness and anti-hate from all sides are further instilled in the songs that form ‘TOO CUTE’.
“We're really trying to highlight that there are people here working tirelessly for a brighter future for our ill kids and our neighbour’s kids,” adds Naor, who is also co-founder of techno duo Red Axes. Having had to flee the country with his family, it’s through music that Naor and Bronicki have found hope.
In light of such conflict, the multi-layered yet sonically-bonkers record also enables escapism, which is needed more now than ever. Following their self-titled 2021 debut (released on DJ Tennis’ label Life and Death), ‘TOO CUTE’ is a refreshingly-ridiculous dark-rave rollercoaster which careers between hard-dance, big-beat, post-punk, techno, hyperpop, country and everything in between.
Things blast off at breakneck speed with the chaotic title track’s hyperpop snares, instantly-catchy lyrics (which feel ominously striking considering the war) and a stadium-ready chorus that erupts into rolling breakbeats, punishing EDM and even a nod to The Bloodhound Gang’s ‘The Magic Touch’. Somehow, we’re just three minutes into the record.
The tongue-in-cheek ‘HEART OF LEAD (TAKE IT OFF)’ still bangs despite its silliness, like if Kero Kero Bonito got in the studio with will.i.am. Later, ‘LEO’S SONG (THE SOCIAL MEDIA GUY)’s wittily satirical one-liners - “I just wanna get high with AI” - come thick and fast amid a barrage of glitches and guitars. ‘SUKC MY DIKC !!!’, meanwhile, pairs flute with pulsing hardstyle beats.
While their first record’s experimental explosion captured the pure carnage and energy of the BEÃTFÓØT universe in a conceptual fashion (though remaining polished in its own way), album two is primed to connect with a bigger audience thanks to its pop melodies, structures and songwriting.
Much of ‘TOO CUTE’ was written while the duo toured Europe for the first time, with rough sketches of tracks created in the moment during their incendiary live shows, and then recorded in planes and cars.
If their first record was a case of testing the vibes, album two is more assured and confident within their sonic world. “In the first album, we stepped into the club, metaphorically, and started making eye contact with everyone to figure out the energy,” Bronicki says. “But, this time round, I already had an idea of the story that I wanted to tell to these random people.”
And what is that story? “Radical silliness, or radical fun – that’s the essence of BEÃTFÓØT,” Naor confirms. “What we really want to do is goof around and have fun, and that brings out something very profound and honest,” he explains. A sense of nostalgic freedom is also at the album’s core, thanks to the removal of adult predetermined social constructs that decide how people should behave or look. “There’s a very honest and positive energy in holding onto your childlike wonder and trying to explore that with others,” Bronicki suggests, adding that “the adult world can be so wrong and angering”.
She feels this relates to both the album’s lyrics and the artistic state of mind that the duo always work to: “the goal is to feed a really thought-out and profound idea, but through a playful spoon,” she says. With this in mind, the recurring theme of ‘TOO CUTE’ stems from the duo’s “radical and lived experience of existing in a place that holds a lot of guilt and fear – because death is so imminent and prevalent in a very confronting way”. This is clearly represented on ‘FOOTYLICIOU$’, on which Bronicki screams “someone’s gonna die tonight!” before emphatically shouting “NOT ME!”
The album title is BEÃTFÓØT’s response to that: “We want to be a celebration of life, and that applies to all lives, of all backgrounds, including animals… that’s our guiding light,” Bronicki says.
“We create in the context of living in a country where the current government’s anti-democratic measures are limiting who is included in the celebration of life. Because different people are always being pushed out and excluded: whether it’s queers, Palestinians or people from different religions.”
BEÃTFÓØT - who have found a home among the LGBTQIA+ community - are fighting back against oppression. “We want everybody to come to the party and celebrate life together,” says Naor, setting out his and Bronicki’s mission… “and our goal is to widen that party as wide as it can go.”
More
1
Stefan Goldmann - Series a (Alpha)
2
Stefan Goldmann - Series ß (Beta)
3
Stefan Goldmann - Series y (Gamma)
4
Stefan Goldmann - Series d (Delta)
Tracklist:
Flexidisc 1 (transparent): Series a (Alpha)
Flexidisc 2 (blue): Series ß (Beta)
Flexidisc 3 (yellow): Series ? (Gamma)
Flexidisc 4 (black): Series d (Delta)
Info:
Scale and Scope is a set of four colour flexidisc records, each containing an instantiation of an individual microtonal designer scale, developed by Stefan Goldmann. The four discs are housed in a printed cardboard portfolio.
The flexidisc medium plays like a vinyl record, but is inherently noisier and tends to exhibit more signal disruptions than conventional vinyl. Expect occasional clicks, crackle and other variations, which differ substantially from copy to copy. These make each set unique.
The digital file versions are re-recorded directly from the flexidiscs, with very few corrections and a few spectral interventions by the original artist. The full resolution digital files used for cutting the flexidiscs will be available exclusively and individually to collectors who wish to acquire one of the scales as
instantiated in the recordings. More
Flexidisc 1 (transparent): Series a (Alpha)
Flexidisc 2 (blue): Series ß (Beta)
Flexidisc 3 (yellow): Series ? (Gamma)
Flexidisc 4 (black): Series d (Delta)
Info:
Scale and Scope is a set of four colour flexidisc records, each containing an instantiation of an individual microtonal designer scale, developed by Stefan Goldmann. The four discs are housed in a printed cardboard portfolio.
The flexidisc medium plays like a vinyl record, but is inherently noisier and tends to exhibit more signal disruptions than conventional vinyl. Expect occasional clicks, crackle and other variations, which differ substantially from copy to copy. These make each set unique.
The digital file versions are re-recorded directly from the flexidiscs, with very few corrections and a few spectral interventions by the original artist. The full resolution digital files used for cutting the flexidiscs will be available exclusively and individually to collectors who wish to acquire one of the scales as
instantiated in the recordings. More
Label:Acid Camp Records
Cat-No:ACR011
Release-Date:25.10.2024
Genre:House / Techno
Configuration:12" Excl
Label:Acid Camp Records
Cat-No:ACR011
Release-Date:25.10.2024
Genre:House / Techno
Configuration:12" Excl
1
Dar Embarks - 1Let's Start Our Own Thing
2
Dar Embarks - 2. JMAR
3
Dar Embarks - 3. NOK
4
Dar Embarks - 4. Same Format
Tracklist
01 Let's Start Our Own Thing
02 JMAR
03 NOK
04 Same Format
Shortinfo:
Dar Embarks, the hardware-based collaboration of Chicagoans Dan Jugle and Ken Zawacki, share four precious recordings of bouncing, highly-acidic machine funk and industrial ambiance. This is a posthumous release for Dan Jugle, who departed in 2018.
Dan was a multi-instrumentalist and a pillar of Chicago's techno scene who left an indelible mark on it with his distinctive sound. His infatuation with electronic music began in the mid-90s when he found his way to Midwest raves as soon as he was old enough to drive to them. He began working with analog gear to create his own expression of the music he heard there. Jugle, Zawacki, and Mike Broers started experimenting with a thrifted Roland TR-707, figuring out the controls through trial and error. They performed together as Ghost Arcade in the early 2000s.
Years later, Jugle and Zawacki reunited creatively, forming Dar Embarks and building the foundation for their project. Jugle gained a reputation for crafting washed-out, saturated club tracks as Juzer, a project formed with Beau Wanzer. Dar Embarks' debut EP Fleer (released on CLEAR USA) and Juzer's Horseplay (on Anthony Parasole's label The Corner) were both released in 2014, both elevated by Dan Jugle's live-action knob-twisting and button-pushing composition inspired by sci-fi and comic books. Despite his early passing, Jugle's legacy lives on through his work and his passion for Midwest techno that his friends and fans still remember and carry.
Lovingly wrapped up and presented to Acid Camp by Ken, these heaters are finally set free to move asses and minds.
Artwork by Jeremiah Chiu
Layout by Danielle Davis
Mastered by Tim Xavier at Manmade Mastering
Distributed by wordandsound
More
1
Charles A.D - A1 Boundary
2
Charles A.D - A2 Surfacing
3
Charles A.D - A3 Bubble ring
4
Charles A.D - B1 Deep Sea Exploration
5
Charles A.D - B2 Abyss Light
6
Charles A.D - B3 Traitor
LP
GENRE/S: Deep, Dub Techno
TRACKLISTS:
A1 Boundary
A2 Surfacing
A3 Bubble ring
B1 Deep Sea Exploration
B2 Abyss Light
B3 Traitor
SHORT INFO:
The sea has long been central to Japanese culture, symbolizing both sustenance and spiritual
depth. Charles A.D.'s Deep Diver draws inspiration from this, channeling the ancient traditions
of diving and fishing into his music. Historically, the sea has influenced everything from Shinto
rituals to the livelihoods of coastal communities. In Deep Diver, this reverence flows through
aquatic soundscapes, where rhythmic waves of 90s house and Detroit techno meet Japanese
minimal production techniques, New Age and Pacific Jazz. Like the tides, the album ebbs and
flows, creating a serene yet dynamic homage to the timeless connection between Japan and
the sea.
The opening track 'Deep Diver' plunges into the depths, its abstract sound design capturing the
sensation of deep-sea propulsion. Rhythmic bubbles pulse gently alongside slow-moving
chords, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The textures are lush yet restrained, setting a
tranquil stage that pulls the listener into a submerged world. 'Underwater Ruins' builds on this
aquatic theme, introducing rhythmic layers and bass-heavy notes reminiscent of mid-90s
Japanese ambient techno. The smooth, melodic flow nods to pioneers like Mr.YT and Susumu
Yokota, while subtly incorporating the Detroit techno influence through soulful, deep basslines.
The track feels like a fusion of ambient and techno, balancing serene tones with a rolling
groove, emblematic of Japanese techno soul. As the album progresses into 'Bubble Ring', it
becomes clear that Charles A.D. is a master of minimalism. The production is timeless, leaning
on analog techniques where echo-drenched chords and carefully layered soundscapes take on
an addictive, hypnotic quality. The simplicity of the composition is deceptive, as each element
carries weight, drawing the listener deeper into the rhythm and space between the notes.
'Merperson' is where organic rhythms truly come into play. Charles A.D. gently evolves the
patterns, allowing each percussive hit to flow naturally into the next. Soothing melodies emerge
from within the track’s structure, eventually reaching an emotional peak without ever feeling
forced. The organic nature of the arrangement creates an effortless progression that feels
deeply connected to the natural movement of water.Starting the second half with 'Deep Exploration', the theme of underwater excursions becomes
even more pronounced. Light, steady drumming anchors the track, allowing the melodic layers
to develop gradually. It unfolds with a calm, measured pace, before ending softly, almost as if
the sounds are drifting off into the oceanic depths. 'Diffuse Reflection' stands out as the most
dub house-influenced on the album, with rolling rhythms and hypnotic elements reminiscent of
Maurizio's deep, pulsing sound. Yet here, the production feels submerged, with aquatic effects
swirling around the rhythmic core, blending dub house with a fluid, oceanic touch. 'Traitors'
delves even deeper into dub-inspired territory. Deep, resonant bass hits combine with wooden
drums, while static-like sounds evoke the image of a radio tuning through static to find clarity.
Chords shimmer briefly before fading back into the liquid depths, evoking the ebb and flow of
the tide. The final track on Deep Diver 'Levitation', is a fitting conclusion, as the rhythms merge
and overlap like waves gently lapping the shore. The minimalistic arrangement allows each
element to blend effortlessly into the next, creating a sense of unity and closure. The sounds
move with the gentle grace of water, ending the album in a way that feels both complete and
open-ended, like the infinite motion of the sea. More
GENRE/S: Deep, Dub Techno
TRACKLISTS:
A1 Boundary
A2 Surfacing
A3 Bubble ring
B1 Deep Sea Exploration
B2 Abyss Light
B3 Traitor
SHORT INFO:
The sea has long been central to Japanese culture, symbolizing both sustenance and spiritual
depth. Charles A.D.'s Deep Diver draws inspiration from this, channeling the ancient traditions
of diving and fishing into his music. Historically, the sea has influenced everything from Shinto
rituals to the livelihoods of coastal communities. In Deep Diver, this reverence flows through
aquatic soundscapes, where rhythmic waves of 90s house and Detroit techno meet Japanese
minimal production techniques, New Age and Pacific Jazz. Like the tides, the album ebbs and
flows, creating a serene yet dynamic homage to the timeless connection between Japan and
the sea.
The opening track 'Deep Diver' plunges into the depths, its abstract sound design capturing the
sensation of deep-sea propulsion. Rhythmic bubbles pulse gently alongside slow-moving
chords, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The textures are lush yet restrained, setting a
tranquil stage that pulls the listener into a submerged world. 'Underwater Ruins' builds on this
aquatic theme, introducing rhythmic layers and bass-heavy notes reminiscent of mid-90s
Japanese ambient techno. The smooth, melodic flow nods to pioneers like Mr.YT and Susumu
Yokota, while subtly incorporating the Detroit techno influence through soulful, deep basslines.
The track feels like a fusion of ambient and techno, balancing serene tones with a rolling
groove, emblematic of Japanese techno soul. As the album progresses into 'Bubble Ring', it
becomes clear that Charles A.D. is a master of minimalism. The production is timeless, leaning
on analog techniques where echo-drenched chords and carefully layered soundscapes take on
an addictive, hypnotic quality. The simplicity of the composition is deceptive, as each element
carries weight, drawing the listener deeper into the rhythm and space between the notes.
'Merperson' is where organic rhythms truly come into play. Charles A.D. gently evolves the
patterns, allowing each percussive hit to flow naturally into the next. Soothing melodies emerge
from within the track’s structure, eventually reaching an emotional peak without ever feeling
forced. The organic nature of the arrangement creates an effortless progression that feels
deeply connected to the natural movement of water.Starting the second half with 'Deep Exploration', the theme of underwater excursions becomes
even more pronounced. Light, steady drumming anchors the track, allowing the melodic layers
to develop gradually. It unfolds with a calm, measured pace, before ending softly, almost as if
the sounds are drifting off into the oceanic depths. 'Diffuse Reflection' stands out as the most
dub house-influenced on the album, with rolling rhythms and hypnotic elements reminiscent of
Maurizio's deep, pulsing sound. Yet here, the production feels submerged, with aquatic effects
swirling around the rhythmic core, blending dub house with a fluid, oceanic touch. 'Traitors'
delves even deeper into dub-inspired territory. Deep, resonant bass hits combine with wooden
drums, while static-like sounds evoke the image of a radio tuning through static to find clarity.
Chords shimmer briefly before fading back into the liquid depths, evoking the ebb and flow of
the tide. The final track on Deep Diver 'Levitation', is a fitting conclusion, as the rhythms merge
and overlap like waves gently lapping the shore. The minimalistic arrangement allows each
element to blend effortlessly into the next, creating a sense of unity and closure. The sounds
move with the gentle grace of water, ending the album in a way that feels both complete and
open-ended, like the infinite motion of the sea. More