The title says it all, this isn’t some stand in the corner and look pretty kind of funk. This is pop your collar and break out in a sweat kind of funk. Zak Akhimien and Jean Claude Mighty have formed Amplified, a platform to showcase some of the most progressive forward thinking soul music on the scene today. I’m always a bit wary of compilations but I’m feelin the roster these guys have put together here. For starters, we have Tiombe Lockhart with the wicked funky rock infused “You Need Me”. We also have two of soul music’s up and coming talents here. St Louis native Coultran lays his soft smooth vocals down on “Girl Of My Dreams” and Bilal Salaam is equally impressive on “Noohustle”. Another one of my favorite artists on the comeup is Muhsinah. Muhsinah’s voice may remind many of Georgia Anne Muldrow. Her offering of “Construction” is a great example of the wealth of talent that is on the horizon. In fact “Dirty Soul Electric” would be a great way to introduce yourself to quite possibly the future of soul music. Based on this very enjoyable record, the future is in very good hands.
