I wondered what it would be like if I were a rapper and I was given free rein to select some beats from the vault of all-star hip-hop producer Pete Rock.  After all his production talents has been the backbone for numerous rappers for years.” Petestrumentals Ten year anniversary” celebrates the 2001 release and the great fact about these joints is that they haven’t aged at all. For instance, “A Little Soul” packed with deep grooves and thick beats is the kind of funk that never gets old. “For The People” still is hypnotic thanks in part to the wicked fender Rhodes arrangement layered nicely over more heart pounding beats. And while the focus is mainly on instrumentals, the disc is hardly devoid of vocals. Rapper Nature spits fire on “To My Advantage” as well as Freddie Foxx on “Mind Frame”. For old time sake we’re treated to a CL Smooth collaboration as he waxes poetic on how a true hustler handles his business on “Back On Da Block”. “Ten Anniversay” also arrives with additional bonus tracks and alternate takes to certify that a strong release is even better. For all hip-hop enthusiasts and beat aficionados this definitely belongs in your collection.  

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

“Cheikh Tidiane” is the first of several releases from the Senegal based label “Terangabeat” which features the music of Idrissa Diop. Diop is the man largely responsible for the music known as Mbalax, which merges Senegalese with Latin rhythms and paved the way for artists like Youssou N’Dour and Omar Pene .  This release covers some of his strongest recordings from 1969-76 with the band Sahel. The latin flavor is evident on tracks like “Yaye Boye”, a warm laidback tune highlighted by Idrissa’s   tenor flavored vocals and Cheikh Tidianne Tall’s rhythmic guitar playing. “Caridad” is another winner filled with sparkling percussions and soaring keys.  Sahel’s harmonious horn section figures prominently on “Fonkale Garape” as well as Tidiane Tall’s guitar soloing. Their spirited playing elevates the compositions to another level. The sound quality on the recording is the only drawback as several tracks have an analog sound and you wonder how much better this would if it was digitally remastered. That said, “Diamonoye Tiopite” is a hidden treasure that brims with emotion, energy and is filled with heartfelt lyrics.  Kudos to Terangabeat for allowing this disc to see the light of day.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

What do you get when you put together a veteran producer and an underrated vocalist? You have “Cookie Dough”, the debut from Wildcookie aka producer Freddie Cruger and vocalist Anthony Mills. Together they have crafted an album filled with wicked bass grooves laced with warm mid to down-tempo soul rhythms. Cruger’s compositions range from chilled out jazz to mellow slow burning funk and hip-hop. Top that off with Mills varying vocal styling’s and you have an ambitious yet seductive recording that you’ll find hard to resist. Among the highlights are “Heroine”, previously released on “The Drugs EP” deals with the influence the drug had over some of our legendary artist’s in order to reach their musical heights. Cruger lays down a jazzy mid-tempo groove with a simple drum snare beat while Mills falsetto elevates to the upper register. “Touchy Touchy” has a bossa nova inspired groove with a subtle piano melody that features Mills making his move on a honey and breaking down protocol on what to do on ladies night. On the mellow funk flavored “Come Closer” Mills comes across as a mixture of Curtis Mayfield meets D’Angelo as he croons about the woman who has got him hooked and between the two of them are feigning for each other at a moment’s notice. Much like the title, “Cookie Dough” is kind of like that triple chocolate Devil’s food cake you have no business indulging in. You try to fight it but it’s no use. Just give in and enjoy it over and over. Although the disc at various moments has a dark mood to it, you won’t be able to resist the funky rhythms, the vocals and the production. Superb work by Wildcookie in delivering a disc that merely scratches the surface of their musical chemistry.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

Macon, France native Jennifer Zonou, aka Hawa has steadily built an impressive resume since starting her career in 2000. After working with local acts around France she eventually connected with Pascal Rioux of Favorite Recordings where she released her first single “D.A.N.C.E.”. A chance meeting with Bruno Howart of Patchworks would ultimately evolved into her debut lp. That is good news since “My Little Green Box” is earthy striped down soul that fits neatly within the Patchworks funk soul roster that includes The Dynamics and Mr. President. Among the highlights are “Never Give Up”, a mellow groover that brims with yearning intensity. “Lost Girl” is a good vibes up-tempo gem ignited by infectious rhythm guitar playing. “Spin Me Around” is another keeper about someone who lifts your spirits when you have those days when everything goes wrong. Hawa’s sun drenched vocals are surrounded beautifully by an irresistible groove, highlighted by the Hammond B3 organ and funky horns. Hawa scores with an impressive debut that certifies her as someone to keep an eye on. This is an enjoyable lp that will harken memories to old soul analog classics that you wish you held onto. This spirited recording will make you think they never left.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

Brooklyn based rapper T.R.A.C. demonstrates on “The Network” that he has lyrics in abundance and the beats to match, courtesy of Marc Mac. Like The Foreign Exchange did several years ago, TRAC and Marc Mac collaborated over the internet and “The Network” is an impressive result of two likeminded talents providing immediate satisfaction.  Over fifteen tracks, T.R.A.C. effortlessly waxes poetic on the daily grind and the economic hardships that surround his environment. On “Step Rite On In” Marc Mac samples the 70’s Blue Magic classic over thick beats while T.R.A.C. leads us on a journey into his life and the code he lives by. ”Radio Heroes” is another banger that features the vocals of Baron aka Drue Davis. “Over My Shoulder” has a laidback groove with a jazzy bassline. On this tune, T.R.A.C. laments about struggling to stay on the right path without being drawn into temptation. “Somn’ For Your Ears” provides more bounce to the ounce and finds T.R.A.C. professing to commitment to the hip hop game. With a release as strong as this one, that’s good news for hip hop enthusiasts.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

I don’t know exactly what inspired the title of rapper Raashan Ahmad’s new release but I would like to think that what we’ve lost is some old fashioned feel good hip-hop, which he provides here in abundance. Indeed, the Crown City Rockers front man delivers another refreshing dose of that laidback soulful hip-hop we never seem to get enough of.  There are many enjoyable tracks here to savor like “Imagination”, a mid-tempo rhodes flavored tune that evokes images of sunny afternoons in Cali, which is where Raashan calls home. “Sunshine” has all the ingredients of a summertime jam, the warmth of the grooves, tight rhymes’ and the soulful voice of Noelle Scaggs for bonus points. Another standout track is “I Am” which features the underrated Chi-town native Rita J. Raashan and Rita J’s effortlessly flowing styles make for good chemistry.  “These Foolish Things” is easily one of the best trackss here, and there are quite a few to pick from. Raashan and guest Count Bass D ride this soul jazz organ grinding groove while Silya Nyomen adds a little bit of spice with her soulful vocals. “Falling” also receives honorable mention thanks in part to supreme lyricist Gift Of Gab and singer Aloc Blacc. Despite the notable guest appearances Raashan impressively carries this disc on his own shoulders. Like his previous release “The Push”, Raashan delivers another strong record filled with lyrics that are fun and some that are thought provoking. This is a well spent investment from the underrated MC.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

If there is a little known Disco record out there languishing in somebody’s vault, chances are Al Kent will find it. With “Disco Love 2” he has delivered another batch of rare gems that have never seen the light of day. While some of the selections here will not cause a uproar over as to why they have been in exile, there are a few gems that certainly merit your attention. The standout tracks include “I Feel Like Dancing” by Aged In Harmony sounds like one of those frequent Prelude releases from back in the day with an anonymous vocal blessing a funky groove driven Disco treat. “Love Exchange” is the type of up-tempo disco jam that was played in roller rinks throughout the late seventies. “I Think I’ll Do Some Steppin On My Own” is one of the stronger selections featured here. Vocalist Sandy Barber belts out an up-tempo tune with strings that would have easily fit into the Philly International catalogue. “Loosen Up” is another highlight that begins with a blistering conga solo that shifts into a wicked bass groove peppered with funky horn riffs as well. For those who occasionally suffer from the Disco fever, “Disco Love 2” is the remedy for you.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

I hereby declare Freestyle records as the land of the good groove for many bands with a passion for vintage soul and funk eventually finds their way there to contribute to an impressive roster of musicians.  The newest label member to carry the torch is Frootful, which is the creation of guitarist Nick Radford. Radford spent several years performing with Adam Gibbons Lack Of Afro band. Gibbons himself a soul connoisseur appears as the producer of this project and the results are quite impressive.  Radford and the band effortlessly swing hard and take no prisoners with scorching jazz numbers and hot buttered soul groovers. Right from the outset, the group swings hard with the title track, a bebop influenced tune that features a gorgeous vibraphone solo by Gibbons while Radford evokes images of Wes Montgomery with his guitar playing. “Fish In The Sea” features Radford on bass laying down a fierce groove while the soothing vocals of Angeline Morrison takes the track to another level.  “Astonaughty” is a sparkling track with infectious percussion and synth playing by Gibbons and funky horns by Peter Judd. “B-Side Seaside” is a nice alternative to the up-tempo burners. This is one of those warm and sublime grooves to chill out to on a summer afternoon or whenever the mood to chill hits you. Overall “Colours” successfully captures the spirit of the funk and soulful jazz and creates a sound that feels brand new. The top level playing by Radford and his well-crafted compositions make this superb recording worthy of repeated listens.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

Daniel Paul and Hans Schaaf (DJ Honesty) are the group known as Andre Zimma. You may be more familiar with them as the duo known as Slope. The two DJs have been producing an eclectic array of house, broken beat and hip hop tracks for a number of years and have compiled a strong collection of 12 inches and lps on the Sonar Kollektiv label.  Their latest project on Swedish Brandy is an assortment of down-tempo jazz flavored soul grooves and tasty house tracks enhanced by an impressive lineup of musicians. One of the notable contributors is the duo Amraah8, they’re featured on 2 tracks here plus an alternate take for each. “Aqua” is a gorgeous down-tempo electronic soul gem that features singer Clover, whose vocals blessed the unforgettable Deyampert’s “Heard Him First”. “Colors” is an ethereal slow grinding groove highlighted by the lust filled poetry of Channeng. I’m partial to the Comfort Fit remix but the original is enjoyable as well. There are many more highlights such as “Wicked Games”, featuring the whispery voice and the ambient electronic sounds of Delhia De France. In addition, there several solid soulful house tracks here to savor as well.  “Mermaids Bay” is an irresistible house track that will have you swept away by the violin soloing and the lush strings. “M.U.S.I.C.” is another thumpin track seasoned with a samba beat and sweet tasting horns to match. It’s hard to pack seventeen songs into a disc that while maintaining a level of excellence but that’s exactly what we have here. Wow, this is one strong record with grooves for every mood and is certain to provide definite satisfaction.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy

The deep funk label known as Record Kicks has done it again.  After recently dropping scorching soulful projects like Soulshaker and The Liberators, they deliver another impressive compilation with Mo’ Record Kicks Act II. DJ/Producer Smoove has been committed to delivering the funk for more than thirty years and once again has assembled a roster of heavy hitters with enough funk to jump start any house party. The disc starts out with a bang with The Bakers Brothers “The Young Patter”, complete with infectious guitar rhythms and funky horns. “The Grunt” by Kokolo is a funky mid-tempo Afro-beat groover. The Link Quartet serves up some serious organ grinding soul jazz in the form of “Take Four”.  There are notable remixes as well such as the Valique remix of “Scaramunga” by Ray Harris & The Fusion Experience. The Lack Of Afro remix of “Give Me One More Chance” by The Diplomats of Solid Sound is a definite crowd pleaser. For me the hottest remix here is the Discomix version of “Are You Ready” by Mr Comicstore featuring the soulful vocals of Nicole Willis. This is an absolute floor burner and one of the strongest among several bangers here. After working up a sweat, I’d suggest to cool down to “Ain’t So Low” by Dojo Cuts. Roxie Ray’s vocals and the mellow horns are always soothing to the eardrum. Once again DJ Smoove knows to how to get your groove on by finding some hidden funk gems and bringing them back to life. If you don’t move your body to “Mo’ Record Kicks Act II” then I’d suggest consulting your doctor.

Reg Dancy

www.facebook.com/reg.dancy