Single Review: SS005 - Flight of the Condor / Final Flight of the Condor

 

SS005 - Flight Of The Condor / Final Flight Of The Condor

By

Uncle Mic Nitro, DJ Nappa & DJ Mr Thing / DJ Nappa & Krash Slaughta

NOTE: Before I get into the review, I just wanted to let you know that this will not be my usual review style. There will be some personal stuff included in here and some of this may be considered as triggering to some people and I therefore give a TRIGGER WARNING as some of what you are about to read will contain references to cancer, suicide, and death. If any of this may affect you, I please ask you take care when reading.

Thank You, Steve

 

This single is the final release on the SoulCondor Slices label that was set up by Del Soulcondor aka Derek Grayston. Like so many I became friends with Del over Instagram, by the time I became aware of Del’s music and awful situation with his cancer diagnosis, I was already suffering with my own grief having lost my youngest daughter, in October of 2020, when she took her own life. His story touched me deeply as I had lost my own mother to cancer back in 1995. I felt that I wanted to do something to support him and knew that the best way for me to do that was to review his upcoming releases.

After a few chats Del sent me the files for SS001 & SS002 and a little later the files for SS003 & SS004. I was so glad that he liked the reviews, and it gave me a true sense of getting his music out to people. When he told me of the up coming SS005 (Then called Operation Condor) I knew it would be a given for me to drop another review when it was eventually released.

As 2021 moved towards its final quarter I began to struggle with my grief as this would be the first anniversary of losing my daughter. Although these were dark times, I kept watch on Dels posts and sent him screen shots of when SS003 & SS004 (Issue 467/8) appeared in the Online Gonzo weekly magazine (Gonzo is an online music mag run by a good friend who now features my reviews and had already featured my reviews on SS001 & SS002 (issue 457/8)), Del did not get back to me, which was not something I expected as by now he was in a hospice and I knew it was getting harder for him to respond. So, it shook me deeply when I saw the post that he had passed away. Then, more than ever, I knew that SS005 would be on my list.

I had originally heard both tracks when Del released them via soundcloud. The fact that these tracks are dedication tracks really touched me on a deep level as I have been exploring the idea of a dedication track for my daughter for some time and I still hold that in my heart.

Del was a true lover of Hip Hop music and music in general. He loved his family and all those around him. He was also a true fighter and had a strength of character that I have seen in very few people. So, here is my take on SS005, Enjoy…

 

Flight Of The Condor is touching dedication track written by Southampton UK emcee Uncle Mic Nitro. Produced by DJ Nappa and featuring cuts from DJ Mr Thing. Nappa’s production blends guitar, horns, xylophone notes, and Drums with emotive choral vocals, the outcome is this upbeat track interlaced with Mr Things classic cuts that, in spite of knowing the story behind it, just gets you in the mood to nod you head and groove to. It’s just the kinda sound Del enjoyed. Del also loved Uncle Mic Nitro’s deeply personal vocals as he details his online friendship with Del, his desire that they would one day meet in person and the shock when the heart-breaking news came that Del’s cancer was terminal and nothing more could be done. UMN also speaks on the kinda person Del was, the fact that he always had time for a chat and his love of Hip Hop, the music he produced and his plans for Soulcondor Slices. With Flight Of The Condor, Uncle Mic Nitro, DJ Nappa and DJ Mr Thing really bring into focus the strength and the soaring nature of Del’s spirit. This is quite honestly a dedication track of the highest order and one that comes straight from the heart and touches your heart.

 Final Flight Of The Condor see’s DJ Nappa on production and Krash Slaughta on the cuts, and what these two do here is to take the strength and the soaring nature of Del’s spirit and take it to another level. Nappa brings horns, drums which, alongside Krash Slaughta’s, quite honestly, incredible cut’s, creates this beautiful blend of jazzy horns and Hip Hop vibes. That final flight is something we will all take one day but, few of us will have our final flight reflected in such a way as this. As you listen to the track you can sit back and easily imagine Del’s spirit soaring high above in the clouds, a scene that is so beautifully depicted on the cover of the 7” single by Digital Dyer (John Dyer). This one hits you in so many ways, it is a true anthem that evokes the memory of Del, someone who lived for music and his family, even after that heart-breaking diagnosis. Every beat, every scratch and cut, puts you in touch with Del’s resilience and strength of character, aspects that were such an inspiration to so many. Final Flight Of The Condor not only celebrates Del’s life but, it also reminds us that we all have the strength inside us to walk tall in the face of even the hardest of life’s hurdles.

 

I don’t think that I can write much more to sum up this release. This was one review that took so much to write.

What I would like to do, is to give you Del’s own words on what he thought of these two tracks, everyone involved and more. This is taken from the back cover of the 7” single…

This record is special to me. Both sides, very personal and very special…

I want to say thank you to Uncle Mic Nitro for stepping to me with the first idea, for doing such a proper heartfelt job on the vocals and for becoming a caring friend.

DJ Nappa for being the man as usual and bringing two of the nicest beats ever that totally suit this project, Nappa mate love you pal.

Dj Mr Thing for stepping up and lacing “Flight” with the crazy nice cuts. That’s twice I’ve had my fav DJ in the world on my tracks…..

Thank You, also on the DJ tip I’ve got to big up my man, good friend and ex band mate DJ Krash Slaughta for totally killing “Final Flight”…..Wow, when I heard this for the first time I had tears. The Amazing, amazing cuts combined with that beat!

Massive shouts to Rare Dave over at Diggers With Gratitude for doing all the postage and packing. Without him you would not be holding these records! Thanks so much Dave.

Want to thank John Dyer for getting involved in the artwork. Looking great, I appreciate it. Ollie Knight for the vocal production and mastering the tunes for us, thanks pal.

And sending all my love out to my mum, sister, and daughter, love yous all so much. All family and friends thank you for your support.

Much Love

Del Soulcondor (October 2021)

 

Here are two tracks that celebrate the life of Del in a way that only the Hip Hop community knows how to do but, more than that you have two deeply emotional tracks that will undoubtedly bring tears to the eye’s of many as they listen and think, not only of Del but, also their own loved ones whose spirits now soar above with Del, looking down on us and helping to give us the strength to see another day and to remember that they are never truly gone but, are there stood beside us when ever we think of them or through the hardest times.

If you have not heard these tracks yet, I wholeheartedly invite you to head over to the link below and listen, you will be glad you did and if you are one of those lucky enough to have a copy of the 7” single, then this is one to treasure.

My love and respect goes out to everyone involved in this truly special release for Del.

I dedicate this review to Del (Derek Grayston), to my daughter Deanie, and to memory of all those we have loved and who now soar above us.

Fly high SoulCondor…

Steve

LINKS

There are still a few copies of the 7" and the SSCD001 Super Dynamite Soul available through Diggers With Gratitude Fresh Pressings Here:

http://freshpressings.bigcartel.com/

Check Soulcondor Slices on Soundcloud Here:

https://soundcloud.com/soulcondorslices