Single Review: Opportunity Knocks by Paavo & Hugo Monster

Opportunity Knocks

By

Paavo & Hugo Monster

 

 

This is the recent release on AE Productions, and it brings you some exclusive versions of the track Opportunity Knocks, from the upcoming LP release of the same name.

This one is a collaboration between Californian emcees Paavo & Hugo Monster, with production from J & Mo (aka DJ J-Man (Cut Beetlez) and DJ Mo’ Money. This one comes in a dope 7” at 33.3rpm package and features four exclusive mixes from J & Mo, Jazz Spastiks, The Process (aka Ollie Teeba & Jonny Cuba), and Charlie Tate.

So, sit back and join me as I take you through each one of these remixes.

It all kicks off on Side A with DJ Mo Money’s In-House Remix. This one features production from J & Mo and cuts from DJ J-Man. This one has a wicked jazz hop vibe with an infectious beat that is alongside a dope mix of horns and piano that immediately gets you moving to sound. The message from Paavo & Hugo Monster is simple, when opportunity knocks, you have to seize the moment and make the most of it, because if you let that moment go, you might not get another. That moment might seem small, or it might appear to be huge and overwhelming but, don’t think about it, even for a moment, grab it and go with it and show everyone exactly what you are made of. They do this with the use of slick wordplay and the kind of flows that get you hooked and bouncing’.

Next up is the Jazz Spastiks Remix and this one, in true Jazz Spastiks style, takes the track to another level. They give this one a more chilled edge by softening the vocals slightly and using xylophone and horns, alongside a sweet head nod beat to give you type of sound that makes you just want to kick back and chill to this one, but still with enough energy to keep you moving.

Time to flip the wax to Side B and first up here is the World Expo Remix from The Process, otherwise known as Ollie Teeba and Jonny Cuba (Soundsci). As you can probably guess, the guys give this one a pure slice of Hip Hop with wicked beat, organ notes, cuts and more. Mix all that together and you get a sound that amps up the adrenaline levels and has you jumping around before you know it.

Last up is the Jazzual Suspects Remix which comes from Charlie Tate aka The Jazzual Suspects (Colossus, Monkey Business, The Big Cheese All Stars, etc). Here, horns and piano vibes merge with some sweet drums to give you a deep Jazz sound that puts you in mind of sitting in dark, smoky club, just drinking in the sounds as you casually nod a long…

 

Here we have four different versions of one track, each one gives the words from Paavo and Hugo Monster, a different platform or stage if you will. Each mix does not take away or change the message of seizing the moment but, what does happen is that each remix just subtlety changes how that message is delivered. You have the jazz infused, punchy delivery with DJ Mo Money’s In-House Remix, then the more laid-back sound of the Jazz Spastiks Remix. The Process, once again, give us a more hard hitting delivery with the World Expo Remix, before we get chilled out once more with the Jazzual Suspects Remix. Each side of this 45 starts us off on a high before bringing us back down again, rather that just have one side with two hard hitting vibes and one with the more chilled ones. It makes for a more varied listening experience that keeps you on your toes.

 

With the long player coming in the not too distant future, this single gives us solid feel of what to expect, especially if you know of the previous work from J & Mo and/or Paavo and Hugo Monster. This is a cracking release from AE Productions and is, as always, the full package with full colour cover with a collage from Zoë Douglas-Cain and design and layout from Darrell Krum, just to finish things off.

If you don’t have this one or have not heard it yet, then you need to get on this one pronto. It’s definitely not one to sleep on.

Huge thanks to Mr Fantastic and DJ J-Man for letting me bring this one to you and keep watch for the album, coming soon…

I’ll see ya next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab your copy of the Single Here:

https://www.ae-productions.co.uk/product-page/paavo-hugo-monster-opportunity-knocks-7-ep-1

https://aeproductions.bandcamp.com/album/opportunity-knocks

Social Media Links:

https://www.instagram.com/paavomusic/

https://www.facebook.com/therealhugomonster

https://www.instagram.com/hugomonstah/

https://www.instagram.com/jandmo/

https://www.instagram.com/ae_productions_uk/

EP Review: Ed Koch EP by Cut Beetlez and King Dion

 

Ed Koch EP

By

Cut Beetlez & King Dion

 

It is always good to have new music from my good friends the Cut Beetlez from Finland, and this time they are back with a new EP collaboration with King Dion, an emcee/DJ and producer out of Atlanta Georgia in the US.

The ED Kock EP is not the first time they have worked together as King Dion featured on the 2022 release by Cut Beetlez and The Food Lord ‘God Keep Me Safe In This Shity Place’. In fact, The Food Lord repays the fact by featuring on the final track of the EP. It was following this initial collaboration that they decided to keep working together on more projects.

You can bet that this one is going to be packed with some of the Cut Beetlez slick experimental production, which always keeps you wondering whats coming, so the best thing we can do here is to see exactly what Cut Beetlez and King Dion have in store for us on the Ed Kock EP.

 

The EP kicks off with the title track Ed Kock, which sees the Cut Beetlez on fine form bringing a fresh sound which seems to reflect the feeling of the warm summer weather. It might take you a few listens to really get a feel for what King Dion is putting across here but, for me, I got that there was this sense that it was all about being you own person, walking solo and not letting others get a hold of or control your own creativity and path in life. It might seem like a lot to pack into less than two minutes but, he really does say a lot here and you just need time to feel it.

Next up is Mommasum which has this big boom bap sound, full of horns, cuts and a pounding beat, which gets the adrenaline levels pushing up as you listen. What you are gonna get out of this one is a huge sense of respect, it really is just that simple here. You can feel that respect that King Dion has for his mom and those around him who are the closest, like family and friends, himself included. Wherever you are in life, whatever you’re doing, you gotta maintain that lever of respect for those who have always been there for you and that is where this one takes you.

Topshelfer has this laid-back sound that has a sparse drum beat with keys, while the bridge switches the vibe just enough to keep you guessing. What we get from King Dion here is that rap bragadochio vibe as he makes it plain and simple where he sits in the game. Here its all about claiming that top spot, right there on the top shelf and staying there.

The final track of the EP is Mr Overall which features The Food Lord and sees the Cut Beetlez strip the sound back even further here. The sparce beat has some flute elements and creates this almost far eastern meditative vibe, this brings the focus to the lyrics. There could be a number of things that this one is saying as you listen but, what I got from this is really making sure your involved in something, being a part of something and not just standing by and letting things slide. Whether you are standing up for yourself or for another person, stand up and make a difference. The appearance of The Food Lord here gives the track an extra dimension as his delivery and vocals have a more gritty and raw edge to them.

 

Once more we find that the Cut Beetlez production gives us something different on every track here. The first two tracks, although having differing sounds both have this vibe that is upbeat and energetic, giving you something to move to. The second two tracks have more of a thoughtful or reflective vibe. But, at times, the lyrics are almost at odds with the sound, like walking a mountain trail where there is a drop of several hundred feet to one side, you have foundation of the path and are enjoying it but, there is also that sense you are almost on a knife edge, it just works when you think that it won’t. It’s all about the Cut Beetlez consistently giving the emcee a challenge with which to rap to, which always brings elements that are making the emcee challenge themselves as well.

King Dion does a great job here with vocals that laid-back but, also have an intensity and complexity that hit you just as much as if you were listening to high paced rap style, it makes you want to go back and listen again to see what you missed, even though you have not missed a word. But he does a great job of making his words and flows fit with what the Cut Beetlez have places before him, which makes him worthy of that place on the top shelf and there is more to come from him, so he is one to watch.

Overall, the Ed Kock EP continues the quality production of the Cut Beetlez and their way of creating a platform for both legendary and those lesser-known names in the rap game and giving them all a challenge to further push their names forward. The EP also will give many their first introduction to King Dion, who gives a solid performance and places his name fairly and squarely on list of ones to watch.

The Ed Koch EP is out now so, check it out and make your own mind up.

Huge thanks to DJ J-Man of the Cut Beetlez for giving me the chance to review this one.

I’ll see ya next time.

Steve

LINKS

Grab your copy of Ed Kock on Bandcamp Here:

https://cutbeetlez.bandcamp.com/album/ed-koch

Streaming links for Ed Koch Here:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/cutbeetlezandkingdion/ed-koch?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=Email+&utm_source=SendGrid

Cut Beetlez Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/cutbeetlez/

https://www.facebook.com/cutbeetlez

King Dion on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/officialkingdion/

Single Review: Most Hazardous Original and Remix by Cut Beetlez and Godfather Don

 

Most Hazardous

By

Cut Beetlez and Godfather Don

 

Recently my good friends the Cut Beetlez released a new single and remix, Most Hazardous which featured none other than Godfather Don, a legendary figure in Hip Hop music who is an emcee in his own right and also a top producer who has worked with some huge names since his first appearance on the scene in 1991 with his debut, Hazardous. So, what better than for him to team up with the duo of the Cut Beetlez who are arguably two of the most innovative producers in Hip Hop today.

So, without further ado, lets get into Most Hazardous and the remix…

As with all their releases, the Cut Beetlez bring a huge jazz influence to the sound on this one, with a mind numbing drum fusion that beats your ears and causes your entire body to vibrate to the very atoms that spin beyond your awareness but, that’s not all, as along the way there are electronic and bass elements, alongside frantic razor sharp cuts which combine to bring a mind bending, nerve shredding sound but, one that is strangely enjoyable and compliments the vocals. Godfather Don is on point here with deadly, intricate wordplay that slices, dices and unloads salvos of rhyme bombs that take out all the wack rappers and demonstrate exactly why he is the Most Hazardous on the mic and beyond.

With the Most Hazardous remix, the Cut Beetlez take God Father Don’s words and statement and give a whole new backdrop. Here the sound is a rougher drum sound fused with those deadly cuts and some big, sampled horn elements, which also have that rough raw element to them. What this does is to add to the impact of the original in a way that feels like going beyond the vibrating of every atom in your body, to ripping them all apart and then simultaneously pounding them back together in one swift moment.

What we have here is a merging of one of the great Hip Hop lyricists with two beats that, on the face of it sound so different but, are also very close, coming from the minds of two guys who always bring the heat.

Once again, the Cut Beetlez show that they seem to have this never-ending innovative style that always brings something different, something experimental, to the scene with each release they put their minds to. There is always a fresh element to everything they do, which means you can never anticipate just what you are about to hear, they just always have an edge which always leaves you thinking ‘I wasn’t expecting that’?

Bringing in Godfather Don to drop vocals on this one, makes you sit back and think how the sound is just perfect for his delivery; and what a delivery it is to, expertly delivered with a rollercoaster flow of intricate wordplay that leaves you feeling a little breathless and wondering just what a whole album would be if put out by this meeting of Hip Hop greats.

Most Hazardous and its Remix are, for me anyway, two must haves, end of story. If you have not heard these yet, then its time to wrap your ears and your mind around them now.

Both singles are out now and feature artwork by HP Lovescratch himself. The strictly limited lath cut 5" picture discs have sadly now sold out. However, you can still purchase some artwork from Bandcamp.

My huge thanks to DJ J-Man for giving me the chance to review these two dope singles.

Time for me to be out,

See ya next Time.

Steve.

LINKS

Grab your copy of Most Hazardous on Bandcamp:

https://cutbeetlez.bandcamp.com/album/most-hazardous 

Stream both singles Here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/75uudNEPFGwcf2Q2Xe9ffH?si=qGGA4IzwQkmKReUKKPyjEg&nd=1&dlsi=fcedbdd5239a4231

Cut Beetlez on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/cutbeetlez/

Godfather Don on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/real_godfather_don/

 

Album Review: Monkeyman by Kurious and Cut Beetlez

 

Monkeyman

By

Kurious & Cut Beetlez

 

Following on from my recent review of the Monkeypox single (you can read that HERE), there was no way I was going to pass up the chance to review the album, Monkeyman.

Considering just how good Monkeypox was, it proved that Kurious (USA) teaming up with the Cut Beetlez (HP Lovescratch and DJ J-Man - Finland) was going to be, what was looking like, a dream Hip Hop collaboration between a legendary emcee and one of Hip Hop’s brightest up and coming Producer duos. Monkeyman also has features from Ceaz Da God, Yahzeed The Divine and Homeboy Sandman.

So, what I am going to do is not beat around the bush here and just get straight into the album…

 The Album kicks off with High Speeds, that has this heavy industrial sound, cut up to give it the vibe of a revving engine, before the beat drops with pounding drums and bass vibes, interspaced with these jazzy moments and more of that cut up revving engine sound. All this combined really helps to give you a musical interpretation of speed. Over this Kurious drops intricate lyrics that give the impression of speed without him seemingly drawing a breath. This makes it a challenge to follow what he is saying, making you want to listen over and over before you get to the point of simply enjoying what you hear without going too deep. The heavy pounding industrial feel sound continues on Hog Tied, which features Ceaz Da God. Mixed in with the heavy industrial vibe are these electronic sounds and some keys that bring this calming element that just seems to take the edge off the roughness of the sound. Kurious and Ceaz Da God drop these lyrics that really seem to reflect the struggles faced by underground artists trying to make it in life. There are no assurances or pension plans, just hurdles and negative judgments that a rapper is a gangster or a dealer; no one takes the time to understand where they grew up and how that affected how they are seen growing up and trying to make a name as a Hip Hop artist. Jazzy horns and heavy drums form the foundation of sound for Mint Leaves, giving this one some really energy. Yahzeed The Divine joins Kurious to lay down some mind-bending lyrics that spin tales from life that also have elements of contrast and the two sides to every coin or that so many people have a hidden side to their nature.

Next up is the single, Monkeypox, and I’ll give you my thoughts from the original review. Monkeypox has that experimental, funky jazz vibe that the Cut Beetlez are known for but, here the verses are all underpinned by this fusion of drums, keys, and bass, while the bridge between each verse brings in the horns and some furious cuts that spin you mind outta control. With all this in mind Kurious uses his slick and clever lyrical prowess to such good effect by delivering up-tempo flows of similes, metaphors and more, packed full of mind bending, witty lyricism that takes a few listens just to get a hold of. Now this might not be one of those tracks with hard-hitting story to get your mind working but, it is one of those tracks with the sort of lyrics and sound that just has a feel-good, get ya body moving, infectious vibe that gives you the sort of grin you just can’t hide. This is such a perfect slice of Jazz Hop fusion goodness that is perfect for keeping those summer parties rocking to the early hours. Monkey Scratch is the first of two instrumental, cut n paste style scratch tracks. Here we get treated to a funny little story about the monkeyman, over which the Cut Beetlez provide a classic Hip Hop head nod style track with more cuts that you can shake a stick at or eat a banana to. This is followed up by Monkey Scratch II, which continues that cut n paste style sound mixed with plenty of cuts and jazzy elements. This time the focus is more on Kurious and mixed in with the monkeyman vibe; it’s just the kinda track you wanna nod ya head and bounce to, because the Cut Beetlez don’t give you time to think here but, just to enjoy yourself.

As we move into the second half of the album, it’s time for the Monkeyman Theme. Here the multi-layered jazz sound takes you down into the cellar where the smoky jazz club is in full swing. You get into the groove of the sound being laid down by the Cut Beetlez on stage while Kurious steps up to the mic dropping lyrics in both English and his native tongue, speaking on all the elements of the monkeyman’s mind, which just goes to prove there is more to monkeyman than meets the eye. Now you’re down here in the jazz club, there is no need to move out your seat as horns and bass keep the place rocking and the Cut Beetlez and Kurious lift the Pointy Fingers at the crowd. The upbeat nature of the sound keeps the energy levels up as Kurious explains exactly what it’s all about. So, many are quick to point their fingers, forming judgements and laying blame on others but, don’t think to look at themselves and question why they are laying the blame in the first place. Next we find drums and piano as the main elements of the sound on Magnetic, where Homeboy Sandman joins Kurious on stage. This one is all about the magnetic nature of things and how they attract one thing to another. That magnetic force that pulls or repels is reflected by the Cut Beetlez in the almost nerve tingling sound of the bridge, which seems to have a musical representation of that invisible force.

Time To Boogie brings the cymbals to the forefront over a what seems to be a muted drum beat but, this sound allows more focus on the vocals. Here Kurious seems to be saying that in life people are often too serious, taking things literally and not taking the time to look beyond what is right in front them; there is definitely a lot to be said for not taking this personally and remembering to always make time to have fun and boogie. Moving to the final track of the album, Whiskey All You Want has this drum beat over which is a nerve tingling piano sound that is almost at odds with the vocals as always there are also some additional elements mixed in just to keep you’re ears and you head focused. Kurious pours us a generous measure of the golden lyrical goodness, having the same effect on our ears that has as a drink, burning its way into our awareness, the more you drink, or listen, the more of an effect it has on your mind. I can’t think of a better way to round off the album than to sit back and let Kurious bring his single malt lyrics to the table. I mean, whiskey all you want or listen all you want, here it’s the same thing…

 

You just have to sit back and take five after listening to this album…

That’s in order to process what you just heard. Let’s face it there are two elements here right, as with any album, the lyrics and the music, so why not just look at them both individually first…

Musically, the Cut Beetlez, who are always pushing the boundaries of mixing Hip Hop and Jazz music, fusing their sound with a growing repertoire of influences and sounds which they use to great effectiveness when providing the backdrop to any musical project, be it a single, album or EP, and here they demonstrate that expert experimental quality to great effect; using the Hip Hop and Jazz sound as the base, they bring in sonic and electronic elements, and cuts, of course, to create a sound that is quickly becoming their own. You sit for hours just picking over their sound and the various elements but, in the end what they do is to use everything in their growing production armoury to bring a sound that is unique to every project they are a part of. Without a doubt, Cut Beetlez are quickly becoming one of these go to names for Hip Hop production, especially if you want something with a little edge to it.

Lyrically Kurious brings a quality that always make you think and think again when you are listening to his words. Every line and verse is packed with intelligent, witty and intense use of metaphoric wordplay, that is delivered in such a way as to not only leave you breathless but, also has you listening over and over again to try and catch every word, thinking that you can ably interpret what is being delivered but, sometimes its just not possible you have sit back and think, I’m just gonna enjoy what I’m listening to because that is exactly what seems that Kurious is putting across here. He does reflect a lot of what he sees around him in life but, he puts it across in such a way as to make it entertaining and, at the same time, stretch the possibilities of just how you can put a message across to the listener. He has to be one of the great wordsmiths out there right now.

Before I get off the topic of the Vocals, it is important to give a shout to the guest artists. Most of you will be familiar with Homeboy Sandman but, you may not be so familiar with Ceaz Da God, Yahzeed The Divine, however, after their appearances on Monkeyman you’ll want to remember those names. All three bring their own unique styles to the album and all add that extra depth, perfectly complimenting the overall style of the album.

So, what does this all mean when we look at Monkeyman in an overall sense, what it does mean is that Monkeyman takes the fusion of Hip Hop and Jazz, throws the rule book out the window and rewrites it and says here is a project that you can listen to anywhere and everywhere; that is never gonna get old and never cease to bring you enjoyment. In fact, once you have listened to this top to bottom, there is a little voice in your head that says this is one of those instant classic Hip Hop albums, and it’s a classic because it brings something new to the table and raises the bar for those that follow. It’s also one of those that’s hard to get out your head too…

Monkeyman is released through Weaponize Records and is available on digital and limited-edition vinyl from the 1^st September.

My thanks to DJ J-Man and HP Lovescratch for giving me the chance to give this one the review treatment. Respect to Kurious and Weaponize Records too.

 

On that note,

I’m out,

Steve.

LINKS

Weaponize Records Links:

https://linktr.ee/weaponize_records

https://www.instagram.com/weaponize_records/

Kurious Links:

https://www.instagram.com/kurious97beast/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2eDE3plOEiudDd9q1Ev3IQ

https://www.youtube.com/user/KuriousJorgeTV

Cut Beetlez Links:

https://www.instagram.com/cutbeetlez/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/75uudNEPFGwcf2Q2Xe9ffH

https://www.youtube.com/@cutbeetlez/videos

VIDEOS

Monkeypox Official Video

Magnetic Official Video

Whiskey All You Want

 

 

 

 

Single Review: Monkeypox by Kurious and Cut Beetlez

 

Monkeypox

By

Kurious & Cut Beetlez

 

It’s always a pleasure to be asked to review a release by the Cut Beetlez, and their latest release alongside Kurious is no exception. This release is also the first release by fledgling record label Weaponize Records and comes from the forthcoming album ‘Monkeyman’.

Now if you are a regular reader to the blog, you will know that the Cut Beetlez have featured here a few times with the likes of What Beetlez? (2020), Gold Pyramids on Black Sand (2021 with Dopamine 189) and Jazz Spastiks vs Cut Beetlez (2022) and that’s just to name a few but, check the links to read those reviews too.

The legendary and elusive figure of Kurious has not yet featured here so here is just a little bit about him. Born of Cuban and Puerto Rican descent he first appeared on the album Dust To Dust by Pete Nice and DJ Richie Rich back in 1993 and was they who helped him to get his first record deal via the Bobbito and Nice’s Hoppoh imprint of Columbia Records. Kurious would them release his debut ‘Walk Like a Duck’ in 1992 and his debut album ‘A Constipated Monkey’, having then signed to Sony. He then withdrew from the scene, only making a couple of guest appearances, until he re-emerged in 1999 on the MF DOOM track ‘?’ from Operation:Doomsday. 2001 would then see him release the single ‘All Great’ and them making more guest appearances. His second album ‘II’ would be released in 2009. Kurious has been a regular contributor to KMD and MF DOOM projects over the years and has also worked with artists such as Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, MF Grimm, MC Search and Homeboy Sandman.

Let’s get into this single now…

As always Monkeypox has that experimental, funky jazz vibe that the Cut Beetlez are known for but, here the verses are all underpinned by this fusion of drums, keys, and bass, while the bridge between each verse brings in the horns and some furious cuts that spin you mind outta control. With all this in mind Kurious uses his slick and clever lyrical prowess to such good effect by delivering up-tempo flows of similes, metaphors and more, packed full of mind bending, witty lyricism that takes a few listens just to get a hold of. Now this might not be one of those tracks with hard-hitting story to get your mind working but, it is one of those tracks with the sort of lyrics and sound that just has a feel-good, get ya body moving, infectious vibe that gives you the sort of grin you just can’t hide. This is such a perfect slice of Jazz Hop fusion goodness that is perfect for keeping those summer parties rocking to the early hours.

The single also comes with a Monkeypox remix and I would love to say that the remix changes the whole vibe of the track while taking nothing away from the lyrics of Kurious, and maybe it does? But I can’t tell you that because that’s a secret right now, unless you we’re lucky enough to pre-order the single and you will already know how dope it is. Just another reason to grab a copy now before they are all gone…

 

I can see why this is the first single off the album, because if this is just a taster of what is to come on the album then, damn, Monkeyman is gonna be right up there as one of the standout albums of the year. What I really like about this is that you have one of Hip Hop’s enigmatic figures, in Kurious, teaming with one of Hip Hop’s most exciting DJ/producer duo’s, to show that not only is Hip Hop far from dead and buried but, with sounds like this coming from the underground scene, Hip Hop is building back to be a force to be reckoned with once again.

The Cut Beetlez keep pushing the boundaries of Hip Hop and Jazz fusion and here it just works so well with the lyrics Kurious delivers. The sound really creates this instant strong anticipation to see what the Monkyman LP will bring. This really does feel like on of those made in heaven Hip Hop collaborations.

That universal Hip Hop feel is here too; where Hip Hop shows how to unite us all, with Kurious from New York, USA and the Cut Beetlez from Finland, it shows that Hip Hop, and perhaps music in general, has the power to unite everyone the world over, you just have to be open to that notion and once you are, you can see the true power of the music we all enjoy so much.

The Monkeypox single is out now on Weaponize Records with a strictly limited run of fresh green 7” vinyl with cover artwork by the Cut Beetlez very own HP Lovescratch.

My huge thanks to DJ J-Man of the Cut Beetlez for sending this one my way.

On That Note,

See ya next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Get the single from Weaponize Records Bandcamp Here:

https://weaponizerecords.bandcamp.com/album/monkeypox

Kurious Links:

https://www.instagram.com/kurious97beast/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2eDE3plOEiudDd9q1Ev3IQ

https://www.youtube.com/user/KuriousJorgeTV

Cut Beetlez Links:

https://www.instagram.com/cutbeetlez/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/75uudNEPFGwcf2Q2Xe9ffH

https://www.youtube.com/@cutbeetlez/videos

Weaponize Records Links:

https://www.instagram.com/weaponize_records/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLHK1NQ-JKdmyeOMj11gdhw

VIDEOS

Monkeypox Official Video

 

 

 

 

Album Review: Broken by Cut Beetlez and DeLa Forte

 

Broken

By

Cut Beetlez & DeLa Forte

 

In all the years I have been doing these reviews the most innovative music a have heard to date comes from the duo from Finland, The Cut Beetlez. These guys, DJ J-Man and HP Lovescratch, just seem to embody what it is to be Hip Hop whilst also being experimental in pretty much everything they do and one of their most recent offerings Broken, which features Viginia USA emcee DeLa Forte, is no exception.

I’m just gonna get right into this one and take you on a descriptive journey across 11 tracks of whatever the Cut Beetlez and DeLa Forte have cooked up for us…

 

The album kicks off with a beat that seems fractured in its mix of jazz samples, drums and cut up white noise/vinyl hiss, that is Fibonacci, you may not be sure of this at first but, very quickly it spirals through your awareness, like a true Fibonacci spiral, and you find yourself enjoying it. DeLa Forte speaks here and basically introduces himself to the listener. As the track ends you find yourself, once more, drawn into a strangely enjoyable mix of samples from far east music, big band, and ukulele, yeah it might sound like none of this works but, the Cut Beetlez make it work. There is no time to sit back and even contemplate what’s coming next as sparse drums, organ notes and guitars bring a laid-back funk fuelled sound. Rashad Sun joins DeLa Forte for Haters, which see’s them speak on those people who chose to hate on you for whatever reason, people who will speak down to you, be disrespectful and only want to see you fail. These are the people who seek failure in other because of the unacknowledged pain in their own lives, and so they can’t bear to see others succeed. A jazzy  trumpet and piano intro allow us to slide into Jazz and Violence, where the word broken is cut up, rapid drums pop up and there is this scratched record vibe which serves to create a fractured, even broken sound. DeLa Forte drops some rapid-fire lyrics that flow even though they appear to be the violence to the music’s jazz but, his words are only violent in their delivery and not in their content, at least that is what it seems.

Plastic drops with a sound and flute notes that almost seems to cause pressure in your mind, bells and electronic sounds add to that mind-numbing aspect, which seems to be bringing your mind into a strange focus. That focus is sharpened more as DeLa Forte slowly speaks all things that are around us that have no real substance, including those people who propose to be more than they are and mould a plastic mask for themselves, one that can easily be broken. An 8-Bit sound, horns, drums, claps, and vocal samples bring a more light-hearted sound with Merci, this one just seems to bring a smile to your face as you listen. DeLa Forte drops a few bars on what it is to be thankful for the things and people in your life. Next, it’s time to heat things up a little bit and get Spicy. The drums and sampled sounds seem to almost fizz through your awareness, sitting there just as the heat from a spicy chilli stays in your mouth. DeLa Forte gets laid-back and spicy on this one too, bringing a little extra heat to proceedings. Once more the Cut Beetlez add even more spice to the track which ends with some freaky sonic sounds and some WTF lyrics…

Having pretty much baked your head so far, the Cut Beetlez bring a little instrumental pallet cleanser your way. Piano, drums, rapid vocal samples, and record skip sounds on Broken Ship, bring a chilled vibe, in a way, but one that still keeps your mind sharp, wondering what’s coming next. Scareligious is what’s coming next, with strings, laid-back drums, and some seriously razor-sharp cuts. There is a chilled edge to this one, which is almost juxtaposed by those razor-sharp cuts slicing into your awareness. Over this we have DeLa Forte dropping a single verse where he muses on life, the kinda place your mind goes to when you’re at peace and in deep thought. Next is another instrumental track, Horny Skip brings horns, drums, bass, and record skips, to hit on some jazzy soundtrack vibe. There is this feeling that you are suspended somewhere between a big action piece and the threat of an approaching unknown that is creeping up on you…

If the Cut Beetlez intended you to feel like something was just around the corner then it the penultimate track, Bless The Child. The sound has a more funk feel to it with cymbals, piano, record skips and some soulful choral vocals, it all brings a slightly laid-back vibe. DeLa Forte is joined by Bobby Craves where each drops a single verse that appears to be speaking on the ups and downs of life and being able to stand strong in the face of adversity. The album ends on a short instrumental Skip Out, where piano, bass and record skips merge with speed and sound changes to form a chilled vibe that essentially skips you out of the album…

It never ceases to amaze me how the Cut Beetlez are able to pack so much into not much more than 20 mins. It will probably take you longer to read this than it will to listen to Broken but, what you will find is that those 20 mins will seem like a whirlwind where you will be picked up and whirled around in some experimental, alternate Hip Hop reality, before being calmly placed back into this 3D world wondering what you just heard, did it all make sense and should you listen again, just to make sure…

Overall, this is one of those you just want to sit back and listen to, just so that you can fully immerse yourself in the sonic, jazz funk, Hip Hop trip that is this Broken. Because Broken might feel like an alternate reality but, at the same time it can feel like sitting in a Smokey club enjoying the music while sipping your favourite tipple and musing on life around you. You can try and put your finger on exactly what’s going on here but, I would advise you just enjoy the sound, enjoy the words, and let it take you where it takes you, don’t think to much about it. I tried that, and now I’m sat in my loft room with a hoodie on shutting the world out as I try to explain to you what this album is all about…

Once again, the Cut Beetlez manage to bring something a little different with an emcee I’m not familiar with. DeLa Forte is an emcee who displays a solid lyrical style and who is also adept at switching between flows and styles to suit the sound. He draws on personal experience and street knowledge to add depth and feeling to his lyrics, whether he is spitting bars for fun or delivering more hard-hitting subject matter. DeLa Forte is definitely one to put on your radar.

There are only a few features on the album but, each one is well chosen and fits perfectly with the vibe of the individual tracks on which they feature.

I would say this… actually, I’m not gonna say anything more…

Broken by Cut Beetlez and DeLa Forte is out now.

I’m out now too,

See Ya.

Steve

LINKS

Get Broken from Cut Beetlez Bandcamp Here:

https://cutbeetlez.bandcamp.com/album/broken

Stream the YouTube Playlist Here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_laa0DWCwplKsJshjHFblyoxciOHS9KAJs

DeLa Forte on Bandcamp Here:

https://delaforte757.bandcamp.com/

 

Album Review: Jazz Spastiks Vs Cut Beetlez

 

Jazz Spastiks VS Cut Beetlez

Right now, in this very moment, when you think of jazz and Hip Hop fusion sounds, two names come immediately to mind, the Jazz Spastiks (Edinburgh,UK) and the Cut Beetlez (Finland).

Both are beat makers, DJs and producers who bring their own twist to mixing up classic boom bap Hip Hop with Jazzy vibes. Both are also duos with the Jazz Spastiks consisting of Coconut Delight and Mr Manyana, while the Cut Beetlez are DJ J-Man and HP Lovescratch. There is no doubt that they both have their own distinctive sound which they use to great effect on instrumental cuts as well as those featuring a whole host of guest artists from the golden era of Hip Hop right up to some up and coming artists hungry to show their pedigree.

Jazz Spastiks VS Cut Beetlez is the third release from Worthing UK based Hip Hop label Deuce Deuce, who are one of the premier up and coming labels in the UK. Only available on Vinyl and digital this release is obviously one that is made for vinyl as it consists of two sides, with the A Side coming from the Jazz Spastiks and the B Side from the Cut Beetlez, each duo dropping seven tracks showcasing their own brand of experimental, instrumental, jazzy Hip Hop niceness.

So, let me get into this and break it down for you…

The Jazz Spastiks kick of Side A with The Doctor,  a proper feel-good mix with the jazzy sounds of horns, keys mixed in with a nice funky drumbeat, cuts and some samples that describe a trip to go see the doctor. There are not many of us who like a trip to the doctor but, if every trip to your doc was this good, who’d want to leave? After, regrettably leaving the doctors office we move on to Anka Banka where the listener is treated to a head nod beat that overlays this jazzy sound scape of cymbals, keys, bells, and bass which allows your mind to wander as you listen. I checked a few means of the title and ones which stuck with me were Merciful (Anka) Brave (Banka), this idea of being compassionate, whilst still being strong stuck with me as I listened as it fit with the two parts of the music. From that laid-back thoughtful moment, it’s time to switch it up a notch with Usin’ and Confusin’, an almost cut n paste style sound with some classic samples, a solid boom bap beat and razor-sharp cuts, all of which is backed up by some chilled organ vibes. This one really speaks on the basics of what the Jazz Spastiks do, in taking the beats and sounds then working their magic to produce something brand new. From getting that basic idea of what the Jazz Spastiks do, we are then treated to a basic explanation of what jazz music is, the Master Fundamentals if you will, all courtesy of a sampled vocal. The track is relaxed mix of cymbals, drums and electric organ notes which is enough to carry you along while focusing on the words.

Static, drums, electronic sounds, and organ notes merge to bring a chilled-out vibe of The Boss. This track brings the atmosphere of listening to old vinyl records to the digital age, even if you’re listening to this on digital. It still keeps you moving your head too, so no matter the mood this has the flow. The now switches once more as cymbals, keys, electronic sounds, and a heavy drumbeat create a more spaced-out vibe. This is perfect for the Spirit Molecule as you feel you are transcending the current dimension and moving to a place where the normal laws of physics don’t apply. Moving to the final piece on this side we are treated to a slick vibe of drums, horns bass and organ notes. There is a sampled conversation taking place and the sounds of the city, making you feel like you are sitting in a booth in a jazz café where people are musing over The Good Life and the complexities that come with it, albeit on a deep existential level…

Flipping to Side B, it now the turn of the Cut Beetlez who open up with their Intro, which is an up-tempo piece of drums, horns, organ notes which switches mid-way through, and we lose the jazz and hear a slightly down-tempo voice who directs his request to the Cut Beetlez for some more boom bap for the Hip Hop headz, you know that sound they are known for…

Horns and drums bring us into Ready For Battle but, those horns and drums are closely followed by sampled vocals and frantic cuts and more classic samples with a sound that is almost like using the cross fader between turntables, giving you the feeling these guys are ready for anything. More percussion, and organ notes seem to switch the tempo up a notch or two giving a sound that tweaks your nerves. Some slick cuts give your nerves a break on a couple of occasions making you wonder just what’s coming next as you say Gimme A Break. That break is about to come with some laid-back double bass and classic Hip Hop samples But, soon some organ notes come in bouncing of our nerves once more as the Cut Beetlez seem to invite us into Channeling this experimental vibe into our minds and opening up a new understanding of music. Laid-back horns lead us into You Need To Quit, before sparse drums and cut up samples allow us to relax for a minute and just simply enjoy the sounds of horns and keys alongside those chilled drums.

Straight Up Dope Boom Bap does exactly what is says as some slick turntableism, classic samples and dope cuts serve as the backdrop while a heavy boom bap beat and some jazzy horns slip in to carry us along as we can’t help but, nod our heads to this as it embodies what we all love about Hip Hop. The final track on this side is Last Jazztics, the drums pound, the horns blow and the keys sound out, all this as cuts slice through your awareness and you detect more than little turntable trickery along the way as this one just eases us out of the album in style, Cut Beetlez style that is…

 

After all that what can you truly say in order to sum this one up…

I don’t, for one minute, say that I know much about the many types of jazz sound there are, as I am sure there are many and the roots of these go back to the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries when jazz grew out of the influences of ragtime, blues, gospel, and military big band music. There has been a huge jazz influence within Hip Hop over the years with the likes  Gang Starr, Digable Planets, A Tribe Called Quest and the Roots, to name just a few. The Jazz Spastiks and Cut Beetlez have brought a new spotlight back to the jazz influence within Hip Hop.

I found that on Jazz Spastiks VS Cut Beetlez there were two kinda vibes going on. The Jazz Spastiks showed a great balance with a more classic Hip Hop musical approach to there offerings, creating flowing tracks that often allowed you to read more into the music that was first apparent. The Cut Beetlez however, showed a more experimental approach creating a sound that showed what can be achieved when you think a little bit outside the box when fusing two genres of music and without that experimental aspect, things would never move forward.

For me this was far less of a versus battle situation and more of a stage for each to simply showcase their sounds and what they are capable of producing, when given the space to do so. The only winner here is the listener who gets treated to some of the most exciting Hip Hop/Jazz fusion music out there and from two of the most exciting Hip Hop beat maker/production/DJ duos out there right now.

I have rated both the Jazz Spastiks and Cut Beetlez for some time now. The Cut Beetles have featured in my reviews on several occasions but, not so with the Jazz Spastiks. So, it is a pleasure to be able to review such an outstanding release by both and huge respect to Deuce Deuce for putting this one out.

I just want to finish by saying a huge thank you to DJ J-Man from the Cut Beetles for sending this one my way.

This is definitely one to have in your collection, especially if there are some vinyl copies still out there.

Links to get the album are below and don't forget to follow Jazz Spastiks, Cut Beetlez and Deuce Deuce Records on all the usual social media.

On that note, it’s time for me to Be Bop outta here,

See ya,

Steve

LINKS

Get your copy from Deuce Deuce Records on Bandcamp:

https://deucedeucerecords.bandcamp.com/merch

Jazz Spastiks on Bandcamp:

https://jazzspastiks.bandcamp.com/

Cut Beetlez on Bandcamp:

https://cutbeetlez.bandcamp.com/

Single Review: AE046 - Rhymes Be Bomb! by J & MO'

 

A: Rhymes Be Bomb! (feat. Emcee G Roc Gayle)

B: Pelottaa (feat. HP Lovescratch)

By

J & MO’

 

Rhymes Be Bomb! Is the first release in 2022 from AE Productions and sees the debut 7” release from the Finnish production duo of J & Mo’ aka DJ J-Man (Cut Beetlez) and DJ Mo’ Money as they work towards dropping a full-length album, J & MO’, later in the year.

So, prepare yourselves and take cover because we got incoming…

Side A is the title track Rhymes Be Bomb! Which is taken from the forthcoming album and features vocals from Canadian Emcee G Roc Gayle (The Vibe Drops). Here J & Mo’ bring an upbeat jazzy fusion of horns, keys, guitar, drums, and cuts. The vibe is so infectious and uplifting that it raises you up regardless of your mood. Emcee G Roc Gayle skilfully drops the kinda bars that do exactly what the title suggests, dropping rhyme bombs for your ears, not only that. He does it in such a way as to still be radio friendly at the same time so, there is no place to hide from the onslaught.

Just as you are cautiously raising your head up to see if all is clear, you flip to side B where J & Mo’ unleash Pelottaa, a non-album track that only get with this release. An instrumental jazz funk mix, which includes a few classic samples, has the duo creating a mood that constantly switches around to keep you constantly guessing at what is coming, add to that a feature from HP Lovescratch (Cut Beetlez) with some classic human beatbox and this one might just tug at your awareness enough to bring something deeper to that second-guessing. The fact that Pelottaa is the Finnish word for ‘frightened’ makes you suddenly realise that these guys may just have produced a piece of music that fits perfectly with that emotion, albeit in a Hip Hop sense…

 

Rhymes Be Bomb! Is cracking debut from J & Mo’ and one which undoubtedly puts them on everyone’s radar and sets the perfect amount of anticipation for the upcoming album.

There are two different sounds here, both rooted in that Hip Hop Jazz fusion style but, both creating two different moods and vibes. What is also great to hear on this release is that the embodiment of true Hip Hop music shines through with energetic Hip Hop beats, plenty of cuts and scratches and rare appearance of the Human Beatbox, something that we are sadly hear a lot less of. As modern technology takes over and people can create beats on there phones, the human beatbox is becoming something that people are just not taking up but, here HP Lovescratch shows that it is still alive, and I can only hope this is a catalyst for others to have a go and bring it back…

The appearance of Emcee G Roc Gayle also brings another depth to the title track as he shows that you can still drop heavy lyrical content and still keep it radio playable. His vocals also bring a freshness that fits perfectly to the vibe of the release.

The Sleeve design comes from longtime AE Collaborator Mr Krum who replicates the metaphor used in the title track by replacing bombs with mics in artwork that mirrors a vintage board game to great effect.

This one has been out a few weeks now and if you have not heard it yet, then you need to check this one as soon as, it’s the shape of things to come from the Finnish duo and shows just how global the Hip Hop culture is and full of positive vibes for all.

As always, my thanks to Mr Fantastic over at AE Productions for sending this one.

On that explosive note,

I’m out,

Steve

LINKS

Buy the 7" from the AE Productions online shop:

https://www.ae-productions.co.uk/shop

Get your copy from AE Productions on Bandcamp:

https://aeproductions.bandcamp.com/album/rhymes-be-bomb