Album Review: The Year After - Configa introducing DJ Views

 

“The Year After”

Configa Introducing DJ Views

 

Configa has to be one of THE go-to producers in Hip-Hop right now. His work on Arrested Development’s latest album Don’t Fight Your Demons and his own recent Configa Presents: The ConfigHasCrates has shown the quality and diversity of the work he is known for. Tracks from these albums have received some seriously heavy rotation and recognition as you might expect.

Our first sniff that he was dropping something else came in February this year when the Topic Of Discussion EP dropped which featured vocals from Ruste Juxx. This was the teaser to the forthcoming Configa Introducing DJ Views Album which finally dropped at the end of April and is titled The Year After. Now most of you will be familiar with Configa and his work but you are probably unfamiliar with DJ Views, hence why this album is Configa Introducing him.

DJ Views comes from Australia, a DJ of 22 years, he plays mostly Hip-Hop from the 80’s onwards. More recently he began producing beats using an Akai MPC-1 and Serato, then dropping a number of mixes and has emerged from relative obscurity to collaborate with the likes of Ruste Juxx, El Da Sensei and Sadat X to name just a few. In the six months prior to the release of the album he worked closely alongside Configa and with the help of some huge, featured artists has brought us The Year After, and let’s face it, after the year we’ve just had music is the antidote to most things.

That all being said, let’s step into The Year After and see what it brings…  

Dj Views is straight in at the deep end as he steps up with a huge soundtrack vibe consisting of cuts, keys, strings, movie dialogue and a proper head-nod beat. Featuring Termanology and the Apostles of Rhyme (Configa’s signed artists DA Donnieboy, Fro Magnum Man and Mic Audio), Mic Domination is all about the relationship of an emcee to his mic. Every emcee does their best to dominate when on the mic and with a host of similes, metaphors and impressive wordplay, this track displays that sentiment admirably. Configa is next up bringing a mix of piano, soulful vocals and a booming beat that surrounds you and demands your full attention. Now you’re focused, up steps Planet Asia, Pacewon and NINE to drop some heavy, hard-edged stories of the brutal truth of life on the streets where it’s Dangerous On The Ave.

The ball passes back to DJ Views who brings us an upbeat vibe full of cuts, drums, and guitar loops. Ruste Juxx features and takes us on a journey from the streets to the stage, where everything is high octane, gritty and most definitely On The Dot and will have you throwing your hands in the air. With the ball back in his court, Configa follows up with a laid-back beat which is full of horns and xylophone notes, alongside a soulful chorus. He enlists the help of Kxng Crooked, Speech (Arrested Development) and Sulpacio Jones to drop some knowledge on supporting those who are striving to make a name for themselves despite adversity, telling the listener I Want U 2 Make It and giving something back with advice and common sense.

The spotlight moves back to DJ Views who takes us to the launch pad with a pounding beat and some spacey electronic vibes. His cuts ignite the fuel, and we are blasted into orbit in the company of Melly-Mel (South Africa), Confucious, HaStyle and DA Donnieboy. With some impressive wordplay and Galactic Rap, the hyperdrive is engaged and we are launched into deep space and beyond to the astral plane, before landing back on Earth. As the focus shifts back to Configa, he is joined by Chino XL. The organ intro heralds a darker vibe which is mixed with more organ notes, vocals and a delicious head-nod beat which sets it up perfectly for Chino XL to deliver bars like a rapping AA-12 shotgun on full auto with a drum mag as he pounds your ears and leaves all suckers receiving a Funeral March.

Hip-Hop is an international scene and DJ Views, with the legendary Craig G, hits us with some boom-bap drums, cuts, strings, and big orchestral vibes creating the perfect scene for Craig G to drop some knowledge and to speak on the greatness he is crafting with DJ Views across Different Timezones. With there being so many aspects to Hip-Hop it’s back to Configa to bring some organ notes to a laid-back beat which creates a chilled vibe that is just right for Ras Kass, Melly-Mel and Akrobatik to drop some different views and experiences on what it is to Live Comfortably.

For our penultimate track from DJ Views he hits us with a multi-layered boom-bap beat with cuts, violins, drums and cymbals, which brings a focused edge to the track. That leads us to pay attention to El Da Sensei, John Robinson and Solemn Brigham, emcees doing what they do best, dropping bars and displaying an uncanny knack for Word Science, using all they have in their arsenal from words to personal experience and flipping similes and metaphors. The penultimate visit from Configa is a head-nod beat that mixes in some synth, which has a harpsichord sound. There are cuts along with a sung vocal sample in the chorus which creates a thoughtful vibe which sees 4-IZE, Jarmel Reece and Sky High 305, speak on the daily struggles in life, the kind of struggles that mess with your mind and mental health and sometimes sees you Slippin’.

The final track from DJ Views was the track that gave everyone a taster of what was to come, Topic Of Discussion. A heavy boom bap beat with layers of cuts, violin, and piano notes (which lighten the tone at times). Ruste Juxx features here and breaks it down on who he is, his experiences and the fact it’s all about the realness, no playin’. Configa rounds the album off with his take on the track that kicked it all off but with a twist. This Mic Domination Remix has a heavy piano vibe alongside some booming head-nod drums and gritty bass notes. The message is the same as the original, being the relationship between an emcee and his mic but, as the piano hauntingly tweaks at your nerves, Configa also mixes up the vocals as he brings in Smoke Gzus, Dell-P and the UK’s own Ken Masters to accompany Termanology and take this one to a whole new dimension.

 

Now, many will look at the line-up of guest features and immediately get hyped and admittedly those features are enough to make ANY Hip-Hop lover sit up and take note but, as a great album is not made by features alone, it is the depth and quality of the production which holds it all together and solidifies this project as a whole. Configa has created a superb platform here for an upcoming DJ/Producer, in DJ Views, to display exactly why Configa has put his trust in him in the first place. The way the album switches, track to track, between Configa and DJ Views, is a great vibe and allows for a perfect flow to the album. In fact, it’s like having two rollercoasters running parallel to each other and the listener is constantly switched from track to track, each complementing the other perfectly whilst having just enough subtle differences to keep things flowing and always keeping you guessing in exactly what to expect. The addition of the emcees brings additional twists and turns on our ride with every one of them, from the legendary figures to those less well known, all displaying the kind of lyrical prowess that shows exactly why they are here presented to us on this album.

This is some introduction to DJ Views who proves, without doubt, that he is capable of sitting alongside an acclaimed producer such as Configa and being able to take the reins that are passed to him and to keep the stage bouncing and on course for a whole new world of Hip-Hop possibilities. Configa demonstrates exactly WHY he is such a powerhouse in Hip-Hop production, creating soundscapes that excite the mind and body, while DJ Views shows us that not only does he know his Hip-Hop but that he is more than able to put that to good use in getting your heart and fist pumping and body moving.

Overall, this one is going to receive heavy rotation, no doubts, and deserves to be in your collection too. With every track keeping the listener pumped up for more, The Year After is truly an international slice of Hip-Hop GOLD, a rock-solid album that has a foot in both hemispheres of the globe and adds further weight to the fact that Hip-Hop music is universal and able to touch and unite all.

Configa Introducing DJ Views – The Year After is out now on Configa’s own imprint Configaration Records.

As for time, it’s time for me to be out,

Peace,

Steve.

LINKS

Get the Album on Bandcamp Here:

https://configa.bandcamp.com/album/the-year-after-lp

Configaration Records on Bandcamp (links to social media):

https://configaration.bandcamp.com/

Configa on Bandcamp (links to social media):

https://configa.bandcamp.com/

DJ Views on Bandcamp (links to social media):

https://djviews1.bandcamp.com/

VIDEOS

On The Dot ft Ruste Juxx

Topic of Discussion ft Ruste Juxx (Configa Remix)

Album Review: B-Boys Break by Long Lastin'

 

B-Boys Break

By

Long Lastin’

 

If you’re like me and you grew up in the early days of Hip-Hop in the UK, you probably became fascinated by Breakin’ which is the athletic street dance that is one of the true elements of the Hip-Hop culture. Breakin’ is as popular today as it’s always been even though you don’t see as much on the streets as you once might have done.

Breakin’ grew out of the early Hip-Hop block parties where the likes of Kool Herc would just play the break of a song and those who moved to really dance to this became known as Break Boys and Break Girls which was shortened to B-Boys and B-Girls. As Hip Hop became the focus of media attention, they quickly coined the term Breakdancing to describe what they were seeing. The term took hold and the breakdance phenomena was born, with it quickly switching from music videos, like Buffalo Gals, to the big screen in movies like Beat Street and the Breakdance series. But, for many within Hip-Hop it only is, was and ever could be one thing and that’s Breakin’.

The style of music associated with Breakin’ was always high octane that fueled your energy and got you pumped up and ready to throw down. As I said it was that original style of playing the instrumental break, backward and forward between two turntables that started it all but, soon tracks were being put out inspired by or created simply for Breakin’ with tracks like: Break Dancin’-Electric Boogie by West Street Mob, Breaker’s Revenge by Arthur Baker and Breakin…There’s No Stopping Us by Ollie and Jerry. More recently the likes of Zeb Roc Ski and Def Cut have produced some classic tracks including On The Run by Zeb Roc Ski featuring legendary UK Emcee Blade.

So, if you are looking for that authentic Breakin’ sound, is there any better way to get it that by an album produced by a straight up B-Boy who oozes Breakin’ and Hip-Hop from every pore. Well, that’s what you are about to hear as B-Boys Break comes from UK Producer and Breaker Long Lastin’.

I’m not gonna leave you waitin’ a moment longer, are you ready…?

Straight outta the gate this one is high energy and hits you with Rock Steady, something every Breaker had to be, and the vibe instantly took me back to the mid eighties and watching crews like the Rock Steady Crew, New York City Breakers and later the UK’s Second To None. There are so many elements here from drums, claps, and cow bells to Freddie Keys on the Hammond organ. I dare you to try and sit still. Like all Hip-Hop music the inspirations behind what makes a great track to Break to are many and diverse. The inspiration behind Man I Am Ready is the JB’s and that funky vibe and the dance that went along with it back in the late 60’s and early 70’s really shines as what would serve as the building blocks of Hip-Hop and Breakin’. There is just that instant feeling of wanting to get up and then get down. Just enjoying yourself and letting the music take control. Breakers are often part of a crew, even if they break individually and to see who the best is, you had to battle, and Ladies & Gentleman puts you right into that experience. There is a slightly harder edge to the beat, as you would expect, to get the crowd and the Breakers fired up. Battles would see the breakers pull out all their moves from Top Rock to Foot Work, Down Rock to Power Moves, The Freeze and so much more…

Taking you back to the early days of breakin’ is Break It Down, the double bass heavy beat is mixed with horns, guitar vibes and cuts that take you back to those early days and the foundation of breakin’, you can close you eyes and drift away to this one as the beat controls your body. More bass, more drums and more cuts drag you to the dance floor where there is no excuse not to Get Down. On the dance floor it’s all about the moves, the footwork, the flares, windmills and the head spins. It’s about getting out there being the best you can be and expressing it through you own style. Time step up for the title track of the album where B-Boys Break has that heavy beat, claps, electronic notes and cuts galore. For me it really took me to the essence of breakin’ and dancing the break and truly being moved by the music and turning that into its own true artform.

The true enjoyment for anyone is in honing you craft and for the breaker that is practicing those moves, developing new variations, and then taking it to the dance floor or that piece of lino on the street and being able to Buss It for all to see and the bass driven beat just fits that buss-a-move vibe perfectly. UK B-Boy legend, Dolby D, introduces the next track and his words ring so true as the drums, bongos and guitar hit. When you step up to battle, you need to practice but, even more than that its all about how you conduct yourself and the confidence you have in your capability to Battle Anybody and serve the competition. As we step into Yea‘Y’all with some funky guitar and piano driven vibes, it’s all about your individual character. As Hip-Hop has elements, so does the breaker and its that which sets them apart from other members of the crew. It’s all about you and type of moves and style that make up you and your place in the crew.

It’s on the floor where the breaker is most at home. It could be lino laid out on the street, the club dancefloor or the floor of a huge stadium but, when the those pounding drums, cuts and electronic notes hit and you Get On The Floor, the music fuels your mind body and soul and nothing else matters. Time it’s now to Listen to the cuts, claps, and synth of this electro driven vibe. This one really put me in mind of the way breakers can rock that body poppin’ and robotic style movement, perfectly replicating and merging those smooth or jerky movements just like their body is controlled by motors with a specific purpose. Moving into the final track of the album, we are asked How Could You Spot A B-Boy? The musical backdrop is again on that electro vibe with bells and synth vibes. It really reminded me of the days when you knew who the B-Boys were, dressed in tracksuits, often matching ones, and rocking trainers such as Adidas Gazelle or Puma Suede with fat laces. Sometimes they would have their caps on backward or sideways while others rocked ski goggles or even white gloves but, always one would be carrying a large boombox with the volume up. I mean, yeah, that’s where it takes me but, truly would you know a B-Boy or B-Girl if they were stood next to you?

 

 I have to say that this was 12 tracks and 45mins of pure breakin’ gold. I have had this in the car, on headphones and just booming out the speakers and this is just perfect anywhere for any Hip-Hop lover but, for breakers, this has got to answer their prayers cos if you had this in your box, it’s gonna have you dancing to the beat as long as you want…

I mean, the sound, the cuts and the classic samples are not only a B-Boys wet dream but, they have an element of that Cut n Paste vibe too that will have the Hip-Hop lovers out there rockin’ their bodies till the cows come home. Being more instrumental this album does not have a particular message to each track because they are built for the breakers to dance to. But the lack of a spoken message is replaced by a purely musical one. Each speaks to you differently or maybe the same? The breaker will hear and feel the vibe of the music and know how to use each move to its best advantage as the vibes fuel their adrenaline. For those who are not B-Boys or B-Girls the musical vibe still talks to you eliciting memories of movies or seeing some breakers at a club, on the street or large event, it may even speak to you in other ways. What it does for all of us collectively is to bring a huge wave of positive emotional responses not just in your mind but, also in your body as you just wanna get up and move, I do advise you don’t do that in the car though…

For me it reminded me of the 1987 Def Jam Tour I went to in Brighton. On the bill was Public Enemy, Eric B and Rakim and LL Cool J and during that night there was a moment when a section of the floor cleared, and the breakers stunned the crowd with their display. It also reminded me of how this was also a non-violent way in which disputes were settled, simply by dancing, something both sides could appreciate in a positive manner.

The reason this album works so well is due to the fact that Long Lastin’ is a B-Boy himself. He knows and feels the music and so is able to put that into creating a vibe that perfectly encapsulates the feelings and energy of that sound that is so instantly recognisable as the Breakin’ sound and it is that perfect sound that has already given B-Boys Break some huge positive feedback from some huge figures here in the UK. What more could you ask for, when you have put your heat and soul into crafting something that so perfectly mirrors that vibe, than to have those you respect for their own standing in the Hip-Hop/Breakin’ world to give such feedback, it must certainly allow you know have done what you started out to do, if nothing else.

I’d like to give a quick mention to the live instruments on this album, something I feel always adds depth and feeling and props goes out to on the Hammond Organ FREDDY KEYS and on Bass & Guitar BOBBY BLUES.

The last thing to say is that the album is polished off in style by the awesome cover art by Bristol graff artists TURROE and SHADE ONE who have produced what could be one of the dopest covers ever…

I’d like to see this style of Hip-Hop music given far more exposure than it currently is and B-Boys Break, being such an honest expression of a deep-rooted love of the breakin’ scene takes one more step to that happening. Long Lastin’ is a supremely talented producer and so I humbly suggest that if you have not heard this yet, you do so now and let your body rock…

B-Boys Break is out now, and I’d like to give some huge props to Long Lastin’ for sending this over to me.

I’m knackered from all that,

See Ya,

Steve

LINKS

Get you copy of B-Boys Break Here:

https://longlastin.bandcamp.com/album/b-boys-break

Album Review: Freeflow Throwdown - Mike Mac

 

Freeflow Throwdown

By

Mike Mac

 

This release is one of those from the crates. Originally recorded a few years back with Mike freestyling over some beats it has been brought up-to-date polished up and is now in the light of day and soon for all to hear.

I don’t want to give this one a huge intro so I’m just gonna dive straight in…

The Intro is a proper boombap head nod beat that forms the backdrop for a host of big names to drop shouts to the man himself so, just let this one sink in damn. 3 Styles Official hits your ears with more of that slammin’ head nod vibe and nice guitar adding that extra dimension. Mike starts by dropping some shout outs before telling how the project came together and really kicking off that freestyle feel. Next, we slide into Get This which features TRZ, it’s a nice piano heavy upbeat track with a sung intro and chorus and is really all about the good times and what makes you feel good. A big beat with melodic organ is the sound for Social Media, which see’s Mike wading in on the popular apps and website that not only keep us connected but, also invade our space and, to a point, control our lives. From the ups and downs of social media we drift into banging beat with some piano and electronic elements that see us look into the life of a Lab Rat. This one looks deep into Big Pharma, prescription drugs, G.Ps and the whole idea that it is not about a cure, because there is no money in a cure.

Break Down is a proper upbeat piano fuelled head nod beat and the track is all about breaking it down about life, it’s just that simple. It’s time to get funky with Love & Respect which has a such a wicked guitar and those hand claps just make you wanna move to the beat. The track is all about being aware of those negatives in your life but, keep that in its place for the thing you want to bring to the surface is your positive awareness, which will keep you where you want to be. We end with the New Style Outro on an upbeat mix of synth and brass elements, this the kinda short freestyle flow that this is all about and why an emcee does what he does.

 

For me I really liked how this was done. That freestyle vibe to it really gave the whole thing that authentic Hip Hop vibe and made me cast my mind back the early 80s when I first got into Hip Hop and the whole freestyle thing was so big with freestyle battles and emcees throwing down that was what gave rap that extra dimension and energy and Mike has ably captured that here with Freeflow Throwdown. I know it is not entirely freestyle but, it does have that feel about it. At times it feels gritty and raw, with areas where you feel it could be a bit more polished, such as with the New Style Outro, where the lyrics are almost hard to discern at times But, all this adds to what I feel he was trying to achieve here and it certainly gives it that element of the underground.

The whole idea for this release was to take concepts, ideas for titles which were suggested by friends on Social Media and then to create the individual tracks around that and you can’t help feeling that he has achieved exactly what he set out to do. The project is cohesive both musically and vocally, you can throw it on and get a real buzz out of it. It also shows exactly what you can achieve when you come up with an original concept for a project.

The fact this is a few years old does not take away from its relevance in today’s climate and it is definitely a release you should not underestimate.

Freeflow Throwdown is due to be released sometime in the future. If you really want to hear this then drop some comments and who knows what might happen...

Peace,

I’m out,

Steve