Milestones are always something special and when AE
Productions reached it’s 50th release, in the same years that Hip
Hop celebrated its 50th anniversary, there had to be something
special for that special release.
Let me hand you over to Mr Fantastic for the lowdown on this
release:
Recorded circa 2012 and originally intended for
release on High Noon Music following Mr Fantastic's other 7"s for High
Noon but somehow and for reasons we can't remember it was never released.
Rescued from the vaults with thanks to High Noon Music for our landmark
catalogue number of AE050.
We dug out some pictures taken around the time of
recording - actually the same photoshoot that supplied the image for Mr
Fantatsic's Harvey's Bristol Cream album on Ruztik Records and manufactured by
AE, and had the sleeve designed by Nick Pointon who did the designs for HBC and
Mr Fantastic 's other High Noon 7"s so was our natural choice.
That being said, Let’s get into it…
Don’t Worry finds Mr Fantastic on
production and cuts with J.Todd (Def Harmonic) from Milwaukee on vocals. The
beat is proper head nod and has sweet funky vibe with bass and other guitar
vibes. There is also this little crackle to it that gives you the vinyl feel
even if you’re listening to the digital version. J.Todd brings a solid display
on the mic, making sure that you know there is no need to worry because he has
got this, binging that raw shit with slick lines, similes, metaphors and so
much more. There is no complicated message here, nothing that needs too much
thought, it’s all about that feel-good Hip-Hop music to get you movin’ and
groovin’ to the beat and rhymes and it does everything it sets out to do and
with those razor-sharp cuts, this is one of those tracks you’ll keep going back
to time after time.
As a landmark release, this one has it all, in a Hip
Hop sense anyway. There is a banging beat to get you bobbing your head, an
emcee dropping some classic rhymes, and cuts galore; I mean, in the 50th
year of Hip Hop Don’t Worry gives you a track that celebrates the roots
of what Hip Hop music grew from, the DJ and Emcee, and at the same time it
celebrates what AE Productions does best, releasing classic Hip Hop from the UK
to the US and beyond.
Don’t Worry is out now with Limited white and black
vinyl, and on digital too. So, grab one while you can.
My thanks to Mr Fantastic for sending this one my way.
As there is no need to worry,
I’m Out,
Steve.
LINKS
Get you copy of the Single from the AE Website Here:
Released last week on 9th June this single is one
of the latest releases from Bristol’s’ AE Productions and sees Dillon (Full
Plate) team with producer Tom Caruana (Tea Sea Records) for this hot new single
release. There is even an appearance from AE Productions own Mr Fantastic who
provides the cuts on RUSSSHHH!!!. Plus, with no plans to release any
further collaborations, these tracks are exclusive to this release, which is
available on 7” vinyl and digital.
This release marks the return of both to the AE label. Dillon's previous outing on AE was the amazing J-Zone remix of Rap Safari 7" by himself and the late great Paten Locke (RIP) and Tom Caruana produced one of AE's most popular releases, the Age Appropriate album by Oxygen (Click for my review).
The single kicks off with RUSSSHHH!!!, a drum and
string fuelled banger that kicks your adrenaline levels up more than few
notches. Dillon displays his talent as an emcee by keeping the pace elevated
across all three plus minutes of this track. In fact, it takes your breath away
just to listen as he delivers bar after bar of similes, metaphors, and
intelligent lyrics, mixed with a good dose of bravado as he details exactly why
you will get such a rush from listening to his rap style. The pace of Dillon’s
vocals is matched perfectly by Tom’s production and Mr Fantastic’s razor sharp
cuts, all of which work together like a well-oiled machine.
Let’s Go Back is in total contrast to RUSSSHHH!!!,
it is a very laid-back funk vibe of drums, bass and organ sounds that see’s Tom
Caruana still get your head nodding. Dillon eases back on the flow and takes us
back to Duval County in Florida and some reflection on times gone by. His
descriptive lyricism gives us enough information that means we are able to
picture this place in our minds as we listen, giving us this real sense of what
it is like not just to have grown up there but, to live there too.
What you get with this single, especially if you grab the 7”
disc, is a two sides of the same coin vibe or a yin and yang kinda vibe, with
two tracks that have totally different pace but, nevertheless still complement
each other perfectly.
You get to see just how versatile both Dillon and Tom
Caruana are, they give you one straight up banger with dope rap lyrics to get
the crowd jumping, then they flip it into a more funked up head nod vibe, that
is more chilled but, reflects those real-life stories that are just as
captivating as the just for fun club style vibe. What is also immediately
apparent here is that they both work so well together. It is simply not enough
that these two awesome tracks first catapult you into the atmosphere before
bringing you back down to earth but, they also leave you screaming for more…
Let’s face it, these are two very accomplished and respected
artists, one and emcee and one a producer, who always bring their A-Game to any
project, and this is no exception. This is another AE Productions release that
you don’t want to miss and I’m sure it’s one you are gonna hear a lot more of
over the summer.
The single also features artwork and design by the one and
only Mr Krum, making this a total package from AE Productions.
The single is out now, so be sure to grab your copy while
they are out there as they won’t be around for long.
The Good People (aka Emskee and Saint) teamed up with French
producer Shar The Analog Bastard (who also mixed and mastered the project) to
release The Fall Back EP, way back in September of 2020. Originally released
just on digital, it dropped at a similar time to AE Productions releasing
Emskee’s Wall To Wall 12” single (which featured here in April 2021) and during
that time it was arranged for AE to also release The Fall Back EP. It was also
in September of 2020 that I first heard The Good People via the Cut Beetlez
album, What Beetlez?
The EP was remastered for its vinyl release by Rola and then
sent off to the pressing plant in June 2021. Due to the worldwide issues around
that time that were created by a certain pandemic, it is only now that The Fall
Back EP finally gets its well-deserved vinyl release through Bristol’s premier
Hip Hop label, AE Productions.
So, for anyone who has not heard this yet and is considering
buying this, and why not as it features guest verses from the legendary figures
of Masta Ace and El Da Sensei, plus an appearance from Meraxx, who you might
not be familiar with. So, join me as I guide you through this six track EP
with, what is described as a classic SP1200 soundscape…
The A-Side of the EP kicks off with Drums and Piano, which
are the basis for Just Begun, slick samples, cuts and horns on the
chorus all combine to give this a laid-back head nod vibe that you just wanna
sit back and chill to. This really feels like it is an introduction to who The
Good People are and what they are here to do. There is very much a sense that
is all about knowledge of self and using that, combined with a deep
understanding of the world around you, to create music that is authentic and
speaks from the heart to each and every one who takes the time to listen. Piano
and xylophone notes, alongside some tambourine brings in When It Counts,
then the beat drops and you are up and moving, bouncing to this. This one
speaks on how The Good People and Shar got through 2020 with the help of
creating music to uplift themselves and their listeners. The upbeat nature of
this one really lifts you up and fills you with good vibes and that’s all I
need to say. We end the A-Side of the EP with The Feel, which has this
infectious jazz vibe from Shar, where piano, guitar and drums, all combine to
keep you moving. Here, The Good People and Masta Ace really give you the feel
that this one is all about how it feels creating good, real Hip Hop music but,
more than that it is all about making the listeners feel that too. That sense
of that feel good feeling you have when you’ve created something meaningful and
you then put it across to your audience, who also truly feel it, comes across
in this one and you feel it to the very core of your being…
Flipping to the B-Side, it kicks off in style with heavy
drums and keys as Shar picks it up where he left off on the A-Side by keeping
you moving and your head nodding. The feel-good factor is off the charts on Say
N Repeat as The Good People and Shar make it upbeat for the streets, with a
block party vibe that really takes you back in the days. This one begs to be on
repeat when the summer days come knocking once more. The drums and that jazzy
piano vibe continue on OK Then, which see’s El Da Sensei joining The
Good People. This one takes on the all the fake rappers out there who are out
there creating a negative stereotype for themselves and being their authentic
selves. It is pointless giving yourself a name no one can understand and saying
things that are not true, just because you think that’s what people wanna hear
or because it’s what makes money. Sooner or later you will be like a flash in
the pan, gone and forgotten unless you are prepared to open up the true you and
speak on the reality behind the voice. The B-Side and the EP rounds off with At
A Glance, Shar brings a heavy jazz vibe on this with drums, bass, guitars,
keys and cuts, all merging to create a chilled head nod sound. Meraxx joins The
Good People to bring you something that, might just say something different to
everyone? For me this one felt very much like being stuck in a moment and each
time you blink, you cast your mind to a snapshot of a past event, what’s
happening around you now or even a possible future outcome. What it is really
all about is living for you in the now, being your authentic self and doing the
best you can to be the greatest expression of that true self, and that’s a deep
message to end on…
What can I say about this one that is over and above what I
have already said? Well, I have to start off by wondering how I missed this the
first time around? Coming out at a time when the world was a truly uncertain
place and people were walking around scared to be themselves, scared to even
touch one another or even be social. We spent hours days staring at four walls
wondering what the future might bring but, a saving grace for many was music
and this EP really does have vibe that runs through it that is there to uplift
and create feel-good vibes in everyone, with the kind of sound that makes you
want to move, from just nodding your head to making you wanna bounce around, it
has it all and coming towards the twilight of 2020, this would have been
invaluable. Not that it has lost any of it’s impact in this current climate,
that feel-good factor still does exactly what it is intended to do.
The Good People bring that real Hip Hop vibe to every bar on
this one, it really has that golden era sound that reminds you of why you fell
in love with Hip Hop. There is knowledge, experience and a desire to bring out
the best in people and all through the medium of Rap. They use the kind of
slick lyrical expertise that allows you to hear every word, regardless of flow
and style, which means that you can truly understand and take on what’s being
said. The appearance of Masta Ace and El Da Sensei helps deepen that golden era
Hip Hop sound as they embody that era. That’s not to say that Meraxx does not,
as his appearance is one of those that makes you happy that there are those who
still hold firm to the real sound of Hip Hop.
Production on The Fall Back EP is solid and see’s Shar The
Analog Bastard encapsulate that SP1200 sound that Hip Hop was built on but,
also he weaves in these additional influences from Jazz and elsewhere that
stamps his own mark on it. This sound really flows with ease from start to
finish, giving the listener this experience that carries them along with ease
as they listen. For we this was an inspired introduction to his work.
Also, a quick shout to the multi-talented Saint who also
produced the artwork for the vinal release.
Overall, The Fall Back EP is one of those releases you
listen to that hits you on a number of levels, Firstly, it has that real Hip
Hop vibe oozing out of every beat and bar. Secondly, it speaks on real life
while uplifting the listener with feel good vibes and lastly, it embodies the
fact that real Hip Hop brings everyone together and is the epitome of us being
one nation…
This is one not to miss…
The Fall Back EP is available digitally and to stream now
(Links below) and the vinyl releases through AE Productions on 27th
Jan, so it's out today.
Huge thanks to Mr Fantastic at AE Productions for sending
this one my way.
I have to say that I felt this new EP from former
Journeyman, Gee Swift, really deserved a review. Mainly because I’ve not seen
much exposure on it since it dropped a few weeks ago.
The Moody Waves EP is well worth checking out not just
because it is by Gee Swift of The Journeymen and the co-founder of AE
Productions but, also because it is produced by The Aroma, aka Rola and DJ
Rumage, and features cuts from AE’s head honcho Mr Fantastic.
Released through AE Productions, Gee Swift has decided to
put this straight on-line with no physical release. You find it on Bandcamp for
a pay what you like fee and with the pedigree the Moody Waves EP has to offer,
why would you not wanna grab it for a few quid?
If your still not sold on the idea, join me know and see
what I have to say about it and hopefully I will convince you to check this one
out…
Things kick off with the EP’s title track Moody Waves.
Drums, keys, and cuts are the basis for the sound with the drums creating that
boom bap Hip Hop sound while the keys have the effect of making you feel like
you are in a boat ebbing on the sea, while the cuts almost feel like the breeze
as you roll on the waves. Gee Swift is bang on as he says, “Take time with the
words so its well composed”. You get this real sense that he is speaking on
what he sees on the road in front of him But, also what makes him tick. Life is
just like floating on the sea, through calm and stormy seas we endure what
comes and as we do, there are waves of moods that come with what flows into our
awareness. This is not just well composed but, intelligent too.
There are more drums, keys and cuts providing the backdrop
for Come On Man, the drums, once more, carry you, just as the waves do
but, the keys and cuts combine to make you feel like a storm is brewing around
you. Here we find Gee Swift speaking on life and how he approaches his craft. It’s
all about putting in the work, the effort and always giving you all in
everything that you do But, ultimately you need to leave your best till last,
never slipping and to leave on a high, because that way you know that you have
achieved exactly what you came here to do.
The waters seem to calm with the coming of the High Seas,
where etheric vocals, pounding drums and bass notes create a reflective vibe
that also seems to have a essence of knowing and understanding. This fits
perfectly with Gee Swift’s vocals which has this air that speaks of change and
the temporary nature of things. We push to be all that we can be, to bring
light to the dark. We walk the earth leaving a path behind us, one that nature
will eventually reclaim, take back what was once hers, it’s just the natural order
of things.
We move into the final track with a solid head nod beat that
is backed by some electronic notes. We also find Gee Swift moving away from the
rough seas to the far reaches of space on a Space Odyssey. As the track progresses,
we wonder if we are on a trip into space or into the deeper reaches on the
mind? Esoteric subjects about here with the sort of vibe that will maybe take
us beyond space, beyond time and beyond the mind. This is one that will take
you wherever you need to go as you merge with Gee Swifts words on an
extradimensional trip.
Have to say that this a cracking EP that sets a new
benchmark from the Bristol emcee. Deep intelligent wordplay shows that he has
lost none of his edge from those Journeymen days. What he does here is to show
all the upcoming emcee’s out there that you need to have the skills and
presence of mind to focus on longevity. So, many artists blow in and out,
barely making a statement or have one important thing to say but, then don’t
back it up. Gee Swift simply says it how it is, do what you do and do it well,
then keep doing it well until you are ready to leave and then leave in an
explosive way, making a bold statement.
The interesting thing is that Gee Swift is also prepared to
touch on those esoteric or even exoteric subjects that few will. But more and
more artists are willing to go that extra mile and speaking on what drives them
and what they see in the world beyond the music and beyond the physical
reality. It’s a bold move to do this but, one that gives a deeper edge to the
music.
At the end of the day this is Hip Hop from one of the UK’s
top Hip Hop Hub’s, Bristol, brought to you by those who love what they do and want
to bring you a high-quality sound with slick, intelligent wordplay to get you
thinking as much as enjoying. For me, this is what the underground Hip Hop
sound is all about, top music from top artists who do it for the love and not
for the money, although a little support for their hard work never hurts…
Lucky Number
(ft Lewis Parker & Specifik) / Do It Now (ft Smoove)
By
Whirlwind D
Lucky Number/Do It Now is the latest release from
Whirlwind D. Releasing this one via Bristol’s premier Hip Hop label, AE
Productions, it promises to be something special.
This time around Whirlwind D has teamed up with some true
heavy weights from the UK Hip Hop scene. Lucky Number features
production and an appearance from the legendary figure of Lewis Parker,
alongside B-Line Recordings head honcho Specifik on the cuts. Do It Now
features production from Smoove who returns after the success of last years
‘Labels Smoove Remix’ and with another stunning piece of art and design from
the one John Dyer @digitaldyer, this 45 package certainly lines up to pack a
punch, so let’s get into it…
The first thing to note about Lewis Parker’s production on
the A Side, Lucky Number, is that there is this Multi-layered sound
where, aside from the drums, you can pick out some horns, guitar notes and so
much more and it all combines to produce this dark dystopian funk vibe, with an
almost soundtrack edge to it, that really reflects what society is like at this
present moment whilst, at the same time, drawing you in and making you want to
listen and focus on the words. When those words drop in, what you find is that
Whirlwind D and Lewis Parker are not speaking on those numbers that we all hope
will bring us some good luck. No, here we realise that this is all about the
way those in power, such as the British Government, are always rolling the
dice, playing with the lives, hopes and dreams of the everyday person. We are
the pawns in their games, where our lives, earnings and even health are the
chips they use to bet on multiple rolls of the dice, where the outcome is never
guaranteed and their losses and gains are, more often than not, our losses
either way. We all have to realise that these people are not out there for our
greater good, they are only doing what they do for their own personal gains,
which is so often money and fame. Why else would you give yourself a pay rise
while those who put you there are systematically financially crippled, suffering
mentally and emotionally while they are thinking “I’m Alright Jack”. The track
ends with Specifik on the cuts, creating a mesmerising sound that bends and
stretches this harsh vison and giving a brief glimpse of the light at the end
of the tunnel… Don't forget to check the video for this one too...
With all that stirring in your mind, you flip over to the AA
Side, Do It Now and you quickly realise that this is the Yang to Lucky
Numbers, Yin, Smooves production is this upbeat funky vibe that is full of
drums and organ notes, mixed with soulful vocals, it brings a real positive and
head nod energy. What Whirlwind D does here is to bring balance to darkness by
uplifting the listener. There are so many ways that the world around us impacts
our daily lives and makes us feel lethargic or struggle to get things done and
find that motivation but, Whirlwind D explains that it is just about getting
up, pushing through the brain fog to Do It Now and he reinforces that by
bringing in his own personal experiences and showing us that he is just the
same as the rest of us. This track is here to serve as encouragement that we
can all do this in the face of adversity, which is shown as he references the
struggle of Del Soulcondor (R.I.P), the inspiration for this track, who fought
to start his own record label, bringing his love of Hip Hop music to a wider
audience and at the same time giving so much to those around him, even though
he was dealing with a terminal cancer diagnosis. Del’s story touched us all and
should also serve as a beacon of light to everyone that you can do it, just Do
It Now…
The thought that this release represented the Yin and Yang
came to me as I began to write, after reading the press sheet and before fully
listening to Do It Now. These two tracks are interconnected as A and AA, just
as the Yin and Yang are interconnected opposing forces of dark and light that
maintain the balance and harmony in the universe, it is the same with both
sides of this 45.
Overall, you simply cannot have Lucky Number without Do It
Now, these songs are both sides of the coin, the light and dark or the Yin and
Yang. It is a truly masterful idea that shows how emotive music can be and how
it can truly touch and give rise to your deepest feelings. Something I
personally felt on many levels here and see no reason why it would not be the
same for any listener. We can all associate with the dark times and how we need
those bright times to lift us and help us achieve to near impossible.
What Whirlwind D has done with this release is quite
stunning and an instant classic. Using his deep descriptive wordplay, of which
you can hear every word, alongside slick turns of flow and emotive musical
canvases from Lewis Parker and Smoove, is a release that is more than just Hip
Hop or conscious Hip Hop, this is Hip Hop with deep awareness that also truly
touches the soul, showing just how the light and the dark side of life bring
balance. The appearance of Lewis Parker on Lucky Number just adds extra depth,
as one of the UK’s most respected artists, he brings conscious lyrics and an almost
cinematic production that perfectly fits with the vibe of the track bringing it
alive.
Lucky Number/Do It Now (executively produced by Whirlwind D
and Mr Fantastic) is available now, physical copies are already limited so, get
in quick if you want one…
My humble thanks to Whirlwind D for sending this over and his continued support for this Blog.
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.
Back in October I dropped a similar double header for the
previous two AE Productions 45 drops and as these two new 45’s were also
released together I decided to do the same again. So, sit back and enjoy…
AE044 – Sir
Beans OBE
Part Of It ft
KELZ / DEF - Defeat Evil Fools ft Zaeb Dust, Blaktrix & Medusa
Bristol Legend Sir Beans OBE (Parlour Talk, Undivided
Attention & Transcript Carriers) has previously supplied beats for the
Truck album and also turntables on The Aroma on AE Productions but, he now
drops his first solo release.
The A side see’s Sir Beans joined by another Bristol legend
in the form of KELZ for Part Of It. The sound here is a mix of drums,
guitars and keyboards that has that classic Bristol, Sagittarius Sound System,
Ruztic Records vibe. At times it feels like an urban industrial sound which
merges in and out of an almost spaced-out sound alongside it.
That sound is the perfect back drop for KELZ to bring his no
nonsense lyrical style, tinged with ragga elements, to bear on this track.
Listening to this you get that feeling that what KELZ is saying here is that
you gotta stand up for what you believe in, no matter what it is. It could be your
stance on the state of current events, your feelings on what it is to be Hip
Hop or anything you feel passionate about. Don’t just be a Part Of It by
believing everything you are told! Always stand up for who you are and speak
your truth.
This track oozes that Bristol vibe and sound which is
encapsulated by Sir Beans production and KELZ knowledge and inimitable rap style.
Whenever these guys work together, they put out Hip Hop that reeks of
experience and a deep desire to entertain while bringing the truth to the
people as only they know how…
The B side finds Zaeb Dust (The Enjinz), Blaktrix (Ruztik
Records) and Madusa (Project Blowed, L.A.) join Sir Beans on DEF - Defeat Evil Fools. The soundscape here is a surreal mix of drums, horns, bells, and
vocal samples that are mashed together by Sir Beans to create a sound that
seems to ooze from the shadows to reach into your mind.
With that dark vibe established the vocal trio drop lines
that seem to focus on not just shadowy people but also the shadowy side of
people’s characters. The side of people and the very world around us that is
seldom seen and not something many really believe in. It is always this darker
side reality and of people themselves that is kept quiet. We all know the
shadowy nature of governments and the like but, so often we do not realise that
we might live next to a racist or a paedophile, because they are so good at
hiding that part of their nature from us.
With slick vocals and individual styles these emcees bring a
focus to the shadows and those that live there. These people who live by
pulling a veil over everyone’s eyes are the fools and now its time to Defeat Evil Fools…
AE045 – Chrome Plus
Popcorn /
Pieces will align
Now, most of you will know the legendary figure from Norwich
that is Chrome (Def Tex) but, more recently he has put together something new
in Chrome Plus. More of a Hip-Hop band, Chrome Plus is Chrome providing Rap,
Tom Hanna on Bass, aCivillian on Guitar and SuperJB providing the Production
and Cuts etc. So, what does this all add up to on this debut…
The A side, Popcorn features production from DJar One
and SuperJB, who also provides the cuts, and brings us an upbeat funky
feel-good vibe. Chrome brings his classic rapid-fire vocals which uplift you
even more as he breaks it down about just what he and Chrome Plus are all about
and what they are bringing to the party.
This is really one of those tracks where the music does all
the talking. The mix of classic Hip-Hop production and live instruments is a
delight to behold. It has to be said that the addition of live guitar and bass
just adds an extra dimension to the music and makes you want to listen to it
over and over, again and again, because it just pumps you up and get you
moving.
Flipping over to the B side for Pieces will align,
production comes from Steve Ebola and SuperJB. The mix of organ notes and
drums, alongside the live guitar and bass brings the kinda sound you want to
nod your head to but, also has this vibe that makes you want to listen…
Chrome turns slows his pace, ever so slightly, as he
delivers a deeper message. That message seems to focus on the fractured nature
of reality and life around us. In nearly every aspect of life, entertainment
and music, there are many facets that don’t appear to fit. It is like for every
piece of perfection there is an equal or opposite imperfection. But what if we
could turn back the hands of time, find those imperfections and make it that
all those Pieces will align…
There is no doubt that AE Productions has, once again,
delivered two mighty 7” releases for our listening pleasure. On one hand we
have Sir Beans OBE delivering two heavy weight tracks that pound our minds into
submission, whilst on the flip side Chrome Plus brings two equally heavy tracks
that raise us up and have us bouncing around one minute, then have us nodding
our heads in contemplation the next.
I’d like to say more by not saying too much again, here we
have two not to be missed releases that show the high calibre and depth of the
UK Hip Hop scene. AE Productions is truly dropping some of the cream of UK Hip
Hop and Hip Hop that well and truly has its feet solidly in the roots or real
Hip Hop music.
As always AE Productions brings us stunning releases with
full colour artwork and more. AE044 features artwork from Nick Pointon and is
mixed and mastered by Rola (Numskullz/Aroma). AE045 features design by Leon
Nockolds while SuperJB handles mixing and mastering.
Both are released tomorrow on AE Productions.
I’m out,
See Ya,
Steve.
LINKS
Buy both from the AE Productions online shop Here:
AE043 Make It
Happen (Mac McRaw RMX) by Ill Treats & Glad2Mecha ft Grand Puba
With AE Productions being one of the UK’s premier labels for
releasing that gold standard Hip Hop, it was a pleasure to be sent the labels
two brand new 45 releases for review. As they landed together, I decided to
drop the two reviews in one for you, so I hope you enjoy…
AE042 Breakdown
by Mr Fantastic ft Teekay (Dragon Fli Empire)
There is something about an AE Productions release that is
so often linked to the core vibes of real Hip Hop music and Breakdown is
exactly that.
Produced and scratched by the man behind AE Productions, Mr
Fantastic, Breakdown comes at you with a funky head nod vibe that, on
the face of it, seems quite simplistic but, the more the more it goes on, you
get this multi-layered that includes Horns and cymbals under those wicked
drums. It straight up gets you moving and feeling that positive energy that is
infused throughout.
Teekay (Dragon Fli Empire) from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
seems the perfect choice for this track. His rhyme style and effortless flow
fits so well here. You can hear every word as he breaks it down about what it
is to be in Hip Hop music, how you do it, how it makes you feel and what it is
to bring it to the people.
Overall, this one takes you back to those early years of Hip-Hop
music, the energy, and that predominant feel-good factor that it was all about
back then. This is one of those tracks that does not require too much brain
power to enjoy, everything you need from this track, comes from the track,
trust me…
To round it all off the cover graff artwork comes from
another legendary Bristol figure, Turroe One, and speaking of legendary Bristol
figures, Rola @ Khameleon 107 lends his talents to mixing the vocals and
Mastering. This track is everything you want and then some.
AE043 Make It
Happen (Mac McRaw RMX) by Ill Treats & Glad2Mecha ft Grand Puba
For this release AE Productions have a Mac McRaw remix of Make
It Happen by Ill Treats and Glad2Mecha, which also features Grand Puba
(Brand Nubian).
The original album version of the track, which you will find
on the B-Side, came from Ill Treats and Glad2mecha’s 2019 album ‘The Return’.
That original version was a chilled-out vibe mixing keyboards, bass and horns
over laid-back drums. The track was all about putting your all into something,
in this case their music, and doing what you can to the best of your ability to
Make It Happen with something fresh and new which will bring enjoyment
to the listeners and also help you to pay the bills, as we all need to do that.
Lyrically it was a solid track and pairing Glad2Mecha with Grand Puba just
polished off the track.
What Mac McRaw has done with his remix is to completely flip
the vibe of the original while losing none of the original message. The remix
has an upbeat and energetic feel that instantly makes you wanna nod ya head. Over
this upbeat drum beat we get this multi-layered mix of horns and guitar vibes
which really tweak the energy levels. We are also treated to a nice addition of
some slick turntablism as well just to cap things off nicely.
The release is rounded off by cover design and layout from
Mr Krum and mastering from Rola @ Khameleon 107.
If you are one of those who like those fun facts, then an
interesting side note here is that Brighton on the UK’s south coast, plays a
big part behind the scenes, albeit historically. Ill Treats (Arizona), Mac McRaw (France) and
Mr Krum are all originally from Brighton. It is also where Mac McRaw met Ill
Treats back in the day. Mr Krum and Mac McRaw are linked through being fellow
Vinyl Veterans, the Ko Rok Two and, if you read my review of 30 Raw Ones, they
also formed Cold Rock Stuff Records.
What I liked about both of these releases was the fact that
they both have this overwhelming upbeat, energetic and feel-good vibe that
really serves to uplift you and I really feel that kinda vibe is exactly what
is needed in the world right now. So, huge props to AE Productions and all
involved for bringing such a healthy dose of musical medicine to our ears.
Huge thanks to Mr Fantastic for sending these to me.
Both AE042 and AE043 are available now to stream and
purchase from AE Productions.
