This one sneaked up on me almost under the radar but, after
getting the chance to review the Smoove Remix of Labels, with the 7” version as
the B-Side to Without Music (2021) and the full Extended Mix on the Libra album
(2023), how could I pass up the chance to do this one. Simple, I couldn’t…
Sambuca (Smoove Mix) is a strictly limited 7” release, that
is limited to just 100 copies, on B-Line recordings and is released today via
Whirlwind D’s Bandcamp page.
I don’t want to keep you waiting on this one so, lets just
get into it…
The funky beat immediately grabs your attention and those
horns on the bridge give this one the sort of infectious sound that you gets
you moving and puts a huge smile on your face and that vibe really fits so well
with Whirlwind D’s witty vocals. Now, if you have not heard this track before,
if not why not, it’s all about getting hyped up for those live shows, getting
rid of any anxious feelings with a little liquid courage. Anyone who has been
to Rope-A-Dope or certain live performances since the release of Libra, can
tell you that that Sambuca has featured; the firey liquid burns its way from
mouth to gut, giving the warmth and internal strength to perform with gusto and
engage the crowd throughout. But this track might be all about getting hyped
for the shows but, really sambuca is one of those drinks that you can just have
fun with, a bit like this track sees Whirlwind D having some fun with it.
What I love about this track and this remix is that Smoove
takes nothing away from the original, which was produced by Specific and had
cuts from Djar One, but he gives it a whole new spin, giving it a funky vibrant
club vibe that would not be out of place being thumped out a few notches above
ten at your BBQ, in your car, wherever suits you. This one is sure to have you
bouncing around every time you hear it. Just remember to drink responsibly and
don’t have a shot every time you hear the word sambuca, otherwise you are
likely only to get through one play of the track, Ha Ha…
This is a great addition to Whirlwind D’s catalog and a
truly blinding remix from Smoove who just has this uncanny knack of feeling a
track and knowing exactly how to elevate it and put the kind of spin on it that
takes it off in a whole new direction. Plus, it could not have been released at
a better time keeping those summer vibes going.
The wicked artwork for the Sambuca label comes from the creative talent of John 'Digital' Dyer.
Grab a vinyl why you can and get this one flowing through
your musical veins.
Huge thanks to my man Whirlwind D for giving me the chance
to bring this one to you.
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.
