Mind Fusion

If you’ve been in BU Central at all in the afternoon during the past two weeks, you’ve probably heard this mix, even if you didn’t know it – Mind Fusion Vol. 1 by Los Angeles-born hip hop DJ, producer and emcee Madlib.  It’s a twenty-six track showcase of Madlib’s productions, whether it be an original or a remix, all of which have been released on Stones Throw Records.

The mix is a great display of vocalists from all over the country – ranging from New York City natives Method Man and M.O.P., all the way to San Jose born Charizma, who frequently collaborated with Peanut Butter Wolf, one of the founding fathers of Stones Throw Records.  Despite such a wide range in vocal talent, the mix maintains fluidity throughout; each beat has the signature Madlib touch.

The mix was originally released on limited-edition CDs in Japan in 2004, and then released again in the States a year later.

Here are a couple of my favorites from the mix

Blog Post Vol. 1

A-Class beats are all too often ruined by whack lyrics.

No disrespect to the MCs – it’s just that sometimes, its better to listen to the production and let your mind fill in the rest.

That’s where Ann Arbor’s Samiyam (Same Baker) steps in.  His sound ranges from J Dilla-esque jazz breaks (not surprising, considering Ann arbor is a stones throw from Detroit) to 8-bit video game samples, and encompasses everything in between.  Samiyam is good friends with and coworker of Flying Lotus (Steven Ellison), a fellow don of experimental hip hop.  The two are both members of Flying Lotus’s California based record label, Brainfeeder, which houses mainly experimental hip hop akin to the two.

Samiyam’s debut album, Rap Beats Vol. 1, was released on Brainfeeder in 2008.  The album, which draws clear influence from the early 90′s, Cali G-Funk movement, doesn’t miss a beat.  With 24 tracks jammed into 32 minutes, each one brings a new flavor and keeps you nodding your head. Check out a couple of my favorites from the album.

You can catch Samiyam and other artists under the Brainfeeder label at Harper’s Ferry on November 3rd for their Magical Properties Tour 2010

Also, incase you forgot, it’s Weezy Wednesday…

ez

-dan