I just got hooked up with the new 12″ from Seattle-based producer Jake One, the first single from his forthcoming album White Van Music, out Oct. 7 on Rhymesayers.
The A-side features “The Truth” with Freeway and Brother Ali, a soulful, organic little ditty built on the foundation of a straight ahead drum beat and a minimal but funky bass line, finished by horn section stabs, lilting string layers, and a subtle soprano vocal loop. And though it’s a chill track, Freeway and Brother Ali spit raps with enough strength and intention that the whole song comes off as a powerful partnership between Rhymesayers and Roc-A-Fella. Peep game…
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The single’s B-side is called “Trap Doors” and sports M.F. Doom on the mic. The tune is sufficiently Doom-y — sorta sinister and cartoonish, purposely lo-fi…which doesn’t mean it sounds like shit. In fact, the drums sound fresh and snappy, and the mix is pro without being overly slick. It’s a slow-roller with a little swagger and an eccentric vibe, and Doom’s raps are expectantly laid back and left-of center. Check it…
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If you like the songs, someone posted ‘em for download HERE and HERE, and be sure cop the album when it drops in October. In the meantime, I’ll be bumping these on future editions of The 40 Oz Show…