Mello Music Group US Vinilo y CD

Review: Detroit beatsmith Apollo Brown is in a class of his own and makes instrumentals like few others. This is his first new record in eight years and is another masterclass in sampling that has made him a favourite with fans, peers and critics alike. He often has a concept for his albums and for this one it is about peace and balance and as such it has something of a more organic feel that previous works. There is melancholia in the air on 'Clouds' and uncertainly but hope to 'Nervous Goodbyes' while 'Escapism' has an electronic synth sound that comes with a textbook drum break over the top.

Review: Detroit producer and second Golden Age lover Apollo Brown and Stalley dropped this album of classic sounding hip-hop and rap record back in November of 2021 and it was their first joint venture. It is full of familiar sounds and romantic hip-hop storytelling with drums that any fan of DJ Premier is sure to appreciate and recognise. The raps are clever but restrained and touch on plenty of common subjects with unfazed flow and varied deliveries that are always fun of emotion. It's a record that doesn't do anything particularly new but what it does do, it does exceptionally.

Review: Here comes the latest reissue of this gem of an album from American rapper and hip-hop artist Oddisee. The Iceberg album originally landed in 2017 and is steeped in classic sounds with catchy grooves. The wordsmith's fine mic work anchors each groove in storytelling while he tackles everyday topics but with his own unique bent and often though provoking depth. Each well-crafted composition standalone and is run through with a warming sense of soul. Guest appearances from Toine and Olivier St. Louis add extra character and make cuts like 'Rights & Wrongs' really stand out next to the catchy grooves and melodic hooks.

Review: Skyzoo aka Gregory Skyler Taylor's latest album All The Brilliant Things came back in 2021 on CD but now, thankfully, is pressed up to gatefold translucent blue vinyl courtesy of Mello Music. It's one of those hip-hop records that is influenced by the great golden era off boom-bap but is lavishly detailed with plenty of authentic jazz references. The music alone would make for a superb record, and the bars too are super - free flowing and articulate, witty and razor sharp. They tell a world of stories and come laden with great sax hooks and dusty lo-fi drums with scratching by DJ Shakim and transition vocals by Aerial. A real work of hip hop art.