I don't normally do this...album reviews. In my opinion most albums out these days don't even deserve a second of my time...they suck that much.
Having said that...Let me introduce you to a label mate of mine
37Mph
While some people say that music is the life, 37mph is the epitome of what music is using his mind, body and soul seven days a week to create music, this young producer originally from King Williams Town in the Eastern Cape, is a triple threat in a world where anyone who owns a pc and can play around with a programme is called a producer. As a composer, pianist and producer 37MPH REAL NAME Mpho Pholo specializes in Hip-hop, R&B and Dru
m & Bass, but is versatile and creative enough to tap into other music genres.
It’s no surprise that we now get to experience the release of his debut international album- 37 Energy Levels. Music connoisseurs will savour different sounds namely classical, lounge, acid jazz, drum & bass, jungle and hip-hop soul. This masterpiece will be accompanied with a live band and an 8 string section.
I DIDN'T WRITE THAT SHIT!Any who…
When I got my hands on 37mph's debut album about a month ago, I was feeling that shit like an escaped convict in a strip club. We all, at least I bump into a lot of artist bio's in my path to musical fulfillment. Most of them "talk" shit. Knowing Mpho on a personal level I have to say was on point. I sometime dub him "The Nerdy Producer", reason being dude likes to keep to himself as far as music is concerned. In an industry where one is forced to follow trends, this dude chose to create his own "Yellow Brick Road" to the music land of OZ, through which most will soon navigate.
37 Energy Levels has to be one of the best urban albums (including mine) to ever take life in South Africa. Seventeen (17) joints deep, this offering take the listener on a heavy dance driven journey through Hip Hop, R&B, Soul & Drum 'n Bass. The opening joint "Orientation" ft. In-Cha, sets the tone of the album, with a classical piece that takes flight with a cymbal loaded break-beat drum loop, switching from classic hip hop style to drum 'n bass by the drop of a hat. This is my joint.
Just when you think it can't get any funkier, the second track "Supasta" drops in with an old school brass section that sounds like it was written for those "Blacksploitation" movies of back then, Shaft would be proud. Sam Mtukudzi brings the song back home with the addition of the sax & guitar…well fuckin' done.
The other joint that got me flippin' has to be "Take A Break", meaning exactly that…it's a break beat from hell itself… keeping true to the drum 'n bass culture. I know clubs up in France (album to be released there soon) will be going crazy over this one. Classic! "Sunday Afternoon" ft. Sam Mtukudzi takes a brother to the streets of urban South Africa on a chilled Sunday, into "Sunday Evening", meaning that…these are those Jazz at the lake type joints. Another joint has to be "Time Stand Still" ft. Fione…electronic as a muthafucka…Daft Punk should be on a look out…my boy is coming for your money.
The album is laced with crazy shit, from house to ballads joints, and features from RJ Benjamin, Caroline Borole to Nomsa Mazwai. What I liked about this album was that fact that for once, a hip hop producer excluded rappers from the project, thank god. With the rappers in the forefront at the moment, I'm happy none of their wack asses made the record…"good call Mpho!"
Go Out and buy this one, you'd be proud of a fellow Mzansi boy…worth every cent. I actually went out to buy a copy even though I got a free one ages ago.
37Mph for Vice Principal
The Principal - Amu
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