Still Trippin'
A generation younger than the founders of the Teklife crew, DJ Rashad and DJ Spinn, DJ Taye was originally a rapper and beat maker before hooking up with the collective and jumping headfirst into the world of footwork production, dancing and DJing. However, it was Rashad’s untimely passing in 2014 that was the unlikely catalyst for developing the sounds and ideas for this album. He says, "When Rashad passed away I felt inspired to continue evolving the music that I loved so much coming up in this world. So, I had to do something…make something brand new." 100% committed to pushing further the potential of the footwork template; "Still Trippin” is ambitious in its range and scope. Taking two years to formulate, the record broadens the possibilities of the sound, forcing it to adapt to songwriting, and also revives Taye’s talent for MCing and producing beats to which he can rap and sing. Furthermore Taye definitely ups the ante with his complex and precise drum programming, never losing sight of footwork’s ability to confound. The album features a range of guests that span contemporary music; the eccentric, instructive rapping of Chuck Inglish of Midwest duo the Cool Kids is featured on "Get It Jukin," Odile Myrtil, a young vocalist from Montreal, lends her smokey soul to "Same Sound," Fabi Reyna, the editor of the celebrated women’s guitar magazine, "She Shreds," sings and plays bass guitar and rhythm guitar on "I Don’t Know" and Jersey club queen, UNIIQU3, offers production and rapping on "Gimme Some Mo." Also, Teklife members DJ PayPal and DJ Manny assist on production, and DJ Lucky is a guest MC on “Smokeout."
Infused with his own rapping, the debut album from Teklife’s youngest member makes a strong case for the way footwork has been strengthened, not diluted, as its form has loosened up.
All Nerve is a strong, clear-eyed return from The Breeders; while Titus Andronicus embraces eclecticism on A Productive Cough; and oppositely, Camp Cope’s sophomore album lacks variety. These, plus Lucy Dacus, DJ Taye, and more in this week’s notable new releases.
Teklife member DJ Taye's full-length debut for Hyperdub is one of the most ambitious albums to emerge from the footwork scene, aiming to reach beyond the genre's underground cult audience.
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