The scratches, into a mellow laid back jazz beat, ‘Its 2014, hip hop gets labelled a lot of things, or should I say, a lot of things that aint hip hop gets labelled hip hop. We’re here to make it real clear; Jamla is the Squad, now lets get into it.’
When Jamla records do something, they do something special. 9th Wonder is a name synonymous with the highest quality beats and his talent is ever expanding and evolving. 9th’s olw Jamla label works with some of the finest wordsmiths in any genre at the moment. This mix tape isn’t a free one, but its well worth parting with some hard earned to get in on this. For its 25 tracks, Jamla is the squad delivers on all levels. As if to prove the point, if you can put 25 tracks out and Talib Kweli, Phonte and Elzhi feature on just one you know there really is No Competition.
Walk On By showcases the vocal silkiness of Heather Victoria singing the chorus of the classic Dionne Warwick track, with GQ providing the commentary on the stories of every day life we walk on by each day of the week without dwelling on the details of. Its those kind of stories that the rappers that feature on this record do best, the every day, thoughtful pauses on reality. 15 Minutes of Fame is a complete and utter smooth soul, but with a blues sensibility. Amidst this you get Chicago wordsmith, ADD 2 providing some grit and grime, yet always over that ‘top of the class’ production, not just from 9th but from other members the Soul Council such as Khrysis, Eric G and Kash.
The whole tape is acts as a showcase for 9th Wonder ability to spot real talent for people that like real music. Regular helpings of Rapsody and Heather Victoria hold the listener in, introducing them to some of the newer names on the label as they get the chance to showcase their skills.
thoughtsbeatsandrhymes 