Artikal Music UK bossman J:Kenzo offers up his current vinyl selections blessing the kit-bag right now. It's also a time to be celebrating the launch of his brand new album "Taygeta Code" which is available to pick up right here. Pressed on 2x12" vinyl and housed in a custom shrink-wrapped sleeve. It's well worth your time. Have yourself a preview right here:
Artikal Music welcomes new signing Sabab to the stable with his debut EP entitled ‘Guidance’. Discovered by J:Kenzo on his move to Ireland; Elias Zaidan aka Sabab hails from the beautiful city of Dublin.
Sabab is a prolific producer who draws from his Irish / Lebanese heritage, as well as taking heavy influences from Jamaican sound system culture.
This 4 track EP is a tale of 2 sides, with Sabab showing his talents on both the deep dub side and the dancefloor orientated killers that have been blessing dubstep dances worldwide. EP support from Mala, J:Kenzo, Youngsta & N-Type +more.
Back with a vengeance, Cimm returns to the imprint with a highly anticipated succession to his Sentry debut from last year, stamped on a irresistible 2 x 12" vinyl release. Infernal halftime beats and top-notch Dubstep shells, firmly entrenched at the frontier of sound system music and its invaluable heritage. The London-based producer and DJ rose to swift and significant acclaim in the last few years with releases on institutions like Tempa, J:Kenzo's Artikal and Wheel & Deal as well as notable residencies at Rinse FM and the renowned Fabric night club, among other recent achievements. Now coming to a turntable near you, Cimm delivers four bespoke cuts, primed for the dance and your enjoyment, battle-tested by the scene's foremost tastemakers.
Diving into unidentified transmissions, 'Unknown Caller!!' sets the pace with eerie reverberations and filtered resonance. Amid the faint hiss of machinery, larger-than-life drums set up shop alongside subterranean pressure emissions. Hefty breaks, hold tight! Retro synth melodies keep us on track within the monstrous switch-ups and unquestionably meticulous arrangement, sure to shut down any dance in style. Cutting no corners with the B-Side, Cimm teams up with veteran vocalist Rider Shafique for a dystopian sub-bass onslaught, swaggering militant chants and the apocalyptic ambience to go with it. Steaming low-frequency oscillations bubble and hurl their weight, stripped of all restraints, coveted in freezing harmonies and ethereal atmosphere. Vibrating in a more uplifting spirit, the dedication to the Jamaican roots of sound system culture unfolds in the Londoner's signature style - dubbed out soundscapes ahead. 'Tosh Dub' keeps it a laid back, with vintage instrumentation, scattered skanks and swirling organ chimes. Taking an ultimate trip through unremitted grit and off-kilter grooves, 'I Am Jack Travis' lures us in with rainy undertones and hypnotic foley sampling. Promptly revealing its true nature with plenty of pressure and scrupulous syncopation, a ghostly heavyweight ensues and closes the deal.
The last months have seen the rise of the northerner Somah. He returns to Scrub a Dub with two bass heavy rollers including his first collaboration with unsung hero Nova. Championed by Mala, Egoless and Toddla T, Somah mixes euphony and galloping rhythms to deliver some of his deepest cuts yet.
In the last few years, Lewis James has gone from being an artist on the rise to establishing himself as one of the most exciting act to emerge from electronic music. His debut EP on Exit Records backs this statement up without question. The features on the EP speak for themselves: Lorn, dBridge and Alia Fresco. Aesthetically Lewis James has put together an EP that traverses different shades of electronica whilst not losing a sense of identity, an identity that is truly Lewis James by way of Exit Records.
Dub-Stuy lines up another party anthem with Dancehall Saga, a new 12” single featuring Paris-based producer Von D and Kingston vocalist Blackout JA. Both artists have previously contributed to the label, Von D with the acclaimed Wicked Scam EP and Blackout JA on Dubamine’s single “Nicodemus.”
On Dancehall Saga, Von D and Blackout JA team up for a collaboration that is sure to hit all the right notes for those who like to get busy in the dance. Fresh from a series of releases on his own Dub Galore imprint, Von D combines a syncopated dancehall inspired beat pattern with the pressure of high-grade dubstep to cook up a stomping riddim with enough weight to clear a path straight for the reload.
Blackout JA flexes his deep, rugged flow and invites one and all to partake in the vibe of the dancehall, namechecking everything from ganja to Instagram to Sister Nancy’s classic “Bam Bam.” Flip to the B-side for Von D’s dub treatment, putting the deadly riddim front and center with classic dub flourishes as bits of Blackout JA’s vocal and piano and guitar licks echo across the track.
The Dancehall Saga SP is another sureshot from Dub-Stuy, essential 21st century soundsystem music sure to resonate with fans and newcomers worldwide. The single is set for release on digital and vinyl formats and will also feature a very special video with dancers filmed by Raatid Magic Films in Jamaica.
Artikal Music UK is pleased to share the LP from label owner J:KENZO "TAYGETA CODE", a collection of deep and heavy arrangements built for all speakers and sound-systems.
Varying in style and speed from dubstep, grime and bass from 130bpm, 140bpm & 170bpm; the album features appearances from grime MC Flowdan on the VIP of 'Like A Hawk', legend jungle MC Navigator on club banger 'Narky (Body Dem)', as well as New Zealand singer-songwriter Lelijveld who adds her subtle dreamy vocals to 'Broken Dreams'.
Support from Mala, Toddla T, Om Unit, Youngsta & N-Type.
