BLUE LAB BEATS レコード& CD

Review: Sizzling-hot hip-hop duo Blue Lab Beats are on everybody's lips now, thanks at least in part to the announcement of their latest full-length album, Blue Eclipse. Heralding an exciting new era for the duo, these 12 songs reveal the depth and breadth of producer NK-OK, and multi-instrumentalist Mr DM's musical ambition. Throwing back to their debut EP 'Blue Skies', which even pre-dates their involvement with record labels, Blue Eclipse signals a circling back to their origins while also embracing the new; the pair's usual jazztronica remit is lent the utmost contemporary spin, with notes of drill, neoclassical, trap and Jersey bounce - all still prevalent styles - peeking through in these latest productions.

Review: Blue Lab Beats have got their game down when it comes to that neo-soul-meets-hip hop sound. They first stepped onto the radar around five years ago, and since have released two albums and a string of singles showing off a refined and fully realised sound. Think smoky Rhodes, laid back lyrical flows and beats deep in the pocket. Now Blue Note have snapped up the duo, and following a couple of singles last year they're back with their third album Motherland Journey. The message is enlightened and empowered, and the music just gets deeper with every passing bar. Check the guest list too, with Major9 and Kofi Stone, Emmavie and Ghetto Boy and so many more folding into this stunning opus from a duo you'd be mad to miss.