RIDER SHAFIQUE レコード& CD

Review: Fracture and Sam Binga are a collaborative match made in minimal heaven. Teaming up with Bristol mic man Rider makes this pact all the sweeter. Sleazy future dancehall vibes, the lean arrangements allow Rider's steamy dancefloor poetry to enjoy maximum effect as he explains his methods and techniques with the fairer sex with baritone abandon. Highlights include the tropical uplifts of "Bubble" and Logos cosmic twist on "She Want It Ruff". "FDGD" FTW.

Review: Here's something to set the pulse racing: a first three-way collaboration between Young Echo collective members Rider Shafique, Ishan Sound and Kahn on consistently good Portland label ZamZam Sounds. "When Shall We Rise" is little less than a modern dancefloor dub masterpiece: a fine chunk of fusion in which Middle Eastern instrumentation and pro-working class/anti-elite vocals rise above a pitched down, steppers style riddim, echoing keyboard riffs and a booming digital bassline. Flipside "When Shall We Dub" is, if anything, even better, with exotic instrumentation echoing into the distance while a beefed-up version of the killer riddim rumbles away below.

Review: One riddim track, three hugely distinctive voices; Dub-Stuy continue their riddim series with "Santa Muerte Riddim". Loose, spacious, mystic and led by cold steel string twangs, Jonah Freed's beat sings on its own merits but each vocalist adds their own touch. Rider Shafique takes the lead with his signature smoky tones and poetics, Jahdan Blakkamoore contrasts between his gravelly spoken word and musicality on the chorus before Pupajim lets the beat breathe a little more before going full harmonic ham. Holy moly.

Review: Undefined is a duo made up of Sahara on keys, bass and programming, and Ohkuma on drums, and word has it that they have roots in Japanese dub. They've already collaborated with dBridge, amongst others, and this new single locks you deep into their world with rim shots and drum fills ringing out into cavernous dub drums. The addition of Rider Shafique's tender, introspective vocals make it a truly standout track. Move quick on this as it's limited to 600 copies worldwide, with no digital, no repress, and a slick screen printed sleeve.