Apollo Brown: Thirty Eight (180g) Vinyl LP + 7"

Soundtrack inspired instrumental hip hop album from Detroit producer Apollo Brown. Thirty Eight is Brown's first instrumental album since 2011's Clouds. While that album had a pretty relaxing vibe, Brown's latest comes from a totally different place. The producer wanted to create something that you could put on and create a story in your head to. His world is a post Blaxploitation, early 1980s reality; gloomy and dark. The beats are rough but just right, minimalist and repetitive with a little less emphasis on heavy drums. Brown seems to be channeling early RZA with a little Dilla mixed in. Another quality release someone who seems to be unstoppable right now. Limited edition pressing, includes bonus 7".

• music label: Mello Music Group 2014

reviewed by Kool Moby 06/2014